Django Unchained Review

      Django Unchained is the most recent spectacle of a film produced by the infamous Quentin Tarantino. As the film's production began, an extremely interesting and diverse wealth of names stepped onto the project, and hype was amassing as fast as a tumbleweed blowing around in a dust storm. This does however beg the question, 'Django' has the attitude, the setting, the actors, and Tarantino at the helm, but can it live up to the insurmountable amount of hype? I give my in-depth review and answer this question after the jump.

Jack Reacher Review

     Jack Reacher is an action/thriller based on the popular novel series by Lee Child, which follow a loner ex-military officer who now spends his time exacting his own brand of justice on evil-doers he discovers in his travels. I would like to start off this review with a disclaimer, I have not read the novels myself, and can't comment on how they compare to the books. Many fans questioned Cruise's capability to pull off a character described in the book as 6' 5'' and 250 pounds, and it's a reasonable worry. Can the fun-size Cruise take on the role of Reacher convincingly? I answer this question plaguing many after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: Trouble With The Curve

     After a short break, there's already a ton of new exciting trailers to look at, but today I decided to focus on one, the trailer for the upcoming film Trouble With The Curve, starring Clint Eastwood, Justin Timberlake, and Amy Adams. I give my thoughts on whether the film will clear the fence or not, after the jump.

Premium Rush Review

     Car chases, motorcycle chases, helicopter chases, and street chases. All have become mainstay in cinema, with car chases being an action movie staple. However, Premium Rush boldly goes where no film has gone before, bicycle chases. The film pushes a feel of constant forward motion, but can a bicycle chase capture the same intensity as the staple car chase in a film that relies so much on the two-wheeled frame? Find out after the jump.

Enthused Thursday: Cloud Atlas

     When the Wachowski's The Matrix debuted in theaters, it compelled and confused it's audience, and many knew right away it would become a film that would redefine how movies are made, as well as how they are seen. Fast forward thirteen years, and they are at it again, this time in a film that spans centuries. That film is Cloud Atlas, which, from it's extended new trailer, looks to be intensely puzzling and mystifying, even more so than that of the Wachowski's first masterpiece. I talk about why I think Cloud Atlas could be the next great piece of cinema, after the jump.

The Bourne Legacy Review

     After The Bourne Ultimatum left theaters five years ago, many thought that was the end of the Bourne franchise, as director Paul Greengrass and Bourne himself Matt Damon both announced they were done with the character. This year brought the franchise new life however, as the studio chose to branch off of the film, rather than rebooting it with a new lead. Jeremy Renner plays Aaron Cross, an agent not dissimilar to Bourne himself. The title of the film is rather apt, as the big question here is, does the film honor the legacy left by the films, or tarnish it? I give the answer after the jump.

Ruby Sparks Review

     Ruby Sparks is the story of a girl, who is written into existence by a writer that has fallen in love with his words. Calvin, an already-successful writer, is struggling to find inspiration for his next work, and finds himself writing about a girl, only to have her appear in the flesh days after.  It has a unique premise, but is Ruby Sparks best left on paper? I give my full review after the jump.

Cowboys & Aliens Review

     With the over-abundance of films currently being made in Hollywood, it is no surprise that we've seen some rather interesting genre-blending as of late. Cowboys & Aliens is a good example of this mentality, and is a rather interesting blend of two rather distinct cinematic figures, but the question is, is it a good blend?

Enthused Thursday: Lawless

     With Gangster Squad on an unfortunate but understandable hiatus, I decided to not get downtrodden on having to wait for another (hopefully) fantastic gangster film, and rather, have chosen to look forward to Lawless for the time being, which actually looks quite promising. Directed by John Hillcoat, who is well versed and experienced in gritty, all guns-blazing films, the film looks to be a place where Hillcoat should be at home, with it's intense suspicious themes, that will likely bubble up into violence. After watching a few trailers, I found myself quite looking forward to the film. I break down my excitement after the jump.

Safety Not Guaranteed Review

     In today's society, people use the classifieds for a whole slew of reasons, finding love, finding work, finding bargains, but Safety Not Guaranteed is the story of a rather unique request, a classified ad seeking out 'someone to go back in time with me'. This is not just today's Back to the Future, rather, it's a very human and heartfelt story, the type that relies almost solely on the performances of it's few leads. Is this a film worth your time? I give my thoughts after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: The Campaign and Skyfall

     It's Trailer Tuesday once again, and there is no shortage of them to talk about today. There's a lot of previews to be excited about, but today I'll be talking about the new political comedy, The Campaign with Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, as well as the new Daniel Craig Bond film, Skyfall. I do realize I've already touched upon Skyfall in a previous post, but I recently saw the new extended trailer in my Dark Knight Rises screening, and I was too excited not talk about it. Read on after the jump for my thoughts on both new films!

Monday Muse: The Dark Knight Rises

     It's Monday again, and today I decided to do something a little different. Many films today are adaptations, as is The Dark Knight Rises, Nolan's recent finale to his Batman franchise. With many of these films, it's difficult to retain a good balance between being faithful to the source material, while breaking new ground and making the film wholly original. Today I thought I'd look at what makes The Dark Knight Rises a shining example of how adaptations can be done, as it succeeds in honoring both the comics as well as the new lore crafted by Nolan himself. I will warn those of you who haven't seen the film yet, I will be discussing content that spoils many plot points, so be wary, otherwise, read on!

The Dark Knight Rises Review

     The final installment of the epic Dark Knight trilogy has finally flown into theaters, with a high expectation set by the fantastic previous two films. Christopher Nolan's three part Batman franchise comes to a close in The Dark Knight Rises, and the question is, does it soar to meet the lofty expectations held by so many? I answer this burning question after the jump.

Enthused Thursday: Celeste and Jesse Forever

     Ever since my fascination with Boy Wonder after seeing it at the Sedona Film Festival, I've always made sure to keep tabs on films that premiere at other festivals, as it's not uncommon to find a few diamonds in the rough. While it certainly is a bit of a challenge to see such films, they are some of the best ones, as they are unique and different. I think Celeste and Jesse Forever certainly could be one of those gems, from what I've seen of it so far. I talk about why this film stands out in it's genre, after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: Man of Steel

     After a long wait, two new trailers for the upcoming Superman film, Man of Steel, have finally landed, and seeing as it's Tuesday, let's talk about them! I get into the trailers right after the leap.

Enthused Thursday: Skyfall

     It has been a while since we've seen Bond on screen, not since 2008's Quantum of Solace, and recently, news on the most recent film, ominously named Skyfall, has been reaching the public. From what I've seen, this installment in the Bond franchise looks to correct the shortcomings of it's predecessor, and excel in every way. I  scope out the new Bond film after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: Oz: The Great and Powerful

     The story of Dorothy, Toto, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion is one known to many. The Wizard of Oz has become a classic over the years, and has seen multiple re-releases. Although it's been an untouched universe until now, Walt Disney Pictures and Sam Raimi look to change that. I talk about the new trailer for Oz: The Great and Powerful, which is an origin story about the man himself, The Wizard of Oz, and how he came about, all after the jump.

The Amazing Spider-Man Review

     Too soon? This was the question that wandered into the minds of many as early trailers for The Amazing Spider-Man began to crawl their way into the public eye. Many wondered if the reboot of the franchise was premature, and I'm here to answer that question, right after the jump.

Brick Review

     With my excitement for the upcoming film Looper, I've decided to look back into the filmography of director Rian Johnson, and in doing so I discovered Brick. Brick is the story of Brendan, a high school student who has recently lost his girlfriend, and is all around low on luck. After she goes missing, he takes it upon himself to track her down, and find out exactly what happened to her. There is more than it seems to this film however, and I explain it's interesting direction after the jump.

Enthused Thursday: The Dark Knight Rises

     I think it's safe to say I'm not alone in being extremely excited for Christopher Nolan's final film in his three part Batman saga, The Dark Knight Rises. Although it's been a long time coming, The Dark Knight Rises looks more amazing than ever, and some even believe it may beat out The Avengers' box office blowout on it's first weekend. I talk about the many things that have me hyped up about the film, and what I'm hoping to see, all after the jump.

From Russia With Love Review

     With the James Bond franchise celebrating it's fiftieth anniversary this year, I thought it would be more than appropriate to take a look at some of the old classics, and today it's a story of romance and deception (as it usually is with our double-oh hero), From Russia With Love. I give my thoughts on the second film in the Bond franchise, right after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: The Silver Linings Playbook, and Robot and Frank

     It's Tuesday, and we have some rather interesting new trailers to look into today. Robot and Frank looks to be a unique tale of finding friendship in an unlikely place, and The Silver Linings Playbook a story of finding the person in your life who brings out the greatest version of yourself. I'm quite excited for both, and I give my thoughts after the jump.

Monday Muse: Source Code

     Source Code is a 2011 sci-fi action thriller, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and Michelle Monaghan. The film did rather well because of it's surprisingly intriguing science fiction direction, and the ending of the film was one that kept audiences debating their own interpretations. As you can probably guess, it's Monday, which means it's time to muse about another movie. There are excessive spoilers below, so I'd warn those of you to put off reading this until after the film, as it certainly is worth it. If you've seen the film though, carry on after the jump.   

Ted Review

     Seth MacFarlane, creator of the infamous Family Guy, has now started film-making, and Ted marks his first foray into cinema. Before I get into the review, I'd just like to say this film more than earns it's R rating. It's crude and lewd, but at the same time, hilarious. If you are skeptical of such things, you'd do well to avoid Ted, otherwise though, read on, right after the jump!

Enthused Thursday: Elysium

     After the fallout behind Neill Blomkamp's need to abandon the Halo adaption, he continued on, and made District 9, 2009's sci-fi epic, that doubled as a narrative on immigration. News of his upcoming project has been very hush-hush, but we finally have some tidbits, and I will talk about all the new details, right after the jump.

Horrible Bosses Review

   This is a film everyone can relate to. We've all had that one boss, that one teacher, that one person in power who we just can't quite get along with. We play through scenarios of dramatic quitting and acts of defiance, but Horrible Bosses takes it to the extreme: taking your boss out, and I don't mean to a nice steak dinner. Can Horrible Bosses stick it to the man and have a few laughs along the way too? I talk about the film in full after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: Looper and Jack Reacher

     After a long vacation, I'm back, and today we're looking at some rather interesting new action films. I'll be talking about the new full-length trailer for the futuristic action film Looper, as well as the self-titled cinema adaption of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series. I delve into the new previews right after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: Taken 2 and Monsters University

     It's Tuesday again, so it's time to talk about all the new trailers, and today we have some very exciting prospects. A sequel has been announced for Liam Neeson's heart-pounding action-romp Taken, and a new trailer has been released for the film. Pixar has also announced their next project, which will be Monsters University. I talk about both new previews for the upcoming films after the jump.

Monday Muse: Boy Wonder

     Boy Wonder is a low-budget independent film, that debuted at film fests and comic cons across the United States, so it is certainly possible many of you may have missed it. I believe the film is available on Netflix Instant as well as at select Red Box stands, so if you haven't seen it I'd recommend watching it before reading this post, as I will be talking about the movie in it's entirety. The film is a dark psychological thriller much in the vein of Fight Club, as it has story that drastically changes once you figure out the perspective of the film. I'll delve into some of the more evasive aspects of the film after the jump. Spoilers below, beware!

Daybreakers Review

     Daybreakers is a film that arrived in the mess of the post-Twilight vampire craze, along with Underworld, Cirque du Freak: Vampire's Assistant, and a few various other films attempting to suck the life force out of the vampire genre. Are the fangs of this film sharper than those among it? I delve into the dark depths of Daybreakers after the jump.

Enthused Thursday: Django Unchained

     It's Enthused Thursday, and today I'm excited about Django Unchained. Quentin Tarantino recently revealed his newest project due out around Christmas time, and the director looks to give his unique vision on another era in time, much like Inglorious Basterds. I give my thoughts on the new film, right after the jump.

The Avengers Review

     After multiple films, all the heroes have risen, and it's time for the main event. Marvel took a big risk assembling the Earth's mightiest superheroes, betting that all aspects would come together and multiple franchises would meld. While all films were largely successful on their own, the question becomes, can the big screen handle this many heroes in the spotlight once? I delve into the answer after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: Pitch Perfect and Sinister

     Trailer Tuesday has rolled around once again (all too unfortunately missing the new Twilight trailer debuting tomorrow, what a shame). Today I will be talking about two drastically different trailers, one for the new a capella comedy Pitch Perfect, and another for the upcoming horror film Sinister, which pairs up the producer of both Insidious and Paranormal Activity, with the writer/director of The Exorcism of Emily Rose. I give my thoughts on both after the jump.

Monday Muse: Cabin In the Woods

This year's Cabin in the Woods turned the horror genre upside down, and was able to do so in a unique and extremely entertaining way. The film parodied the genre's seemingly inability to escape it's cliches, and poses the question of whether they are the downfall of the genre, or all that keeps it together. I unravel the twists and turns of the film, all after the jump. Do beware however, a new viewer's worst fear resides below the jump, spoilers!

Safe House Review

The recent film Safe House saw Denzel Washington return to a formula he has thrived in for some time, the action-thriller. It also gambled on rom-com veteran Ryan Reynolds' venture into new territory. The large question here is, does Safe House make for a good action flick? I'll break down the film after the jump.

Enthused Thursday: Gangster Squad

     As the summer blockbuster season will be dying down in September, Gangster Squad will be debuting with it's star studded cast, and I think it's certainly something to look forward to. Boasting a very similar premise to The Untouchables, I think the timing for the film is on point, as it's been quite a bit since we've had a good gangster flick. I'll talk about all the reasons I'm getting locked and loaded for Gangster Squad after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: Wreck-It Ralph & The Watch

     It's Trailer Tuesday again! Luckily this week we have a couple new exciting trailers to talk about. Today I'll be talking about the new alien-comedy The Watch, as well as Disney's new 8 Bit influenced film, Wreck-It Ralph, all after the jump.

Monday Muse: Inception

     The ending of Christopher Nolan's mind-bending Inception left many viewers in the audience yearning for more, searching for what truly happened at the end of the movie. While there certainly is no solid explanation or definitive closing to the film, there are a few possibilities, which will be elaborated on all after the jump. Discussing the end of the film does bring out some rather large spoilers, so be aware.

Men In Black III Review

     After ten years of time among the stars , the crazed, out-of-this world alien agency is back, in time that is. In the most recent exploits of our spiffy heroes, Agent J (Will Smith) must go back to 1969 in order to bring Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) back into existence, and happens to run into the old-timey version of K, played by Josh Brolin. Full review after the jump.

Enthused Thursday: Cosmopolis

     Yes, it's Thursday again, the time when I talk about new and upcoming projects that I'm excited for, and today it's Cosmopolis with Robert Pattinson. Read the full article after the jump.  

Cedar Rapids Review

     Cedar Rapids is a rather underrated and mildly unheard of comedy that came out in 2011, under the radar of most. The film stars Ed Helms as Tim Lippe, a small town insurance salesman who must break out of his shell in order to represent his tiny office at the annual insurance convention office that takes place in, you guessed it, Cedar Rapids. Full review after the jump.

Trailer Tuesday: The Bourne Legacy, Premium Rush, and The Babymakers

     In addition to Monday Muse and Enthused Thursday, I will also be sharing my opinions about all the newly released trailers that have now reached the public eye. Today I'm talking about the controversial new Bourne Legacy, Joseph Gordon Levitt's new pedal-powered project Premium Rush, and a new comedy about robbing a different kind of bank in The Babymakers, all after the jump.

Snow White & the Huntsman Review

     For starters, this isn't the same Snow White you knew when you were little lads and lassies. The film is scary and dark, and ultimately holds back nothing in it's rendition of a fairy tale that ultimately was fairly dark to begin with. So if you're looking for a fairy-tale-to-film adaption to take the kids to, the shiny and glistening Mirror Mirror is a better option. If you're a fan of the darker, more Grimm approach to the fairy tale however, keep on reading after the jump.

Enthused Thursday: Spider-Man & A Funny Apocalypse

    Today, and every Thursday from now on, I will be talking about all the movies coming out in the near future which have me excited. In today's post I will be talking about The Amazing Spider-Man, as well as the rather less known Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, all after the jump.

Taken Review

     With Taken 2 in the works, it only made sense that I should finally get around to watching and reviewing the first. Taken follows the story of Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson), an ex-CIA agent, who has his daughter stolen away from him, and takes it upon himself to track down her kidnappers, and see personally to their collective demises. I will warn those of you planning vacations and trips to exotic locales soon, I'd recommend waiting till after the trip to watch the film, as it may make you shy away from foreign travel for quite some time. Anyways, on with the full review, after the jump.

Fright Night Review

   I had been meaning to watch this film for a while now, but only got around to viewing it recently. Before I begin this review, I would like to say that this is a review of the recent 2011 version of the film 'Fright Night', and I haven't had the chance to watch the original, so I will not be comparing the two. Full review after the jump.

Monday Muse: Drive

     Every Monday I will be discussing and delving into the hidden messages and underlying themes that rest underneath the surface of a film. This Monday, it will be the art house action/thriller, Drive. The film follows a somewhat simple story line which at it's core is a love story, but if examined closely, an excellent attention to detail adds much to the movie if it is taken into account. WARNING: There will be spoilers discussed after the jump, seeing as the film is discussed in whole, so be forewarned.

Drive Review

     I recently viewed Drive for what is probably the fourth time since it hit theaters, and realized that it was worth reviewing, despite however late this review may be. Now Drive, like a few before it is one film that will leave the audience divided. Some will love it, some will hate it, and some will still be mulling over it for the next two weeks. The simple fact is that this film is not for everyone. Some may consider it too artsy, some too gory, and some just won't like it, simple as that. Full review after the jump.