The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

This movie should not have existed.

I'm not a big fan of the decision to split this story into 3 movies.

That being said, I still enjoyed this movie.

For me, any time spent in Middle Earth is time well spent.

SPOILERS AHEAD

First off, it looked good: sometimes too good. The CGI is evident in every scene, and though it's not a bad thing all the time, some battle scenes look too glorious and bright. The lighting is a little weird.

I am glad that the trilogy is confident in its style; it goes all out on CGI.

Computer generated orcs look cool and all, but sometimes I miss seeing real people with disgusting orc makeup. 

Dain, Thorin's brother who comes to the aid of the dwarves, is ENTIRELY CGI. I think it had to do with the actor portraying him having Parkinson's. 

The fighting was epic; the movie earned its title. There was a real sense of danger when Thorin fought Azog. 

On the flip side, there was no sense of danger when Legolas defies gravity and runs up falling rubble.

Here are some problems I had with this movie:

At times, there was comedic relief where it didn't need to be. In the open of the film, after seeing Smaug completely decimate Lake-town, and feeling extremely sad and fearful, it cuts to Bombur the dwarf making a funny face. Then it switches back to a sad tone as if nothing ever happened.

Alfred. This annoying, unibrowed jerk had way more screen time than he deserved. He keeps coming back again and again, and every time the movie focuses on him doing something cowardly. How does it end? Does he get what he deserved? Absolutely not. The last time his character is unnecessarily seen, he leaves with gold-stuffed fake breasts feeling great about himself. For the rest of the movie I waited patiently for Alfred to be stabbed or stepped on by a giant orc, but it never happened.

He had more screen time than Beorn and Radagast combined, who both deserved more of the spotlight. How unsatisfying.

Thranduil shoved an Aragorn reference down my throat. Way out of place.

There was hardly any closure for Tauriel. The last time we see her, she is mourning Kili's death.

Come to think of it, Bilbo, Gandalf, and Thorin were the only ones with a satisfactory amount of closure.

The ending was strange. It rapidly took me on a roller coaster ride from the happiness of the Shire to the doom and gloom of the Ring. Then in a blink of an eye, Bilbo is an old man, Gandalf comes to visit, and the Shire is happy again. I didn't know what to feel.

Speaking of the ending, I had way too many questions after the credits rolled.

Who lives in the Lonely Mountain now?

Who is next in line to be king of the dwarves?

Where the heck is the Arkenstone?

What happens to Tauriel?

My biggest complaint of this movie was that it didn't end by cutting back to the dwarves, burying Thorin deep in the Lonely Mountain, singing the Misty Mountains song one last time. 

The fighting proved an acceptable ending to the Hobbit trilogy, but it was far from perfect and barely near acceptable.

But alas, any time spent in Middle Earth is time well spent.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)

This movie blew me away.

Without a doubt the best cinematography I've seen all year, Birdman is shot in such a way that you can't tell when one shot ends and another begins; it all looks like one big shot for the most part.

When I left the theater after this one, I couldn't really gather my thoughts. I still can't very well. This is a movie that demands to be seen again to delve into its meanings and symbolisms.

I got parts of it; the commentary on the movies and art of today, the symbolism to Keaton's own career, and the human desire for approval, but I almost didn't feel smart enough to completely understand this movie after the first viewing.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't leave the theater unsatisfied.  I loved what I saw and understood.

I just know I'll be seeing it again, which I have no problem with.

In addition to the mind-boggling camerawork, the soundtrack is also spectacular; a jazzy drum sound that is constant through the movie, fading in parts and intensifying in others. It's really catchy and it's a shame it was disqualified for Best Original Soundtrack (you can read about that here - http://goo.gl/0DpB2b).

This movie is dialogue based, and Oscar-worthy performances by Keaton, Norton, and Emma Stone bring the clever writing to life.

Much of this movie is up to interpretation - the ending especially. This is another reason I can't wait to see Birdman again.

Go check this one out; it's interesting and definitely worth seeing.

Interstellar

“Do not go gentle into that good night…” - Spoken by Michael Caine’s character in this movie.

Interstellar didn’t “go gentle” by any means.

It was perhaps the most ambitious movie I’ve seen all year; and I can’t get enough of it. 

First things first, this movie was out of this world. Please keep reading. I’m sorry. That pun made itself. If you haven’t seen it, go see it without knowing anything about it. I’m so glad that’s how I did it. That's why I didn't include a trailer in this review. Go. Shoo.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Seriously though: there were so many fantastic aspects of this movie. It looked beautiful, from the dust bowl-esque Earth to the depths of outer space. When the Endurance (McConaughey’s ship) entered the wormhole, my jaw hit the floor. Nolan harnesses the sense of wonderment of space and captures it beautifully, with many nods to Kubrick’s 2001: “A Space Odyssey”. In some of my favorite shots, the Endurance is a tiny blip on the screen, sailing alone through “the final frontier”. Nolan knows how to make his audience feel small.

I was also impressed with the lighting; in lieu of the futuristic, bright white spaceship the movies typically portray, the Endurance comes off as a more realistic, gritty, dim spacecraft. In this aspect, the ship isn’t too different from the world it leaves behind. 

I had the honor and privilege in seeing this masterpiece in 70 mm IMAX film, and it looked beautiful…

One thing I really appreciated was that Nolan emitted all the space stereotypes; Interstellar is way different than “Gravity” in that no time is spent focused on the absence of gravity or the view of Earth from above. Nolan makes this space movie his own and doesn’t depend on space gimmicks to keep it interesting. Even the takeoff sequence is unique and original; the sound of the ship and the countdown can be heard as Cooper driving away from his farm crying is seen on screen. It cuts right to the chase. 

I loved the sound in Interstellar; Nolan combines great sound effects (like having no sound in space) with an incredible soundtrack by Hans Zimmer.

Hans Zimmer is a genius. The soundtrack to this movie is right up there next to the greatness of “Inception”. Zimmer uses the organ to make an iconic sound for this movie.

One of my few complaints for this movie had to do with sound; across the nation there were numerous claims that at some times the dialogue couldn’t be heard over the music and bass. For the majority of the movie this wasn’t a problem for me, but in one particular scene with Michael Caine on his deathbed I couldn’t make out what he was saying. This will most likely be buffed out for the DVD release.

As for the acting, everyone was spectacular. Caine is perfect for the poem he recites multiple times, and Hathaway and McConaughey (McConaughey especially) were able to bring some unexpected emotional moments into the film. Matt Damon’s surprise cameo was very well done; I was very surprised both at Damon’s appearance and performance and that Nolan was able to keep that a secret. 

As for the plot, there are always going to be minor plot holes in a movie about black holes and wormholes and time travel and inter-dimensional beings. However, as confusing as the premises of the plot are, the plot itself is not difficult to follow at all. Small plot holes aren’t easy to see unless you’re looking for them. 

A brief tangent - the robots in this movie were insane cool; the design was awesome and they were a fantastic source of comedic relief. 

Though the whole “love transcends spacetime” thing was pretty cheesy, I still liked Hathaway’s speech. Love is a big theme in the movie; for Brandt, it was her love for Edmunds. For Cooper, it was his fatherly love for Murph. At is essence, this movie is all about the relationship between father and child. I got a little choked up at the end when Cooper asks Murph, “How did you know I was coming back?” and Murph replies “Because my Dad promised me”. I’m a sucker for happy endings. 

The only thing I really had a problem with was Cooper stumbling upon NASA’s top secret base and immediately being instituted as the captain of the ship that is the only hope of saving mankind. But after the rest of the movie, this was the least of my worries. 

This movie isn’t perfect, but it was pretty close for me and it will win an Oscar for something. Interstellar will be a classic in the future, something I’ll show my grandkids. 

For now, I’ll be happy to buy it on Bluray and proud to hang a poster on my wall.

p.s. The film has a lot of biblical symbolism. Google it if you get a chance.

“Do not go gentle into that good night, 

Old age should burn and rage at close of day; 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”




REDDIT TIME: my favorite comments of an Interstellar discussion thread.

Guardians of the Galaxy

If for some bizarre reason I was only allowed to watch one Marvel movie for the rest of my life (something painful to think about), it would be this movie.

This is, without a doubt, my favorite Marvel movie. 

I don't know if it can even be classified as a superhero movie; it's not about a person with inhuman abilities that always has a plan. It's not even like the Avengers, where each hero of the group could function by themselves.

This movie is all about the team. Without each other, the Guardians couldn't save the world. Without his team, Rocket would just be a raccoon with a gun. Groot would be a giant tree. Gamora wouldn't have anyone else. Drax would be blind with vengeance. Starlord would be hopeless. 

Together, they make the most lovable and fun band of misfit heroes to ever grace the screen; the Guardians of the Galaxy.

This movie is action-packed, hilarious, and insanely quote-able. It's a feel-good movie that will still have you on the edge of your seat. All of the characters, despite being aliens and an anthropomorphic plant and animal, are so real; they're each fighting for different reasons and you feel for each of them in their own ways. 

The voice acting is incredible and the music fits like a glove; you can still find me jamming to Awesome Mix Vol. 1.

For the first time, I scrolled down the rotten reviews of this movie and didn't agree with a single one. My jaw dropped lower in disbelief with every one I read. 

Maybe I'm a bad critic, but this movie was the most fun I've had in a theater all year.

Go see this movie; I promise you won't regret it.

Post credits scene? 

A Howard the Duck reference. Not worth it if you don't know who he is.

Boyhood

"I think it sums up the movie and life in a way. Simultaneously overwhelming and underwhelming." - /u/IncidentOn57thStreet

This movie is unlike anything I've ever seen before, and it's in a good way. For those unfamiliar with the concept, the movie follows the same actor, his sister, and his divorced parents over the course of 12 years. You get to watch Mason, the main character, grow up on screen. And the end result is a fascinating, nostalgic achievement that's unlike anything ever done before.

*Spoilers ahead*

Mason is only two years older than me; the movie starts when he is 6 and ends when he is going off to college. Mason's kid years are a blast from the past. I had the same blue Gameboy, played Deadman on the trampoline, cherished my 20 Questions game, and rode a Ripstik. Other than Mason's family situations, our early lives aren't that different; we rode our bikes around the neighborhood with our friends and had annoying sisters. Director Richard Linklater takes viewers on a relatable journey through the 90's and 2000's with details right down to the music. I laughed at Mason's stepdad's admiration of Roger Clemens and he and Mason's discussion on why Star Wars would never have another sequel. It all feels 100% genuine, because it is; everything was filmed right in its own time period.

Boyhood isn't just about the boy. Over the course of 12 years, his family changes too. His older sister grows up, his mom marries and remarries, and his Dad enters his life again. It's amazing to watch the family's experiences shape their personalities and dialogue for the rest of the film. That's the most incredible thing about this film; it feels like real life. It's realistic when realistic doesn't mean a happy ending for everyone. The emotions feel real and the story feels real; it's not bogged down by a plot. It is simply a boy growing up and discovering what it means to be human. Like real life, Mason's life has ups and downs, triumphs and losses.

Boyhood doesn't follow the traditional story arc. It doesn't have a climax or even a denouement. Just 12 years of a boy growing up. And I wasn't bored once.

"Few filmmakers ever make a great movie. Fewer still ever make a movie that expands what movies can express. Richard Linklater does both with Boyhood." - Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

In conclusion, this is a coming-of-age film unlike any other, a groundbreaking experiment that celebrates life and the journey it takes you on.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

This movie doesn't monkey around. It will make you ooh-ooh and aah-aah. I went bananas.

All puns aside, the second installment of the new "Apes" trilogy is one of the best films of the year.

Set ten years after its predecessor in a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, the movie focuses on the flourishing ape colony led by Caesar and its interaction with the human survivors nearby. Shakespearian in nature, the film has an engrossing plot and stunning visual effects.

Todd McCarthy of the Hollywood Reporter remarked that the film "manages to do at least three things exceptionally well that are hard enough to pull off individually: Maintain a simmering level of tension without let-up for two hours, seriously improve on a very good first entry in a franchise and produce a powerful humanistic statement using a significantly simian cast of characters."

Leigh Paatsch of Australia's Herald Sun stated, "Whether you attend this movie as a deep thinker or a thrill seeker, Dawn Of the Planet Of the Apes is going to deliver everything you want."

Todd and Leigh are right; with a tense, thoughtful plot and brutal ape action, "Dawn" is better than "Rise" in almost every department. There's more action, more drama, and the apes even look better.

This was a fantastic movie and I'm excited to see what's in store for the apes.

Edge of Tomorrow

Though it was tough to part with the $20.75 it cost to see this movie in IMAX, it was definitely worth it. The CGI was breathtaking and the 3D was actually used; I was jolted a few times when pieces of debris would fly at me or a mimic (the creepy alien villains of the movie) would lunge out of the screen. Go see it in 3D if you're willing to part with a little more cash.

The first words that popped into my head to describe this movie were "Hard-core Groundhog Day". The film focuses on Major William Cage, (Cruise) a member of the NATO-led United Defense Forces who is stripped of his rank and made to fight on the front lines of a war against an alien race. When Cage, who isn't even combat trained, dies in the battle, he is confused when he begins to relive the same day over and over again, restarting when he dies.

Pows:
- $20.75 for a movie?
 - Unclear alien motives

Wows:
- Cruise and his co-star Emily Blunt are fantastic; this is Cruise's best film since "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol"
- The repetition of reliving the same day over and over again never feels too repetitive
- The film throws you right in to the world of "mimics" and battle suits rather than wasting time explaining it
- Never a boring moment
- Incredible action and scary alien land-squids
- The battle suits are fun
- Just the right amount of comedy happens when Cruise takes advantage of knowing the days events by heart
- The inevitable romance between Cruise and Blunt doesn't bog down the plot
- The film ends exactly when it needs to
- Visually stunning and IMAX worthy

This was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. It was eye candy with an imaginative plot to back it up: a worthwhile summer movie.

Godzilla

Do you like to watch a gigantic reptile smash things and beat up other large monsters?

Go see this movie. 

Review over. 

Not much more to be said.

Stunning graphics by the way. 

Review over.

The Amazing Spider-man 2

Spidey is at it again. For those of you who don't want any spoilers, I'll make this quick; if you liked the first installment, you'll more than likely love the second. I saw it in IMAX 3d, and the visuals were stunning; it definitely isn't one of those movies that makes you wonder why you paid 5 bucks more to watch it through a pair of glasses. The action is fun while still managing to be intense, and the cast is top notch. Though the plot could have been stronger, it was the definition of a summer superhero movie: fun. It also promises big things for Spidey's future. Read on for some spoiler stuff.

*SPOILERS BELOW*

Wows -
 - Garfield and Stone's chemistry is incredible.
- DeHaan (as Harry Osborn) really sells the crazy deranged mentally ill villain role. He could definitely play the Joker if he wanted to. Or a meth addict.
- Jamie Foxx is hilarious as a nerd before he turns into a power hungry (Get it? Power? Ha.) electricity overlord. I honestly felt sorry for the guy.
- Visual effects are fantastic, from the classic shots of our hero web-swinging through NYC to the electricity coursing from a blue Jamie Foxx's body.
- Electro and Osborn make a killer team (Killer! Ha.) and their teamwork makes me excited for the Sinister Six.
- Stan Lee's cameo is always classic.
- We finally figure out why Peter's parents ditched him.
- Spider sense tingles more than ever and makes for some epic camera work.
- Gwen's touching graduation speech.

Pows - 
- The movie doesn't quite succeed in finding the balance between funny and sad.
- Some of Peter's Captain Stacy flashbacks weirded me out.
- I couldn't keep up with Electro's motives.
- I didn't 100% understand why Peter didn't give Harry some of his blood. I mean, the guy was already dying! What's the worst that could have happened? Maybe he saw the whole Green Goblin thing coming.
- Garfield's Bronx accent comes and goes sometimes.
- The plot seems stretched too thin with 2 villains. (I guess this was the problem with Raimi's Spider-man 3.)

In conclusion, I liked this movie a lot. Was it the best superhero movie? No. Was it better than the first? Possibly. Did it have comedic and emotional value? For sure. Was it worth the 15 dollar ticket? Most definitely. It was a great time. Big things are in store for Spidey's return in #3.

Post credits scene? 
Nada. Just an X-Men preview.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

This movie was extremely close to being better than the Avengers.

When I left the theatre, I felt full. That sounds stupid, but there wasn't anything I felt I missed out on or any major things I would change. It had it all: laughs when they were needed (not as concentrated as those in the Avengers), more action than you could ask for, scenes filled with nostalgia and emotion, and an extremely compelling plot filled with twists. A new character shows off some really cool new gear (I won't spoil it), and old characters are developed (Black Widow for sure). Though there are some cheesy lines (it's a Marvel movie, what do you expect?) and Nick Fury makes some questionable decisions (that was a really nice eyepatch!) this movie was such a fun ride and I left with a grin on my face. It exceeded both it's previous installment and my expectations. Go see it - if you like Marvel movies, odds are this will be one of your favorites. Just be careful not to get too patriotic at once and impulse buy a bald eagle.

P.S. - If you're seeing this in theaters, be sure to stay for 2 post-credits scenes featuring Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch!