Thursday, June 19, 2014

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.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

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.

Friday, May 2, 2014

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.



Saturday, April 5, 2014

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!