I watch crappy movies so you don't have to.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Movie Review for May 30, 2014

MALEFICENT
Rated PG
Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning
Plot: The untold story of how Maleficent came to be and the story behind the story of Sleeping Beauty is finally revealed.
Trailer

Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now


Unlike many film critics, I am a sucker for a good Disney flick, so walking in to see MALEFICENT I had high hopes that it would live up to the incredible trailers and that the story they chose for her would be worthy of a film of this magnitude. My high hopes were met with an astoundingly epic movie that was suspenseful, charming, and funny.

Kudos to the special effects team. If they aren't nominated for an OSCAR there is something wrong in Hollywood. The creatures' texture and movement is as close to real as I have ever seen in a movie. Their attention to detail was so precise that you almost feel like you can reach out and touch the scenery.

Angelina Jolie puts the entire cast and crew on her back and carries them all to the finish. She is Maleficent, and if you aren't completely enamored with her by the end of the film we probably need to break up. As for the secondary characters (read: everybody but Angelina), they do a fine job of supporting Jolie without getting in the way of her stellar performance.

My only beef with this film are two gaping plot holes near the end that are obvious enough that even casual movie-goers will most-likely notice them. Aside from that though, MALEFICENT may be the best movie of the year so far. (An award it will lose next week).




A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST
Rated: R
Stars: Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron. Liam Neeson
Plot: A meek farmer must stand up to a rough cowboy to fight for the woman he loves.
Trailer

Clint Says: Don't even bother


If you are in the mood for a completely mindless, boring, useless flick full of juvenile humor this film will still disappoint you. I can't stress enough how bad this movie is. Seth MacFarlane wrote, directed, produced and starred in it, and apparently he didn't have anyone around him willing to tell him "no".

MacFarlane must have compromising pictures of Liam Neeson and Charlize Theron or they owe him a huge debt. Those are the only plausible explanations as to why they would be in a horrific train-wreck of a movie like this.

On the plus side, I will admit that there are a couple of good laughs in this flick, but only a couple. And having to sit through almost two hours of clichéd crap for two or three laughs is painful at best.

The best thing about A MILLION WAYS TO DIE IN THE WEST is that it is so bad there is zero chance we will have to see Seth MacFarlane screwing up the OSCARS again.



Tuesday, May 27, 2014

DVD Review for May 27, 2014

ENDLESS LOVE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Gabriella Wilde, Alex Pettyfer, Bruce Greenwood
Plot: A guy from the wrong side of the tracks falls on love with a rich girl who's father is determined to end their love affair.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent it and watch it with someone you love


ENDLESS LOVE is significantly better than the trailers let on. There are multiple story lines that are compelling. They've tried to market this movie as a teen love story, and at its base it is, but there is so much more to it than that. It is funny, romantic, heartbreaking and suspenseful.

Bruce Greenwood plays a perfect over-protective father on the verge of losing his cool at any moment. Alex Pettyfer plays a great bad-kid-gone-good. Overall, I'd have to say this is a perfect date movie.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Movie Review For May 23, 2014

BLENDED
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore
Plot: Two single parents that have a bad history end up on the same African safari.
Trailer


Clint Says: Wait for the DVD


While I will say this movie is significantly better that Sandler's last four or five movies, that's still not saying very much. It's not quite funny enough and it's not quite heartwarming enough, but it does enough to keep the audience fairly entertained throughout.

I was pleasantly surprised that the chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore is still there like in 50 FIRST DATES. And the addition of some of Sandler's regular go-to actors add a fun element to the film.

Sandler really hasn't made a film worth talking about for several years, but this is his best work in quite a while. I still wouldn't recommend spending the money for a movie ticket, but it will definitely be worth watching on DVD in a few months.



X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Lawrence
Plot: Wolverine is sent into the past to try to change an event that dooms humanity and the mutants.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see it in theaters


The latest installment in the X-MEN franchise is one of the best yet. It draws from old story lines and gives us new characters to root for.

It is action-packed, but it also is thought-provoking and emotional. The technical effects are second-to-none and the plot is fast-paced even though there is a lot of set-up dialogue throughout the film.

It's not necessarily worth spending the money to see it in IMAX or RPX or even 3D, but it is absolutely worth seeing if you are into comic book movies at all.


THE HORNET'S NEST
Rated: R
Stars: Mike Boettcher, Carlos Boettcher
Plot: Live action footage of US troops in Afghanistan battling the Taliban.
Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters if you can handle it


This is one of the most intense films I have ever seen. All of the footage is real. It is terrifying, brutal and horrific. But it is also heroic, strangely beautiful and mesmerizing.

This film is not for everyone, but if you think you can handle it, I highly recommend seeing what our troops go through every day to help keep our nation safe. You will have a new-found respect for our military men and women after seeing this film.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

DVD Review for May 20, 2014

THE MONUMENTS MEN
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Matt Damon, George Clooney, Kate Blanchett
Plot: A group of art historians are recruited by the US military to find thousands of pieces of art stolen by the Nazis during World War 2.
Trailer

Clint Says: It's worth a rental, but don't buy it


THE MONUMENTS MEN is a fascinating story based on true events. While I found the movie interesting, it could have been so much more and so much better. It's not nearly as dark and suspenseful as one might expect and at some points it borders on campy.

There are several scenes shot in the style of an old WWII movie, but then there are other scenes shot with modern-day movie making techniques. It almost seems like the director (Clooney) couldn't quite figure out the plan for this movie. Nor could he show the should-be brilliant chemistry of the fine cast.

For a movie about the salvation of high art, this movie is anything but high art.



3 DAYS TO KILL
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld
Plot: A CIA operative tries to reconnect with his daughter while taking on a risky mission in exchange for a drug that may save his life.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you have to see this movie make someone else rent it


Kevin Costner proves once again that he has zero ability to act. That combined with a horrible screenplay and poor directing make for a 2-hour snooze fest. Here are a couple of things you'll be able to "look forward" to in 3DTK:
1. The main villain has little more than a cameo role. How are you supposed to care about the good guy getting the bad guy if you have no clue what the bad guy is all about?
2. The business-like CIA handler heads to Paris and instantly becomes an over-sexualized weirdo for no discernible reason whatsoever.
3.  There are several moments of would-be comedic relief, but Costner's acting is so poor they just come across as lame.
4. The movie is not a beat-the-clock action thriller like the trailers suggest. Instead, it is a movie about a dysfunctional family trying to reconcile while the CIA gets in the way every so often.

If you really need to see a movie similar to this, go watch THE BOURNE IDENTITY again...you'll be much happier with your choice.



ABOUT LAST NIGHT
Rated: R
Stars: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant
Plot: Two couples compare notes on their relationships while they head in different directions.
Trailer

Clint Says: It's worth a rental


ABOUT LAST NIGHT is one of those relationship movies that makes me so thankful that I'm already married and don't have to go through the stupidity of dating. There are many moments of cringe-worthy arguments and uncomfortable exchanges that make this movie equally uncomfortable to watch. It is very funny, but also extremely raunchy, there are some heart-warming moments and other moment that make you say "what just happened there?" It's a mediocre movie at best, but it will give you several good laughs.



POMPEII
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Keifer Sutherland
Plot: A gladiator falls in love with a woman out of his class while fighting for his freedom. Meanwhile, a volcano near their city is coming to life.
Trailer

Clint Says: It's worth a rental if you have an awesome TV and surround sound


If you didn't see POMPEII in the theaters you missed out. The movie isn't very good, but the effects are spectacular. This is much more of an apocalypse movie than a love-story, so if you don't have an entertainment system that's able to shake your couch then you'd be better served renting something else.



VAMPIRE ACADEMY
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry
Plot: A half-vampire/half-human is tasked with protecting one of the peaceful Vampire royalty from evil vampires.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you are a tween or teen girl you will love this


If you are a teen girl, this is a movie tailor-made for you. For the rest of humanity, you will find this movie both annoying and frustrating.

It's best to just buy a copy of this movie for a teen girl in your life and let them have control of the TV for a while. It'll make everyone's life much better.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Movie Review for May 16, 2014

GODZILLA
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen
Plot: Godzilla returns from the deep, forcing humanity to come together to try to bring down their common foe.
Trailer

Clint Says: See it in theaters if you love monster movies


As far as monster movies go this may be one of the best ones ever. If you're looking for cinematic perfection, you should probably skip this flick.

This is one of those great summer popcorn movies that gives you tons of action, suspense, chills, jumps and bumps, but you can't think about the plot too much. You just have to leave all reality at the door and escape into the movie.

The effects are A+ and the acting is surprisingly above average for a film like this. If you're looking for a fun movie without too much thinking involved, GODZILLA would be a great choice this weekend.



MILLION DOLLAR ARM
Rated: PG
Stars: John Hamm, Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal
Plot: A down-on-his-luck sports agent tries to right his career by creating a reality show in India to find cricket players and turn them into Major League Baseball pitchers.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD


MILLION DOLLAR ARM is a fine film. It has an interesting story and beautiful imagery that is worth seeing, but it's not worth spending the money to see it in a theater.

This film is family-friendly, so if you are looking for an outing for the crew you won't be disappointed taking them to see this, but the movie offers nothing on the big screen that you won't get on the DVD. (In fact, the DVD will probably be better because of all the extras they usually throw on those things).

John Hamm gives a fine performance and Alan Arkin is a show stealer as usual. It's a great feel-good, inspirational story that you can wait another four months to see.



LOCKE
Rated: R
Stars: Tom Hardy
Plot: A construction foreman must make an unexpected drive to London. During the drive his life falls apart.
Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters, if you like non-traditional films


This movie is not for everyone. It is not entertaining by any stretch of the imagination, however, it is highly compelling.

The entire movie is one man's 90-minute drive into London. There are no cut-away scenes to prior events, the only exterior shots are of things you can see from the car, and Tom Hardy is the only person you ever see on screen. During his 90-minute drive he makes and receives several phone calls that change his life drastically.

I would have never thought that a movie made in such a fashion would ever keep an audience's attention, but this film does a marvelous job of sucking you in and keeping you in suspense until the end.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

DVD Review for May 13, 2014

THAT AWKWARD MOMENT
Rated R
Stars: Zac Efron, Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan
Plot: Three friends make a pact to stay out of deep relationships until one of them is ready to move forward.
Trailer

Clint Says: It's worth a rental


THAT AWKWARD MOMENT is basically one big awkward moment because it's a romantic comedy for guys. It follows the same tried and true formula for RomComs, but is full of raunchy jokes and typical 20-something guy behavior. The movie has a few good laughs and a couple of horrifically awkward moments, but there isn't an audience that is going to like this movie in it's entirety.

It's an ok movie that is worth seeing once, but don't waste your money buying it.



HER
Rated R
Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson
Plot: A loner falls in love with his computer's artificial intelligence operating system.
Trailer

Clint Says: This is worth a rental if you can handle the weird


When I first heard about the premise of HER I thought, "that sounds creepy and weird." Then I went to see it and thought, "that was creepy and weird." Don't get me wrong, the movie is well done and very well acted, especially by Joaquin Phoenix, but it's still creepy and weird. It's played out in a not-too-distant future and is set up in a way that makes it seem like it is something that could actually happen. That's probably why it came across as creepy and weird.

There are people that will love every aspect of this film and others will be offended by the very premise. My recommendation, see this movie based on your level of comfort with the plot.



I, FRANKENSTEIN
Rated PG-13
Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Yvonne Strahovski, Bill Nighy
Plot:  200 years after his creation, Frankenstein's monster finds himself in a battle between demons and gargoyles
Trailer

Clint Says: If you have to watch this movie, make someone else rent it.


After seeing the trailer, my first thought was, "this could either be really good or really bad." Unfortunately, it is really bad. And even more unfortunate, they set it up for possible sequels. Bill Nighy is one of my favorite actors and even he couldn't come close to saving this boring, uncompelling, go-through-the-motions, snoozer.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS - "DEMAND OUR STARS" NASHVILLE EVENT RECAP

Picture Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW

Several weeks ago a contest began on Tumblr allowing fans of the wildly popular John Green novel THE FAULT IN OUR STARS to vote for their state to get one of only four visits from the author and the stars of the movie by the same name: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort and Nat Wolff.

Picture Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW

As the contest entered its final few days Tennessee was nowhere to be found, but then, in the last day of the contest Tennesseans stepped up big time and helped us get one of the events. (Way to go Tennessee!)

I know. Awesome. Right?


On Thursday, May 1st I was contacted by the movie studio and asked to host the event. This was pretty much my reaction:

Pretty sure that was the fastest "YES" in the history of ever.
 
Actually, it was more like this:

Yep. I channeled my inner Katy Perry.
 
 
Then there were several moments of FREAK OUT as I realized we had less than a week to get ready for the event. I may or may not have looked like this a few times:

Somebody needs a chill pill.
 
Finally, after many hours of hard work it was time for the event. We found out early Thursday morning that people had started lining up on the steps of War Memorial Auditorium at midnight for the 7PM event. Holy cow!
 
The midnight crew. That dude may be the best dad ever.
Picture Courtesy of Mary Blair @wmarocks
 
I arrived on site at about 4PM and was greeted by several thousand TFIOS fans happily waiting for their chance to get inside the event or meet their TFIOS heroes on the red carpet. Everybody was great! They all were living by the DFTBA code:


DON'T FORGET TO BE AWESOME!
 
I have never seen such a large crowd be so awesome. It was so much fun to talk to all of the people that had driven for hours, stood in line all day long and still had smiles on their faces. Nerdfighters truly are made of awesomesauce.

 



Nerdfighters. Awesomesauce. See, I told you so.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Redwine @ClintRedwine
 
I had the privilege of hosting the event with a good friend of, and fellow YouTuber with John Green, Evelina Barry. We spent most of our time before the event out in the crowd talking to the fans, but we did have time for one pic together.
 

In case you suffer from an affliction similar to Isaac, Evelina is the one on the right.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Redwine @ClintRedwine
 
Soon after this pic was taken, it was time for the doors to War Memorial Auditorium to open. The crowd was sooooooo excited, but even so, they were still awesome to each other.
 

Fault Fanatics waiting for the doors to open...and being awesome.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Redwine @ClintRedwine
 
Once the doors opened, 1,900 uber fans were allowed entry into War Memorial Auditorium for the main event. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough room to fit everyone in, but the ones that didn't get in still got a treat by being able to hang out at the red carpet and get autographs from their favorite author and movie stars.

The red carpet and the Capitol...only in Nashville. #Awesome
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW
 
 



John Green signing autographs on the red carpet.
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW
 
 
And the stars looked incredible...

Shailene Woodley
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW
 
Ansel Elgort
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW

Nat Wolff
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW

The TFIOS Peeps
Photo Courtesy of Lauren Thoman @LaurenTHCW
 
 
Meanwhile, inside War Memorial, Evelina and I were getting the crowd worked up into a frenzy...and taking selfies.

This time Evelina is on the left.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Redwine @ClintRedwine
 
We all know that Nashville is a special place and special things happen here. This night was no different. Because it's Music City, we had to have some live music, and that was provided by TFIOS star Nat Wolff and his brother Alex.


I snuck my camera between the backstage curtains for this shot.
Photo Courtesy of Clint Redwine @ClintRedwine
 
Of course there is crowd video of their performance...
 


Video Courtesy of karlamademedothis

During their performance Evelina and I were backstage with John, Shailene and Ansel. They had never seen Nat play before and they REALLY wanted to. But, they couldn't just walk out on stage, so they did the next best thing. They laid on the ground and watched under the stage curtain.

Of course I took a pic...

John and Shailene watching Nat and Alex from backstage
Photo Courtesy of Clint Redwine @ClintRedwine

After Nat and Alex Wolff played, the crowd was treated to 10 minutes of the movie not seen before.

John Green came out to the stage to thunderous screams, cheers and applause to introduce the sneak peek. He was classy and funny as always.



Video Courtesy of Kristen Stuard @lil_Kstu

That was a really special moment, even though the crowd only heard about half of it because they spent the other half screaming with joy. They were all so excited to get the exclusive look. Unfortunately, you can't see what they saw, but here is a link to the trailer to give you a little taste of all the feels they had.

Most of the crowd looked like this during the sneak peek...

1900 Happy Elves
 
But there were some scenes that made them all look like this...

1900 Ugly Cries
 
And, of course there were scenes that made the crowd look like this...

1800 "Marry me, Ansel" (There were about 100 guys there).
 
After the sneak peek, it was time for the stars to make their apperance and do a question and answer session with the audience. Evelina and I took the stage and began to bring out the four stars of the evening.
 
I am not exaggerating when I say that, at the moment I introduced Ansel, it was the loudest sound I have ever heard. It was so loud you almost couldn't hear it. You just felt the pressure on your ears.
 
Here's a video of that moment...

 


Video courtesy of Kristen Stuard @lil_Kstu
 
 

Once the Q and A got going this happened. Yes, dear reader. This. Happened.


Ansel Elgort dances while Nat Wolff throws down a beat
Video courtesy of Carrie Germain
 
Finally, the Q and A session wrapped up and it was time to go. That meant there was only one thing left to do. We did a full crowd "Okay? Okay." It was a beautiful moment.
 
 



Okay? Okay!
Video Courtesy of Kristen Stuard @lil_Kstu
 
As I left the auditorium that night, I walked to my car parked several blocks away and even 45 minutes after the event had ended I could still hear the screams of hundreds of TFIOS fans echoing through the streets of downtown Nashville.
 
It was truly an epic night. A night that, for many of the fans there, will be one of the best nights of their lives. It was a night that they could count as a perfect little infinity, their own little forever, in their own greater infinity.
 
The next morning, John, Shailene, Ansel and Nat were all gracious enough to wake up early and come into Mix 92.9 so we could do an interview with them all.
 
You can hear that whole interview here. It was a blast! They are such a fun bunch. And they even took the time to take a pic with us after the interview even though they had a crazy busy day.
 
The Mix 92.9 Crew and the TFIOS Crew
Photo Courtesy of Clint Redwine @ClintRedwine
 
All in all it was an incredibly awesome two days with John, Shailene, Ansel and Nat. It was a wonderful little infinity, and I hope someday I will be able to work with them again.



Friday, May 9, 2014

Movie Review for May 9, 2014

NEIGHBORS
Rated R
Stars: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne
Plot: A fraternity moves next door to a young couple with a baby, quickly making the couple realize that their party days are behind them.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters


NEIGHBORS is seriously funny. It is also seriously raunchy. It is also a great movie. If you can handle the raunch you will be entertained the entire time and you will laugh more in two hours than you've laughed in the last month.

Rogen and Byrne's chemistry is fun to watch and their dialogue is hysterical. Efron plays a perfect frat boy and, if a shirtless Zac is your thing, you won't be disappointed.

It's nice to see Rogen and Efron sticking to their roots, but still growing with the kind of characters we've grown to love and expect out of them.



MOMS' NIGHT OUT
Rated PG
Stars: Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton
Plot: A group of moms decide to take a night off and have some fun, but then everything that can go wrong does.
Trailer

Clint Says: Take your mom to see this movie for Mother's Day


If you like really funny, family-friendly movies this is a great movie for you. Sarah Drew is knee-slappingly funny and it is a true joy to see Patricia Heaton play a straight-laced preacher's wife.

While this movie isn't a big-budget film, (sometimes it looks made for TV), it does exactly what it set out to do...honor moms and make people laugh. There are some scenes where you may pee a little. It's that funny.



LEGENDS OF OZ: DOROTHY'S RETURN
Rated PG
Stars: Lea Michele, Kelsey Grammer
Plot: Dorothy returns to Oz to help have her old friends from The Jester.
Trailer

Clint Says: They did not preview this film


This movie was not made available for screenings. Hopefully it is good, but it's rarely a good sign when a movie is not screened before its release date.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

DVD Review for May 6, 2014

VERONICA MARS
PG-13
Stars: Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring
Plot: Veronica returns to her hometown in time for her high school reunion and to help her former flame who's in the middle of a murder mystery.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this and watch it with a bunch of friends


The VERONICA MARS Marshmallows are going to love this movie. Everybody else, well, it's a good flick and you'll most likely enjoy it, especially if you are a fan of mysteries and snark.

It's fun, funny, entertaining and has just the right amount of romance and suspense. Plus, it's the only new thing out there this week so give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Movie Review for May 2, 2014

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2
PG-13
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dean DeHaan
Plot: Peter Parker continues his journey to discover more about his parents while fighting new villains and past demons.
Trailer

Clint Says: See this as soon as possible and spend the extra money for the huge screen


When the original Andrew Garfield as SPIDER-MAN reboot hit theaters I was nervous that it would be simply another rehash of a tired story with better graphics. I was happily surprised at how compelling and well done it was.

The second in the series is just as good and just as compelling as the first and the graphics are insanely incredible. I was thrilled to see that the director took the time to give us close up, slow motion shots of the action rather than flash through it as quickly as possible, as is typical for many other comic-book action movies.

SPIDER-MAN 2 also bucks the trend of the one-dimensional villain. Both Electro and The Green Goblin are flawed, misunderstood and sympathetic characters rather than being evil for evil's sake. Jamie Foxx does a superb job of transforming from a misfit to an angry, delusional misfit with the power to do something about his situation. The moment where he is forced to decide to follow Spider-Man or try to destroy him is heart-breaking and tragic, but entirely understandable.

Emma Stone returns as Gwen, the love interest of Peter Parker, but she is so much more than that. The dynamic she brings to the role and the way her character is written is as beautiful and strong as any leading lady I've seen in a while. It's refreshing to see her do her part to save the day to the point where Spider-Man couldn't succeed without her, both against the bad guys and in their own relationship.

Andrew Garfield may be one of the best actors in Hollywood right now. His banter and delivery throughout this two-hour plus movie keeps it light and refreshing without losing the drama of the moment.

Without giving anything away, I will say I was very excited to see the film makers make a very gutsy decision, that will have people talking as they leave the theaters. If I had any kind of heart at all I would have ugly cried.

If I had to say anything bad about this film, it's that the movie ends and then there is another half hour of movie. I'm not sure why MARVEL movies tend to be edited this way, but the climax comes really early and then there is a ton of clean-up work left to do. The climax in this movie is so powerful, but it gets watered down and even a bit lost as we sit through the tidying up process. Even so, this is an incredibly fun, exciting and well done film.

So far it's looking like the MARVEL/DISNEY marriage is a huge success, not only for their company, but for moviegoers as well.