JUPITER ASCENDING
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean
Plot: A young woman finds out she is royalty from another planet and must figure out who to trust before she gets killed and the earth gets destroyed.
Trailer
Clint Says: Buy this movie now and enjoy the ridiculousness for a lifetime
It's finally here! Channing Tatum with dog ears and eyeliner can now live in your home! The best, worst movie of the decade is now available on DVD. This film shot to cult-classic status in its first weekend in theaters, and is now ready for your own play-at-home version of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
JUPITER ASCENDING is a visual masterpiece, the action scenes are incredible, and the world building is fascinating. The downside though is that the story is pretty thin, there are several holes in the back story that make it difficult to understand why certain things are the way they are, and the acting is mediocre. (Granted it's got to be nearly impossible to act out a scene when you are running around on green boxes in a green room and pretending that you are in mortal danger).
This is a really fun popcorn flick. It's not going to rock your world, but it will afford you a great night. Even if that night is nothing more that 2 hours of mocking what you see on the screen.
FOCUS
Rated: R
Stars: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Gerald McRaney, Adrian Martinez
Plot: A con-man brings on a female apprentice, but it's all a game of who is conning who.
Trailer
Clint Says: Rent this DVD as soon as possible
If you are looking for a fun, edge-of-your-seat, high-stakes con movie, FOCUS will completely satisfy. This film is exciting, smooth, intense and has enough twists and turns that, even though the information is right in front of you, you won't figure out the con until the very end.
For the most part everything in this movie is done well and rings true. There are a couple of things that are put in for convenience, but those can be easily forgiven since the rest of the film holds up so well.
This is a nice change of pace for Will Smith and a much better introduction to Margot Robbie than we got in THE WOLF OF WALL STREET. Their chemistry is great, which is nice because we will be seeing them together again in the near future in SUICIDE SQUAD. The show stealer, though, is Adrian Martinez. He is pee-your-pants funny and just a great all-around character.
I was surprised that this film was rated R. It deserves that rating, but just barely. I think they could have made a much better and wider-reaching film had they edited down to a PG-13 rating.
The best thing about this film is that you can just sit back and enjoy the con. It doesn't take a lot of brain power, nor does it keep important details from you. Everything is there, you just have to focus.
THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER
Rated: PG
Stars: Tom Kenny, Antonio Banderas, Bill Fagerbakke
Plot: Spongebob goes on a quest for the stolen Krabby Patty recipe and ends up as a super hero on land among the humans
Trailer
Clint Says: Buy this for the Spongebob fan in your life
Fans of the Spongebob TV series will really enjoy this movie. Like the TV show it is funny, goofy, slapstick and heartwarming. For those of you worried about the transformation of drawn Spongebob to computer generated Spongebob, never fear. The CG version is well done and only about one third of the movie is in CG.
The story is simplistic, but still interesting and the references to pop culture are really funny. Plus there is an awesome rap battle that is worth the price of admission by itself.
Even if you've not seen any episodes of Spongebob before, this movie will make you laugh and feel good.
McFARLAND, USA
Rated: PG
Stars: Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez
Plot: A cross country coach in a small town transforms the lives of his athletes through his teaching
Trailer
Clint Says: Rent this DVD as soon as possible
This is another formulaic inspirational sports film offered up by Disney, but it's also a really good movie. If you liked MILLION DOLLAR ARM you will love McFARLAND, USA.
Kevin Costner seems to have really hit his stride with the last few films he's been in, and the rest of the cast does an outstanding job as well.
The movie does run a bit long, but it's worth it in the end.
If you are looking for a good flick for the whole family this week, give McFARLAND, USA a shot. It might inspire you and your family.
I watch crappy movies so you don't have to.
Showing posts with label Kevin Costner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kevin Costner. Show all posts
Monday, June 1, 2015
DVD Review For June 2, 2015: JUPITER ASCENDING, FOCUS, McFARLAND USA, and THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER
Labels:
Adrian Martinez,
Antonio Banderas,
Channing Tatum,
DVD Review,
Focus,
Jupiter Ascending,
Kevin Costner,
Margot Robbie,
McFarland USA,
Mila Kunis,
Spongebob Movie,
Tom Kenny,
Will Smith
Monday, May 4, 2015
DVD Review For May 5, 2015: SELMA, BLACK OR WHITE, and THE PYRAMID
SELMA
Rated: PG-13
Stars: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo
Plot: Martin Luther King, Jr. protests to get African Americans the right to vote by marching from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Trailer
Clint Says: See this movie this week
It's hard to believe that the event portrayed in this film happened only 50 years ago. It's also incredible to watch David Oyelowo become Martin Luther King, Jr. He walks like him, he talks like him, and his resemblance is nearly spot on.
This may be one of the more uncomfortable films I've ever endured. The entire time I wanted to ear-tug the opposition into the corner and slap some sense into them. I wanted to scream at the screen and say, "how can you possibly think that it is okay to treat another human that way?" I sat there embarrassed like you do when your ignorant cousin twice-removed starts spouting off racist remarks at Thanksgiving dinner.
This is a powerful film that everyone should see. On the one hand, it's great to see just how far we've come in the last 50 years, but it's also important for the younger generations to see it so that they can understand the struggle that happened not so very long ago.
There are several times when the movie bogs down, and there are only a few times when it really gets dramatic, but there is a quite power throughout the film that keeps you engaged.
BLACK OR WHITE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer
Plot: A single grandfather fights a custody battle for the granddaughter he has helped raise.
Trailer
Clint Says: It's worth a rental if you don't have anything better to see
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but Kevin Costner gives a fine performance in this movie while Octavia Spencer's character is annoyingly obnoxious. That said, I wish the movie itself would have been better.
It's a slow-paced, snoozer that you know how it is going to end after the first 10 minutes. It's basically a short set-up and then 105 minutes of repeat filler. It's the kind of movie you see and won't remember seeing three months from now because there is nothing in it that is sticky, important or even interesting.
THE PYRAMID
Rated: R
Stars: Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O'Hare, James Buckley
Plot: A group of archaeologists uncover more than they bargained for inside an ancient pyramid.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
Earlier this year the movie AS ABOVE SO BELOW came out on DVD. In that film, several people find themselves trapped by something evil in the catacombs of Paris. THE PYRAMID is the same movie, only in a pyramid and significantly crappier. (And that's really saying something, because AASB wasn't that great of a flick).
The scares in this movie are all old and hack, the plot is just slightly more original than the scares, and even though this film clocks in at a mere 89 minutes it feels like it drags on much longer.
Just like walking across the hot desert sand for days with no water, the end credits are a beautiful and welcoming oasis.
Rated: PG-13
Stars: David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Carmen Ejogo
Plot: Martin Luther King, Jr. protests to get African Americans the right to vote by marching from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Trailer
Clint Says: See this movie this week
It's hard to believe that the event portrayed in this film happened only 50 years ago. It's also incredible to watch David Oyelowo become Martin Luther King, Jr. He walks like him, he talks like him, and his resemblance is nearly spot on.
This may be one of the more uncomfortable films I've ever endured. The entire time I wanted to ear-tug the opposition into the corner and slap some sense into them. I wanted to scream at the screen and say, "how can you possibly think that it is okay to treat another human that way?" I sat there embarrassed like you do when your ignorant cousin twice-removed starts spouting off racist remarks at Thanksgiving dinner.
This is a powerful film that everyone should see. On the one hand, it's great to see just how far we've come in the last 50 years, but it's also important for the younger generations to see it so that they can understand the struggle that happened not so very long ago.
There are several times when the movie bogs down, and there are only a few times when it really gets dramatic, but there is a quite power throughout the film that keeps you engaged.
BLACK OR WHITE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer
Plot: A single grandfather fights a custody battle for the granddaughter he has helped raise.
Trailer
Clint Says: It's worth a rental if you don't have anything better to see
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but Kevin Costner gives a fine performance in this movie while Octavia Spencer's character is annoyingly obnoxious. That said, I wish the movie itself would have been better.
It's a slow-paced, snoozer that you know how it is going to end after the first 10 minutes. It's basically a short set-up and then 105 minutes of repeat filler. It's the kind of movie you see and won't remember seeing three months from now because there is nothing in it that is sticky, important or even interesting.
THE PYRAMID
Rated: R
Stars: Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O'Hare, James Buckley
Plot: A group of archaeologists uncover more than they bargained for inside an ancient pyramid.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
Earlier this year the movie AS ABOVE SO BELOW came out on DVD. In that film, several people find themselves trapped by something evil in the catacombs of Paris. THE PYRAMID is the same movie, only in a pyramid and significantly crappier. (And that's really saying something, because AASB wasn't that great of a flick).
The scares in this movie are all old and hack, the plot is just slightly more original than the scares, and even though this film clocks in at a mere 89 minutes it feels like it drags on much longer.
Just like walking across the hot desert sand for days with no water, the end credits are a beautiful and welcoming oasis.
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Movie Review For February 20, 2015
THE DUFF
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne
Plot: A girl tries to change her high school social status after she learns she is a DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
This may well be the first great high school comedy since John Hughes gave us everything awesome about the 1980s. It is funny, heartwarming, a great story, but above all else it rings true. There isn't a scene or even a line that feels like it was written by an adult trying to get into the mind of a teen.
The book was written by Kody Keplinger, a 17 year old high school senior, and thankfully the powers that be let her writing stand for itself in the transition from book to screen.
The casting for this movie is spot on. Whitman is brilliant, Amell is great as the dumb jock with a heart, and Bella Thorne kills it as the girl everyone loves to hate.
As I watched THE DUFF I found myself constantly smiling like a goofy idiot, that is, when I wasn't laughing so hard I could barely breathe.
This is a movie that will become an instant classic and a must-own by teenage girls everywhere when it comes out on DVD.
HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2
Rated: R
Stars: Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke
Plot: Three friends must travel through time to solve the murder of one of their own
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let someone else rent it
This movie is absolute proof that nobody on earth has the ability to time travel. How do we know this? Because this movie is so bad I'm sure the movie execs searched high and low for a time machine so they could go back and either make a better movie or let the franchise live a pleasant existence with only the original film released.
The film does have a few good moments. The "you look like a..." improv scenes are great, even though they go on too long, and there are some other moments of genuine comedy, but the plot is simply ridiculous.
This might have been a better movie if it was about half as long seeing as though almost every joke was told and rehashed at least twice throughout the film. And it could have been a great film if they had focused the story on the things we finally see in the last three minutes of the movie.
This could have been another BILL AND TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, unfortunately we got BOGUS JOURNEY. Lame.
McFARLAND, USA
Rated: PG
Stars: Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez
Plot: A cross country coach in a small town transforms the lives of his athletes through his teaching
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
This is another formulaic inspirational sports film offered up by Disney, but it's also a really good movie. If you liked MILLION DOLLAR ARM you will love McFARLAND, USA.
Kevin Costner seems to have really hit his stride with the last few films he's been in, and the rest of the cast does an outstanding job as well.
The movie does run a bit long, but it's worth it in the end.
If you are looking for a good flick to take the whole family to this weekend, give McFARLAND, USA a shot. It might inspire you and your family.
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne
Plot: A girl tries to change her high school social status after she learns she is a DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
This may well be the first great high school comedy since John Hughes gave us everything awesome about the 1980s. It is funny, heartwarming, a great story, but above all else it rings true. There isn't a scene or even a line that feels like it was written by an adult trying to get into the mind of a teen.
The book was written by Kody Keplinger, a 17 year old high school senior, and thankfully the powers that be let her writing stand for itself in the transition from book to screen.
The casting for this movie is spot on. Whitman is brilliant, Amell is great as the dumb jock with a heart, and Bella Thorne kills it as the girl everyone loves to hate.
As I watched THE DUFF I found myself constantly smiling like a goofy idiot, that is, when I wasn't laughing so hard I could barely breathe.
This is a movie that will become an instant classic and a must-own by teenage girls everywhere when it comes out on DVD.
HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2
Rated: R
Stars: Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke
Plot: Three friends must travel through time to solve the murder of one of their own
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let someone else rent it
This movie is absolute proof that nobody on earth has the ability to time travel. How do we know this? Because this movie is so bad I'm sure the movie execs searched high and low for a time machine so they could go back and either make a better movie or let the franchise live a pleasant existence with only the original film released.
The film does have a few good moments. The "you look like a..." improv scenes are great, even though they go on too long, and there are some other moments of genuine comedy, but the plot is simply ridiculous.
This might have been a better movie if it was about half as long seeing as though almost every joke was told and rehashed at least twice throughout the film. And it could have been a great film if they had focused the story on the things we finally see in the last three minutes of the movie.
This could have been another BILL AND TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, unfortunately we got BOGUS JOURNEY. Lame.
McFARLAND, USA
Rated: PG
Stars: Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez
Plot: A cross country coach in a small town transforms the lives of his athletes through his teaching
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
This is another formulaic inspirational sports film offered up by Disney, but it's also a really good movie. If you liked MILLION DOLLAR ARM you will love McFARLAND, USA.
Kevin Costner seems to have really hit his stride with the last few films he's been in, and the rest of the cast does an outstanding job as well.
The movie does run a bit long, but it's worth it in the end.
If you are looking for a good flick to take the whole family to this weekend, give McFARLAND, USA a shot. It might inspire you and your family.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Movie Review For January 30, 2015
PROJECT ALMANAC
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Amy Landecker, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Johnny Weston
Plot: A group of teens build and use a time machine, but things start happening beyond their control
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
PROJECT ALMANAC is an okay film. It's not horrible, but it's not great either. It is a "found footage" style movie, but it really should not have been. There are several scenes in the movie where there is no way any of the kids would have been filming.
The movie has several large plot holes and, for all of the cool effects, it really doesn't go anywhere new and exciting. There are also several scenes that are straight rip-offs from classic 80s and 90s movies. After the third or fourth copied scene it becomes really tedious.
The film clocks in at just over 1 1/2 hours, but it feels significantly longer than that.
If you do want to spend the money to see this in theaters you won't feel like you got ripped off, but you also won't feel anything earth-shattering either.
BLACK OR WHITE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer
Plot: A single grandfather fights a custody battle for the granddaughter he has helped raise.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but Kevin Costner gives a fine performance in this movie while Octavia Spencer's character is annoyingly obnoxious. That said, I wish the movie itself would have been better.
It's a slow-paced, snoozer that you know how it is going to end after the first 10 minutes. It's basically a short set-up and then 105 minutes of repeat filler. It's the kind of movie you see and then when it comes out on DVD you vaguely remember seeing it before.
THE LOFT
Rated: R
Stars: James Marsden, Eric Stonestreet, Wentworth Miller, Karl Urban
Plot: Five married men buy a secret loft together to have affairs, but trouble arises when they find a dead woman there.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
THE LOFT is one of those films that looks interesting based on the trailer, but the actual movie is horrible. The acting is embarrassingly bad, the dialogue is worse, and the mystery and suspense aren't even worth the effort of an eye roll.
At best, this movie feels like a long soap opera episode, but it's not even that good. The effects are so poorly done and there are so many blatant continuity errors that you can't help but notice how little the director cared about this film.
Avoid THE LOFT like you would an STD.
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Amy Landecker, Sofia Black-D'Elia, Johnny Weston
Plot: A group of teens build and use a time machine, but things start happening beyond their control
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
PROJECT ALMANAC is an okay film. It's not horrible, but it's not great either. It is a "found footage" style movie, but it really should not have been. There are several scenes in the movie where there is no way any of the kids would have been filming.
The movie has several large plot holes and, for all of the cool effects, it really doesn't go anywhere new and exciting. There are also several scenes that are straight rip-offs from classic 80s and 90s movies. After the third or fourth copied scene it becomes really tedious.
The film clocks in at just over 1 1/2 hours, but it feels significantly longer than that.
If you do want to spend the money to see this in theaters you won't feel like you got ripped off, but you also won't feel anything earth-shattering either.
BLACK OR WHITE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer
Plot: A single grandfather fights a custody battle for the granddaughter he has helped raise.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
I can't believe I'm about to say this, but Kevin Costner gives a fine performance in this movie while Octavia Spencer's character is annoyingly obnoxious. That said, I wish the movie itself would have been better.
It's a slow-paced, snoozer that you know how it is going to end after the first 10 minutes. It's basically a short set-up and then 105 minutes of repeat filler. It's the kind of movie you see and then when it comes out on DVD you vaguely remember seeing it before.
THE LOFT
Rated: R
Stars: James Marsden, Eric Stonestreet, Wentworth Miller, Karl Urban
Plot: Five married men buy a secret loft together to have affairs, but trouble arises when they find a dead woman there.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
THE LOFT is one of those films that looks interesting based on the trailer, but the actual movie is horrible. The acting is embarrassingly bad, the dialogue is worse, and the mystery and suspense aren't even worth the effort of an eye roll.
At best, this movie feels like a long soap opera episode, but it's not even that good. The effects are so poorly done and there are so many blatant continuity errors that you can't help but notice how little the director cared about this film.
Avoid THE LOFT like you would an STD.
Monday, September 1, 2014
DVD Review for September 2, 2014
DRAFT DAY
Rated - R
Stars: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner
Plot: An NFL General Manager breaks from the norm to have an incredible draft for his team.
Trailer
Clint Says: It's worth a rental
DRAFT DAY is a well-done, fast-paced film that, thankfully, is about relationships and the art of the deal rather than football. It's not nearly as good as JERRY MAGUIRE, but it's born of the same ilk.
I found myself engaged and entertained throughout the movie even though I'm not a fan of the NFL and I find the draft to be painfully boring. (I know, I'm weird). This is a plus for the film, because it will appeal to a much broader audience than just the NFL fan.
Costner and Garner are vanilla as usual, but the action and intensity of the story keep things moving along well.
It's a good date movie because it's feel-good, you don't have to think too much and it has wide appeal.
MOMS' NIGHT OUT
Rated - PG
Stars: Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton
Plot: A group of moms head out for a well-deserved night away from the kids, but the night turns into a disaster.
Trailer
Clint Says: It's worth a rental
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.
Rated - R
Stars: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner
Plot: An NFL General Manager breaks from the norm to have an incredible draft for his team.
Trailer
Clint Says: It's worth a rental
DRAFT DAY is a well-done, fast-paced film that, thankfully, is about relationships and the art of the deal rather than football. It's not nearly as good as JERRY MAGUIRE, but it's born of the same ilk.
I found myself engaged and entertained throughout the movie even though I'm not a fan of the NFL and I find the draft to be painfully boring. (I know, I'm weird). This is a plus for the film, because it will appeal to a much broader audience than just the NFL fan.
Costner and Garner are vanilla as usual, but the action and intensity of the story keep things moving along well.
It's a good date movie because it's feel-good, you don't have to think too much and it has wide appeal.
MOMS' NIGHT OUT
Rated - PG
Stars: Sarah Drew, Sean Astin, Patricia Heaton
Plot: A group of moms head out for a well-deserved night away from the kids, but the night turns into a disaster.
Trailer
Clint Says: It's worth a rental
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.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
DVD Review for June 10, 2014
JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner
Plot: A young Jack Ryan is recruited by the CIA to be a Wall Street analyst to find terrorists' hidden money trails.
Trailer
Clint Says: This DVD is worth owning
This film is action-packed, intense and has a great story-line. Fans of the earlier Jack Ryan movies will be very happy with this reboot as will fans of the Tom Clancy novels.
Chris Pine does a wonderful job playing a learning-on-the-job CIA agent. Kevin Costner does nice work as Ryan's handler. He helps along the plot with pertinent information without getting in the way of the the lead.
If you are looking for a smart action flick this week, I highly recommend checking out JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT.
NON-STOP
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore
Plot: A Federal Air Marshal must save a plane from a terrorist attack, but all the powers that be think he is the one that has hijacked the plane.
Trailer
Clint Says: Rent it as soon as possible
While NON-STOP is formulaic in every way with the typical rabbit chases and straw men it is still a highly suspenseful and fun movie. There were several times where I found myself literally sitting on the edge of my seat, and a few times where I gasped for breath after realizing I had been holding my breath for several seconds.
If you like suspenseful action flicks with a good dose of mystery, NON-STOP will satisfy.
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner
Plot: A young Jack Ryan is recruited by the CIA to be a Wall Street analyst to find terrorists' hidden money trails.
Trailer
Clint Says: This DVD is worth owning
This film is action-packed, intense and has a great story-line. Fans of the earlier Jack Ryan movies will be very happy with this reboot as will fans of the Tom Clancy novels.
Chris Pine does a wonderful job playing a learning-on-the-job CIA agent. Kevin Costner does nice work as Ryan's handler. He helps along the plot with pertinent information without getting in the way of the the lead.
If you are looking for a smart action flick this week, I highly recommend checking out JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT.
NON-STOP
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore
Plot: A Federal Air Marshal must save a plane from a terrorist attack, but all the powers that be think he is the one that has hijacked the plane.
Trailer
Clint Says: Rent it as soon as possible
While NON-STOP is formulaic in every way with the typical rabbit chases and straw men it is still a highly suspenseful and fun movie. There were several times where I found myself literally sitting on the edge of my seat, and a few times where I gasped for breath after realizing I had been holding my breath for several seconds.
If you like suspenseful action flicks with a good dose of mystery, NON-STOP will satisfy.
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.
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.
Friday, April 11, 2014
Movie Review for April 11, 2014
DRAFT DAY
Rated PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner
Plot: The GM of the Cleveland Browns has a seemingly no-brainer draft pick, but he, at the risk of losing his job, has other ideas.
Trailer
Clint Says: Save some money and go see a matinee
DRAFT DAY is a well-done, fast-paced film that, thankfully, is about relationships and the art of the deal rather than football. It's not nearly as good as JERRY MAGUIRE, but it's born of the same ilk.
I found myself engaged and entertained throughout the movie even though I'm not a fan of the NFL and I find the draft to be painfully boring. (I know, I'm weird). This is a plus for the film, because it will appeal to a much broader audience than just the NFL fan needing something that resembles football during the long off season.
Costner and Garner are vanilla as usual, but the action and intensity of the story keep things moving along well.
It's a good date movie because it's feel-good, you don't have to think too much and it has wide appeal.
RIO 2
Rated PG
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway
Plot: Blu and his family go to the Amazon jungle to find a group of birds just like them. When they do, Blu finds himself amidst several rivals.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
RIO 2 is your typical sequel. It's not quite as good as the original movie in the series and the story is so thin they have to use a lot of filler. In fact, if the decision makers on this film just stuck to the story, the movie would be about 30 minutes long. Instead, there is about 60 minutes of useless, but colorful, choreographed filler.
It kind of reminded me of watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics. It's quite a spectacle, but when it's all done you quickly forget it.
There are several scenes that may be a bit too scary for the under 5 crowd and there isn't enough entertainment value for the adults, so I would suggest only seeing this move with older children, and then only if they really loved the first movie.
OCULUS
Rated R
Stars: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaits
Plot: A woman tries to overturn her brother's murder conviction by claiming a possessed mirror creates evil twins.
Trailer
Clint Says: See this in theaters...if you can handle it
I was pleasantly surprised that this was a horror movie that was actually scary. It does do the usual scare tactics that most horror films use, but this film has an interesting plot and a cast that is able to carry it off in a way that isn't cheesy.
This is a great popcorn flick that will have you avoiding mirrors for a while.
UNDER THE SKIN
Rated R
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Paul Brannigan
Plot: An alien dressed in a skin suit seduces lonely men then destroys them.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
Rated PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner
Plot: The GM of the Cleveland Browns has a seemingly no-brainer draft pick, but he, at the risk of losing his job, has other ideas.
Trailer
Clint Says: Save some money and go see a matinee
DRAFT DAY is a well-done, fast-paced film that, thankfully, is about relationships and the art of the deal rather than football. It's not nearly as good as JERRY MAGUIRE, but it's born of the same ilk.
I found myself engaged and entertained throughout the movie even though I'm not a fan of the NFL and I find the draft to be painfully boring. (I know, I'm weird). This is a plus for the film, because it will appeal to a much broader audience than just the NFL fan needing something that resembles football during the long off season.
Costner and Garner are vanilla as usual, but the action and intensity of the story keep things moving along well.
It's a good date movie because it's feel-good, you don't have to think too much and it has wide appeal.
RIO 2
Rated PG
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway
Plot: Blu and his family go to the Amazon jungle to find a group of birds just like them. When they do, Blu finds himself amidst several rivals.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
RIO 2 is your typical sequel. It's not quite as good as the original movie in the series and the story is so thin they have to use a lot of filler. In fact, if the decision makers on this film just stuck to the story, the movie would be about 30 minutes long. Instead, there is about 60 minutes of useless, but colorful, choreographed filler.
It kind of reminded me of watching the opening ceremony of the Olympics. It's quite a spectacle, but when it's all done you quickly forget it.
There are several scenes that may be a bit too scary for the under 5 crowd and there isn't enough entertainment value for the adults, so I would suggest only seeing this move with older children, and then only if they really loved the first movie.
OCULUS
Rated R
Stars: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaits
Plot: A woman tries to overturn her brother's murder conviction by claiming a possessed mirror creates evil twins.
Trailer
Clint Says: See this in theaters...if you can handle it
I was pleasantly surprised that this was a horror movie that was actually scary. It does do the usual scare tactics that most horror films use, but this film has an interesting plot and a cast that is able to carry it off in a way that isn't cheesy.
This is a great popcorn flick that will have you avoiding mirrors for a while.
UNDER THE SKIN
Rated R
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Paul Brannigan
Plot: An alien dressed in a skin suit seduces lonely men then destroys them.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
This may be the single dumbest movie I have ever seen. It's one of those "experimental" films (read: really bad with horrifically lame music, camerawork, acting, plot, dialogue, sound editing and direction).
This is a two-hour waste of time. If it hadn't been a press screening where they require a quote from you after the film, I would have walked out about 20 minutes in. (I've never walked out of a movie...that's how bad this is).
By 30 minutes in I was checking my watch and begging for the movie to either do something or end. And when I say "do something" I mean ANYTHING! The first several minutes of the movie are weird visuals and ridiculously long establishing shots. Then it's just Scarlett Johansson driving around, picking up lonely guys and then walking backwards in a black room while the guys get naked and sink into black ooze.
The dialogue (what little there is) is almost entirely in super-thick Scottish accents with no subtitles. Not that it matters because I didn't care at all what they were saying or doing. I just wanted everyone to die and have the credits roll.
I have seen that some film critics are calling this Johansson's "performance of her career" and "iconic". They must have seen a different movie than I did. All Johansson does in this flick is drive around, stare awkwardly at people or things for excruciatingly long moments and walk backwards away from lonely, naked guys.
I would rather watch C-SPAN for a week straight than have to endure watching this utter haggis again.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Movie Review for February 21, 2014
POMPEII
Rated PG-13
Stars: Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Kiefer Sutherland
Plot: A gladiator falls in love with an aristocrat betrothed to another man. He must find a way to save her from the destruction of their great city.
Trailer
Clint Says: Save some money and go see a matinee
POMPEII is the kind of movie you go to see in the theaters because it is so visually spectacular. If you are looking for a film with deep meaningful dialogue, go see something else. This movie isn't great by most standards, but if you are planning on seeing it, I highly recommend seeing it on the big screen. If you wait for the DVD you'll find it to be a mediocre movie at best.
3 DAYS TO KILL
Rated PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfeld, Amber Heard
Plot: A retiring CIA agent with only months to live is offered a drug to save his life in return for one last job. A job he must do while trying to bring his family back together.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let 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.
Rated PG-13
Stars: Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Kiefer Sutherland
Plot: A gladiator falls in love with an aristocrat betrothed to another man. He must find a way to save her from the destruction of their great city.
Trailer
Clint Says: Save some money and go see a matinee
POMPEII is the kind of movie you go to see in the theaters because it is so visually spectacular. If you are looking for a film with deep meaningful dialogue, go see something else. This movie isn't great by most standards, but if you are planning on seeing it, I highly recommend seeing it on the big screen. If you wait for the DVD you'll find it to be a mediocre movie at best.
3 DAYS TO KILL
Rated PG-13
Stars: Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfeld, Amber Heard
Plot: A retiring CIA agent with only months to live is offered a drug to save his life in return for one last job. A job he must do while trying to bring his family back together.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let 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.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Movie Review for January 17, 2014
JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT
Rated PG-13
Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley
Plot: A young Jack Ryan is recruited by the CIA be a financial analyst on Wall Street for the purpose of finding terrorist money.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see it in theaters
This is one of those January surprise movies. Typically January releases with no press screenings means the movie is going to be horrible. Not so with JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT. This is a great movie. It's fast-paced, suspenseful, and a compelling storyline. Fans of action/suspense movies will enjoy this as will long-time fans of the Tom Clancy novels.
RIDE ALONG
Rated PG-13
Stars: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart
Plot: A diminutive school security guard tries to survive the day on a ride along with his future brother-in-law, a tough Atlanta detective.
Trailer
Clint Says: Save some money and go to the matinee
Even though this movie is predictable and cliche every step of the way, I still really enjoyed it because it is pee-your-pants funny. If you are looking for a few good laughs without having to think about plot, this is a perfect movie to see.
THE NUT JOB
Rated PG
Stars: Will Arnett, Liam Neeson
Plot: A self-serving, exiled squirrel is forced to help the other park animals raid a business with a stash of nuts that would set them up forever.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
I'm not really sure who this movie is supposed to please. It is too boring for adults to sit though and some of the plot is too complicated for little kids to follow along. Most of the laughs come in the form of potty humor or predictable slapstick. I took my four year old daughter and she hated it. She said it was "a boy movie". Maybe if you have an eight year old boy you'll have better luck, but I doubt it. If anything, don't spend the money now, wait until it comes out on DVD then try your luck.
DEVIL'S DUE
Rated R
Stars: Allison Miller, Zach Gilford
Plot: An expecting newlywed couple begins to expect dark things may have happened the night they can't remember from their honeymoon.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
This movie is a complete waste of time. If you want to see the best thing this movie had to offer, watch this video of the devil baby prank they did to market this film.
Rated PG-13
Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley
Plot: A young Jack Ryan is recruited by the CIA be a financial analyst on Wall Street for the purpose of finding terrorist money.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see it in theaters
This is one of those January surprise movies. Typically January releases with no press screenings means the movie is going to be horrible. Not so with JACK RYAN: SHADOW RECRUIT. This is a great movie. It's fast-paced, suspenseful, and a compelling storyline. Fans of action/suspense movies will enjoy this as will long-time fans of the Tom Clancy novels.
RIDE ALONG
Rated PG-13
Stars: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart
Plot: A diminutive school security guard tries to survive the day on a ride along with his future brother-in-law, a tough Atlanta detective.
Trailer
Clint Says: Save some money and go to the matinee
Even though this movie is predictable and cliche every step of the way, I still really enjoyed it because it is pee-your-pants funny. If you are looking for a few good laughs without having to think about plot, this is a perfect movie to see.
THE NUT JOB
Rated PG
Stars: Will Arnett, Liam Neeson
Plot: A self-serving, exiled squirrel is forced to help the other park animals raid a business with a stash of nuts that would set them up forever.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
I'm not really sure who this movie is supposed to please. It is too boring for adults to sit though and some of the plot is too complicated for little kids to follow along. Most of the laughs come in the form of potty humor or predictable slapstick. I took my four year old daughter and she hated it. She said it was "a boy movie". Maybe if you have an eight year old boy you'll have better luck, but I doubt it. If anything, don't spend the money now, wait until it comes out on DVD then try your luck.
DEVIL'S DUE
Rated R
Stars: Allison Miller, Zach Gilford
Plot: An expecting newlywed couple begins to expect dark things may have happened the night they can't remember from their honeymoon.
Trailer
Clint Says: Don't even bother
This movie is a complete waste of time. If you want to see the best thing this movie had to offer, watch this video of the devil baby prank they did to market this film.
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