Rated: R
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
Plot: A former hit-man for the Russian mob is pulled back into his old life through a series of unfortunate events.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
At its base this is a revenge flick, but this one is very well done. The powers that be added a unique world building aspect to this film that makes it much more interesting and compelling than your typical shoot-'em-up.
Keanu Reeves plays a believable if reluctant hit-man tormented by recent events, and his adversaries are not the typical one-dimensional bad guys that litter the screens of lesser films. That said, there are your usual convenient plot holes, bad guy soliloquies instead of just killing the protagonist, and cheesy one-liners, but thankfully they are minor enough not to distract from the overall story.
For the squeamish among you, JOHN WICK probably breaks the record for the most close-distance head shots. But for the rest of you looking for a kick-butt film, JOHN WICK will satisfy.
OUIJA
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto
Plot: After the death of a friend a small group use a Ouija board to try to contact her, but instead they wake an evil spirit.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let someone else rent it
It wouldn't be October without a few horror offerings from Hollywood to give us all some scares. Unfortunately, OUIJA is short on scares and long on ridiculousness. The scenes that are supposed to be truly scary are, for the most part, corny and laughable. The only scenes that made the audience I shared this travesty with jump were the contrived scenes where the friends accidentally scare one another. It's a cheap trick that has become old and tired in the horror genre.
This film is full of massive plot holes, incredibly stupid decisions made by the unbearably beautiful teens, and pathetic overacting by the stereotypical ugly old lady.
If you are looking for a scary flick to chill you to the bone for Halloween this is not the film to do it. You'd be much better off renting something else.
ST. VINCENT
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy
Plot: A young boy and a crotchety old man develop an unlikely friendship.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
This is one of the better films I've seen this year and while I am a fan of Bill Murray, I think this film would have been an Oscar contender if he had been replaced by a more dramatic actor. It will still be up for awards and, don't get me wrong, Murray does an outstanding job in this film. I just think Hollywood doesn't respect him enough to give him the nod for the big hardware.
I was also pleasantly surprised to see Melissa McCarthy in a role other than the raunchy, bumbling goofball with a sharp, witty tongue. She plays it straight in this film which is refreshing, because she was starting to become very one-dimensional in her roles.
There is a lot about this film that is good. The characters are all deep and complex, the multiple story lines are compelling and the acting is well done.
If you are looking for a movie that will give you all the feels, this is your pick.
23 BLAST
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mark Hapka, Bram Hoover, Stephen Lang
Plot: A high school football star loses his eyesight, but he learns to play again.
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait for the DVD
This is one of those low-budget, family-friendly, poorly acted films that will inspire you and probably make you bawl for the last 15 minutes.
This movie is based on a true story and while it is made-for-tv quality, it's still the kind of film you see anyway because of the story. I'm sure the real life story is not quite as dramatic as the film adaptation, but the movie holds true to the spirit of the reality.
If you liked movies like SOUL SURFER and DOLPHIN TALE you will find this film quite enjoyable.
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