Movie Reviews for October 23, 2015: STEVE JOBS, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER, and ROCK THE KASBAH

STEVE JOBS
Rated: R
Release Date: October 23, 2015
Director: Danny Boyle
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels
Plot: A behind-the-scenes look at the man that was Steve Jobs
Trailer

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

When I first heard that the concept for this film was to show Steve Jobs behind the scenes of three of his product launches I was nervous that it was going to be quite a boring film. To my relief, this film is anything but boring. In fact, it is very intense and exciting all the way through. 

Fassbender and Winslet have extraordinary chemistry that allows for truly captivating banter between them. Seth Rogen does a great job in his nerdtastic portrayal of Woz. And Jeff Daniels proves once again that he can make a lot out of very little. 

Just by the nature of the film one can easily gather that a lot of the events and conflicts are fictionalized, but even so it is very well done. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the information in the movie is all true to Steve Jobs and the people around him, but I would bet that it is a mostly accurate representation. 

If you like to think while you are being entertained you will really enjoy STEVE JOBS. 

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS
Rated: PG
Release Date: October 23, 2015
Director: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Aubrey Peeples, Juliette Lewis, Ryan Guzman, Molly Ringwald
Plot: Four sisters hit the big time and must figure out how to stay together in the spotlight while solving a mystery
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and make someone else rent it 

This film may crack my Ten Worst Films of 2015, although we still have two months left for it to be knocked out of that dubious honor. I can't even begin to tell you how cheesy and lame this film is. The dialogue is painful, the lip syncing doesn't match the lyrics, they pretend to play one instrument while we hear something different, and it's almost two hours long. 

Fans of the JATH cartoon will be annoyed because the film strays wildly from the story you know. Ironically, the 1980's TV show is more forward-thinking and pro-woman than the movie, the Misfits aren't in the movie until the very end, and Synergy is totally lame compared to the Synergy of the cartoon. 

Really, the only people that might like this film are girls between 8 and 12. For them it will be a fun film with some positive and empowering messages. For everyone else you'll see those empowering moments as manipulative and forced. 

If you are unlucky enough to have to see this movie you will be treated to about five minutes of awesome. Be on the lookout for some epic cameos, Brad the Valet, and the uber fan security guard. They at least make some of this film tolerable. 

Also, Kimber may be the most unloved and under appreciated girl in the history of movies. You'll, unfortunately, need to see the film to figure out why. 

#KimberNeedsLoveToo

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: October 23, 2015

Director: Breck Eisner

Stars: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie

Plot: Kaulder is the only thing standing between humans and the witches intent on destroying them\

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

This is the kind of film where you hope it will be smart and unique, but you go in expecting it to be just another typical action flick with witches. Unfortunately, it lives up only to the expectations and not the hopes. 

The setup for this film give the potential for something special, but ultimately there is nothing about this film that is extraordinary or compelling. It moves slow, the action scenes are muddled and hard to follow, and if you are a HARRY POTTER fan you'll quickly catch on that the Queen Witch is basically Voldemort. (Horcruxes for the almost win).

There are a couple of exciting elements to the film, but nothing that is worth spending the money to see it in theaters. Just wait for the DVD, and when you do finally see it, check your brain at the door. because if you think too much you'll really hate this movie.

ROCK THE KASBAH

Rated: R

Release Date: October 23, 2015

Director: Barry Levinson

Stars: Bill Murray, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Bruce Willis

Plot: A music manager finds an unlikely singer in an unlikely place and tries to make her a star

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

Typically when you hear the name Bill Murray you associate that with comedy. On some level ROCK THE KASBAH is a comedy, but it is so much more than that. 

It isn't a great film by any means, however it is a very good film. It is heartwarming, courageous, inspiring, and compelling. 

If you are looking for a side - splitting laugh fest this is not your movie. But if you want to see a movie that will make you smile and think about life in a different way, ROCK THE KASBAH is a great choice.

DVD Review for August 25, 2015: ALOHA

ALOHA
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams
Plot: A former military man returns to his old stomping grounds as a civilian contractor forcing his new and old worlds to collide.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent it if you're bored and Netflix isn't loading

This film has one of the best ensemble casts of 2015. Unfortunately, the script doesn't do them justice. The acting in ALOHA is outstanding, but that can only take a movie so far.

Even though this movie isn't even two hours long, it feels like it drags on. There isn't any conflict or really anything of interest that happens during the first half of the movie. It wasn't until almost the hour mark where I stopped questioning why I was seeing this film.

This movie could have been much better with some simple changes to the storytelling, but as it is, it is confusing, slow, boring and pretty much useless. It's a pleasant and nice film, but there isn't enough going on to make you feel anything until almost the very end.

DVD Reviews For February 17, 2015

BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Rated: R
Stars: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton
Plot: An aging actor tries to revitalize his career by writing, directing and staring in a Broadway play.
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy or rent this movie today

This is one of the most original films I've seen in a while. The way this movie is shot is so innovative and fun you can't help but to be mesmerized by it. The first 97% or so of the movie is shot with what is supposed to be a single camera, continuous shot. It is absolutely fascinating.

Aside from the creative cinematography, the acting is outstanding and the story is compelling and the characters are deep. You really feel for these characters and understand their struggles.

There is an aspect to this film that will turn off some movie-goers. At times it seems interesting at other times it feels out of place to the rest of the story, but for those that are willing to suspend disbelief and just go with it, you will truly enjoy this film.




THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, David Thewlis
Plot: The story of the life and marriage of Stephen Hawking
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy or rent this movie today

Eddie Redmayne should not only be nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, but we should just go ahead and give him the statue now. His performance is astounding.

The Academy is partial to pretty people making themselves much less physically desirable for a role, and Redmayne does that in this movie, but he goes beyond the physical. He transforms into Stephen Hawking.

Felicity Jones gets an Oscar nod as well and it is well-deserved. She plays the "I've given up my own dreams for the sake of my family" role spot on.

This movie is brilliant, heartwarming, heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Even if you are not a fan of Stephen Hawking, this film will still entertain you.




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: Rent this movie this week

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.




DUMB AND DUMBER TO
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels
Plot: Lloyd and Harry go on a trip to find Harry's long-lost daughter to help save his life.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you love stupid humor flicks go rent this now

Rarely does a sequel live up to the original. Even more difficult? A sequel that can hold its own against an iconic original. That was the task laid out for DUMB AND DUMBER TO as the second installment to the potty humor franchise. (We do not count DUMB AND DUMBERER as a prequel...in fact, it shall henceforth be know as THE MOVIE THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED).

I had my expectations set low as I sat down to watch this film, and much to my pleasant surprise, the cast and crew delivered an awesomely dumb movie. I was laughing hard throughout the flick, cringing in all the right places, and shaking my head in gleeful disgust at the stupidity and depths of the juvenile humor.

If you are a fan of DUMB AND DUMBER this movie will not disappoint. For the new generation of movie-goers, this is a stellar introduction into the DUMB. If you are not a fan of stupid humor flicks, stay far, far away from this film. There is nothing for you here. The plot is dumb, the jokes are dumb, and the acting is dumber. Not to mention that we get to see WAAAYYYY to much of Jeff Daniels back side.

I saw this movie with a 13 year old guy. He thinks it should win the Best Picture Oscar. That's all you need to know.




THE INTERVIEW
Rated: R
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen
Plot: A gossip journalist and his producer get the opportunity to interview Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, but the CIA has other plans
Trailer

Clint Says: It was already on Netflix so don't waste your money

This may be the most talked about film of 2014. Sony couldn't have begged for better publicity or come up with a better marketing plan than all of the controversy and hacking caused by this film. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

I saw this movie in a sold out theater full of people you would never expect to see at a Franco/Rogen flick. This movie has become a cultural icon that everyone wants to see. In fact, this was more of an event than just seeing a movie. The crowd was totally into it 30 minutes before the film started. The theater was playing patriotic music, strangers were talking to each other in a "Go 'merica" way, and the mood was basically a huge F.U. to anyone that didn't want us to see this movie.

As for the movie, it's okay. It has a lot of funny moments and the story is pretty good. It's a typical Franco/Rogen flick with lots of crude body-part humor and other assorted raunchy jokes. It's not as good as THIS IS THE END, but it isn't a horrible mess either. If it were a typical release it would probably make about $50 Million then fade off into DVD land never to be thought of again, but because of the controversy this may end up being one of the highest grossing films of 2014.

It's an okay film to see once, but it's not worth the rental price if you can still stream it.

Movie Review For October 24, 2014

JOHN WICK
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.

Movie Review for February 7, 2014

THE LEGO MOVIE
Rated PG
Stars: Will Ferrell, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks
Plot: An average Lego construction worker leads the master-builders in a quest to stop Lord Business from ruining Lego life as they know it.
Trailer

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

This movie was significantly better than the trailers made it look. It is very funny, the plot is interesting to kids and adults and there is a twist at the end that you will never see coming. It's funny, heart-warming and enjoyable for all ages.

Bonus: The STAR WARS cameo is awesome. Everything is awesome. (You'll understand that after you've seen the movie...in fact, that phrase will probably be stuck in your head for days).



THE MONUMENTS MEN
Rated PG-13
Stars: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Bill Murray, Cate Blanchett, John Goodman
Plot: A group of art experts are hired by the US military during World War II to find and return art stolen by the Nazis before it can be destroyed.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

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.


VAMPIRE ACADEMY
Rated PG-13
Stars: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry
Plot: A half human half vampire is tasked with protecting a member of the vampire royal family and ends up in a battle with the immortal full vampires.
Trailer

Clint Says: No review yet

 

 

Every so often a movie comes out that the studio does not allow critics or audiences to see early. This is one of those films. Usually it means the film isn't any good, but I will reserve judgement until I've seen it. I'll post a review as soon as I can.

 

If you get to see it before I do, please post your review in the comments section, I'd love to read what you thought of it.