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.

Movie Review For May 29, 2015: SAN ANDREAS and ALOHA

SAN ANDREAS
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Alexandra Daddario, Paul Giamatti, Carla Gugino
Plot: A father tries to save his wife and daughter during a swarm of massive earthquakes
Trailer

Clint Says: The only way to see this movie is in the biggest theater possible

Let's be honest, nobody goes to a disaster movie expecting to be mentally inspired. You go because you want to see a whole bunch of stuff blow up, fall down or otherwise be destroyed in some epic fashion. SAN ANDREAS gives you exactly what you are expecting.

This movie is a loud, intense, over-the-top, two-hour thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath. As long as you check your brain at the door as far as science goes you'll really enjoy this popcorn flick.

I must warn you though that this is not the kind of movie you can wait to see on DVD. You either need to spend what it takes to see this in IMAX 3D or don't bother seeing it at all. This is the kind of film you need to experience, not watch.




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: Wait for the DVD

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.

Limited Release Films With Oscar Buzz

This is the time of year where we start to see a lot of films that are potentially Oscar-worthy, but for whatever reason are only released in a few theaters. If you have a chance to see any of these films I would highly recommend it. They are not necessarily palatable for those of you that like the highly commercialized films, but for those of you that like films off the beaten path these may be good choices for you.


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: If you can find this in a theater go see it now

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.




WHIPLASH
Rated: R
Stars: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons
Plot: A student at a prestigious music college is invited to play in the top band, but soon discovers the band director is abusive
Trailer

Clint Says: If you can find this in a theater go see it now

This is an amazing film. J.K. Simmons character is one of the most evil villains to hit the big screen in years. He is so brutally abusive to his students that you truly hate him with your entire being. His creative use of the F-word is almost mesmerizing. If he isn't up for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar it would be a real shame.

It is fascinating to watch Miles Teller's character grow throughout the film from a cocky but insecure student into a driven man willing to risk everything for the sake of his career. Plus, he plays the drums with the passion of the greats.

This is an outstanding "overcomer" film that is worth seeing if you can find it in theaters.




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: If you can find this in a theater go see it now

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 may get an Oscar nod as well and if so, it will be 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.




LAGGIES
Rated: R
Stars: Keira Knightley, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sam Rockwell
Plot: A post-college woman, going through a quarter-life crisis, hides from responsibility in the house of a young girl
Trailer

Clint Says: If you can find this in a theater go see it now

This film is a long-shot for Oscar consideration, but it is a great film. It's an interesting commentary on the part of the late-twenties generation that refuses to grow up and move on past their time in high school and college.

Sam Rockwell is spectacular in his role as a single dad trying to raise an unruly teen girl. Keira Knightley is refreshing in her role as someone that doesn't have all of her stuff together. And Chloe Grace Moretz proves once again that she is one of the greatest teen actors of our time.

The plot isn't mind-blowing, which is why it probably will be overlooked by The Academy, but the performances are worth watching.

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.