DVD Review for August 4, 2015: INSURGENT, TRUE STORY, DO YOU BELIEVE? and CHILD 44

INSURGENT
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort
Plot: Tris and Four must make new alliances and try to stay alive while the government hunts them down.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you liked the first one, rent this

The second film in the DIVERGENT series falls off sharply from the first one. Fans of the book may be disappointed that the movie deviates far from the book. In fact, it deviates so much it's almost like the film is an original screenplay.

If you haven't seen the first film do not go see this one. You will be completely lost with no chance of figuring out what is going on. It was difficult even for those of us who did see DIVERGENT.

I will say that the action and the effects are amazing throughout the movie, but the dialogue and the plot are both sub-par. There are also several moments that will make you say, "wait, what just happened?"

I think that fans of the books that are willing to see the plot changed will really enjoy this movie, but for everyone else you may find it mediocre at best.

If you would like to see our Nerd Riders Drive Through Movie Review for INSURGENT click here.




TRUE STORY
Rated: R
Stars: Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones
Plot: A journalist meets and begins to tell the story of a man that murdered his own family, but then took on the identity of the journalist
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this as soon as you can

This is a creepy, fascinating, and thrilling flick that will keep you guessing and engaged throughout. Jonah Hill and James Franco prove that they are truly exemplary actors and so much better than the dumb comedies they do. Felicity Jones proves once again that she is one of Hollywood's best. In fact, she may have the most compelling scene in the film aside from Franco's courtroom testimony.

This is not a fast-paced movie at all, but it doesn't feel slow either. There isn't a lot of action, but the compelling nature in which the story is told makes this a film worth the time and money to see it.

This film may not be as suspenseful if you already know the actual story, but if you are walking into it unaware, like I did, you will be pleasantly surprised by the intriguing story.

I hope Hill and Franco give us more movies like this in the future.




DO YOU BELIEVE?
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin
Plot: 12 lives are changed over the course of a few days as their paths cross
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent it if you've got some extra time

This film is from the same people that brought us GOD'S NOT DEAD. That film had no advertising budget, but through word of mouth it stayed in the top 10 for several weeks and made over $60 Million. This time they spent a good chunk of that money making a much better film that will probably do even better at the box office.

By Hollywood standards this is an okay film. There isn't a lot about it that is exciting or innovative, but this is a story film, and the story is quite intriguing. The plot is interesting, the acting is much better than I expected, including a very powerful performance by Brian Bosworth.

There are a few moments that are too coincidental and others with cringe-worthy dialogue, but that aside it's a film worth seeing. Christians will love it for the message, but I think that non-Christians will find it interesting as well.

It is PG-13 for a reason, I would highly recommend keeping the younger kids away from this movie. There are certain things that happen that may be too intense for the under 10 crowd.




CHILD 44
Rated: R
Stars: Tom Hardy, Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace
Plot: A disgraced member of Stalin's police force tries to solve a serial killer case in a Russia that is told that murder is not possible
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this when you are in the right mood

This is one of those films where the trailer is so much better than the movie. I'm not saying the movie was bad, but it could have been so much better. If I'm going to sit through a two-plus hour, post-WWII, Russian period piece I need it to be overly compelling. This one is not.

There are a lot of great things about things film, not the least of which is the incredible acting by Tom Hardy and Joel Kinnaman. The cinematography is outstanding as well. I just wish the plot could have been more action-oriented and thrilling.

Typically in a murder-mystery style film there is a lot of suspense in the chase. In this case there is very little. In fact, the only real suspense comes outside of the hunt for the killer. If the hunt had been executed better this might have been an Oscar contender.

I would love to recommend seeing this film just because the cast is so amazing, but honestly, while I do recommend seeing this movie on DVD, it's not an outstanding film.

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.

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.