Movie Reviews for August 9, 2015: THE GIFT and RICKI AND THE FLASH

THE GIFT
Rated: R
Director: Joel Edgerton
Stars: Jason Bateman, Rebecca Hall, Joel Edgerton
Plot: A couple runs into an old high school friend, but things get out of control when he crosses boundaries
Trailer

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

This is an outstanding, creepy, suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing and freaked out until the very end. The "oh, crap" moment is one of the best and most squirm-worthy that I've seen in a decade.

I was nervous that this might not be a very good film since it is written, directed and stars Joel Edgerton. Many times in that situation it is difficult for someone else to tell them "no," but it looks like he had some help in making this film great.

Jason Bateman does a nice job moving away from his comedic ways for this role. It's a nice change of pace for him and for the audience.

There haven't been a lot good thrillers this year, so it's nice to finally see one worth the price of admission. If you like suspense flicks, this one will satisfy your craving.




RICKI AND THE FLASH
Rated: PG-13
Director: Jonathan Demme
Stars: Meryl Streep, Kevin Kilne, Mamie Gummer, Rick Springfield
Plot: An aging rocker mom tries to reconnect with her adult children
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

I finally got to see this movie in its entirety. (For the story on that escapade click here.) I would have been better off not having seen it. It's really not very good.

The cast is vanilla, the plot is tame, the conflict is stuff that many families go through every day, and it's slow. There are really only two good things about this movie: The music and the one great scene of tension between Meryl Streep and Audra McDonald. Other than that it's pretty boring.

One of the questions I always ask myself when watching a movie is, "Why was this made?" Much of the time the answer is pretty obvious. Some of the time the answer is, "I'm not sure." This is one of those times. This film doesn't offer us anything new or special.

There is zero reason to spend the money to see this in theaters. If you really must see it, wait for the DVD.

DVD Review For February 24, 2015

BIG HERO 6

Rated: PG

Stars: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter

Plot: A young genius uses a robot and his friends to help solve a mystery. 

Trailer

Clint Says: Buy this DVD today

When you get the geniuses from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel all in on a movie you end up with some epic awesomeness. BIG HERO 6 is epic awesomeness. This is a movie that will be inserted into the DVD player and set to "Repeat".

The animation is crisp, detailed, layered and filled with background fun for those of you that like to search for Marvel Easter Eggs. The story is very well told. It is compelling, emotional, funny and engaging for children and adults.  

This film is really action-packed and some of it may be a bit too intense for the under 5 crowd, but aside from that, everyone else will enjoy this film. Grab the whole family and enjoy an evening of fun. 

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: Watch this on DVD this week

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. His efforts have garnered him a lot of hardware this awards season, including the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

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.

This is an outstanding "overcomer" film that is worth seeing as soon as possible.

HORRIBLE BOSSES 2

Rated: R
Stars: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Chris Pine
Plot: After their business is sabotaged, three guys come up with a plan to get their money back, but their plan gets hijacked by a scheming sleazeball.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this DVD soon, if you can handle the raunch

The original HORRIBLE BOSSES was a raunchy, hysterically awesome movie. HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 is the same. My jaw hurt when I left the theater after this movie, but I also felt like I needed a shower. This movie is so raunchy they couldn't even make a 2-minute trailer without several cuss words in it.

As with any comedy, the movie may be funny but it's only as good as its plot. In this case, the plot is outstanding. Sure, it has a few minor holes, but nothing that will hurt your head. It's fun and funny, but with significant moments of suspense and drama. The juxtaposition is what makes this movie so good.

If you can handle the offensive humor this is a sequel worth seeing.

BEYOND THE LIGHTS

Rated: R
Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver
Plot: A pop-star falls in love with the cop that saved her life, and they try to build a relationship while dealing with the bright lights of stardom.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this DVD if you don't have something better to do

This is one of those films that is just fine. There is nothing great about it, there is nothing bad about it. There is nothing that I will remember about this movie and there is nothing that I desperately wish to forget.

It's a nice love story with an interesting, if not unique, premise. Both of the leads play their parts well and for the most part it's believable.

If you are looking for a decent love story without having to think too hard about plot, this film would be an okay choice this week.

DVD Review For December 16, 2014

THE MAZE RUNNER
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Dylan O'Brien, Aml Ameen, Will Poulter
Plot: A group of teens, trapped in a maze, must find their way out and who put them there.
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy this DVD as a gift for the YA lover in your life

This is yet another Hollywood offering to the rabid fans of Young Adult Dystopian action flicks, and overall, it's a pretty good film.

The cast does a great job and the story is interesting and intense. In fact, there were several moments where I caught myself holding my breath due to the intensity of the action or situation on the screen.

As with most movies of this ilk, there are a few eye-rolling moments and a couple of minor plot holes, but overall the movie stands up well.

Young Adult fans will enjoy this film as will fans of sci-fi thrillers. I saw it with several uber YA fans and all of them thought the movie was great.




TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett
Plot: The four turtle brothers must work together to bring down the criminal rule of Shredder.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you have to watch it, make someone else rent it

This is one of this reboots that nobody asked for, but Hollywood made it anyway. The turtles are creepy, the story is tired, Megan Fox still can't act, and the action scenes move and jump so fast it's hard to tell what is going on.

There are several things that happen that are way too coincidental or convenient giving the audience ample opportunities to eye roll.

It's also a film that misses its core audience. The older fans are going to be turned off by the sheer stupidity of the film and it is too intense for the under 8 crowd.

This film is significantly less cheesy than the 1990 version, but it's still not worth seeing.




THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU
Rated: R
Stars: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Jane Fonda, Corey Stoll
Plot: A mother and her four grown children return home to grieve the death of their husband and father.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for it to stream on Netflix

This is one of those films where the teaser trailer lies to you. It looks like a comedy with a little bit of heart-warming gooeyness thrown in for good measure. In reality, this is a sad, dark, weird, boring movie.

It's somewhat like THE BIG CHILL, only the Dysfunctional Family Feud version.

If I wanted to see a dysfunctional family peck at each other I'd just go home. If I have to see it on the big screen it should at least be funny. Unfortunately, almost all of the funny moments in the movie are revealed in the trailer. And in context, some of those moments aren't all that funny.

I stayed for the whole movie, but mentally I said THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU about 30 minutes into it. Save your money on this one.



THE SKELETON TWINS
Rated: R
Stars: Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Luke Wilson
Plot: Twins try to reconnect with one another after they both almost die on the same day.
Trailer

Clint Says: I haven't seen it yet, but I hear really good things about it

I am anxiously awaiting this DVD because I was unable to see it while it was in theaters. I've heard a lot of good things about this film and it is up for several awards.

If you have already seen it, please let us all know what you thought about it in the comments section below.

Movie Review For November 26, 2014

It's Thanksgiving week so most movies will be hitting the theaters on Wednesday instead of Friday. Enjoy!

PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR
Rated: PG
Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich, Tom McGrath
Plot: The penguins must team up with another elite force to try to stop a villain from kidnapping the world's penguins.
Trailer

Clint Says: Take the whole family and see this in theaters this week

This may well be the funniest animated movie of 2014. I laughed out loud 15 or 20 times and spent the better part of the rest of the film trying to wipe the smile off my face with no luck.

Kids will love this movie because it has a lot of fun elements for them, but adults will be just as pleased with it because it has an interesting plot, surprisingly in-depth character development, and it is fast-paced.

I put this movie up with the likes of THE LEGO MOVIE and MR. PEABODY AND SHERMAN. This has been an incredible year for animated films and PENGUINS keeps the streak alive.



HORRIBLE BOSSES 2
Rated: R
Stars: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Chris Pine
Plot: After their business is sabotaged, three guys come up with a plan to get their money back, but their plan gets hijacked by a scheming sleazeball.
Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters this week...if you can handle the raunch

The original HORRIBLE BOSSES was a raunchy, hysterically awesome movie. HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 is the same. My jaw hurt when I left the theater after this movie, but I also felt like I needed a shower. This movie is so raunchy they couldn't even make a 2-minute trailer without several cuss words in it.

As with any comedy, the movie may be funny but it's only as good as its plot. In this case, the plot is outstanding. Sure, it has a few minor holes, but nothing that will hurt your head. It's fun and funny, but with significant moments of suspense and drama. The juxtaposition is what makes this movie so good.

If you can handle the offensive humor this is a sequel worth seeing.

Movie Review For September 19, 2014

A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES
Rated: R
Stars: Liam Neeson, Astro, David Harbour
Plot: A retired cop turned illegal P.I. is tasked with finding out who is killing all of the wives and girlfriends of New York's drug dealers.
Trailer

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

This is the kind of film that shows off Liam Neeson's talent in the best way. I would describe this movie as a cross between SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and THE UNTOUCHABLES. It's not as good as either of those classic films, but it is good enough to hold its own.

It is highly suspenseful and thrilling, and while it is somewhat lacking in mystery it makes up for it with a compelling story and great character depth.

The story is set in 1999 so most moviegoers will enjoy the references to Y2K and old cell phones.

If you like police procedural thrillers check out this movie this week.



THE MAZE RUNNER
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Dylan O'Brien, Aml Ameen, Will Poulter
Plot: A group of teens, trapped in a maze, must find their way out and who put them there.
Trailer

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

This is yet another Hollywood offering to the rabid fans of Young Adult Dystopian action flicks, and overall, it's a pretty good film.

The cast does a great job and the story is interesting and intense. In fact, there were several moments where I caught myself holding my breath due to the intensity of the action or situation on the screen.

As with most movies of this ilk, there are a few eye-rolling moments and a couple of minor plot holes, but overall the movie stands up well.

Young Adult fans will enjoy this film as will fans of sci-fi thrillers. I saw it with several uber YA fans and all of them thought the movie was great.



THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU
Rated: R
Stars: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Jane Fonda, Corey Stoll
Plot: A mother and her four grown children return home to grieve the death of their husband and father.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

This is one of those films where the teaser trailer lies to you. It looks like a comedy with a little bit of heart-warming gooeyness thrown in for good measure. In reality, this is a sad, dark, weird, boring movie.

It's somewhat like THE BIG CHILL, only the Dysfunctional Family Feud version.

If I wanted to see a dysfunctional family peck at each other I'd just go home. If I have to see it on the big screen it should at least be funny. Unfortunately almost all of the funny moments in the movie are revealed in the trailer. And in context, some of those moments aren't all that funny.

I stayed for the whole movie, but mentally I said THIS IS WHERE I LEAVE YOU about 30 minutes into it. Save your money on this one.

DVD Review for July 8, 2014

BAD WORDS
Rated - R
Stars: Jason Bateman, Kathryn Hahn, Allison Janney
Plot: An ethically-challenged man competes against kids after he finds a loophole in the rules of a spelling bee contest.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent it if you've got a coupon

Jason Bateman makes his feature directorial debut with the darkly funny BAD WORDS. While the movie isn't awful (it's actually quite good in several parts), it tries to be too many things to suit too many people. It is full of the raunchy joke style we saw from Bateman in HORRIBLE BOSSES, but it also tries to be heartwarming in the end.

This movie could be so much better if Bateman decided to choose one or the other. It is worth a rental if you've got nothing else going on, but don't expect to be wowed in any way by this film.

Movie Review for March 28, 2014

NOAH
PG-13
Stars: Russell Crowe, Emma Watson, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins
Plot: A man is told by God to build a massive ship in order to save his family and animals from a world-destroying flood.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let somebody else rent it

Director Darren Aronofsky said NOAH was the most unbiblical bible movie ever made, and he wasn't kidding.

It feels like Aronofsky read a children's version of the Noah story, realized he had enough material for a 15 minute film, then filled up two more hours of preaching about how humans mess up the earth and why animals are better than humans.

Russell Crowe does a fine job as Noah, but again, this is not the biblical Noah. This is a man that is just as flawed and crazy as the people dying outside the ark.

Putting aside the issues bible believing people will have with this film, it's just not a very good movie. It's slow moving, it's preachy, and the special effects are sub par for a movie of this magnitude.

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
Rated R
Stars: Ralph Fiennes, Jude Law, Willem Dafoe, F. Murray Abraham, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, Edward Norton
Plot: A world-class concierge trains his protege in the ways of hotel service while going on a fantastic adventure.
Trailer

Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now

This may be Wes Anderson's best work yet. Ralph Fiennes is spectacular as are many of the other peculiar characters throughout the film. If forced to put this movie into a category, I'd have to call it a dark comedy, but it is much more than that.

The plot is uniquely interesting, the music is outstanding and, even though we are way too far out from the 2015 Academy Awards for Hollywood to remember this film, it wouldn't surprise me at all for this film to get an Oscar nod for cinematography. Every scene in this movie is framed like a beautiful painting.

Wes Anderson's work isn't for everyone, in fact, some of his former films I find to be a complete waste of time (FANTASTIC MR. FOX and THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS), but if you've ever enjoyed any of his quirky works, you will love your stay at THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL.

The best way I can describe this movie is that it is a cross between MONTY PYTHON and CLUE.



CESAR CHAVEZ
PG-13
Stars: Michael Pena, America Ferrera, Rosario Dawson
Plot: The biography of Cesar Chavez, a civil rights leader and labor organizer.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

Growing up in California, I was very excited for this movie to hit the theaters. Just about every town in California has a street named after Cesar Chavez. It took a while, but his contribution to the Latino community finally caught the attention of Hollywood. Unfortunately, this is the only wide-release Latino-based movie scheduled for release in 2014.

I really wanted this movie to be good, and it's not bad at all, but it is very slow. I'm sure it can't be easy making an exciting movie about migrant farm workers unionizing, but this movie could have been something really special given a better screenplay.

I hope this movie does well, because I'd like to see more like it coming out of Hollywood, but the truth of the matter is, this movie will appeal to only a small portion of movie-goers and will probably fade away quickly.



BAD WORDS
Rated R
Stars: Jason Bateman, Kathryn Hahn, Rohan Chand
Plot: A 40 year old man finds a loophole in the rules of a spelling bee meant for young kids and, to the dismay of everyone, joins the competition.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

Jason Bateman makes his feature directorial debut with the darkly funny BAD WORDS. While the movie isn't awful (it's actually quite good in several parts), it tries to be too many things to suit too many people. It is full of the raunchy joke style we saw from Bateman in HORRIBLE BOSSES, but it also tries to be heartwarming in the end.

This movie could be so much better if Bateman decided to choose one or the other. Basically, all you need to know about this movie is how to spell D-V-D.



SABOTAGE
Rated R
Stars: Arnold Schwarzennegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard
Plot: A group of highly-trained DEA agents find themselves under attack after taking down a cartel safe house.
Trailer

Clint Says: No review yet

The studio did not put SABOTAGE out early for reviews. (Usually not a good sign). If you happen to see it, feel free to post your thoughts about it in the comments section.