DVD Review For September 15, 2015: FURIOUS 7, CINDERELLA, and MONKEY KINGDON

FURIOUS SEVEN
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell
Plot: Dom and his team must recover a high-tech surveillance program in order to go after the guy that's trying to take them down
Trailer

Clint Says: Grab some popcorn, check your brain at the door and buy this DVD today

This film is ridiculous, stupid, over the top and COMPLETELY AWESOME!

Look, you know what you are getting into with this flick. It's fast cars, hot people, epic fighting and not much else. That said, the reason anyone goes to see these movies is for the fast cars, hot people and epic fighting.

This franchise really hit its stride with 6 and now 7 keeps that momentum going. It's a fun, exciting popcorn flick that will have you holding your breath and then driving too fast when you leave the theater.

For a movie about fast cars, it does take a while before it gets going. The first 20 minutes or so are pretty slow, but once the action kicks in it's a non-stop street race to the credits. There are several moments where the action is eye-rollingly ridiculous, but in this style of movie that is perfectly fine, and as far as I'm concerned, encouraged.

Paul Walker fans are going to be very pleased with the film. I'm not sure how much of the movie is actually him and how much is his brother filling in, but there wasn't a single second when I could tell that is wasn't him. The "face-replacing" technology that we first saw in the latest TRON film with Jeff Bridges was amazing, but still looked a bit odd. It was used in this film to put Paul's face on his brother's body for certain scenes, but now, it is seamless.

The last five minutes of the film are a tribute to Walker. It is a wonderful tribute, but it barely has anything to do with the rest of the movie. It's almost as if the Director said, "Plot? We don't need to worry about plot! This is Paul Walker!" But, even though the tribute doesn't fit it at all with the rest of the film, fans of the franchise will probably have a tough time keeping from shedding a tear.

A note to my Nashville area readers: Be on the lookout for the reporter about 10 minutes into the movie. She is our very own Stephanie Langston from News Channel 2!




CINDERELLA
Rated: PG
Stars: Lily James, Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett
Plot: A beautiful girl grows up as the servant to her wicked step-mother, but she finds love with the Prince.
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy this DVD if you have Disney fans in your house

If you have a tween or younger girl in your house you simply must take them to see this movie. They will LOVE it. CINDERELLA is a beautifully told tale that doesn't feel like a rehash of the dozens of other movies by the same name that have popped up through the decades.

One nice aspect about this new Cinderella is that she is much more than just a pretty, nice girl that can only escape her pitiful situation by finding the love of a man. In fact, the first time she meets the prince the outcome is quite unexpected.

Cate Blanchett does a stellar job as the wicked stepmother, and even though we are still very early in the year, we may see her get some award nominations as 2015 comes to a close. The step sisters are riotously funny and Helena Bonham Carter is perfect as The Fairy Godmother.

My only issue with this film is that the first half hour is really sad and slow. After that the story picks up and we are all on a ride into a wonderful ever after.

By the way, it's worth the price of admission just to see the Disney animated short FROZEN FEVER that plays prior to the film. It's seven minutes of pee-your-pants funny.




MONKEY KINGDOM
Rated: G
Stars: Tina Fey
Plot: The story of a young monkey and mother trying to survive in ancient ruins in South Asia
Trailer

Clint Says: It's worth a rental

These DisneyNature films are always very well done and interesting and MONKEY KINGDOM is no exception, but like the others, there isn't anything in the movie that makes it so compelling that you have to see it in theaters. You will get the same effect and joy by watching this in your own living room four months from now that you would get by seeing it this weekend.

Really, the only reason to see it in theaters is because part of the ticket sales go to helping the monkeys survive. But if that is really something that concerns you, then just donate the full price of a ticket and then wait for the DVD.

As with most DisneyNature films, make sure you stick around through the credits. they show the camera crews working closely with the animals. To me it is the most intriguing part of the whole movie.

This film is safe and enjoyable for the whole family, so if you are looking for an outing this would be a good choice. Just don't expect your kids to walk out of it like they had just seen FROZEN.

Movie Review For June 5, 2015: ENTOURAGE and SPY

NOTE - INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 also opens this weekend, but I am on vacation and haven't had a chance to review it yet.

ENTOURAGE
Rated: R
Stars: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven
Plot: Ari Gold's first movie as movie studio head is to hire Vincent and his buddies to make a movie, but some people aren't as confident in the outcome
Trailer

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

Fans of the TV series are going to love this movie. For those of you that have never seen the show, never fear. The movie is a great stand-alone. It's fun, funny and an overall enjoyable summer flick.

There are times when it feels like it's nothing more than a long episode of a TV show in quality, but the story is good enough to carry this film to big-screen status.

Kevin Dillon steals the show except for one notable exception, every scene with Rhonda Rousey and Turtle is awesome.




SPY
Rated: R
Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Jude Law
Plot: After the covers of all of the CIA's field agents are blown, A CIA analyst must become a field agent to stop terrorists from getting a nuclear bomb
Trailer

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

This movie really surprised me. I was pretty much done with Melissa McCarthy prior to this film because she is the same annoying character every time. I was expecting more of the same in SPY. Thankfully, this movie is great.

Melissa McCarthy plays a character that is smart, confident and kick-butt. But even more than that this is a really well done spy flick at its core. The mystery is intriguing and the stakes are high. The twists and turns are throughout and you don't see them coming.

Jason Statham is actually the funniest person in the movie. His over-the-top tales are hysterical and non-stop. And speaking of over-the-top the ending is absolutely ridiculous, but it's okay because it is a comedy as well. There are several moments in the last 20 minutes where you will have to decide whether you want to roll with it or give it an eye roll.

I can't believe that I'm actually recommending this film, but I'm happy that it is good enough that I can.

POST VACATION UPDATE: I wrote this review while running between events on my vacation and wanted to add a couple more points to it. 1. This movie is rated R for a reason. It includes graphic nudity. So, if you don't like that kind of thing you should avoid this film. 2. Melissa McCarthy's character has a very empowering arc that adds to the enjoyment of the film.

Movie Review For April 3, 2015: FURIOUS SEVEN

FURIOUS SEVEN
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell
Plot: Dom and his team must recover a high-tech surveillance program in order to go after the guy that's trying to take them down
Trailer

Clint Says: Grab some popcorn, check your brain at the door and go this weekend

This film is ridiculous, stupid, over the top and COMPLETELY AWESOME!

Look, you know what you are getting into with this flick. It's fast cars, hot people, epic fighting and not much else. That said, the reason anyone goes to see these movies is for the fast cars, hot people and epic fighting.

This franchise really hit its stride with 6 and now 7 keeps that momentum going. It's a fun, exciting popcorn flick that will have you holding your breath and then driving too fast when you leave the theater.

For a movie about fast cars, it does take a while before it gets going. The first 20 minutes or so are pretty slow, but once the action kicks in it's a non-stop street race to the credits. There are several moments where the action is eye-rollingly ridiculous, but in this style of movie that is perfectly fine, and as far as I'm concerned, encouraged.

Paul Walker fans are going to be very pleased with the film. I'm not sure how much of the movie is actually him and how much is his brother filling in, but there wasn't a single second when I could tell that is wasn't him. The "face-replacing" technology that we first saw in the latest TRON film with Jeff Bridges was amazing, but still looked a bit odd. It was used in this film to put Paul's face on his brother's body for certain scenes, but now, it is seamless.

The last five minutes of the film are a tribute to Walker. It is a wonderful tribute, but it barely has anything to do with the rest of the movie. It's almost as if the Director said, "Plot? We don't need to worry about plot! This is Paul Walker!" But, even though the tribute doesn't fit it at all with the rest of the film, fans of the franchise will probably have a tough time keeping from shedding a tear.

A note to my Nashville area readers: Be on the lookout for the reporter about 10 minutes into the movie. She is our very own Stephanie Langston from News Channel 2!

Movie Review For August 15, 2014

NOTE: I am currently traveling out of the country through August 22. There are several movies being released the next two weeks that I have yet to see and will not get a chance to see them before they are released. If you see any of these films, please feel free to write your own reviews in the comments section. I will do my best to catch up with the reviews when I return.

THE GIVER
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Odeya Rush
Plot: In a seemingly utopian society, a boy begins to learn the truth that they are all being manipulated by the government, and must figure out a way to stop them.
Trailer

Clint says: Save some money and see a matinee

This is one of those films that will mean a lot more to some people than to others. For those that read THE GIVER and understand the importance of that book in helping to create and shape the Young Adult genre this will be a film of great importance. For your average movie-goer, this film will probably be a little slow with a mediocre payoff.

The world-building is unique and interesting and there is enough suspense to keep you engaged throughout the film, but it isn't as exciting or fast-paced as DIVERGENT or THE HUNGER GAMES.



THE EXPENDABLES 3
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Just about every action hero in Hollywood
Plot: The Expendables team comes up against a new foe in an old friend and must work together to stay alive.
Trailer

Clint Says: I didn't see this yet, but it doesn't matter...it's going to be AWESOME!

Here's the deal with this franchise, just think SHARKNADO only with a huge budget and A-List actors. These films are so ridiculously over-the-top that they are among the most entertaining films ever. They aren't meant to be thought-provoking or important movies. They are meant to poke fun at the action genre in a non-parody way that satisfies completely.

Grab a big bucket of popcorn, get a bunch of friends and go have a great time with this movie.



LET'S BE COPS
Rated - R
Stars: Damon Wayans, Jake Johnson
Plot: Two buddies dress up like cops for a party, but when people start taking them seriously they keep the charade going.
Trailer

Clint Says: I didn't get to see this movie yet

If you see this movie please post your review in the comments section for others to enjoy.



WHAT IF
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan
Plot: A man tries to be friends with a woman who has a boyfriend.
Trailer

Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now

While this movie is at its base a formulaic Romantic Comedy, the chemistry between Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan is incredible. Their banter and non-verbal communications will make you smile throughout the movie, and there are several moments that will make you laugh out loud.

This is one of those sleeper films that seem to come out a couple of times a year that, for whatever reason, don't get traction among moviegoers, but are exceptional movies. I highly recommend WHAT IF.

DVD Review for March 11, 2014

THE BOOK THIEF
Rated PG-13
Plot: During WWII, a young girl shares hope and a way of escape through books she steals and is taught to read by her adoptive family as well as a Jewish refugee hidden in their home.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent it

If you've read the bestselling book, don't ruin it for yourself by watching the movie. If you haven't read the book, it's worth a rental.



HOMEFRONT
Rated R
Stars: Jason Statham, James Franco
Plot: A former DEA agent and his daughter move to a small town to escape their haunting past, but trouble follows them.
Trailer

Clint Says: Let someone else rent it and mooch off of them.

HOMEFRONT is predictable all the way through but I will give it two pluses: 1. Jason Statham goes beyond his martial arts stereotype and does some really good acting, 2. It's always awesome to see James Franco get the ever-loving crap kicked out of him.


OUT OF THE FURNACE
Rated R
Stars: Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana
Plot: When a man's brother goes missing, and the cops aren't moving fast enough, he takes matters into his own hands.
Trailer

Clint Says: Don't watch unless you have nothing better to do

OUT OF THE FURNACE is full of incredible actors and acting, but it's not enough to pull this below average script and mediocre direction out. It belongs in a furnace somewhere.


INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS
Rated R
Stars: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan
Plot: A folk singer couch hops across the country trying to hit the big time.
Trailer

Clint Says: Run away screaming if this movie is playing anywhere near you

This is one of those "critically acclaimed" movies that proves that Hollywood thinks the Coen Brothers fart unicorns on glitter rainbows. This movie is horrible. It is obnoxious and utterly boring. It starts five chapters too late and ends five chapters too soon.

I put this in my top two worst films of 2013, the other being SPRING BREAKERS. If I had a choice between being stranded on a deserted island or having to watch this movie again I'd need some time to think about it.