DVD Review For May 26, 2015: SEVENTH SON and THE LOFT

SEVENTH SON
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges
Plot: A mystic that fights dark magic takes on a new apprentice just as the queen witch begins her return to power.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you must see this, let somebody else rent it

When this was on the big screen, Julianne Moore had two films in theaters that weekend. One she deserved an Oscar for (STILL ALICE) and then there was this one. I hope she got paid a lot of money to be in this, because that is the only thing that would make it worth it.

This film lacks character development, a compelling story, and good effects. Basically, that leaves you with Jeff Bridges. And, unfortunately, his chosen speech pattern for this film is so annoying that you are desperate for him to stop talking about 5 minutes into the movie.

There are a few amazing effects and the scenery is beautiful, but that is all too little too late.




THE LOFT
Rated: R
Stars: James Marsden, Eric Stonestreet, Wentworth Miller, Karl Urban
Plot: Five married men buy a secret loft together to have affairs, but trouble arises when they find a dead woman there.
Trailer

Clint Says: Don't even bother

THE LOFT is one of those films that looks interesting based on the trailer, but the actual movie is horrible. The acting is embarrassingly bad, the dialogue is worse, and the mystery and suspense aren't even worth the effort of an eye roll.

At best, this movie feels like a long soap opera episode, but it's not even that good. The effects are so poorly done and there are so many blatant continuity errors that you can't help but notice how little the director cared about this film.

Avoid THE LOFT like you would an STD.

Movie Review For February 6, 2015

JUPITER ASCENDING
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean
Plot: A young woman finds out she is royalty from another planet and must figure out who to trust before she gets killed and the earth gets destroyed.
Trailer

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

This movie is 100% sci-fi. If you don't like the sci-fi genre, this is not the film you are looking for. For those of you that love a good sci-fi flick, this has almost everything you could want.

JUPITER ASCENDING is a visual masterpiece, the action scenes are incredible, and the world building is fascinating. The downside though is that the story is pretty thin, there are several holes in the back story that make it difficult to understand why certain things are the way they are, and the acting is mediocre. (Granted it's got to be nearly impossible to act out a scene when you are running around on green boxes in a green room and pretending that you are in mortal danger).

This is a really fun popcorn flick. It's not going to rock your world, but it will afford you a great night out. I would recommend spending the extra money to see this in 3D and on the biggest screen possible.

NOTE: You can check out my DRIVE THROUGH MOVIE REVIEW of JUPITER ASCENDING on YABooksCentral.com.




SEVENTH SON
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges
Plot: A mystic that fights dark magic takes on a new apprentice just as the queen witch begins her return to power.
Trailer

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

Julianne Moore has two films in theaters this weekend. One she deserves an Oscar for (STILL ALICE) and then there is this one. I hope she got paid a lot of money to be in this, because that is the only thing that would make it worth it.

This film lacks character development, a compelling story, and good effects. Basically, that leaves you with Jeff Bridges and his chosen speech pattern for this film is so annoying that you just want him to stop talking about 5 minutes into the movie.

There are a few amazing effects and the scenery is beautiful, but that is all too little too late. If you are looking for a good adventure flick this week JUPITER ASCENDING is a much better choice.




THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER
Rated: PG
Stars: Tom Kenny, Antonio Banderas, Bill Fagerbakke
Plot: Spongebob goes on a quest for the stolen Krabby Patty recipe and ends up as a super hero on land among the humans
Trailer

Clint Says: If you are a Spongebob fan you'll love this movie

Fans of the Spongebob TV series will really enjoy this movie. Like the TV show it is funny, goofy, slapstick and heartwarming. For those of you worried about the transformation of drawn Spongebob to computer generated Spongebob, never fear. The CG version is well done and only about one third of the movie is in CG.

The story is simplistic, but still interesting and the references to pop culture are really funny. Plus there is an awesome rap battle that is worth the price of admission by itself.

Even if you've not seen any episodes of Spongebob before, this movie will make you laugh and feel good.




STILL ALICE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart
Plot: A language professor at Columbia University finds out she has Alzheimer's Disease and must learn to cope with the aftermath.
Trailer

Clint Says: See this movie if you can find it

Julianne Moore gives the performance of her career is this heartbreaking film. She perfectly captures the essence of someone losing the mind that she has spent her entire life cultivating. And while not based on a true story, this movie has the feel of what thousands of families must go through every year when one of their loved ones is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

This is not an easy movie to watch, nor will it leave you anytime soon after you see it. So, if you are able to find a theater that is playing this film make sure you are mentally prepared before seeing it. However, if you do see it you will be treated to what should be an Oscar-winning performance by Julianne Moore.

DVD Review For November 25, 2014

THE NOVEMBER MAN
Rated: R
Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Luke Bracey, Olga Kurylenko
Plot: An ex-CIA operative is called back into action to bring down one of his former trainees.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this movie this week

This film was released into theaters in one of Hollywood's typical dump months. It's where they release all of the films they don't expect to do well. But there are always one or two exceptions. Thankfully, THE NOVEMBER MAN is an exception.

This film is a very good, high entertainment spy flick that will keep you engaged and guessing. It is also done in a way that you really don't know if the main characters are going to make it out alive or not, adding to the suspense and thrills of the movie.

It's a lot of fun to see Pierce Brosnan return to the big screen in a high-action spy role. His cool-as-a-cucumber approach is the perfect juxtaposition to his quick-acting adversary.

It's not quite on par with the better James Bond films, but you won't walk away disappointed.

Get a big bucket of popcorn and enjoy the ride.



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: Rent this if you are interested to see where the YA genre began

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.



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: Rent this movie this week

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.



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: If you liked the first two, buy this DVD today

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 have a great time watching this movie.

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.