Movie Review For August 28, 2015: NO ESCAPE, WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS, and WAR ROOM

BIG NEWS!!!!! I have a brand new, interactive movie review website that allows you to review the films you've seen and comment on other reviews. Plus it has some other cool features as well.

I'm going to keep this blog going for a while, but eventually everything will lead to the new site.

You can check it out at clintsmoviereviews.com. I'd love it if you take the time to register (it's free) and do your own reviews.

Thank you!

Clint




NO ESCAPE
Rated: R
Director: John Erick Dowdle
Stars: Owen Wilson, Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan
Plot: A family trying to start a new life in Southeast Asia finds themselves in the middle of a rebel uprising
Trailer

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

This film should come with an oxygen tank with every ticket sold. It is so intense and suspenseful you will find yourself holding your breath and, at times, literally sitting on the edge of your seat.

I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I was for the moments of downtime in the film just so I could catch my breath.

Owen Wilson breaks from type for this film and does an outstanding job in the process. Lake Bell is spectacular as well, and the two play off of each other with authentic chemistry.

The film does have a few plot holes and several moments of convenience, but it also rings very true with the way a mother and father would do anything to protect their children.

If you are looking for a good, suspenseful flick that will make you gasp for breath, NO ESCAPE is a great choice.




WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS
Rated: R
Director: Max Joseph
Stars: Zac Efron, Wes Bentley, Emily Ratajkowski
Plot: Four friends try to come up with a plan to hit it big in the Electronic Dance Music industry
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

Have you ever helped someone move and they said, "put the couch here...no, over here...wait, let's try here"? That's kind of how it seems they made this movie. It's all over the place and it doesn't feel like there was a lot of planning before production began.

The actors do a fine job, nothing spectacular, but not so bad as to take away from the movie, but the plot is really thin. There are moments where the film tries to go deep, but it feels forced and fake. Then those moments are pushed aside quickly so we can get back to the party.

I would say this flick is a total waste of time, but there is a nice, educational seven-minute stretch that teaches us the theory behind being a great DJ with charts and graphs included. It's like watching "How To Become A DJ" on one of the science-friendly cable networks. At least I felt like I got a bit of an education, even if the rest of the film was all but useless.

I'm not really sure how to even classify this film. It's kind of a Rom-Com, but the romance is secondary and there isn't any comedy, it's kind of a music movie, but the music is shockingly minimal, and it's kind of a Bro-party flick, but you don't really care about them that much. It's just sort of....there. I'd suggest leaving it there and seeing something else.




WAR ROOM
Rated: PG
Director: Alex Kendrick
Stars: Priscilla Shirer, T.C. Stallings, Karen Abercrombie
Plot: A widow teaches a woman the power of prayer and it changes her life as well as her family's
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

This is a nice and heartfelt, inspirational film. It’s not as flashy or as precise as your typical Hollywood film, but it is better than your average made-for-tv movie.

Those that believe in the power of prayer will find this film to be inspiring. People that aren’t so sure about the whole prayer thing will find this movie to be thought-provoking and it might even give you the courage to give it a try.

The film does have a few slow moments, a few awkward moments, and a few moments of “Christian speak” where non-Christians might get lost in the jargon, but overall it is a good story with a positive message.

Strictly based on the quality of movie, I can’t recommend seeing this in theaters, but it will be a good rental when it comes out on DVD. 

DVD Review For March 10, 2015

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB
Rated: PG
Stars: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Dan Stevens, Rebel Wilson, Owen Wilson
Plot: Larry and his museum friends must travel to London to find out why their magic is coming to an end
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy this DVD soon, your whole family will love it

It's surprising that this franchise is now releasing its third film and all three of them are great movies. One would expect there to be a dud in the bunch by now, but not in this case.

The effects are fun, the jokes are funny and the story will keep audiences of all ages engaged and entertained. (It may be a bit too intense for the under-five crowd, but everyone else will be fine).

Even though it is set, mostly, in London, we really don't get to see their culture. As with the other films, most of the movie takes place inside the museum. So if you're going to see London you'll be disappointed.

For those of you that were fans of the three old night security guys from the first film, you will be happy to know that they return in this one and they are just as funny as ever.

This is the last on-screen performance by Robin Williams and Mickey Rooney, which is sad, but it's a wonderful film in which to see them off.



THE SOUND OF MUSIC 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
Rated: G
Stars: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer
Plot: A woman helps to raise the children of a strict Naval Officer during World War II.
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy this DVD today and share it with a new generation

Do I really need to review this film for you? Of course not! It's a timeless, 5-time Oscar winner that everyone will love to see again.

The 5-Disc collection includes commentary, documentaries, sing-alongs, screen tests, behind the scene footage and much more.

And, Julie Andrews.




THE JOHN HUGHES YEARBOOK COLLECTION
Rated: R
Stars: Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Emilio Estevez
Plot: This is a collection of THE BREAKFAST CLUB, SIXTEEN CANDLES, and WEIRD SCIENCE
Trailers: THE BREAKFAST CLUB, SIXTEEN CANDLES, WEIRD SCIENCE

Clint Says: Buy this DVD now and relive the 80's tonight. If you are too young for that, watch these DVDs to find out why your parents are so weird

This is another set of classic films that need no review. John Hughes was the master of 80's movies and these are three of his best works.

The DVDs include commentaries, vignettes, trivia and more.