Rated: PG
Release Date: October 16, 2015
Director: Rob Letterman
Stars: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee
Plot: When a boy suspects foul play at the neighbors' house, he finds out that R.L. Stein's monsters are real
Trailer
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
Jack Black belongs in the Awesomeness Hall of Fame. He is so much fun as the mysterious R.L.Stein. That, combined with the unique story line for this movie, makes it one worth seeing. It is a fun, funny, somewhat scary film that kids from 8 to 88 will enjoy.
Fans of the books and TV show will enjoy this movie thoroughly, but it is just fine for those of you that have never delved into the GOOSEBUMPS world. The writers and director do a great job of catching you up without making it boring for the big fans.
The only thing I wish was better about this movie are the monsters. The CGI feels like it is from about 10 years ago. I liked the monsters, but the amateurish graphics kept pulling me out of the story with how obviously fake the monsters were. (I know. I know. Monsters are fake. But they could at least look real).
This film is like a gateway drug for horror flicks. If you don't like horror films, but you want to get into the Halloween spirit a bit, this film should satisfy your craving. I wouldn't take any kids under six or seven to see this movie, but it is rated PG, so it's pretty tame for most families.
Also, be on the lookout for a special appearance by R.L. Stein. It's a fun moment.
BRIDGE OF SPIES
Rated: PG-13
Release Date: October 16, 2015
Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance
Plot: A lawyer is recruited to negotiate a deal during the Cold War era between the US and Russia to get a detained US pilot returned
Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters
When Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks work together on a project it is fair to expect an exceptional film. BRIDGE OF SPIES meets that expectation. Hanks is masterful once again and Spielberg allows the story to be the star without overdoing it.
The film is a bit slow in some parts, but it is also incredibly intense and suspenseful. It's a great period piece that will give you a lot to talk about over coffee after you've seen it.
This is a film that I will probably see again, because there is so much to it that I want to see if I pick up on anything I missed the first time around.
There may be a few award nominations in the future for this film, but it won't be an Oscar front runner. However, it is still very much worth the price of admission.
CRIMSON PEAK
Rated: R
Release Date: October 16, 2015
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam
Plot: An American woman is lured into the evil plans of a European man and woman.
Clint Says: Save some money and see a matinee
As far as horror movies go, this is one of the better ones. It is much more along the lines of true horror rather than slasher flick. That said, it still had a few eye rolling moments of cliche horror movie antics.
The one thing that sets this movie apart from most horror films is the cast. They do an incredible job and make what could have been a rather bland film into something worth seeing. However, all of you SONS OF ANARCHY fans will be expecting Charlie Hunnam to hop on a motorcycle at any moment, because his character has many similar mannerisms to Jax Teller.
If you are looking for a suspenseful thriller with a good ghost story to get you in the mood for Halloween, CRIMSON PEAK is a great choice.
