Movie Review For December 11, 2015: LEGEND and IN THE HEART OF THE SEA

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA
Rated: PG-13
Release Date: December 11, 2015
Director: Ron Howard
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Brendan Gleeson, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy
Plot: A group of whalers meet their match in the form of a massive whale that is trying to demolish their ship
Trailer

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

Director Ron Howard has a knack for giving audiences epic films to experience. This movie is no exception. The action is powerful, the cinematography is stunning, and the story is compelling and told well.

While this movie is a dark horse in the awards race this year, it would not surprise me to see it nominated in several technical categories as well as visual effects. If it ends up getting any acting nominations it would most likely be for Brendan Gleeson. He gives an impressive and emotional performance.

If you like epic sea tales, you will love this movie. If a 19th century yarn about a big, mean whale sounds boring to you, you should probably skip this movie.



LEGEND
Rated: R
Release Date: November 20, 2015
Director: Brian Helgeland
Stars: Tom Hardy, Emily Browning
Plot: Two brothers control the British underground with their brains and brawn
Trailer

Clint Says: Save some money and see a matinee

Tom Hardy has quickly risen in the ranks to one of the best go-to guys in Hollywood. In LEGEND he plays both of the Kray brothers and does an amazing job.

This is an interesting, period-piece, gangster flick that will have you laughing, cheering, cringing, and covering your eyes. I'm not sure how close this movie stays to the true story, but if the real story is even half of what the movie portrays one would be wise to not cross the Krays.

This is not a film for those with a weak heart or stomach, it is full of gangster violence and all of the hard things that go along with that lifestyle. That said, it also has very compelling relationship stories between the brothers others in their lives.

This movie isn't going to win any of the big awards this year, nor will it be nominated for many, but it's still a film worth seeing if you are looking for a good gangster flick this weekend.

DVD Reviews For September 1, 2015: MAD MAX: FURY ROAD and THE D TRAIN

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
Rated: R
Stars: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Nicholas Hoult
Plot: A wasteland driver smuggles slave girls out of their horrific situation with the help of Max
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy this DVD this week

As the end credits rolled in the theater where I saw this film, I sat in my chair completely astounded by what I had just witnessed. Even as I write this, I'm not sure if I loved this movie or hated it. Although I'm pretty sure I loved it.

This film jumps right into the action and never lets up. It's a high-octane face punch that keeps coming at you. There is one scene about halfway through the film that finally gives the audience a break. I could hear the audience give an almost collective sigh of relief.

Interestingly, this film is part of the MAD MAX franchise and it is set in that world, but the story is actually led by Charlize Theron's character. While Max does help out, she is the driving force behind everything that happens as well as the person that most often gets them out of their seemingly hopeless predicaments.

This movie is loud, intense, gross, weird, disturbing and hilarious in its over-the-top presence. You may love it or you may hate it, but either way it's a flick that should be experienced on the biggest screen possible.




THE D TRAIN
Rated: R
Stars: Jack Black, James Marsden
Plot: When a regular guy can't get anyone to RSVP for their high school reunion he hatches a plan to bring in their former classmate that became a Hollywood actor hoping the others will follow
Trailer

Clint Says: It's not even worth a Redbox with a coupon

THE D TRAIN is a complete train wreck. Imagine a sequel to THE BREAKFAST CLUB where Judd Nelson and Emilio Estevez, who ended up marrying Ally Sheedy, are a little bit too happy to see each other after all those years. That is THE D TRAIN in a nut shell.

It's got the feel and soundtrack of an 80s flick, but it's about a group of adults that graduated high school in 1994 and it's set in 2014.

It's not funny, it's not dramatic, it's not even quirky or weird. It's just there. I'm a huge fan of Jack Black, but this movie does not do him justice. I'm glad to see him in more serious roles, but this isn't it.

At 97 minutes you'd think this movie goes by pretty fast. Unfortunately, it drags on making that 97 minutes feel more like three hours. It's time you will never get back.

Even die hard Jack Black fans should skip this flick. Otherwise you'll be disappointed.

DVD Review for August 4, 2015: INSURGENT, TRUE STORY, DO YOU BELIEVE? and CHILD 44

INSURGENT
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort
Plot: Tris and Four must make new alliances and try to stay alive while the government hunts them down.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you liked the first one, rent this

The second film in the DIVERGENT series falls off sharply from the first one. Fans of the book may be disappointed that the movie deviates far from the book. In fact, it deviates so much it's almost like the film is an original screenplay.

If you haven't seen the first film do not go see this one. You will be completely lost with no chance of figuring out what is going on. It was difficult even for those of us who did see DIVERGENT.

I will say that the action and the effects are amazing throughout the movie, but the dialogue and the plot are both sub-par. There are also several moments that will make you say, "wait, what just happened?"

I think that fans of the books that are willing to see the plot changed will really enjoy this movie, but for everyone else you may find it mediocre at best.

If you would like to see our Nerd Riders Drive Through Movie Review for INSURGENT click here.




TRUE STORY
Rated: R
Stars: Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones
Plot: A journalist meets and begins to tell the story of a man that murdered his own family, but then took on the identity of the journalist
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this as soon as you can

This is a creepy, fascinating, and thrilling flick that will keep you guessing and engaged throughout. Jonah Hill and James Franco prove that they are truly exemplary actors and so much better than the dumb comedies they do. Felicity Jones proves once again that she is one of Hollywood's best. In fact, she may have the most compelling scene in the film aside from Franco's courtroom testimony.

This is not a fast-paced movie at all, but it doesn't feel slow either. There isn't a lot of action, but the compelling nature in which the story is told makes this a film worth the time and money to see it.

This film may not be as suspenseful if you already know the actual story, but if you are walking into it unaware, like I did, you will be pleasantly surprised by the intriguing story.

I hope Hill and Franco give us more movies like this in the future.




DO YOU BELIEVE?
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mira Sorvino, Sean Astin
Plot: 12 lives are changed over the course of a few days as their paths cross
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent it if you've got some extra time

This film is from the same people that brought us GOD'S NOT DEAD. That film had no advertising budget, but through word of mouth it stayed in the top 10 for several weeks and made over $60 Million. This time they spent a good chunk of that money making a much better film that will probably do even better at the box office.

By Hollywood standards this is an okay film. There isn't a lot about it that is exciting or innovative, but this is a story film, and the story is quite intriguing. The plot is interesting, the acting is much better than I expected, including a very powerful performance by Brian Bosworth.

There are a few moments that are too coincidental and others with cringe-worthy dialogue, but that aside it's a film worth seeing. Christians will love it for the message, but I think that non-Christians will find it interesting as well.

It is PG-13 for a reason, I would highly recommend keeping the younger kids away from this movie. There are certain things that happen that may be too intense for the under 10 crowd.




CHILD 44
Rated: R
Stars: Tom Hardy, Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace
Plot: A disgraced member of Stalin's police force tries to solve a serial killer case in a Russia that is told that murder is not possible
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this when you are in the right mood

This is one of those films where the trailer is so much better than the movie. I'm not saying the movie was bad, but it could have been so much better. If I'm going to sit through a two-plus hour, post-WWII, Russian period piece I need it to be overly compelling. This one is not.

There are a lot of great things about things film, not the least of which is the incredible acting by Tom Hardy and Joel Kinnaman. The cinematography is outstanding as well. I just wish the plot could have been more action-oriented and thrilling.

Typically in a murder-mystery style film there is a lot of suspense in the chase. In this case there is very little. In fact, the only real suspense comes outside of the hunt for the killer. If the hunt had been executed better this might have been an Oscar contender.

I would love to recommend seeing this film just because the cast is so amazing, but honestly, while I do recommend seeing this movie on DVD, it's not an outstanding film.

Movie Review For May 15, 2015: PITCH PERFECT 2, MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

PITCH PERFECT 2
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson
Plot: After an unfortunate event, the Bellas must win the A Capella World Championships in order to keep their group going
Trailer

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

After the original PITCH PERFECT became the cult classic that it is, we all knew it was simply a matter of time before a sequel would appear. The big question was would it be as good or even better than the first one. The answer? Aca-Yes!...and no.

PITCH PERFECT 2 is essentially the same movie as the first one except the jokes are bigger. The plot is much smaller. It's exciting, fun, funny and a joy to watch, but only if you go into it with the attitude that this movie is nothing more than fluff and harmony. If you are looking for substance, deep plot, or characters with a character arc you should skip this flick. If you are looking for a film that will make you smile from ear to ear, sing along, and make you laugh, you will absolutely love this movie.

All of the characters from the first film are back again, so fear ye not oh fans of Bumper. You will be pleased. In fact, Bumper and Fat Amy share the funniest scene in the film. Although Gail and John give them a run for their money in the funny department.

This is a movie that you could easily wait to see on DVD, but it's worth it to see it in theaters with a bunch of other serious fans of the franchise. So grab your aca-friends and your pitch pipe and have a great night at the movies.

NOTE: Make sure you stay through the end credits.

You can see my Drive Through Movie Review of this film here.





MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
Rated: R
Stars: Charlize Theron, Tom Hardy, Nicholas Hoult
Plot: A wasteland driver smuggles slave girls out of their horrific situation with the help of Max
Trailer

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

As the end credits rolled in the theater where I saw this film, I sat in my chair completely astounded by what I had just witnessed. Even as I write this, I'm not sure if I loved this movie or hated it. Although I'm pretty sure I loved it.

This film jumps right into the action and never lets up. It's a high-octane face punch that keeps coming at you. There is one scene about halfway through the film that finally gives the audience a break. I could hear the audience give an almost collective sigh of relief.

Interestingly, this film is part of the MAD MAX franchise and it is set in that world, but the story is actually led by Charlize Theron's character. While Max does help out, she is the driving force behind everything that happens as well as the person that most often gets them out of their seemingly hopeless predicaments.

This movie is loud, intense, gross, weird, disturbing and hilarious in its over-the-top presence. You may love it or you may hate it, but either way it's a flick that should be experienced on the big screen.

Movie Reviews For April 24, 2015: THE AGE OF ADALINE, LITTLE BOY, TRUE STORY, CHILD 44 and EX MACHINA

THE AGE OF ADALINE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Blake Lively, Harrison Ford, Michiel Huisman
Plot: An accident causes a woman to stop aging and the effects of her condition make living a normal life impossible.
Trailer

Clint Says: Save some money and see a matinee

I am not a fan of films where implausible things happen. I'm fine with the impossible, because it's fiction. A woman that ends up not being able to age is an intriguing theme. I'm happy to suspend disbelief and enjoy the show in a case like that. Where I draw the line is when, and I'm not spoiling anything here that's not already in the trailer, said woman dates a man then decades later ends up running into that man because she is dating his son. The implausibility is cringe-worthy.

Aside from that the story is actually compelling and a nice love story. Blake Lively is wonderful in her role as Adaline, although her overly-proper speech pattern is somewhat distracting. It fits that her character being several decades older than she looks would talk like that, but it's tough to make one's brain reconcile the two.

This movie also has a very "sciencey" narrator that is endearing, annoying and unintentionally hilarious at once. In the screening I attended the audience laughed nearly every time he opened his mouth.

The film feels long even though it's not quite two hours long. It's fairly slow and at some times even boring, but there is enough that is compelling about it to bring you back into the story once it picks up again.

THE AGE OF ADALINE will give you plenty of eye-rolling moments, but it will also give you happy feels as well. If you like love stories with a twist, you'll most-likely like this film.




LITTLE BOY
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Jakob Salvati, Emily Watson, David Henrie, Tom Wilkinson, Kevin James
Plot: When a young boy's father goes off to fight in WWII, the boy will do anything to get his dad back home
Trailer

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

This is a beautifully done story of faith, hope and love. The story is told well, the acting is spot on, and even though it is a little too saccharin sweet it's heartwarming and enjoyable.

Jakob Salvati is an absolute joy to watch throughout the film. His happiness, faith and innocence will put a smile on your face that can only be taken away by the ravages of war and hatred.

The film does a nice job of paralleling the intertwined stories and making you really feel for the characters.In fact there is a nice character depth to almost all of the main players.

There are some thematic elements that make this a PG-13 film, so it isn't a film for the whole family, but it is one that I would take my children to see because it may open up some lines of dialogue about faith and prejudice.

LITTLE BOY is a great choice this weekend. It will make you smile, but you need to bring some tissues as well.




TRUE STORY
Rated: R
Stars: Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones
Plot: A journalist meets and begins to tell the story of a man that murdered his own family, but then took on the identity of the journalist
Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters soon

This is a creepy, fascinating, and thrilling flick that will keep you guessing and engaged throughout. Jonah Hill and James Franco prove that they are truly exemplary actors and so much better than the dumb comedies they do. Felicity Jones proves once again that she is one of Hollywood's best. In fact, she may have the most compelling scene in the film aside from Franco's courtroom testimony.

This is not a fast-paced movie at all, but it doesn't feel slow either. There isn't a lot of action, but the compelling nature in which the story is told makes this a film worth the time and money to see it.

This film may not be as suspenseful if you already know the actual story, but if you are walking into it unaware, like I did, you will be pleasantly surprised by the intriguing story.

I hope Hill and Franco give us more movies like this in the future.




CHILD 44
Rated: R
Stars: Tom Hardy, Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace
Plot: A disgraced member of Stalin's police force tries to solve a serial killer case in a Russia that is told that murder is not possible
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

This is one of those films where the trailer is so much better than the movie. I'm not saying the movie was bad, but it could have been so much better. If I'm going to sit through a two-plus hour, post-WWII, Russian period piece I need it to be overly compelling. This one is not.

There are a lot of great things about things film, not the least of which is the incredible acting by Tom Hardy and Joel Kinnaman. The cinematography is outstanding as well. I just wish the plot could have been more action-oriented and thrilling.

Typically in a murder-mystery style film there is a lot of suspense in the chase. In this case there is very little. In fact, the only real suspense comes outside of the hunt for the killer. If the hunt had been executed better this might have been an Oscar contender.

I would love to recommend seeing this film just because the cast is so amazing, but honestly, you won't miss anything by waiting until the DVD comes out. At that point though, I highly recommend seeing CHILD 44.




EX MACHINA
Rated: R
Stars: Domhnall Gleeson, Oscar Isaac, Alicia Vikander
Plot: A young computer genius is tasked with working with an artificial intelligence being, but things don't turn out like they planned
Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters if you like slow-moving, but deep-thinking Sci-fi

This is one of the most intriguing, thought-provoking, and disturbing science fiction films I've seen in a long time. It is slow-paced and, of course, they go with a created artificial intelligence being that is the most beautiful woman to ever walk the planet, but aside from that it's a unique plot with great twists.

Oscar Isaac is outstanding in this film, which personally makes me very happy, because up to this point I haven't liked him in anything, but I'm a huge STAR WARS fan and he's starring in the new one. This gives me hope that he will be a good fit for that role.

Domhnall Gleeson does a fine job as well. He is a perfect fit for these brain-squeezing thrillers.

This film will make you think, cringe, squirm, and leave you dumbfounded in a good way when it's all over. It's a disturbing yet engaging film that will stick in your head for several days after you see it.

One warning: There is a lot of graphic nudity in this film.

DVD Review For January 20, 2015

LUCY
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman
Plot: A young woman is drugged and as a result is able to tap into 100% of her brain's capacity.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you have to see this, I pity you

Luc Besson, writer and director of LUCY, needs to get some people on his team that are willing to tell him "no"...quickly. I'd be hard pressed to try to come up with another movie that falls apart so thoroughly in the last 20 minutes.

Besson has done some very good work in the past, but he's had some real stinkers too. This film falls into the latter category. Morgan Freeman's character is completely useless to the plot and is really only there to preach at us for 90 very long minutes. There are plot holes and inconsistencies throughout the entire film, some of which are so blatantly obvious that even the most casual movie-goer will notice.

I saw LUCY with my wife. And while I am a stickler for story integrity, she, being an author, puts me to shame in that category. Her rant about this film for the entire 45 minute ride home was epic. I've heard her rip some movies to shreds before over plot, but this one was one for the ages.

The first hour of this film is actually pretty exciting despite the preachiness and plot holes. My recommendation is, if you really must see this, watch until Lucy lands in Paris. At that point, get up, turn off the movie, go get some coffee with a friend and come up with your own ending. I guarantee you that your ending will be way better than the actual ending.



THE DROP
Rated: R
Stars: James Gandolfini, Noomi Rapace, Tom Hardy
Plot: A bartender in a rough neighborhood finds himself in the middle of criminal activity.
Trailer

Clint says: Rent it if you've got a free night

James Gandolfini returns as a rough mobster in his last feature film, and Tom Hardy gives an exemplary performance once again.

While the story itself isn't overly compelling or even very interesting, the fact that it is Gandolfini's last movie makes it worth a watch.

It's not a bad film at all, but it isn't the great film that it could have been.

Movie Review For September 12, 2014

DOLPHIN TALE 2
Rated - PG
Stars: Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Morgan Freeman
Plot: The staff at Clearwater must find a companion for Winter before she is taken away from them forever.
Trailer

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

This is one of those films that I knew going into it, it was going to be a feel-good movie with a good dose of inspiration. I was surprised that that movie was actually very good and well done beyond the expected.

I saw this movie in a theater packed with children and adults with missing limbs or other physical challenges. Talking with them after the film helped me to realize how inspirational Winter is to so many of them.

I sat next to a young friend of mine, Zion, who had both of his feet amputated a couple of years ago. He kept whispering to me during the movie all the facts about Winter that the movie was leaving out. It was one of the more joyful movie experiences of my life.

This is a great family-friendly film that will inspire you and give you hope.



NO GOOD DEED
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Idris Elba, Taraji Henson
Plot: A woman and her two children are terrorized in their own home by a man that talked his way in.
Trailer

Clint says: I haven't seen this yet, but I have serious doubts about it.

I was scheduled to see a screening of this film earlier in the week. 10 hours before the screening the studio canceled it giving us the excuse that they were worried about the surprise twist ending being revealed before the film's release. This really makes no sense, because reviews see films with wild twists all the time and they aren't revealed.

I have a feeling that this is simply a ploy to try to have at least one good weekend for a really bad movie.



THE DROP
Rated: R
Stars: James Gandolfini, Noomi Rapace, Tom Hardy
Plot: A bartender in a rough neighborhood finds himself in the middle of criminal activity.
Trailer

Clint says: Save some money and see a matinee

James Gandolfini returns as a rough mobster in his last feature film, and Tom Hardy gives an exemplary performance once again.

While the story itself isn't overly compelling or even very interesting, the fact that it is Gandolfini's last movie makes it worth a watch.

It's not a bad film at all, but it won't be up for any major awards this year.

Movie Review for May 16, 2014

GODZILLA
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Bryan Cranston, Elizabeth Olsen
Plot: Godzilla returns from the deep, forcing humanity to come together to try to bring down their common foe.
Trailer

Clint Says: See it in theaters if you love monster movies

As far as monster movies go this may be one of the best ones ever. If you're looking for cinematic perfection, you should probably skip this flick.

This is one of those great summer popcorn movies that gives you tons of action, suspense, chills, jumps and bumps, but you can't think about the plot too much. You just have to leave all reality at the door and escape into the movie.

The effects are A+ and the acting is surprisingly above average for a film like this. If you're looking for a fun movie without too much thinking involved, GODZILLA would be a great choice this weekend.



MILLION DOLLAR ARM
Rated: PG
Stars: John Hamm, Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal
Plot: A down-on-his-luck sports agent tries to right his career by creating a reality show in India to find cricket players and turn them into Major League Baseball pitchers.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

MILLION DOLLAR ARM is a fine film. It has an interesting story and beautiful imagery that is worth seeing, but it's not worth spending the money to see it in a theater.

This film is family-friendly, so if you are looking for an outing for the crew you won't be disappointed taking them to see this, but the movie offers nothing on the big screen that you won't get on the DVD. (In fact, the DVD will probably be better because of all the extras they usually throw on those things).

John Hamm gives a fine performance and Alan Arkin is a show stealer as usual. It's a great feel-good, inspirational story that you can wait another four months to see.



LOCKE
Rated: R
Stars: Tom Hardy
Plot: A construction foreman must make an unexpected drive to London. During the drive his life falls apart.
Trailer

Clint Says: See this in theaters, if you like non-traditional films

This movie is not for everyone. It is not entertaining by any stretch of the imagination, however, it is highly compelling.

The entire movie is one man's 90-minute drive into London. There are no cut-away scenes to prior events, the only exterior shots are of things you can see from the car, and Tom Hardy is the only person you ever see on screen. During his 90-minute drive he makes and receives several phone calls that change his life drastically.

I would have never thought that a movie made in such a fashion would ever keep an audience's attention, but this film does a marvelous job of sucking you in and keeping you in suspense until the end.