MOVIE REVIEW: White Bird in a Blizzard - 'Marriage Destined To End In Death'

Director: Gregg Araki
Stars: Shailene Woodley, Eva Green, Christopher Meloni

Release Date:  October 24, 2014

Our teen years are the happiest days of our lives, right? The parties, the thrills, the excitement, the adventures, the world is truly in our hands. We might believe that but in all actuality, our teen years can come with some pretty awful memories as well. But we refuse to remember those, I mean, who chooses to remember the bad memories over the good? That is exactly the case for Shailene Wodley's Kat Connor in her latest film White Bird in a Blizzard, whose mother goes missing quite randomly in the middle of January. Director Gregg Araki who specializes in subjecting young people is back at it again with his latest film. Unfortunately, the complete lack of mystery and suspense is the downfall of the film.

Kat Connors (Shailene Woodley) is 17 years old when her perfect homemaker mother, Eve (Eva Green), a beautiful, enigmatic, and haunted woman, disappears - just as Kat is discovering and relishing her newfound sexuality. Having lived for so long in a stifled, emotionally repressed household, she barely registers her mother's absence and certainly doesn't blame her doormat of a father, Brock (Christopher Meloni), for the loss. In fact, it's almost a relief. But as time passes, Kat begins to come to grips with how deeply Eve's disappearance has affected her. Returning home on a break from college, she finds herself confronted with the truth about her mother's departure, and her own denial about the events surrounding it...

White Bird in a Blizzard can easily be apart of a double feature with the other film being Gone Girl. Heck, if you have the spare time add Horns to it as well and you'll have yourself a nice triple feature. But the first two films have more in common than the latter as they both deal with the true story behind a "perfect" marriage and reveals this story through the mystery of a missing spouse. White Bird in a Blizzard on the other hand goes deeper than what director David Fincher and author Gillian Flynn had a chance to by looking through the viewpoint of an offspring. In this case, a hormonal teenage girl. This small difference plays a huge role in the film.

The difference between the two films is White Bird in a Blizzard does not care much about the mystery in the novel. After the first 15 minutes into the film you already know who did it. The why is more of a twist but you are never surprised or filled with suspense throughout the film. This is probably because Araki has always been one to subject young individuals and more specifically how they handle their identity and relationships. If you are a fan of the source material, Laura Kasischke's novel, than you will be upset that Araki never addresses the LGBT identity that is addressed in the novel.

This can easily be considered Woodley's Havoc as she drops the teenage girl image that she built through The Secret Life of the American Teenager with a couple of nude scenes throughout the film. She picked the right film to show Hollywood and her fans that she is ready for more mature roles as she completely nails the different emotions her character goes through. Despite her strong want for sex, she never comes out as a slut and rarely over dramatized other emotions as well. Christopher Meloni brings a strong performance as Kat's father but Eva Green just feels out of her element as Kat's mother. A pet peeve of mine has always been casting a big name actor for such a tiny role and that is the case for Thomas Jane's Detective Scieziesciez.

White Bird in a Blizzard is currently available on VOD with it set to have a limited release on October 24th.

MOVIE REVIEW: Fury - 'Best Job I Have Ever Had'

Director: David Ayer

Starring: Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, Jon Bernthal

Release Date: October 17, 2014

David Ayer's ability to write a script involving characters in law enforcement of any sort has always been his forte, being that he is responsible for the writing behind Training Day, End of Watch, U-571 and Sabotage. Ayer returns as not only the writer but as the director for his latest script, Fury. This time his script takes us far back to April 1945, the final stretch of World War II. Joining him is an all-star cast (on all levels) of Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, and Jon Bernthal, all Ayer's main subjects. Unfortunately, Fury is filled with plot holes and war cliches causing Ayer to take a step in the wrong direction in his script writing.

April, 1945. As the Allies make their final push in the European Theatre, a battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) commands a Sherman tank and his five-man crew on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Outnumbered and outgunned, and with a rookie soldier thrust into their platoon, Wardaddy and his men face overwhelming odds in their heroic attempts to strike at the heart of Nazi Germany.

With the majority of the film focused on Don 'Wardaddy' Collier's crew, the first job Ayer should have addressed was developing all five of the characters. This isn't a police car like Ayer is used to dealing with in films such as Training Day and End of Watch in which you only had to worry about the people in the front of the car. No, this time we are in a tank and instead of a two man crew, we have a five man team. Instead, Ayer decides to focus on the Sergeant and the newcomer, Norman. To only purely focus on two of five characters that are in such a closed space as a tank is ludicrous. Besides, in the first fifteen minutes of the film you don't learn anything new about the other three members and they just end up being war-cliches like 'the Mexican', 'the bad guy' and 'the preacher'.

Not to take anything away from Wardaddy and Norman's story line as it does bring some depth and emotion to the film but Ayer never wraps up their relationship either. Their relationship begins with Wardaddy forcing Norman to kill a man for the first time in his life. Showing the viewers that innocence is the first to die in war. Midway into the film, the two spend a rare day off with two females which plays as a wonderful step in their relationship and leaves you with a feeling that something is coming that will not only change their relationship but the entire basis of the film. Those feelings never get satisfied as that scene plays as the last development in their relationship. What a let down.

Just in case you forgot by reading the review thus far, Fury is a war movie and you will see a lot of war aspects, maybe more than you thought. There is a lot of brutal imagery throughout the film and if you have a light stomach than you might be joining Norman for a puke or two. Fury provides a fresh point of view than other war films as the viewers are limited to seeing and hearing only what the tank crew can see and hear. From the confines of the tank to what is forthcoming in the battlefield, you will experience it all.

A war film is only as good as its action sequences and that is one part that Fury does not disappoint. Ayer might have not delivered in the script like we are accustomed to but he is still the man when it comes to assessing men under fire. Is this film the best war film? No. But will you enjoy yourself? Yes.

MOVIE REVIEW: Horns - 'Love Turned Them Into The Devil'

Director: Alexandre Aja

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Juno Temple, Heather Graham

Release Date: October 31, 2014

When I think of successful horror directors from the 21st century, only a few names automatically come to mind: James Wan, Rob Zombie, and Eli Roth. That is an incredibly small amount compared to the number of horror films that come out in a year. But there's one director that has gone undetected and after watching Horns, that will no longer be the case for Alexandre Aja.

Based on the novel by Joe Hill, Horns is a supernatural thriller driven by fantasy, mystery and romance. The film follows Ig Perrish (Daniel Radcliffe), the number one suspect for the violent rape and murder of his girlfriend, Merrin (Juno Temple). Hungover from a night of hard drinking, Ig awakens one morning to find horns starting to grow from his own head and soon realizes their power drives people to confess their sins and give in to their most selfish and unspeakable impulses - an effective tool in his quest to discover the true circumstances of his late girlfriend's tragedy and for exacting revenge on her killer.

It's hard for any actor to leave the shadows of a character that made him a household name. Robert Downey Jr. will always be Tony Stark, Hugh Jackman will always be Wolverine and Daniel Radcliffe will always be Harry Potter. The difference? Robert Downey Jr. and Hugh Jackman love being known for those roles. Seeing how Radcliffe will be starring in three films in the Toronto International Film Festival including Horns, it's clear that Radcliffe is ready to be known for more than just Harry Potter and with his work in Horns,  he's taking steps in the right direction. Radcliffe was on the top of his game as Ig and this was his best performance by far since putting down his wand. Radcliffe was not the only one to put up a solid performance in the film. When Ig confronts his parents with his new set of horns, Derrick (James Remar) and Lydia Perrish (Kathleen Quinlan) bring some high emotion and seriousness that the film truly needed. Juno Temple, as Merrin, was very minor but shaky as it was hard to understand why everybody loved her. Her grieving father on the other hand, Dale Williams (David Morse), was brilliant.

It's hard to classify Horns as one specific genre. The love story between Ig and Merrin had scenes that were filled with emotion and heartbreak that you would want your favorite romance film to contain. But as soon as Ig grows his horns and people start spilling their sins and evil desires to Ig, the film will have you laughing. But that laughter will quickly disappear as the film becomes dark by the third act.

Horns does not have the gore that we are used to seeing from Alexandre Aja, but by the time the third act arrives the film turns into a full out horror film when Ig travels with a gang of serpents. But Horns for the most part is a blood-free affair which leads to some disappointment, especially if you are familiar with Aja's earlier works. That doesn't mean that the visuals disappoint, you just wish there were more. But with what Aja did with this script, that is a win in my books.

The biggest disappointment of the film is determined by whether or not you've read the book. This is not the best adaptation of a book in recent memory. There are a lot of story arcs from the book that did not make the film and if it did it would have made certain scenes better. For example, the final battle scene between Ig and Merrin's killer. The final showdown plays out a lot differently in the book compared to the film which made it short lived and rushed. Does not mean the film doesn't do the source material any justice, it just could have been done better.

Horns is currently available on VOD but will still hit theaters on Halloween. The film is not worth your money when it comes to seeing it in theaters but you will have fun with it while you watch it On Demand.

MOVIE REVIEW: Kill the Messenger - 'Dark Alliance'

Director: Michael Cuesta
Starring: Jeremy Renner, Robert Patrick, Jena Sims
Release Date: October 10, 2014

In 1996, Gary Webb published articles under his 'Dark Alliance' series that exposed the CIA's enrollment in the funding of the Nicaraguan contra's to smuggle cocaine into the United States. The articles faced heavy attacks as jealous bigger newspaper companies and of course the CIA scrutinized Webb's sources and ethics. Just like investigative journalism, Kill the Messenger isn't all what it is cracked to be.

Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner leads an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation's streets...and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins and CIA operatives to stop his investigation, Webb keeps digging to uncover a conspiracy with explosive implications. His journey takes him from the prisons of California to the villages of Nicaragua to the highest corridors of power in Washington, D.C. - and draws the kind of attention that threatens not just his career, but his family and his life

If this film was only first forty-five minutes in length then this review will read much differently. I will tell you to see this film opening weekend as it will receive a 'Full Movie Experience' rating. Wouldn't be surprise either since director Michael Cuesta has directed numerous television shows and even took home a Primetime Emmy for Homeland. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The first forty-five minutes will have you on the edge of your seat as Webb travels the globe to find the truth behind this CIA conspiracy. As Webb learns new information, perhaps even yourself will learn some new history as well, the suspense only grows. 

After Webb publishes the articles and the tables get turned against him, the film loses all its intensity and suspense. You find yourself now slouching in your chair, just waiting for anything to happen to grab your attention again. Has Cuesta never directed a two-hour television special before? Even the ending leaves you waiting for more, literally. As the film ends with a run-on shot of an escalator, you are waiting and hoping something more happens. Perhaps giving the viewers a better understanding of the flaws behind Webb's article or extending the timeline that the film covers. 

Regardless, Kill the Messenger is a film you should check out at one point due to the facts that are covered within the film. You will learn something new about our government and the war on drugs.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Judge - 'You Can't Afford Me'

Director: David Dobkin
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga

Release Date: October 10, 2014

The Judge pairs two acting heavyweights together on the big screen for the first time. Robert Downey Jr. is a two-time Oscar nominee for his works in Chaplin and Tropic Thunder and a five-time Golden Globe nominee, taking home three of them for his work in Sherlock Holmes, Ally McBeal, and Short Cuts. Let's not forget that he is also an Avenger. Playing opposite to Robert Downey Jr. is Robert Duvall, a six-time Oscar nominee, winning only once for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Tender Mercies and has four Golden Globes in his trophy case as well. Put these two in a courtroom drama, a critic's favorite, and you're walking into award season feeling confident that The Judge will dominate the nominations. However, director David Dobkin's inexperience in this genre ends up being a major downfall for the film.

In The Judge, Robert Downey Jr. stars as big city lawyer Hank Palmer, who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father, the town's judge (Robert Duvall), is suspected of murder. He sets out to discover the truth and along the way reconnects with the family he walked away from years before.

The first thing one needs to realize is that The Judge is NOT a courtroom drama but instead a flat out drama. Yes, we have a hearing and we very much care about the outcome but the film never focuses on Dwight Dickham (Billy Bob Thornton) vs Hank Palmer. Instead, this film is purely about Hank Palmer vs Joseph Palmer. No matter what differences the father-son combination have, Hank is willing to put it towards the side to make sure his father does not end up behind bars. The Judge on the other hand, never lets go of his stubbornness throughout the trial, giving his son more problems than any attorney has ever done in his whole career, even Dickham. Due to this, throughout the film you want to learn more about the family dynamics and what caused the drift between Hank and his father instead of learning how Hank will win the case for his father.

Downey Jr. has been cruising on blockbuster stardom ever since he took the role of Tony Stark. So when Downey Jr. decided to take on The Judge as his next featured film, it was clear that he was chasing an Oscar. Unfortunately, he will have to wait at least another year to take home that award. RDJ brings the same Tony Stark mannerism to Hank Palmer, a mannerism that RDJ has perfected and shines throughout the film with. Match that with the amazing chemistry he has with Duvall and you'll think RDJ will be landing a nomination. Wrong.

But the problem with the film does not rely on RDJ or any other actor as they all deliver with the little wiggle room they are given. It's as if Dobkin has very little faith in his stellar cast to flourish and does not allow them to show off their acting chops. Instead, we have a film that changes tones quite unnaturally from comedic to dramatic. It could also be that throughout the huge trial that everybody is awaiting a verdict on, there is a love-story thrown in that never really goes anywhere between Hank and high school sweetheart Samantha (Vera Farmiga). Perhaps the biggest reason for the failure behind The Judge is all the cliches that the film contains. Any father-son cliche you can think of, is present within the film and none of them are presented in an intelligent or clever way. It is clear that Dobkins is out of his element and if it wasn't for the stellar cast, this film would not be looked at twice. After all, good acting can only take you so far.

MOVIE REVIEW: St. Vincent - 'It Is What It Is'

Director: Theodore Melfi

Starring: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts

Release Date: October 10, 2014

St. Vincent marks the directorial debut of Theodore Melfi. On the other hand, the film itself is not making much of a debut, as it has been told differently throughout the years. Despite this, St. Vincent is not like the rest. Melfi surrounded his film with an amazing cast which includes: Bill Murray, Naomi Watts, Terrence Howard and Melissa McCarthy. Not only was the cast amazing but Melfi was able to get the best out of Murray, who gives his best performance since Lost in Translation. St. Vincent might have a simple premise but this film is anything but simple and is a must watch.

Ted Melfi's comedy St. Vincent stars Bill Murray as a crusty old man who ends up caring for the son of his new neighbor (Melissa McCarthy). Although he's a cynic who gambles, drinks, and frequents prostitutes, the man turns out to be exactly the mentor the 12-year-old kid needs as the young one adjusts to his parents' divorce, and life at a new school.

The highlight of the film is the cast by far,  causing me to give Melfi two rounds of applause. The first, for being able to assemble such an amazing cast for his directorial debut. The second, for being able to bring so much out of each of their characters. Melissa McCarthy who plays Oliver's mother, Maggie, plays a serious role that we are accustom to. I mean, if my last film was Tammy, I would have a lot of things to get serious about. Regardless of her performance in her latest film, McCarthy definitely proved she has some solid dramatic acting skills. Naomi Watts on the other hand was the complete opposite of McCarthy. We are used to seeing Watts in serious roles being that she has been nominated for two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. But Watts will have you laughing at her over the top Russian prostitute role, Daka, in this film. Who is not only Vincent's best friend but also his lady of the night.

The two big stars of this film are Jaeden Lieberher and Bill Murray. Jaeden Lieberher makes his debut onto the big screen as Oliver. It's not because he is eleven years old that makes Lieberher so impressive, but his comedic timing with Murray throughout the film that was just perfect. Lieberher could have easily been overwhelmed and found himself playing catch up but that was never the case. You fall in love with this character and every single act he makes just opens your heart more to the kid. However, this is Bill Murray's movie. Oliver's actions open your heart and hit your soft spot but Bill Murray's actions as Vincent will open your heart and hit your funny bone. Vincent has no filter when he talks to anyone, so half the things he says might come off as rude to the other characters but audiences will find it hilarious. It takes a special kind of actor to manage a chuckle out of the audience from just a simple act as walking through a line in a bank.

The film opens up with Vincent telling us a joke at a bar and the jokes just keep rolling from there. The film isn't meant to be a comedy and I don't believe Melfi originally sought the film to be as funny as it ended but when you have Murray as your lead, your game plan tends to change. But despite all the jokes and laughter, St. Vincent will cause your eyes to water here and there but never causing full water works due the good will tone carried throughout the film. St. Vincent will go down as one of Murray's most memorable works in a career that is already very decorated.

MOVIE REVIEW: Whiplash - 'Faster'

Director: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist
Release Date: October 10, 2014

Everyone in attendance of the Sundance Film Festival this year all have one movie in common to praise, Whiplash. Winner of the U. S. Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award, Whiplash has been gaining early Oscar buzz already. Starring in the film is upcoming actor Miles Teller who is preparing for his first blockbuster film playing Reed Richards, also known as Mr. Fantastic in The Fantastic Four. Teller has done a lot of teen directed roles in his early career but when a high performance is demanded from Teller just like in The Spectacular Now, he delivers. But is Whiplash's Oscar buzz worth all the hype? In 2013 Fruitvale Station, the winner of the U.S. Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award, ended up not getting a single Academy Award nomination. Take that with a grain of salt as Chazelle's second feature is the best way to kick off the Oscar season.

A talented young jazz drummer experiences a trial by fire when he's recruited by a ferocious instructor whose unyielding search for perfection may lead to his undoing. For as far back as Andrew Neyman (Miles Teller) can remember, he's been watching his father fail. Determined to make a name for himself no matter what it takes, Andrew enrolls in a prestigious east coast music conservatory where his talent quickly catches the attention of Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) an esteemed music teacher who's notorious for his caustic approach in the classroom. The leader of the school's top jazz ensemble, Fletcher promptly transfers Neyman into his band, giving the ambitious young drummer a shot at true greatness. He may achieve it, too, if Fletcher's methods don't drive him to madness first.

As soon as Simmons appears as Terrence Fletcher, his presence is not only dominant but terrifying. It's as if Simmons' refound his inner Schillinger and broke out of prison and became a jazz conductor to hide his identity. Instead of finding the best in his students and perfecting it, Fletcher hunts for their weaknesses just so he can make use of it by straining out the bad of his students. From Fletcher slapping Neyman around to help teach him the difference between rushing and dragging tempo to Fletcher's presence making another student cry while ONLY questioning him if he was out of tune or not, Fletcher's emotionally harmful teaching methods make this movie unforgettable. To Fletcher, nothing can be more damaging to a student than telling them "Good job."

Whiplash might not only be the birth of the next Hollywood superstar in Miles Teller, but the birth of the next hot director in Chazelle. Chazelle, who played the drums in a competitive big-band ensemble while in high school, used a lot of his own experiences to make the film. Like a true musician, Chazelle's film flows a beautiful melodic pace, rarely rushing or dragging; Fletcher would be proud. The film hits a mini speed bump towards the end but it all aids towards a crescendo that is the final act. With Teller playing majority of his scenes live, if he wanted to, could become a professional drummer if he ever decides to leave acting. The two will team up again in Chazelle's next feature La La Land which will also star Emma Watson.

What really makes Whiplash shine is the war between the two leads. Neyman and Fletcher share little dialogue but they battle each other with their respected skills: Neyman beating the drums as fast as he can while Fletcher tells him he is doing it wrong even faster. As if Neyman was attempting to build a house during a hurricane. You do not need to enjoy jazz or music in general to appreciate this film. If you have ever put yourself in the position where success is all you've ever wanted, than you will truly understand Neyman's journey.

MOVIE REVIEW: Annabelle - 'Crazy People Do Crazy Things'

Director: John R. Leonetti
Starring: Ward Horton, Annabelle Wallis, Alfre Woodard
Release Date: October 3, 2014

In 2013, director James Wan released one the best horror movies of the decade, The Conjuring. The film went on to set a record for the largest opening for an original horror film, making $41.9 million opening weekend at the domestic box office. So it's no surprise that a year later a spin-off is hitting theaters just in time for the Halloween season. Unfortunately for us, James Wan is not back to direct the film. Instead, his preferred cinematographer of choice since his 2007 film Dead Silence, John R. Leonetti, has taken on the challenge. Leonetti is no stranger in directing the next film in a franchise as he directed both Mortal Kombat: Annihilation and The Butterfly Effect 2. Just like the aforementioned films, Annabelle does not live up to the first film but is Leonetti's best piece of work while sitting in the director's chair.

She terrified you in The Conjuring, but this is where it all began for Annabelle. Capable of unspeakable evil, the actual doll exists locked up in an occult museum in Connecticut—visited only by a priest who blesses her twice a month. New Line Cinema’s supernatural thriller Annabelle begins before the evil was unleashed. John Form (Ward Horton) has found the perfect gift for his expectant wife, Mia (Annabelle Wallis)—a beautiful, rare vintage doll in a pure white wedding dress. But Mia’s delight with Annabelle doesn’t last long. On one horrific night, their home is invaded by members of a satanic cult, who violently attack the couple. Spilled blood and terror are not all they leave behind. The cultists have conjured an entity so malevolent that nothing they did will compare to the sinister conduit to the damned that is now...Annabelle.

I am a huge fan of James Wan's work, especially The Conjuring. So when word got out that a spin off was in the works I was immediately intrigued even though James Wan was not going to be directing it. But where The Conjuring shines, Annabelle fails. You know a film is facing an uphill battle when it is already being compared to another.

The Conjuring was not like most horror films. Wan did not attempt to scare you with explicitness or gore but with more of how the viewer feels personally. The horror scenes do not rely on shock value and cheesy gimmicks but they make the hairs on your arms stand up. You grow to care for the characters which causes their fears to become yours as well.

Annabelle on the other hand, you don't care for the characters at all and the scares are not only obvious for the most part but they all utilize the jump scare method a little too much. Let's focus more on the thoughtless decisions our characters make. When we first see the doll in The Conjuring it looks creepy as hell. It was safe to assume the doll looked the way it did due to it being possessed. WRONG! John Form decided to buy this doll as a gift for his wife. Would you buy a doll that looks creepy naturally? No. Then would you put said doll right above the carriage that belongs to the baby that you are expecting? Once again, nope! Then the night in which they were attacked by the two cultist, John and Mia had a chance to call the cops while the cultist were still in their neighbors house but decided not to. Why? They believed if their neighbors heard screams coming from their house in the middle of the night and all the lights were off, they would just come over and check it out first as well. Maybe that's how people did it back in the 60's but in 2014 you never go into a house in the middle of night in which you just heard screams coming from. This is all within the first twenty minutes of the film.

As for the scares, every time the film used a wide shot, you just knew something was about to come. A character would be on one side of the shot and the on the opposite there would be an open door leading to a dark hallway. The main problem with the scary scenes is that there was simply no suspense building in the construction of them. The score of the film attempts a build up but fails due to how obvious they were. Don't get me wrong, if you are an individual who gets scared easily, you are most likely going to be scared half to death because the film is filled with jump scare after jump scare. There is one scene in particular which starts off in the basement of the Form's apartment which was done perfectly and even I was trying my best not to close my eyes. 

If you were hoping that this film lived up to The Conjuring than you will be disappointed as it becomes clear that what is ultimately missing from this film is James Wan himself. Depending on your tolerance of horror films than Annabelle will either be a complete bore or a film that scares you ultimately just one time due to its jump scare tactics.

MOVIE REVIEW: Gone Girl - 'Amazing Amy'

Director: David Fincher

Starring: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris

Release Date: October 3, 2014

Three years ago, director David Fincher adapted another best selling novel onto the big screen with Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and elevated the novel as much as the source material allowed him too. Perhaps if the novel focused less on the violence and more on the investigation, Fincher would of had more to work with. Gone Girl does not give those same limitations. Gillian Flynn's best selling novel Gone Girl carefully reveals the peeling of each layer of its mystery, as if you needed a scrap piece of paper while you read to keep track with each character's movements. Now for readers who have kept their scrap paper patiently and excitedly waiting for the adaptation of the film are going to be quite upset as the the adaptation will have a new third act that Flynn personally wrote just for the film. That alone can scare anticipated viewers but the only thing they should fear is their marriage turning out anything like Amy and Nick Dunne's. 

On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?

As I walked out the theater from seeing Gone Girl, I was asked from a stranger what the film was about. That my ladies and gentlemen, was the hardest question I was asked that night. Not because I had no idea what I just saw but it is almost impossible to describe the plot without spoiling it. Fincher keeps you guessing for the first hour of the film before it takes the sharpest u-turn that I have ever seen, pushing the film in a new direction. Even with a new direction almost half way into the lengthy 145 minutes length film, Fincher is still assembling a puzzle which image doesn't get completed until the final minutes.

Time is not relevant in Gone Girl as Flynn creates a fractured time scheme within her novel then Fincher and herself were able to translate perfectly for the big screen. The film starts off on Nick and Amy's fifth anniversary. As Nick arrives back home after a drive he finds his house looking like a crime scene and his wife is missing. As the police arrive and start investigating the house for any clues, the viewers are given the first of many flashbacks of different stages and points of Amy and Nick's relationship. The flashbacks begins with happy moments but slowly starts focusing on the fall out and their fall out was steep. In fact, we find out that Amy has kept a diary over the years which details her growing fear that husband might be planning to kill her. As the investigation continues, Nick goes from tragic husband to the number one suspect.

Affleck and Pike could have not been anymore perfect as Nick and Amy. Affleck was perfectly cast as a handsome, people-pleasing but mischievous husband. He is strong minded man but is not as equally as smart. As he is a man always batting as if he is down a run coming into the bottom of the ninth. Nick has made a lot of mistake within his marriage and has lied to everyone he has ever loved, not just his wife, but does Nick have what it takes to kill "the love of his life"? Pike on the other hand is a perplexed, extravagant, placid woman who was the inspiration of a popular children's book Amazing Amy written by her parents. But is Pike always at such ease due to her calmness or is because of her sharpness? The supporting cast is just as strong but don't be mistaken, this picture is all about Affleck and Pike.

Gone Girl is a treat no matter if you have read the source material or not. If you haven't read the book, you will be in store for quite a surprise. If you have, you will be pleased with how the movie was adapted onto the big screen. Either way, you will walk out the theater with an unsettled feeling about what marriage is really about as this film covers one of the most gruesome crimes of America; marriage.

MOVIE REVIEW: The Equalizer - 'What Do You See When You Look At Me?'

Director: Antoine Fuqua
Starring: Denzel Washington, Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz

Release Date: September 26, 2014

The Equalizer was once a TV show that aired during the late 80's, starring Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a former black ops commando turned private detective who helps various clients equalize the odds. Two decades later and fan favorite Denzel Washington is taking on the role as Robert McCall. Joining Washington on the project is director Antoine Fuqua who teamed up with Washington in his Oscar winning role, Training Day. The two have created magic before and action films are Fuqua's specialty, but this film fails to pull the rabbit out of the hat.

Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), is a former black ops commando who has faked his death to live a quiet life in Boston. When he comes out of his self-imposed retirement to rescue a young girl, Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), he finds himself face to face with ultra-violent Russian gangsters. As he serves vengeance against those who brutalize the helpless, McCall’s desire for justice is reawakened. If someone has a problem, the odds are stacked against them, and they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.

If you are a fan of the TV show, then you would notice a few changes to McCall's character and the setting in the film. Originally set in New York, Woodward's McCall rode around in a beautiful Jaguar XJ6 but in Fuqua's adaptation of The Equalizer, McCall takes the most beautiful public bus money can buy.

There are a lot of flaws when it comes to The Equalizer but when Denzel Washington is your lead, you can afford some mistakes, well, atleast that's the case for this film. The plot is flimsy, the characters lack depth, and questions go unanswered. But one thing this film doesn't lack is violence. There is PLENTY of violence in this film which aids in the entertainment value of the film. But in order to be entertained you have to try your best to ask yourself, "How is that even possible?" If the film lasted any longer, I was sure we were going to see McCall take out the whole Russian army all by himself. The film plays in between both corners of realistic action and entertaining action. McCall, despite being in his 50's, is indestructible. If he gets wounded in battle, he quickly takes care of it by either pouring boiled honey or placing a flaming hot door knob on the wound. Guns are out of the question for McCall as he would rather kill his enemies in the most violent ways possible with any tools he might find at his job, a Home Depot-esque store. The deadly but quiet characteristics Denzel brings to McCall saves the film.

One problem with the film is the supporting characters surrounding Denzel's McCall. Moretz is not the most believable Russian call-girl but the slow paced build up between Denzel and Moretz' characters form an intimate build up. Should it have been enough to have McCall go back to his unknown past that he promised his deceased wife he will never return to? Perhaps not. But having Moretz disappear in the last two-thirds of the film only hinders the film as her character would of been better bait for the antagonists to lure McCall. As for our antagonist, Marton Csokas starts off strong as Teddy, the Russian killer sent after McCall, but as the film continues he becomes just another generic villain.

Teddy is not the only generic thing of the film as Duqua used the most generic action movie shot known to mankind; a slow motion walk away from an explosion. A scene that we have all watched countless times. Duqua resorts to slow motion scenes too often as we are given another one towards the end of the film.

The film's run time is the most damaging as it sits at 132 minutes (2 hours and 12 minutes). Over a half an hour is used on showing us McCall's daily routine and extra time is used on a subplot between McCall and his co-worker in which he is training him to lose weight, something the film could of lived without. Denzel shines in the film but nothing else shows more than shimmer. If you are a huge Denzel fan then you will have a pretty fun time in the theaters but just save your money and don't see it in IMAX. With rumors that a sequel is already in the work, The Equalizer should definitely be added to your DVD collection and let's hope that the sequel doesn't make the same mistakes as this film does have a lot of potential.

MOVIE REVIEW: Men, Women & Children - 'What is RL?'

Director: Jason Reitman
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Garner, Judy Greer
Release Date: October 1, 2014

If you've been living in a cave for the past decade or so, let me tell you about the biggest thing in the world - the internet. The original purpose for the internet was for researchers to exchange data between one another without needing to be physically next to each other. Today, exchanging data is only one of the thousands of things that can be done on the World Wide Web. The internet has revolutionized communication to the point where it would be almost alien to meet someone who hasn't used the internet, let alone on a daily basis, since it is accessible on your smart phone. The internet has millions of benefits for civilization but its greatest harm is what Jason Reitman's addresses in his film Men, Women & Children. This message alone makes Men, Women & Children a must watch for future parents, aging adolescents and anybody who uses the internet on a daily basis.

Jason Reitman's ensemble comedy-drama Men, Women & Children details the various ways social media and the internet has affected the relationships of a number of characters. Based on the novel of the same name by Chad Kultgen, the movie features Adam Sandler and Rosemarie DeWitt as a married couple who each use the internet to find lovers, Judy Greer as a failed actress who spends much of her time pushing her daughter's career through a website, and Jennifer Garner as a mother who takes every precaution to make sure she knows what her daughter does online.

"That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives." Men, Women & Children is framed around the concept from Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" and begins with our narrator (Emma Thompson) informing the viewers about Carl Sagan's Voyager 1 project which launched in 1977. The film starts off in space but is very grounded with the characters here on Earth.

Don (Adam Sandler) and Helen Truby (Rosemarie DeWitt) lay by each other in bed while playing a game on their own individual tablet, they have forgotten what it felt to be desired, and how intimacy feels between one another. This little night game on their tablet is the most intimate moment they cherish now. As a result of Tim Mooney's (Ansel Elgort) mother walking out of his and his father's life, he dropped out of football despite being the star of his high school team. He then finds comfort in living in a virtual world in which all his current friends, that he has never met, live in as well. Allison Doss (Elena Kampouris) is struggling with her inner-beauty and believes that not eating to lose weight is the best way to go, and users on a website entitled 'prettybitchesdonteat.com' help her along the way. Joan Clint, who failed in becoming an actress, now lives through her daughter, Hannah Clint (Olivia Crocicchia), and publishes inappropriate pictures of her daughter on the internet for middle-aged men to buy in hopes that her daughter may become a successful actress one day. Lastly, Patricia Beltmeyer (Jennifer Garner) is making sure to the best of her ability that her daughter avoids exposure to the situations listed above.

As I stated earlier, the internet was meant to help make communication easier among people but ironically all the internet has done is harm communication. Reitman beautifully displays how communication happens via the internet in 2014. Communication in the film is via text message between individuals who are walking distance from each other, internet chat groups among strangers, or characters typing a paragraph filled with feelings and thoughts but is deleted as they send a mere emotionless sentence instead. It is a scary but perfect representation of the barrier that the internet has created for communication. 

The film lacks a traditional narrative and Reitman uses each character to bounce off each other and curtains the viewers to their lives. Something Reitman never does, which I praise him for, is shed judgment on his characters as he tackles all these very sensitive topics with such grace and elegance. If done wrong, viewers could have easily been upset with the end result of each character. Each character does their best to justify their actions, not to the viewers, not to other characters but to themselves and every action Reitman shows his characters make is important and plays as an important tool to the character's development even when we disagree with them.

This isn't a happy go lucky film, it actually can be quite depressing, especially when you begin to hear sniffling throughout the theater. But this film is very important to this generation and generations to come as long as the internet plays this huge role in everybody's day-to-day lives. It is a film I will for sure show my future children as I introduce them to technology and I will re-watch as I enter parenthood to remind me of the dangers that the internet plays on adolescents. Men, Women & Children does not give the viewers much closure and neither does most of the characters at the film's end but maybe that's exactly what Reitman's message was: life goes on. We do not know if the characters have fully learned their lesson or how their lives will play out but it wasn't necessarily needed to get the message across.

When bringing it back to the concept of "Pale Blue Dot", it isn't only the characters who need to realize that almost everything that happens, all the fighting, all the desires, all the love, is very very trivial when compared to the vastness of space but the viewers as well. We all need to think on a grander scale and remember these computers and smart phones are just as trivial. 

MOVIE REVIEW: The Maze Runner - 'W.C.K.D. is Good'

Director: Wes Ball

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario, Will Poulter

Release Date: September 19, 2014

The Maze Runner is the first film of the post-apocalyptic science fiction book series written by James Dashner to grace the big screen. It seems ever since the world-wide success of the Harry Potter movies Hollywood has been searching for more gold mines. Success is hard to discover when finding a new novel to turn into a film, not everything has been as fortunate as Twilight and The Hunger Games. But The Maze Runner is following another Hollywood trend that is currently attracting movie goers - dystopian futures. Hollywood does not need to worry about their next franchise starter quite yet, as they have struck gold with their latest attempt.

Based on the bestselling novel by James Dashner, this adventure thriller for young adults follows a young boy named Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) who finds himself trapped within a giant, deadly maze with a group of other kids. While he has no memories of his life prior to being in the maze, he is plagued by nightmares about a shadowy organization known only as W.C.K.D., and hopes that these fragments of dreams will help him discover the secrets of his past and a way to escape.

When you combine Lord of the Flies with Lost, the product will be very similar to this film. A group of young individuals are put in a vicious environment forcing them to fight for their survival, meanwhile having the unfortunate luck of not even knowing why or how they got themselves in this situation to begin with all while not knowing their full identity. That is exactly what The Maze Runner is all about. The film kicks off with Thomas being locked in a cage that is sent to what the others call the Glades. Thomas initially does not remember his name but as Alby (Aml Ameen), the leader of the Glades, informs Thomas, "You'll get your name back in a couple days. That's the only thing they let you keep." Alby also shows Thomas around and gives him the 411 - they have been trapped in the Glades for three years now and the only way out is through the maze that surrounds them, but the maze closes every night to protect them from the creatures that live in the maze.

Upcoming director Wes Ball did a beautiful job in creating this universe. As soon as Thomas arrives in the Glades, you sense the fear and confusion. When more characters are introduced we are given more details of life at the Glades which only adds more to the mystery than solves it, just like Lost. The only thing a new discovery accomplished was creating more mystery.

Ball changes tones to much success throughout the film as well, giving us some light moments for our characters to get to know each other and create bonds but the film gets dark as well as not everyone survives a night. This lets the pace of the film flow very easily as they are forced into action by certain discoveries. You are kept on the edge of your seat throughout the film because there is always something intense happening from either a race, a fight, a new discovery, a plot twist or just pure adventure.

Ball shows off his art graphic background throughout the film as well. The movie was by far a visual masterpiece, especially the grievers, the half machine half spider like creatures. Ball created them as if the movie had a lavish budget. Unfortunately for both Ball and viewers, he didn't, but they still were very visually appealing which made their scenes that much intense as you felt their danger. It only makes you wonder how they would have came out looking if Ball had a bigger budget.

As mentioned prior, The Maze Runner is following current trends of successful movies and franchises. Oddly enough, they are two trends that the film doesn't follow which can potentially hurt its success. First one deals with the presence of Teresa (Kaya Scodelario), the last person ever and only female to be brought up to the Glades. Young audiences enjoy seeing a love connection in a film, whether or not it's a successful one, as long as they sense a romantic underlined theme at one point of the film. Audiences will be disappointed as there isn't one but future books in the series might suggest one.

The second trend that the film doesn't really follow is having a strong connection with the protagonist. With Harry Potter or Katniss Everdeen, fans grew a strong connection with that one particular character and might have branched towards other characters as well but never forgot about Potter or Everdeen. That is not the case with the film, you might find yourself building a connection with multiple characters instead of just one strong one.

Hopefully the lack of those two trends does not stop The Maze Runner from being successful as everything else done with the film was superb. From casting to pace to visuals, everything was done to the level that you'll be surprised that this is Ball's first time directing for the big screen. The way the film ended did leave a lot more questions than answers just like how every time a new discovery was made in the film. Instead of wrapping the first book up, it felt as if the ending was used more as an introduction to what viewers should expect in the next film. I personally never read any of the books from the series but I must admit I am hoping that Hollywood does continue making the rest of the series into films. Take out your wallets and see this film in theaters not because it's one of the better films released in a while but you are going to enjoy this film and either impatiently wait for the next film or purchase the books.

MOVIE REVIEW: A Walk Among the Tombstones - 'Don't Feel Bad For Me'

Director: Scott Frank
Starring: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, David Harbour
Release Date: September 19, 2014

Liam Neeson has trained Batman in Batman Begins and Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. He has been both Zeus in Wrath of the Titans and Aslan in The Chronicles of Narnia making him a God in at least two religions. Basically, Neeson is one BAD man that you should not mess with. Now, Neeson teams up with director Scott Frank and brings his bad-ass persona to his latest film, A Walk Among the Tombstones. Frank is taking a second jab at directing after his first feature film, The Lookout, won 'Best First Feature' at the Independent Spirit Awards. The Lookout was also nominated because of it’s amazing casting. The casting was also on point for A Walk Among the Tombstones considering Liam Neeson being the lead role in this film. But this time around Neeson might not be the viewer's favorite character but as of the 19th his biggest blunder was still making the Taken franchise one movie too long.

A heroin trafficker whose wife was abducted and murdered hires a haunted private investigator to track down the men who killed her in this brooding crime drama starring Liam Neeson. Matt Scudder (Liam Neeson) was an NYPD cop having a quiet drink in a Washington Heights bar when a pair of armed robbers came in guns blazing. Giving chase, Scudder kills the robbers in the street, though a stray bullet turns a heroic moment tragic. Devastated, Scudder subsequently goes to work as an unlicensed private detective, working just outside of the law and surviving on generous gifts offered in exchange for his services. Now, tasked with rooting out the sadistic thugs who brutally murdered the wife of a wealthy drug dealer (Dan Stevens), Scudder scours the bars and back alleys of New York City in search of his elusive targets -- and the closer he gets, the more apparent it becomes that they are something much more sinister than your typical kidnappers.

A Walk Among the Tombstones is based on a novel written by Lawrence Block and according to Lawrence Block's website, Neeson almost walked away from the film after reading a particular scene. Let's thank the movie gods that he didn't because the fans would have been removed from an opportunity to see a good film and potentially a future franchise starter. The plot might sound familiar to Taken, we have a retired agent/cop looking for answers to who a female's kidnappers are and where they might be. In Taken, Neeson's character had an emotional attachment to the case and he wasn't going to stop until he got what he wanted. In Neeson's latest film, he has zero emotional attachment, actually, he denied picking up the case and almost quit the case later. He doesn't care if he doesn't succeed. Neeson's latest character doesn't pack heat this time around and uses his words to get himself out of sticky situations rather than violence, all while fighting past nightmares that remains to haunt him. Neeson delivers in this role and you feel like you’re working the case with him along the way.

The true star in this film is X-Factor's Astro who plays TJ, a homeless teen who helps Scudder catch up on technology while hoping he can become his apprentice and one day be a detective himself. He delivers the comic relief that the film needed and you also grow a connection for TJ as you learn more about his life and his everyday struggles.

These character shine but very little has to do with the script. Frank and the script writers put very little into character development or giving any depth about our characters at all. We have to wait almost two-thirds of the film to finally find out about Scudder's dark past and what led him to retirement and like of sobriety. Our killers, we get to see some sick shit from them, but their motives? Their past? Never revealed. We are left in the dark, just like the setting of the film.

Now, will A Walk Among the Tombstones be successful enough to kick start a franchise? Overall, the film is something you should definitely go out and add to your collection. But with the lack of violence and action, what fans love to see from Neeson, it doesn't drive myself at least to be excited for future films. I mean, I have not read any of the books so I do not know how much violence and action are incorporated in the other novels but if they have the same tone, I can see this being a franchise I get tired of after the third go around at max. When it comes to other serial-killer thriller films, A Walk Among the Tombstones does not stand out from the rest. I was huge on A Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and that franchise has yet to see a second film. But don't let that discourage you from seeing the film as it is a good one.

MOVIE REVIEW: Leprechaun: Origins - 'Nice Rolex'

Director: Zach Lipovsky

Starring: Stephanie Bennett, Andrew Dunbar, Melissa Roxburgh

Release Date: August 22, 2014

The Leprechaun series might have not been the best horror franchise but I must admit, when I heard about a new film that will discuss it's origins - I was intrigued. Nothing like a bit of nostalgia and relive some of my worst nightmares and sometimes biggest laughs as an adolescent by seeing the latest film. I mean this is the same leprechaun that traveled to North Dakota, Vegas, outer space and let's forget about his funniest destination, 'the hood'. But viewers who are like me, watching just for a jog down memory lane, will be truly disappointed and new viewers will be truly confused.

Backpacking through the lush Irish countryside, two unsuspecting young couples discover a town's chilling secret. Ben (Andrew Dunbar), Sophie (Stephanie Bennet), David (Brendan Fletcher) and Jeni (Melissa Roxburgh) quickly discover the idyllic land is not what it appears to be when the town's residents offer the hikers an old cabin at the edge of the woods. Soon, the friends will find that one of Ireland's most famous legends is a terrifying reality.

You really need to sit and wonder who WWE and Lionsgate decided to make this film for. They totally destroy any potential trip down memory lane by doing a complete 180 of the leprechaun. You have to admit, there was nothing actually horrifying of the leprechaun of the past but in Leprechaun: Origins instead of wearing the typical green leprechaun outfit they decided to make the imp bare and transform the 'stare and see what is actually in front of me' leprechaun to a 'gargoyle-esque, you better run because this creature looks like it will have me for brunch' beast. On top of that, not once are the words, "I want my gold," uttered. Potential target audience #1 - disappointed. As for the second, any fan of WWE probably had some interest at minimum to see the film due to the fact WWE's own Dylan 'Hornwoggle' Postl plays the titled character. Wrestling fans might hope to see Postl's acting skills or even see a leprechaun do their favorite wrestling move. Once again, another disappointment as Postl is so consume in it's costume that you cannot tell it is him at all and majority of the film he is hidden in the shadows. Potential target audience #2 - mislead.

Perhaps you're just a fan of horror and that is why you are checking this film out. You are initially disappointed due to nothing original about this film is original. Travelers arrive in a sketchy town and encounter a creature with an uncompelling story. Been there, seen that. Now does the film, actually scare? If it wasn't for director Zach Lipovsky making everything so pitch black than perhaps there might have been a scene or two that would have had the audience on edge or a quick little jump out of their seat. Lipovsky also threw in a couple leprechaun POV shot which were dreadful and makes absolutely no sense why the leprechaun has Predator-like vision. Potential target audience #3 - unafraid.

Now, is this film really an "origins" film? No where near close. Let's drop the fact that we don't even have the same leprechaun in films past but our four travelers did not even take a single piece of gold to be even attacked. Instead, they are locked up in a cabin as a sacrifice from the town's people because they are the one who stole the gold. We are briefly told why and how the gold was taken but we are not shown this process, the process which discovered the leprechaun and initiated his attacks - a true origin. Does this mean we will get another limited release or straight to DVD film that is titled Leprechaun: Origins II - The Real Origins? Hopefully not because I know I won't be tricked into another false walk down memory lane.

Overall, you should just plain out skip this film. Any potential target audience will be highly disappointed but the worst mistake producers made (besides disappointing all viewers) was they did not appeal AT ALL (unless you want to count the only true reference when Sophie screamed, "Fu*k you, lucky charms!") to fans of the original films which can potentially harm their alliance with the franchise.