Movies 365: January 2018

January 2018 Movie List

1. I Declare War (2013)

2. It Follows (2015)

3. Groundhog Day (1993)

4. Mad Max (1979)

5. Okja (2017)

6. After the Dark (2014)

7. Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)

8. The 39 Steps (1935)

9. Graceland (2013)

10. Machete (2010)

11. Point Break (1991)/Joy (2015)

12. Paddington 2 (2018)

13. Best In Show (2000)

14. Cinderella Man (2005)

15. The Big Heat (1953)

16. The Debut (2000)

17. Mary Poppins (1964)

18. Toy Story (1995)

19. Toy Story 2 (1999)

20. Toy Story 3 (2010)

21. Under the Skin (2014)

22. Jude (1996)

23. New Jack City (1991)

24. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

25. A Fistful of Dollars (1964)

26. Risky Business (1983)

27. Gran Torino (2009)

28. Up (2009)

29. The Rocketeer (1991)

30. Ghostbusters (1984)

31. Revenge of the Nerds (1984)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85.9%

Movie I'm Most Excited to Watch: Revenge of the Nerds

Movies 365: The Intro

"Wait a minute, you mean to tell me you haven't seen The Usual Suspects? What about Wargames? No? Are you serious right now? Ok, but you've seen Bull Durham, though, right? What? How can you call yourself a movie critic and you haven't seen the classics?"

To anyone that knows of my blog, my love for movies or both, I feel like I have this conversation at least once a week with someone new. No, I have not seen a lot of movies that I probably should have seen if I'm going to call myself a true critic. Yes, you would be surprised by the things that I still need to see all the way through from beginning to end.

Enter 2018: Phillip McSween's Year of 365 Days of Movies. No, that's not a typo. Yes, you read that right. One movie every single day in 2018. On some days, I'm even crazy enough to double feature it up.

Pretty daunting, I know. Why am I doing this, you ask? A few reasons:

1. I love movies. I have decided in 2018 that I want to focus more on the things that I love doing ie watching movies and writing. This will hold me to a standard.

2. I don't know anyone close to me that has attempted something like this. I like trying new things that not many people are known for. I'm sure full-time critics would laugh at me as they probably watch 4-5 movies a day. Guess what? I don't do this for a living. I have a full-time job too so this would definitely be an accomplishment of sorts.

3. It gives me something fun and unique to look forward to every single day.

4. As I mentioned earlier, I want to check off a bunch of movies that I "need" to see in my lifetime. This will be a good start.

5. I also want to go back and re-review movies that I feel I scored way too high in the past. What the hell was I thinking when I gave Spider-Man 3 a 96 anyway?

6. My ultimate goal is to become a Rotten Tomatoes critic. In order to do that, I have to have a certain number of unique visitors to my site per month. I think a stunt like this just might do the trick, or at least be a step in the right direction.

I have reached out to to my Facebook family for suggestions as well as asked around to people I know. I would love to hear your feedback on what movies I NEED to see in 2018. The schedule still has some availability but it's filling up quickly! Also, if you want to be involved with the experience by watching one of the movies either with me or on the same day and we discuss it, I would love that too! It would be nice to have some guest features and share the spotlight.

So I'm doing this. No turning back. It's happening. I'm looking forward to Instagramming the whole experience and blogging it here. Join me! It's going to be a blast.

The Foreigner (2017) Movie Review

If you're expecting me to say something nice about The Foreigner, please do us both a favor and click out of this review right now. On paper, it appears to be right up Jackie Chan's alley. After his daughter is killed in a terrorist attack, Quan (Jackie) is trying to hunt down the men that did it. He is willing to stop at nothing to get his revenge.

The formulaic aspect of the film ruins the entire experience. Here's the rundown: Jackie walks into Pierce Brosnan's office demanding names (Who did this????). When Brosnan is not forthcoming with the names, Jackie storms off usually doing something crazy in his departure. Brosnan sends men to take Jackie down. Jackie beats the crap out of them. When the men return, Brosnan asks, "How the hell did you get your ass kicked by this old man?"

Rinse and repeat.

I'm serious, it's so ridiculous at times it becomes almost comical. You would think with this straight-arrow formula, the film would be easy to follow, but there are a lot of moving parts and I mean A LOT. I found myself saying, "Say what now?" too many times to count. I don't know, maybe it was more of a lack of interest than confusion on my part. Blade Runner 2049 had a number of things going on throughout and it's one of the best films I've seen all year.

The Foreigner is one of those films where you think of all the other things you could be doing instead of watching it. Folding clothes. Grocery shopping. Picking boogers. Screaming at your dog to get out of the trash. I mean, ANYTHING else. Could a few solid action sequences have saved the film? Probably. Did it?

Nope.

I honestly don't know how this passed the smell test on Rotten Tomatoes. In the words of the wonderful Jay Sherman: It stinks. I give it a 42.

Coco (2017) Movie Review

The Book of Life was one of my favorite films of 2014. When I first saw the trailer for Coco, it was hard not for me to draw comparisons. A celebration of the Day of the Dead. Mariachi. Centered around music. Coco brings its own flavor, however, a unique experience all its own. In fact, if it weren't for the god-awful twenty-five-minute Frozen short right before (since removed due to numerous complaints), this would have been close to a perfect moviegoing experience.

Little Miguel loves music. He has to sneak away to watch old recordings of his favorite musician Ernesto de la Cruz because the rest of his family thinks music is a curse. Following a mysterious chain of events (don't want to ruin it for you), Miguel finds himself in the Land of the Dead and must somehow find a way to get home before its too late.

The colors. Oh man, the colors. Vibrant, popping off the screen. It screams life even during the scenes in the Land of the Dead. This is one film I wish I would have seen in IMAX. The colors add an amazing pop, from the spirit animals to the city landscapes at night, making this one of the most beautiful animated films I have seen.

The colors alone are just a small touch to the overall creativity and originality behind Coco. The Land of the Dead is loaded with sights to behold, some you might miss if you blink. The attention to detail is spectacular from the cool bridge that guides the dead to the Land of the Living to the colorful spirit animals. I've seen a lot of movies and I haven't seen anything like this. 

Not only are the visuals amazing, but the music holds its own as well, driving the entire story in an entertaining and powerful way. There are a lot of touching moments that revolve around the soundtrack. There will be musical numbers that make you laugh while others leave you with more of a somber feel. Maybe I cried a little. Maybe I didn't. You'll never know for sure. One thing I can say is this movie was about as touching as any I have seen this year.

Disney/Pixar is known for leaving you with a great message and Coco is no exception. Miguel was willing to follow his dreams at all costs, even if it cost him his life. How many of us can say the same? Another phenomenal job by Pixar. I give the film a 96.

Speed Review: Logan Lucky (2017)

If you are looking for a movie that checks all the boxes, Logan Lucky is the one. I LOVE finding gems like these. Sleepers. Sure you can see movies like Logan and War For the Planet of the Apes coming from a mile away. You expect them to be great It's films like Logan Lucky, however, that keep the movie calendar refreshing.

Just fired from his job and trying to make enough money to take care of his daughter, Jimmy Logan (Channing Tatum) devises a plan to rob the Coca-Cola 600 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tatum is awesome in his role, but has a great deal of help from a star-studded the cast the likes of Daniel Craig, Adam Driver, and Katie Holmes. With too many hilarious moments to count and an overly lovable protagonist who you can't help but root for, Logan Lucky is one of the year's best.

In 2007, I saw a movie called Stardust that surprised the heck out of me by how good it was. I mean, the film just came out of nowhere but I couldn't have been happier that I saw it. Logan Lucky gives me the exact same vibe. I give it a very solid 97.

Passengers (2016) Movie Review

Passengers works for me largely in part due to the great chemistry between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. Their relationship is believable, real. Exactly what I would expect from two people stuck in a space paradise together. I try to avoid words like "sizzle" and "spice" when describing onscreen pairings, but it's 7:30pm on a Tuesday night and I have folded clothes to put away. So....Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence absolutely sizzle onscreen together! Free from the inhibitions of watching eyes the duo adds real spice to the film's flavor. Yep, that just happened. No regrets. Yolo.

I was surprised by how solid the film was from beginning to end. The mark of a great movie for me is consistency throughout, the same measure I use to judge a good key lime pie. Passengers kept me engaged for its entirety without managing to overstay its welcome. It's funny in parts while being touching in others. Overall the pace works.

The special effects were also impressive. The inside of the ship where most of the story takes place is a carnival of sights. Its futuristic yet a familiar touch of home at the same time. The recesses of space were captured in brilliant fashion. As main character Jim Preston (Pratt) goes exploring the expanse, you start to realize just how small and lonely he must feel in comparison.

When Preston awakens on a craft headed for another planet, he realizes the ship pulled him from hibernation too soon. It isn't long before he is joined by Aurora Lane (Lawrence) who has to help him figure out why the ship woke them up early before things go terribly wrong.

The only thing holding this film back from being great as opposed to "just ok" is implausibility. There are quite a few things that happen, both from a scientific standpoint and plot advancement standpoint, that may leave you scratching your head a bit. This film falls victim at times of trying to take shortcuts. However, if you can suspend your disbelief for just long enough and turn a blind eye, you won't be disappointed.

Some films are reviewed badly because they're...well...bad. Other films fall victim to what I call Pile-On: A few critics from the "In Crowd" don't like it so everyone else is supposed to hate it as well (see The Hitman's Bodyguard). I think Passengers suffer from the latter. See it. It won't change your life, but a great way to spend two hours nonetheless. I give it a 73.

Lady Bird (2017) Movie Review

Set in 2002, Lady Bird is a coming of age story for high school senior Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson. The film follows her pursuit of college while growing up in a low-income family. While that is the main plot, Lady Bird is about so much more. Quite frankly, the movie is perfect. I haven't seem a film this memorable since Sing Street.

Trying to find something wrong with this film is like trying to catch a fly while blinking rapidly. Not only does it do everything right, it does it flawlessly. What impresses me the most is this is Greta Gerwig's directorial debut (who also did the screenplay). For someone to hit a homerun like this on their first try is an incredible thing to consider.

I won't go into too much detail here because I want you go into this with as little knowledge of the film as I, but here are a few things I loved about it. At just ninety-three minutes, Lady Bird carries a consistent pace with an ending that is just too perfect for words. It's going to make you laugh out loud. A lot. It will probably make you tear up a bit as well as it's just as much heartbreaking as it is hilarious. The acting, highlighted by Saiorse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf is stellar through and through. Emotions are captured in a way that what you feel you are seeing is something real, not a script. So real it hits home in a way that might surprise you. Finally, this film gets all the little things right. Those small extra mile touches that add a lasting touch to a film.

As cliche as I have to be in this moment, Lady Bird is a masterpiece. That's why I'm giving it a perfect 100.

Storks (2016) Movie Review

I'm literally watching Storks as I bust out this review. The first word that comes to mind: hilarious. Even now, I'm having to stop every few seconds or so to laugh at parts I had forgotten from the first watch. At just under ninety minutes, it doesn't believe in wasting time. It gives you the funny early and often. 

Lead stork Junior (Andy Samberg)is about as comical of a lead as you can get. He's one of the best storks in the business, yet it isn't his skill that keeps viewers entertained. It's his awkward lack of confidence that leads to some pretty memorable and ridiculous moments. His character is just one of many that make the film a fun family treat.

Not only is it surprisingly funny (serioulsy this elevator scene has me cracking up!), prepare to have your sensitive bone touched as well. It's touching but not in an overly gushy way. Just enough to make you say, "Awwww." Ok, so maybe my eyes glistened a little bit. So what?

Storks is consistently good throughout, kind of like a really delicious sandwich. It's one of those movies where you decided to give it a shot because you have nothing better to do and half an hour in, you ask yourself, "How are more people not talking about this movie?" It's a fun adventure about a stork trying to secretly deliver a baby to a new family.

I just reached the first encounter with the wolves. Classic. You will laugh. And who knows, maybe your eyes glisten a little. Either way, Storks doesn't disappoint. I give it an 89. 

Retro Speed Review: The Princess Bride (1987)

Having beef with The Princess Bride is like having beef with the pope. It's a film staple and you're not even an hour in before you see why. With just about everything you could ask for in a film, It's no wonder "classic" and Princess Bride get used a lot in the same sentence.

For the four of you that haven't seen the film (five before I finally made my wife sit down and watch), The Princess Bride is simply about a hero trying to rescue his true love from the clutches of an evil king. Cary Elwes stars as hero Wesley trying to save his love Buttercup (Robin Wright). He's a dashing savior, as quick with his tongue as he is with his sword. His delivery is flawless and you will find yourself cracking up just by his natural mannerisms. The rest of the cast is equally as delightful, if not moreso in some cases. My personal favorite was Carol Kane as Valerie. Even as I type this I have a big smile on my face thinking about her running into the room screaming, "Liar! LIARRRR!"

The comedy is the engine that drives this film. It's funny and in a number of ways. Sometimes subtle. Sometimes downright in your face. There are too many memorable lines/scenes to count. From "So tweasure your wove" to "Inconceivable!" to "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya..." Not only do these memorable moments come a dime a dozen, they stand the test of time.

A CLASSIC that will not die. I give it a 95.

Blade Runner 2049 (2017) Movie Review

I had a couple of questions around plot connection during Blade Runner 2049, questions that still linger even now. I thought about looking up a detailed synopsis afterwards, but stopped myself. It hit me that those questions, those invoked thoughts, are there for a reason, probably not open to just one man's interpretation but many. All that being said, yes, the film is going to make you put your thinking cap on a little. It's an existential ride that is going to mean something new from one person to the next. That is the inherent beauty of this movie.

Let me take a stab at the plot while trying to be sensitive to those that haven't seen the original. In the future, replicants (think androids or something close to human clones) are servants to society. One replicant in particular, Officer K (Ryan Gosling), works on a special task force hired to find and kill replicants that have gone rogue. On a routine mission to take out one such replicant, he uncovers a secret that threatens to impact the entire world. His mission becomes getting to the bottom of things before the secret goes public. Make sense? God I hope so because I don't wanna try again.

Gosling shines in his role as Officer K, but is aided by stellar performances all the way around. Robin Wright plays his boss Lieutenant Joshi, a true tough-nut with a false sense of compassion. Then there's Niander Wallace, corporate tycoon in the replicant world. Jared Leto nails a homerun in the role with an even keel that's closer to replicant than human, almost begging the question, What does it even mean to be human anyway?

If you're a sci-fi head, this film has it all. Amazing special effects and techy set pieces. Super cool action scenes with weapons that will make quite a few eyebrows raise. Pieces of the future that will have your mind spinning, dreaming about what our world could possibly become.

Blade Runner 2049 takes you there. Memorable experience that left me weirdly satisfied and empty at the same time. Go see it. Then digest it. Then talk with someone about it that has also seen it. I give it a 94.

Despicable Me 3 (2017) Movie Review

Disclaimer: While Despicable Me 3 had quite a few small issues (and I will write about them all here), I still actually enjoyed the movie quite a bit. It's not groundbreaking. It's not going to make history. However, it's still a film very much worth checking out. Now for a little woodshed action...

The plot was absolutely a stretch. It'll do for a kids movie, but there were way too many moving parts for my taste. More on that in a sec. Reaching seemed to be a common occurrence throughout including a few of the jokes and how the film moved from one scene to the next. 

Sometimes it's alright to rely on old funnies to get some laughs. Other times you wear out your welcome. Despicable Me 3 is teetering right there on that line. It wants to give the people what they liked about the first two while trying to establish its own identity in the process. Sometimes it worked. Other times...not so much. This is what separates it from being as memorable as the first two: The first ones focused purely on standing their own while this one tried to get away with pulling some of the same old tricks. I guess you can say the series became a victim of its own success.

Former supervillian Gru (Steve Carrell) is now a family man and a secret spy. After a mission goes wrong, Gru is confronted by a mysterious man who claims to work for Dru, Gru's twin brother he never knew he had. Meeting Dru for the first time brings Gru to a crossroads in what role he wants to play in the future: hero or villain.

The film definitely has its shining spots. Gru's minions are always a treat. This time around, you'll get a taste of them living the prison life. It's a joy watching them walk around the yard like they're the kings of the roost, kicking butt and lifting weights. It's a proven formula. When all else fails, put those cute, yellow guys on the screen for five minutes and you're right back in the game. And, yes, there are plenty of other funny moments to enjoy outside of the minions. They just add even more of a spark to the entertainment value.

Expect to get a little emotional as well. Gru, his wife Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig), and this three kids make an extremely cute family. The kids are just adorable and Gru will do anything for them. Meanwhile, Lucy is trying to find her place in the family as the newest member. The film did a great job of capturing their love for each other.

Don't expect your world to be changed after viewing Despicable Me 3, but you're still going to have a fairly good time watching. I give it an 81.

Wind River (2017) Movie Review

I went to see Wind River having no knowledge of it, having not watched one single solitary trailer. I had heard good things, but I didn't expect it to be such a powerful film. Thank God that Moviepass gives me a chance to take chances on movies that aren't as highly pubbed. 

There was nothing I didn't like about this movie honestly. It's one of those films where it ends and it doesn't even feel like you've been watching for two hours. It easily keeps you interested from start to finish mystery, tension-building, and some surprisingly good action. I used to cringe everytime I would read the word "gripping" in a review, but there really is no better to describe Wind River. It grabs ahold of you and refuses to let go. So many layers, so many things to unpack. Yet perfectly simple. It's one of those films that stands out as fresh and original.

Jeremy Renner plays the role of Cory Lambert, a game tracker on a Native American reservation in Wyoming. His helped is enlisted by FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) who needs his help uncovering what happened to one of the women on the reservation. Lambert is a struggling hero, dealing with helping a family put their minds to rest while dealing with the ghosts of his own past. Renner's reflection of a broken man fits the role perfectly. He's confident in his ability to do the job, but also certain in his belief that the story won't end well. His mannerisms and personality discreetly take over the big screen. Phenomenal job.

There is a reason I'm being so vague on this review. I want you to go in with a clean slate like I did. Watch it. You won't regret it. I give it a 98.

Happy Death Day (2017) Movie Review

"Itttt's my birthday and I ain't gotta pick up the phone..." Yeah, expect to hear that line from Trak Kartel's "Busy Day Birthday" a lot in Happy Death Day. By the time I had heard the song twice, I wasn't really in love with the movie. In fact, my one gripe with the Happy Death Day is that it takes a bit of time to warm up to it. Give it a chance, though, and you're in for a good time.

Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe) keeps dying...and waking up in the same bed she began the day in. She decides she needs to get to the bottom of who is murdering her and why. I will say this (don't worry no spoilers) the writers do a phenomenal job of keeping you on your toes. Then again, I'm a little slow when it comes to movies like these so that might also have something to do with why I was thrown for a loop. I do appreciate that the movie didn't take the easy way out. It earns your money until the very end.

One of the things that surprised me the most was how family-friendly the movie is. No, you're not going to let your seven-year-old watch Happy Death Day, but it would be great for a night with your teens. There's not a lot of gore or profanity so it's a safe bet if your teenager has been wanting to break into the horror genre.

I was probably most impressed with how well Tree was developed as a character. I sincerely hated her guts in the begining thinking, "Maybe just maybe she's got this coming." She's just not a nice person, period. Then layers slowly start to peel and you understand her more as a person and get to know why she is the way that she is. Her life has been a mess for years and she's hoping to redeem it before it's too late. In order to watch a film where you're reliving the same day over and over you really have to care about the protagonist and director Christopher Landon makes sure that you do.

What comes in at a close second just behind character development is the overall tone of the movie. Happy Death Day knows what it is and it never manages to take itself too seriously. It's rare that the film goes too long without a solid laugh or two. I enjoyed the film just as much as I did Baby Driver and that's saying a lot. I give it a 93.

On a final note, this is my 100th review! Here's to many more...

Thor: Ragnarok (2017) Movie Review

The action is immensely great in Thor: Ragnarok. From beginning to end, you get your taste of Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and the supporting cast (both new faces as well as old) Kicking butt by the dozens. Tearing through monsters. Facing insurmountable odds that they have to fight their way out of in order to survive. These scenes are awesome and are just as well-done as they are in the first two films. However, what separates these two films from Thor and Thor: The Dark World is the fact that Ragnarok doesn't rely on the film's action to carry it. At its core, there is so much more than mere kicks and punches.

Very similar to what Logan and Spider-Man: Homecoming achieved, Thor: Ragnarok is a fresh take on the superhero genre. Sure it follows the same formula to a certain extent, like the stakes being ridiculously high, but it does so all its own. Even those high stakes are turned into a joke in a multitude of ways.

With rumors abounding of Disney buying out 21st Century Fox to gain more access to Marvel properties (X-men, Fantastic Four), Marvel Studios (owned by Disney) continues to churn out superhero hit after hit. Seriously, when my biggest complaint is wishing for more scenes of Hulk and Thor teaming up, you have to be doing something right.

From a CGI/visual effects standpoint, expect the absolute best. The set designs are as rich as the characters themselves. From the beautiful views of space to the fantasy-sci-fi mold of Asgard that blends both genres seamlessly, there is a lot to love and take in. Locations like Surtur's lair and the gladiator arena really help contribute to some very memorable scenes.

You expect Hemsworth and Ruffalo to hold their own. They better, they've been here before. Too many times to count. What sent me over the edge was how everyone else did as well, including the higher-billed actors as well as the ones with a mere handful of lines. Getting back to Hemsworth for a moment, he's definitely in rare form this time around, delivering punchline after punchline. Nothing forced, just his average, I'm-one-of-the-bros style comedy has a way of keeping you on your toes. Thessa Thompson (Valkyrie) almost stole the show from him doing a phenomenal job of taking on the role of a "war angel" running away from the war, both mentally and physically. If it wasn't for these awesome roles, the movie doesn't work as the viewer would carry more of a desire to be bludgeoned over the head with action as opposed to being treated to the solid five-course meal that is a complete movie.


Thor is at his best in Thor: Ragnarok as he is trying to stop his homeland from being decimated by the evil Hela (Shoutout to Cate Blanchett!). I purposefully keep these particular reviews as surface as I can so as not to spoil anything. I give it a solid 90 and count it as the third best superhero movie done this year.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017) Movie Review

Watching Kingsman: The Golden Circle is like driving a Lamborghini that needs a tune up. Amazing car to drive but expect it to sputter a few times on the way to your destination. I enjoyed the film, I really did. However, there were just a handful slow spots that were unforgivable. Had those been removed or the scenes shot differently, the film had all the makings of being just as good as the first.

And I did say Lamborghini, not a Nissan. Golden Circle is definitely high octane, over-the-top fun. Continuing the story of special agent Eggsy (Taron Egerton), the Kingsmen are disbanded by the evil Poppy (Julianne) or forced to rely on their American cousins, the Statesmen, for help.

I really enjoy the ambition of these movies. It's fresh and unique, from the crazy set pieces right down to the hilarious cameos. One cameo in particular almost makes the entire movie. One can appreciate the attention to detail and the film's desire to try something different. It's the little touches, like Poppy's evil lair consisting of a whole 50's style setup, that tells you director Matthew Vaugn strived to go the extra mile and not just be a carbon copy of the first film.

I did wish there was more action. For what it's worth, the action sequences done throughout are extremely cool, hard hitting with no rest breaks. My personal favorite was the final scene, fought to a fun rendition of Cameo's "Word Up". Very nice touch that just fits with the overall style of the film.

Overall, it's clever but not deep. I wish they went more into depth on the Kingsmen culture a la John Wick: Chapter 2. Maybe they are saving it for the third film. All in all, very enjoyable. I give it an 87.

Gifted (2017) Speed Review

Following the death of his sister, Frank Adler (Chris Evans) takes on the role of raising his young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace). Mary is a child genius, a secret Frank has been trying to keep a secret. Gifted revolves around his quest to do so while holding his mother at bay from trying to take custody of Mary.

For me, Gifted is a delight, an absolute sleeper for the year. Currently on blu-ray and digital, it's a great film for a fun family night. Despite a forced, random twist towards the end and the film's slightly predictability, Gifted succeeds with awesome acting performances (Octavia Spencer kills it yet again) and great blend of moments that are both funny and emotion-filled. Not only are the characters believable, they are also extremely relatable.

If you didn't get a chance to check it out in theaters, I highly recommend checking it out at home. I give it a 92.

It (2017) Movie Review

In the sleepy town of Derry, Maine, kids are disappearing at an alarming rate. When a 13-year-old's little brother turns up missing, he decides to take matters into his own hands and find the threat. The kid Bill and his friends, known as the Losers Club, come face-to-face with Pennywise, a terrifying clown with supernatural powers. Pennywise must be stopped or It will continue to feed on countless lives.

When newcomers to "The Walking Dead" ask me whether or not they should watch the show if they don't like zombies, my reply is always, "Watch it. It's not about the zombies." It mirrors that thought in the sense that the movie is not about the terrifying clown, but rather the relationship between the kids. The story centers completely around them and the horrors they deal with on an everyday basis which, in some cases, are worse than Pennywise. The film doesn't hold any punches in this aspect and it allowed me to give it the proper respect it deserved as a FILM, not just a mere horror movie. The kids and their stories were powerful, definitely a successful adaptation from the source material from acclaimed author Stephen King.

Of course character development means nothing without a good cast. It absolutely delivers in this respect. I was worried with the film talking place in the 80's that the kids would too closely resemble the cast of "Stranger Things", but the Losers Club hold their own as a distinct crew. Each and every one of the cast members nail their respective roles from a determined Bill (Jaeden Lieberher) to the loud-mouthed Richie (Finn Wolfhard). Even the minor roles, those of parents and school bullies, were done extremely well. Spectacular job all around.

Which leads me to the clown of the hour: Pennywise. While I mentioned the film may not revolve around him, it doesn't make him any less creepy. Bill Skarsgard plays the absolute heck out of the role, controlling the mood like a puppet master. Little twists of his face can make you cringe, but, strangely enough, he can also make you laugh in the same breath. The best part about his approach to the role was it felt extreme effortless. Not effortless in the sense that he didn't try, but moreso in the sense that he didn't have to. He didn't go out of his way to be terrifying as he knew his presence alone would be creepy enough. I honestly find it hard trying to imagine anyone else playing that role and doing it so flawlessly.

And here's what I didn't like about the movie: Pretty much nothing. I'm not saying the movie is perfect, but like Logan Lucky, it comes pretty darn close.

There is a scene in the beginning of the film where we first meet Pennywise in a drain pipe. As he is talking to a young kid who couldn't have been more than eight, you are immediately introduced to how creepy he is. You can sense the excitement in his voice as he speaks, see the spittle coming from his mouth as he tries to compose himself. He wants to eat this kid. And badly.

It is the beginning of what turns out to be a very wild ride. Masterful job. I give It a 98 and a very slight edge over Logan for the year's best film.

Movie Subscriptions and the Future

For all my movie lovers out there, I'm sure you may have heard of the new thing going around: Moviepass. 

Ok, so it's not new. Moviepass has actually been around for about seven years now. For those of you that don't know, Moviepass is a subscription service that gives moviegoers a chance to see one movie a day every single day for a monthly fee. Sound too good to be true? It may or may not be depending on who you are and what you like when it comes to movies. Whatever you decide after reading about my experience, for only $9.95 a month, it's definitely worth considering. I ordered my pass on August 15th, 2017, the day the major price drop was announced. I previously considered it a couple years ago when they offered it for $50/month but didn't think it lucrative enough or enticing enough for me to consider. $9.95, however, is cheaper than what I used to pay at Planet Fitness so I figured I had nothing to lose. It took my card awhile to get in my hands which, to be fair, Moviepass themselves warned me it would take longer due to the uptick in new memberships. I received it three weeks later on the 5th of September. 

Excited to get started, I decided to try it out the following day at the closest theater to me, an AMC theater. The first thing I had to do was check in to the theater via the Moviepass app once I got within 100 yards of the theater. Easy peezy. The app asked me to enter the last four digits of my Moviepass card they sent me (which is an average Mastercard) and that activated the card. Once you check into the theater and select which showing you want to view, the app tells you you have thirty minutes to purchase your ticket and the exact amount of the ticket is loaded onto your card. I was definitely skeptical of this, but gave it a shot. 

I walked up to a kiosk at the theater and swiped my Stubs card before swiping my Moviepass card. Presto! It worked! Not only did the Moviepass card work, but I got rewards points for the purchase. The ticket would have normally cost me $13.91 so I was already up $4! First purchase worked like a dream. 

The second purchase, however, was a little wonkier. You see, when you're using the Moviepass App, you have to have a decent enough internet connection in order to check in to the theater. This second theater didn't so I spent about five minutes trying to connect to a wifi. Once I did, I was able to check in just fine. The second issue came when the ticket price that Moviepass had on file was off by $0.02. This meant having to use my Moviepass card first then pulling out my debit card for the final two pennies. A little bit of a headache, but at this point I'm $26 ahead so I'll take it. 

For the third purchase, I had to get a little creative. 

I wanted to see It on opening weekend. Usually for a movie that I expect to be sold out, I buy tickets way in advance, but you can't do that with Moviepass. It has to be a day of purchase. So (again getting creative) I went to the theater at midnight when my day reset, checked in with the app (no problems here) and went to purchase my ticket. This time, the price was off by $0.21 so I had to pull out the debit card again for the change. Not ideal, but at this point I'm up almost $40 so I'm on cloud nine! My fourth purchase at yet another different theater went just as smoothly as the first so no complaints there. All this in mind, I spend $9.95 for movies that I would have normally dropped almost $50 on. 

AND I can still use my Stubs and Regal Rewards card! If you're seriously considering this, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. You can only use your Moviepass for one movie a day. Every single day. 365 days a year. No blackouts.

2. You have to purchase your ticket same day. At least that's what the company says. For $10/month, I have no intention of violating this rule and potentially getting my card revoked.

3. If your concern is cheating a theater, first off, stop it. These theaters make a killing in profit and it's not off of the ticket sales. It's off their concessions. So, really, you should only feel bad if you're sneaking food in. Besides, Moviepass pays full retail price on every single ticket you buy. You might not, but they most certainly do.

4. If you're thinking of sharing this pass with others, think again. Your card is linked directly to the app which is on your phone.

5. There isn't anything in place for couples (yet). If you and your boo are going to the movies and want to use Moviepass, both of you will have to have separate cards.

6. While you can go to the movies once a day, you can only see one movie one time. So, if you're thinking about going to see Thor: Ragnorak repeatedly with Moviepass, not gonna happen.

7. Moviepass is for plain jane 2D movies only. No 3D. No Dolby theaters or IMAX. 

8. If you're visiting a theater with a bad internet connection, you either have to connect to a local wifi or you're screwed. You can only check in on the app with a solid internet connection. Keep in mind, you only really need this connection for about thirty seconds and you just have to be within 100 yards of the theater to check in.

9. You have to be an adult to use Moviepass. 18 and up.

So, if I was scoring this like I was a reviewing a movie, I would give Moviepass a solid 81. 

Not only will it help me save a lot of money in the future, but it allows me to go see movies that I wouldn't have normally taken a chance on when paying out of pocket. This is great for all parties involved, including theaters. They're still getting normal ticket value AND people will now be more willing to spend money on your astronomical concession prices when they get in for free. Companies like Moviepass and Sinemia are the wave of the future.

The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017) Movie Review

Due to the underwhelming consensus from critics, I was going to pass on The Hitman's Bodyguard. Then a beautiful invention named Moviepass showed up and I decided to add this gem to my theater queue. The result? A wonderful moviegoing experience that I would have otherwise missed.

I'll put it simply: The film is just good fun. It will never blow you away or make you say, "Wow." Where it succeeds begins with the cast. Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds are a match made in heaven. Their comedic styles clash in the film throughout producing some awesome moments. Ryan Reynold's character Michael Bryce expresses himself through sheer frustration with the whole ordeal while Jackson's character Darius Kincaid will have you cracking up with his mastery of profanity. Personally, I thought both of their performances paled in comparison to the smaller role that Salma Hayek played as Sonia Kincaid. Every scene she appears in gives you another reason to burst into laughter. Her fire and pure rage is priceless.

Besides its comedy, the film is packed with action from beginning to end. Dead moments were rare which I appreciated. These scenes may not reinvent the wheel, but there are a couple moments that stand out above your typical action movie.

Yes, I read what the critics have been saying and some of it I agree with. The action, while awesome, is pretty formulaic. Don't expect a lot of surprises. The film is also a bit cheesy in spots. These are typically moments where I thought the dialogue between Jackson and Reynolds could have been a bit tighter. It is a film that is perfectly content with staying in its swim lane and I'm ok with that.

The plot is pretty straightforward. Darius Kincaid is a contract killer who is needed to testify in court against a major corrupt politician. Michael Bryce has been assigned with keeping him alive until his day in court.

What ensues is pure hilarity. Extremely happy that I gave this movie its fair shake. I give it a 91.

Atomic Blonde (2017) Movie Review

My one gripe of Atomic Blonde is solely based on what my expectations of the film were. I expected a knock-down, drag-out fight from beginning to end, nothing but high octane action. What I got instead was a clever spy film with loads of action in between. So clever that I found myself having to pay more attention than I was hoping to. Fair warning now, if you're going to see Atomic Blonde, keep both eyes open or you could miss something important.

Atomic Blonde hits hard while being sexy and sleek at the same time. I think this pretty much sums up Charlize Theron's character Lorraine in a nutshell. She is quite the beast in this movie. I have never seen someone kick so much butt and look seemingly disinterested with the whole affair at the same time. She's the kind of person that you'd want to have along for a drink while always being in fear of saying the wrong thing. Theron commands the role as the female hero, even moreso in my humble opinion than Gadot with Wonder Woman. While both can be applauded for doing exceptional jobs, I have to give the butt-kicking award to Lorraine.

The plot is smooth with a handful of bumps in the road. There are just enough twists and enough intrigue that keep things moving along without muddling things too badly. Theron plays the role of hardcore spy Lorraine who is on assignment in Berlin to take down an espionage ring. What ensues among deceit and lies are long, well-directed actions sequences that show how well Lorraine can take a punch.

And boy does she take a lot of them. It's one of the most noticeable things to love about the movie, the fact that Lorraine can not only hang with the big boys, but she surpasses them in every way. She is as ruthless as John Wick and as nimble of foot as Black Widow. She gets hit (and hard), but manages to bounce back and destroy her opposition. Girl power at its finest.

Shot in an interesting contrast of grittiness and bright colors, Atomic Blonde is another awesome work by director David Leitch. I give it a 90.

Wonder Woman (2017) Movie Review

I hate that my favorite action scene in Wonder Woman is the one I can't talk about without spoiling things. It's a climactic battle between good and evil and it fills the big screen from one end to the other. It's amazing to watch. Almost makes you think: Where has this been all this time, DC?

Mind you, this isn't the only pleasing action sequence, just the best. Wonder Woman's power is on full display throughout the entire film as she tosses tanks with ease and flies from one building to the next taking out a slew of dudes along the way. A lot of the coolest fight scenes ever done in film include the One Versus Many scenario and our superheroine of the hour finds herself in this situation more than once. While it doesn't quite meet the same level of excitement as watching Logan slice through enemies like paper, I give a lot of credit to director Patty Jenkins for ensuring that these scenes were carefully crafted to the point of being memorable.

Yes, DC fans, Wonder Woman is here and it's the movie you actually deserve. To those of you that didn't see Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice: 1. Be thankful; 2. All you need to know is that this film follows the origin story of Wonder Woman and how she went from a young girl growing up in the Greek-centric Themyscira to the powerful heroine who is symbol of love and truth. For those that did see BVS, this film answers the question: What's the deal with that old-timey picture that Bruce Wayne found?

While DC movies lately have been missing the mark with their humor, Wonder Woman finds its target quite a few times. I loved that the funny wasn't forced like it could be at times in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Because it came naturally, it was naturally funny. The film didn't just rely on Chris Pine to carry the comic relief load as a lot of the characters managed to get their quips in some form or fashion, even Gal Gadot.

Speaking of Gadot, I must give her all the props in the world for doing the character of Diana (Wonder Woman) justice. Gadot is sensational in her role. She offers the perfect blend of naivety and fierceness that makes Wonder Woman who she is. Maybe there's another actress out there who could have played the role just as well, but Gadot is by no means forgetful. She breathes life into a franchise badly in need of resuscitation.

For all of the things the film did right, there were a number of tiny things that kept it from excelling into greatness. I'll just touch on two. They failed when they tried to throw a love story into the mix. Again, I won't ruin anything, but not only did I feel like it was unnecessary, I also thought it was very contradictory to Diana's personality and her philosophy of life. They had already established (in a pretty funny way) that she had no need for a man. Why ruin things by forcing the issue?

Finally, the slow motion sequences were a little too much for me at times. There were a few moments where it heightens the moment, but there were too many times where it felt over the top a la Transformers. I hope they play with this a little bit for the sequel.

Is Wonder Woman the best superhero movie of the year? No and it's not even close. I actually laughed when I heard they were pushing for a Best Picture nomination. It's a solid film, but not nearly as good as what Logan gave us. Much needed win for DC, though! I give it an 89.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) Movie Review

Sure, a movie critic could come in and pick Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets apart, frame by frame. One thing that won't be a part of that discussion is the visuals. The film takes you on a tour from scene to jawdropping scene. You'll explore a space beach with titanic seashells decorating the water. Oceanic depths where alien creatures abide. Chase scenes with so many visuals you will blink and miss something. Director Luc Besson has never been one to shortchange creativity and Valerian is no exception.

The visuals go a lot further than the actual depth of the movie and that's a part of the problem. Valerian is pretty straightforward so don't expect a whole lot of twists and turns. It felt like Besson was trying to get from Point A to Point B with as straight of a formulaic arrow as possible. Mind you, there are other films that do the same. John Wick is the most recent that comes to mind. However, when you take this approach everything else has to be spectacular in order for the film to work. That doesn't quite happen here.

The main characters, Valerian (Dane DeHaan) and Laureline (Cara Delevingne) were about as deep as cardboard. They were there for one thing and one thing only: advance the plot. Not sure if it was the acting or the poor script, but the execution could have been so much better. Going back to John Wick, Wick's character has a similar lack of depth, but he's got something the rest of the audience can reach for and relate to: Rage. He's beyond angry and you get it. You root for him to see his rage and revenge exacted. With Valerian and Laureline, on the other hand, there's not enough motivation to really care about what happens to these characters. Not to mention, they have zero chemistry yet viewers are supposed to believe there is a spark of romance there.

Regarding the plot, a dark threat is trying to attack the City of Alpha and Valerian and Laureline have to get to the bottom of it. The film doesn't do everything wrong, which is the reason I didn't rate it lower. The action is fun at times. You'll also find yourself laughing a bit if you like a drier wit. A few tweaks would have made the film as good as its visuals. As it stands, I give it a 75.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) Movie Review

Sony should really kick themselves for the shoddy way Spider-Man: Homecoming was marketed because the film is just plain awesome. The trailers don't even come close to doing it justice, not even by a long shot. I can't count the number of times I've been duped by a trailer and had to sit through a terrible movie. In this case, I'm happy it's the other way around.

Following the events of Captain America: Civil War, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) returns to Queens to resume his role as a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. He's restless, as most teenagers tend to be, and wants a shot at something big. He wants to be an Avenger. He sees a chance to prove himself when a new villain pops onto the scene, but finds he might be in for more than he bargained for when he tries to take the villain down.

Though Sony owns the rights to Spider-Man, they decided to play nice with Disney, who owns the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and try to create something special that both companies could benefit from. Business dealings aside, the movie is a great success largely in part to its seamless blending with the MCU. Memorable scenes with Robert Downey Jr.'s Tony Stark (and a couple of other guests I won't ruin) help embrace Peter Parker into the larger world that he was introduced to in Civil War. This movie is fully about Spider-Man, yet you never get the sense that the Avengers crew is all that far away.

The film manages a tough balancing act of keeping things light-hearted while still addressing the complexities of teenage life that Peter has to experience. Peter is the type of character where you laugh at him and feel for him at the same time. I thought Tobey Maguire did an exceptional job of capturing this in Spider-Man 2. After considering this for some time, I liked Holland's version even better. Holland is an exact portrayal of a kid that just wants to have fun but is burdened with the responsibility of always doing the right thing.

Cons you say? As in, what I didn't like about the movie? Hardly anything. Definitely nothing worth mentioning. Between the amazing action, cool twists that keep you guessing, and great acting all around, I was very impressed with how this movie came out. I give it a 96.

War For the Planet of the Apes (2017) Movie Review

I saw War of the Planet of the Apes two days ago. Forty-eight hours later, I'm still trying to think of what I didn't like about the film. In an age of film where franchises try and cash in on sequel after dreaded sequel, The Planet of the Apes trilogy has sneakily become one of the greatest trilogies ever made. If War is the cherry on top, it's the tastiest cherry I've had in awhile.

In the wake of the last film, the war rages on between apes and humans as a new strain of virus threatens to eradicate all of mankind. Lead ape Caesar (Andy Serkis) is trying to get his followers to safety before the war overcomes them all.

I can imagine that visual effects are a lot easier when trying to create something that isn't real. When the audience has nothing to go on, it's not as hard to suspend disbelief. That's why I give so much credit to the visual effects crew handling the apes in this film. The realism and the sheer attention to detail is breathtaking. My eyes never got the better of the effects which allowed me to relax and enjoy the film the way it was meant to be seen. Everything from movements right down to the tiny details of facial expressions was perfect. From a visual standpoint, the scenery is also amazing. Beautiful caverns surrounded by waterfalls where the apes live and the mountain stronghold of the enemy army are just two of many awesome backdrops for the great war.

The pacing is darn near perfect. Seamless blend of action and story progression. By the time it's over, you don't feel like you've spent over two hours watching a film, rather it feels like an experience.

Villains are hard to do well. A lot of villains in cinema history are one-dimensional with most of what we know about them being they've just always been the bad egg in the bunch. War, however, gives us a villain in Colonel (Woody Harrelson) with an actual motive. We still get the bad egg aspect (and, yes, you will probably leave the film hating him), but at least you get an understanding of why he feels justified in doing what he's doing. In stories like these, things are seldom black and white. Just like life's conflicts, there are reasons why both sides think they're right. And just like life's conflicts, it's a shame that the black and white war between apes and humans couldn't end in gray.

Great story. Memorable characters that will stick out long after the film is over. Grand action that will keep you glued to your chair. It is so refreshing to see a trilogy get better with each film. I am happy to give War For the Planet of the Apes a well-deserved 95.

Baby Driver (2017) Movie Review

In order to pay back organized crime leader Doc (Kevin Spacey), Baby (Ansel Elgort) has agreed to become the driver for his bank heists. Baby's plan is to earn enough money to pay off his debt and be done with crime for good. We all know that in movies like these, things rarely go as planned. 

While there wasn't a whole lot wrong with Baby Driver overall, I did think director Edgar Wright could have done a better job of splicing the action and drama. There were a couple of spots where you would come off the high of an amazing action sequence only to be a stuck in dialogues scene where you felt like things were moving ultra slow. Again, I only noticed this a couple of times and it's not nearly enough to slow down this powerhouse of a movie.

This review should come with a disclaimer: Baby Driver will not be everyone's cup of tea. It's weird (in a good way), strange, and quirky. It never quite does what you expect it to. Just like Baby tunes in to his own soundtrack, the film as a whole marches to its own drum. For those of you walking in expecting to hate it, give it a chance. I can promise you it will be like nothing you've seen before.

While the film is more action/drama than just straight action, I can assure you that you will definitely get your money's worth in thrills. From the car chases to intense shootouts, the action scenes are not only phenomenal, but clever. I haven't put my theory to the test yet, but I'm willing to bet you could watch this movie more than once and notice a different little nugget in each scene. I won't ruin anything. Let's just say it delivers.

The action is just as much fun as the characters are creative. While the movie doesn't waste an exorbitant amount of time on explaining backstory, I found it refreshing that each character had their own little flavor that contributed to the heist team. They're characters you want to keep getting to know, characters that surprise you by exceeding expectations. My personal favorite was Joseph (CJ Jones), Baby's deaf caretaker. He's merely one example of the depth of these characters and the strong acting that brought them to life.

I was starting to lose faith in 2017 movies until I saw this gem. Baby Driver gets an A for originality. I can't wait for ten years from now when: 1. Disney has finally bought the remaining Marvel franchises and we see them all come together on the big screen; 2. We get a Mission: Impossible 10 where Ethan Hunt has aged but opts to go on one last mission; 3. We look back and Baby Driver is a cult classic. I give the film a 93.

It Comes at Night (2017) Movie Review

If nothing else, Joel Edgerton is the shining light of It Comes at Night, delivering yet another strong performance. He plays Paul, the father of a family living in a home in the woods during a post-apocalyptic era. He carries a quiet intensity that you can feel, whether you agree with his decisions or not. I thought his constant state of paranoia was exactly what you would expect to see from someone having to survive in the "last days".

As we have seen countless times before, sometimes even great acting isn't enough to save a bad movie.

Paul and his family, consisting of his wife Sarah (Carmen Ejogo) and son Travis (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.), having been hiding out in this rural home trying to avoid "what's out there". From everything we can gather from the trailers and the early stages of the movie, there seems to be a spread of a viral infection of some sort passed on by human contact. Things quickly take a turn when another family suddenly enters their lives.

Do you ever find out what comes at night? I wish I could ruin the movie and save you the trouble, but it's not my style. I will say this, however: Prepare for a lot of smokescreens during the duration of this film. Just when you think a specific moment is actually leading you to answers, it ends up being much ado about nothing. I felt mislead so much, it ruined the overall experience for me. Sometimes movies are vague for a specific purpose. This one was a little too vague for my taste. A few answers here and there not only would have given the audience a greater satisfaction, but it would have also sped the pace up. Yes, the film is slow. Like snail's pace slow.

I would be willing to give this film a much higher score on one condition: That it was social commentary on all the homicides that have occurred at the hands of police officers in the US recently. Joel's paranoia was an uncanny correlation to how situations with law enforcement have been escalating into unnecessary deaths. What was Joel ultimately afraid of? Losing his own life. As a result, he constantly found himself in situations where he had to make quick decisions, sometimes too quick. Sometimes downright wrong.

If I'm scoring it just as a film and not social commentary, I give it a 69.    

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) Movie Review

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie shows a lot of promise, even brilliance in some spots. Overall it falls well short of other movies I've seen in 2017 this year. A few tweaks here and there would have adjusted my opinion dramatically.

George and Harold are the best of friends. When they're not causing trouble and playing pranks, they are working on their comic book Captain Underpants. A twisted turn of events brings their superhero to life, but is nowhere near what they expected. They find themselves having to figure out a way to keep him from doing more harm than good.

The great movies stay in your mind for weeks, months, years even, after you watch them. In the case of Captain Underpants, while there are a few funny moments I can point to, the movie overall is forgettable unfortunately. I laughed at points, but I'm having trouble at this point remembering what exactly was so funny. I do however remember the numerous slow pockets of the movie that made it feel longer than it was. 

The film had its moments even if I can't quite remember what I laughed at. It also strives to pack a bit of heart both in its message and relationships. Parents can feel good about taking their kids to see a movie that teaches them what happens when people come together to help other people.

While I appreciate the comic book stylistic aspect of the film and its originality, Captain Underpants wasn't memorable enough to fully stand out. It won't immediately hook you, nor will it hold your attention. I give it a 66.

Straight Outta Compton (2015) Movie Review

Straight Outta Compton follows the rise of controversial rap group N.W.A. Their journey to stardom is easily a story worth retelling as it hits on topics all over the spectrum from gang violence to race wars to the atrocities that exist in the music business. While it's not a film you'll be pushed to watch more than once, it's definitely one that everyone should see at least once.

You can't talk about a film about a music group without mentioning the music itself. Straight Outta Compton not only provides a solid soundtrack, but gives you deeper insight into how some of the songs were created. We're used to the finished product, but it's rare that we get a glimpse into the process of the song and the reasoning behind its creation. While a song like "Fuck the Police" might be pretty self-explanatory in its inception, a perfect chain of events brought the song to life.

The film captures your attention from the beginning. Easy E (Jason Mitchell) enters a dope house to collect on some money owed to him. It's a tense interaction that ends in a S.W.A.T. swarming the house. You see Easy running from rooftop to rooftop while helicopters scan the perimeter. Just another day in Compton.

N.W.A. lived out a sensational career from their freaky beach parties to their crazy tour bus antics. Yet in still, as you're watching it unfold on the big screen, none of it ever appears to be oversensationalized. I never found myself saying, "Ok, that's probably a stretch." That's a big reason as to why it was so enticing to watch.

Strong performances from the cast helped carry the movie as well. The group members weren't granted equal screen time, but each played their role in excellent fashion. I honestly can't say that I favored one over the other.

Here's where the movie could have used a little bit of a boost: It refused to ever dive under the surface of the relationship between these five young men. Sure we saw the houses, the partying, the tours. However, I never got a full sense of who these characters were as brothers growing up in a less than appealing environment. What were they like when they weren't around the music and the women and cameras? In a society today where terms like "Black Lives Matter" receive divisive responses, it would have been nice to see the heart that beat behind these men. To somehow show that they were more than just music, money, and parties. Missed opportunity in my opinion.

Solid movie that was good, but could have been exceptional. I give it a 77.

A Look Back at My Favorite Movies of 2016

It's June, meaning we're about halfway through 2017. If I'm being honest, it's been an underwhelming year for movies so far. Sure, there is a lot of time left and to be fair, I have yet to see and review Wonder Woman yet. Also, there about 32 other movies that I could potentially see this year so there is still time for things to turnaround. While we're in this downtime, I thought I would take an entry to look back at my Top Ten Movies of 2017.


10. Morris From America
What I Gave it: 94
Why I Liked it: Craig Robinson delivers an inspiring comedic performance as a father trying to raise his son in Germany. Extremely original and keeps you entertained from beginning to end.


9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
What I Gave it: 94


8. La La Land
What I Gave it: 94
Why I Liked it: The music combined with the beautiful imagery of the multitude of set pieces make this one to remember.


7. Moana
What I Gave it: 96

6. Everybody Wants Some!!
What I Gave it: 97

5. Deadpool
What I Gave it: 97


4. Kung Fu Panda 3
What I Gave it: 98


3. The Magnificent Seven
What I Gave it: 98


2. Zootopia
What I Gave it: 98

1. Sing Street
What I Gave it: 100

Sleight (2017) Movie Review

At the heart of Sleight is its characters. Strong relatable characters that make you become personally invested in the high stakes in which they are involved. Bo (Jacob Latimore) is just a kid forced into manhood early after his mom dies. You feel for him as he struggles to try and take care of his younger sister while maintaining his moral compass at the same time. Holly (Seychelle Gabriel) finds her way into Bo's life with a heart-tugging story of her own. Both characters are on an unavoidable collision course that you can only hope ends for the best.

With superhero movies being all the rage for well over a decade at this point, I've gotta give credit to the rare ones that offer fresh takes on the genre. Sleight is extremely original, something you will walk away saying you haven't seen before. Where most origin stories start off with the main character already having a somewhat decent life (Batman, Thor, Iron Man), Sleight thrusts you into the inner city where drugs, nightlife, and violence are at the forefront. It's not long into the film you realize just how badly Bo's world needs a hero.

Part-time street magician, part-time drug dealer, Bo's goal is simple: Make enough money from the latter to buy his way out of the seedy life and focus on raising his sister. He's playing a dangerous game, however, as his boss Angelo isn't the easiest of dealers to get away from. The decisions Bo has to make are like little land mines effecting every single slice of his life. I won't ruin how the superhero aspect comes into play, but I will say it's both cool and refreshing.

Latimore delivers a strong peformance as does Gabriel playing Holly. Believability is everything and both actor and actress managed to capture the strength and vulnerability of their respective characters. On the flipside, Dule Hill's performance as Angelo was not nearly as believable. His role as crime boss didn't quite scare me as much as other notable actors in a similar role.

This film is a definite sleeper and I was glad to be a part of the circle of people that have viewed it. I saw this film and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 two days apart. Sleight was better. I give it a solid 89.