Up (2009) Movie Review

Up is one of those films that sticks with you long after the credits are done rolling. It hits you on a number of different levels, bordering close to perfection. I don't think I've seen a film that manages to switch from hurt to hilarious in such an effortless fashion.

In the beginning you meet Ellie, a cute little girl full of adventure. Her energy and excitement bleed off the screen and you can't help but smile at her. She's perfect for Carl, an innocent kid who barely says more than a few words. Their imaginative adventures get you into the story immediately. It's a relationship that makes the first ten minutes that much harder to watch. There are moments in the film that never lose impact which is testament to the film's power to stand the test of time.

For a child's film, there are a lot of layers that really make the film special. It isn't long before we get to meet Russell, an innocent boyscout turned star of the movie. He's just trying to earn another badge by helping the elderly. Underneath this unassuming kid is hurt from all the painful things happening in his life. Each character has their own respective backstory that makes them relatable and lovable.

There's good ole Doug the runt of a talking dog pack who can't seem to do right even when he tries his best. He's an outcast amongst the other dogs while still harboring those wonderful dogs traits that humans can't help but love. And how can you not love the colorful snipe Kevin whose only goal is to take care of her kids (yes, HER name is Kevin)? All of these characters are worthy of their own standalone film which is why bringing them all together for one story makes the film spectacular.

At the core of the story is the odd couple relationship between Kevin and Russell. Young and old meet and it couldn't be funnier to see the two try and operate together. As they try and understand each other, they form an unlikely bond, a closeness that was lost from both of their lives. At the risk of sounding like a teenager, it will give you all the feels.

There could be some missteps in this wonderful adventure about a man who decides to fly away in his house using thousands of balloons, but those missteps are minute. Not only are the visuals amazing, but the message is also a strong one: Don't get stuck in the past. Live life for the now.

Up is a classic. I give it a 99.

Jude (1996) Movie Review

Set in the late 1800's, Jude Fawley (Christopher Eccleston) leaves his country home to enroll in a university and finds a taboo love in the process. It's somewhat ironic that I'm reviewing this just after my dog vomited because the story unfolds just as slowly. Just as I screamed "Just do it already!" to my beagle, I felt Jude could have gotten to the point a little faster. I have some ideas about how this could have been accomplished, but I can't share them without spoiling the film.

The slow progression of the plot would have been fine had the ending been stronger. The last twenty minutes were a whirlwind and not in a good way. If the film is an unsettling ice cream sundae, the ending was an ugly cherry that tastes as bad as it looks.

For what it's worth, the story is definitely intriguing with simple, yet complex details. It's weird, yet somehow heartwarming. Despite my dislike for the film as a whole, Eccleston and Kate Winslet both played phenomenal roles. Two performances that were almost enough to carry the film.

Not quite. I give Jude a 67.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) Movie Review

If I'm being honest, I didn't expect to like this film. Everyone in the past twelve years since its release that has recommended it to me can only talk about how sad and downright heartbreaking it can be at times. Why would I want watch a film like that? After sitting through The Pursuit of Happyness, I have my answer.

Chris Gardner (Will Smith) is just trying to make money and take care of his family. After investing his entire life savings in a company that goes nowhere, he decides to risk it all and go out for an unpaid internship with a stockbroking company. The message here is extremely powerful, a message he delivers to his son about halfway through the film: If you want something, go get it. And, in the process of getting it, don't let anyone tell you that you can't have it.

The film revolves Gardner's struggle to work for no pay and still manage to take care of his son. You can't help but admire his hustle. Despite numerous shortcomings and failed attempts, he continues to push toward his vision. It's inspiration at its finest. And, just as people warned me, it's also heartbreaking to watch. I mean, the guy can't seem to catch a break. Ever. He takes a step forward then eight back. I appreciated the film being delivered in this fashion because of how real it felt. I never got the sense of sugarcoating. This man was broken, yet he found a way to piece himself back together.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Jaden Smith's performance as Chris jr. He carries the innocence and sadness of a kid that's a victim of a situation he doesn't seem to fully understand. While it's heartbreaking to see them struggle, it's heartwarming to watch them struggle together.

My one complaint would be the movie ending a bit too abruptly for my taste. Other than that, what a great film! I give it a 92.

Movies 365: August 2018

I'm looking at my August list of movies right now and I'm thinking a couple of things. 1. It's going to be really interesting to see if I even make it to this point. 2. I'm looking forward to going back and doing some rerates for a few of these movies. Boogeyman (2005), Men In Black II (2002), Bedazzled (2000), and Battle: Los Angeles (2011) are all films that I gave solid scores to and I'm wondering if they will lose their appeal after a second watch. Maybe. Probably. In any event, I'm really looking forward to this awesome month of Movies 365!

1. A Few Good Men (1992)
2. Boogeyman (2005)
3. TimeCrimes (2007)
4. The Equalizer (2014)/The Equalizer 2 (2018)
5. Predator (1987)
6. The Predator (2018)/The Sentinel (1977)
7. Christopher Robin (2018)
8. Creep (2015)/Creep 2 (2017)
9. Dead Alive (1993)
10. Men In Black II (2002)
11. The African Queen (1951)
12. Children of Men (2006)
13. The Thieves (2012)/Shutter Island (2010)
14. The Hateful Eight (2015)
15. Bringing Out the Dead (1999)
16. Basic Instinct (1992)
17. The Happytime Murders (2018)
18. Captive State (2018)
19. Bull Durham (1988)
20. Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
21. The Nun's Story (1959)
22. Gandhi (1982)
23. State and Main (2000)
24. Djomeh (2001)
25. My Art (2018)
26. Forbidden Lie$ (2007)
27. What We Do In the Shadows (2015)
28. The Loved Ones (2012)/Bedazzled (2000)
29. Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
30. Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
31. Kin (2018)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76.5%
Movie I'm Most Interested to See: Basic Instinct. Reason? I will finally have a correlation between all the parodies I've seen over the years. I mean how many times has this film been made fun of in some form or fashion?

A Fistful of Dollars (1964) Movie Review

A Fistful of Dollars doesn't succeed because the film as a whole is perfect. Rather there are a number of memorable scenes that perfectly captivate an audience and make the film irresistible. There are moments of extended silence periods where only a guitar is playing while the camera pans back and forth from one face to the next. These moments are extremely powerful and quickly trains the audience into knowing that as soon as you see this happen, it's about to go down. No matter how many times director Sergio Leone relies on this effect, it never loses its excitement.

In mentioning scenes, a lot of favorites comes to mind. One scene in particular involves Joe (Clint Eastwood) walking past the undertaker who warns Joe that the men he's about to face will probably kill him. "Get three coffins ready," is Joe's badass reply. After killing the entire crew in what felt like a blink, Joe goes, "My mistake. Four coffins." Definitely put a huge smile on my face.

It's scenes like these that instantly make you fall in love's with Eastwood's character. The guy just bleeds badass. Nothing rattles him. Not only does he get out of tight pinches, but he does it with style. Towards the back half of the film, he takes his performance to even higher heights with some very cool action sequences. Action sorely needed after the film stumbled a bit in the middle with too much dialogue.

When Joe arrives in town as a complete stranger, his goal is simple: Pit two rival families against each other while making a lot of money in the process. The body count is high which keeps the excitement level even higher. Very enjoyable. I give the film an 89.

Mary Poppins (1964) Movie Review

It's not hard to come to grips with why Mary Poppins is widely considered as a classic. Does the film show you a really good time? Check. Make you laugh? Check. Provide you with important messages that still hold true to this day? Check. All the marks of a film that stands the test of time.

Seriously, how can you not love this woman? She's fair. Kind. The kind of person that would tell you the truth whether you want to hear it or not. Just flat-out someone you would want to hang with. To put it simply: Marry Poppins (Julie Andrews) rocks.

The film is sprinkled with some valuable lessons throughout presented in varying creative scenarios. In one of my favorite scenes, Uncle Albert (Ed Wynn) teaches us the importance of laughter and being happy. Everytime he laughs his infectious laugh, he floats (literally) a little bit higher until he can touch the ceiling.

Poppins shines as an iconic character. And, let's face it, the lady can come out of a chimney like a straight up boss! Though the film got off to a slow start, things quickly gain speed when she comes gliding down so gracefully holding her black umbrella. Andrews deserves all the credit in the world for making this role shine. 

Think about the plot on paper: A nanny shows up to whip two jerk kids into shape. I'm already asleep. While this could have very easily been a snooze fest, Disney takes us on a fun adventure into some cool and imaginative places with our great heroine running the helm. 

Throughout this magical journey into a brand new world, the beauty of it all is how Poppins is able to maintain a stern attitude while still letting the kids be kids. Plainly put, she runs circles around me as a parent. Quality film for the ages. 

I give it an 89. I'm rooting for you, Emily Blount. You have some big shoes to fill.

Movies 365: July 2018

1. Raging Bull (1980)/Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children (2016)
2. The Replacement Killers (1998)/Metropolis (1927)
3. Black Dynamite (2009)
4. Postmen In the Mountains (2003)
5. Ant-Man (2015)
6. Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)
7. Mr. Majestyk (1974)
8. One Hour Photo (2002)
9. Act of Violence (1948)
10. Akira (1988)/A Perfect Getaway (2009)
11. Dr. Strangelove Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
12. A Ghost Story (2017)
13. Say Anything... (1989)
14. The Magdalene Sisters (2003)
15. Blade Runner (1982)
16. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
17. The Big Sick (2017)
18. Sleepers (1996)
19. The Wrestler (2008)
20. Alita: Battle Angel (2018)
21. Doc Hollywood (1991)
22. Big (1988)
23. The Constant Gardener (2005)
24. Friday (1995)
25. Moliere (2007)
26. Mission: Impossible (1996)/Mission: Impossible III (2006)
27. Mission: Impossible--Ghost Protocol (2011)
28. Mission: Impossible--Fallout (2018)
29. Teen Titans Go to the Movies (2018)
30. Scarface (1932)
31. Scarface (1983)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83.4%
Movie I'm Most Looking Forward to: One Hour Photo

Toy Story 2 (1999) Movie Review

Toy Story 2 picks up right where it left off packing the same creativity from the first film. It's an absolute marvel from start to finish, a film that not only checks all the boxes but touches you on every level. I found myself laughing way harder than someone should've after multiple watches. Is it perfect? Maybe not, but it's damn close.

If the animation was groundbreaking in the original movie, Toy Story 2 surpasses that by taking it up to new heights. Spectacular doesn't even begin to define it. Colors are more vibrant. Movements are more crisp. The attention to detail in every single frame is unreal.

Success also comes from a number of clever moments sprinkled throughout the film. In one scene, the gang is driving a toy car down an aisle being led by Barbie while Rex is chasing after them. He gets closer and closer to their rearview mirroring a very similar moment in Jurassic Park. It was terrifying in the dinosaur film, but hilarious in this context.

With such a fun film, you never expect your feelings to get caught up in it but they do. You feel heartbroken for Woody (Tom Hanks) when Andy feels he has to leave him behind while Andy goes to Cowboy Camp. Woody was so excited to be chosen to go and he's devastated when Andy decides to leave him.

I can't think of anything to dislike about the film as a whole. It's a fun ride to remember about a toy trying to find himself and his place in the world. You'll love everything from the old characters to the new dog who is just plain adorable. Welcome to my All-Time Top Ten, Toy Story 2. Hope you enjoyed the stay, Safety Not Guaranteed.  We have another well-deserved 100.

Toy Story (1995) Movie Review

Toy Story's magic amazingly manages to hold decades after its 1995 release. Woody (Tom Hanks), a toy cowboy, is used to being king of the roost in owner Andy's home. When a shiny new toy shows up by the name of Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Buzz and Woody have to figure out a way to coexist in Andy's room.

While the movie largely revolves around the big characters of Buzz and Woody, Toy Story would be nothing without the rest of its fun and lovable crew. My personal favorite was Rex (Wallace Shawn) a T-Rex scared of disappointing any and everyone. His numerous moments of distress keep the comedy level ramped up. He is the antithesis of a film that stresses living in the now as he is always worried about what's going to happen next.

It's an adventure that takes you all over the place while breaking animation barriers in the process. You'll explore an exciting world through the eyes of tiny toys where everything is much bigger. From racing through Pizza Planet and escaping "The Claw" (Ohhhhhhh) to harrowing escapes from attack dogs and evil neighbor kids, you're never bored from one moment to the next. Seriously, what's not to like?

There are so many classic scenes, it's hard to keep track. One scene in particular saw Woody trying to communicate with the other toys from neighbor Sid's window. He's trying to prove that Buzz is still alive but only has Buzz's arm. All hell breaks loose when the other toys realize the truth. The scene is less than two minutes, but easily one of the most memorable.

I saw this film for the first time when I was eleven and the message was lost on me then. Years later, it's staring me dead in the face: It's about not trying to be something you aren't but rather focusing on being the best YOU you can be. It's a magical film that takes us back to a time before video games were everything. The first of one of the best trilogies ever done, I give it a solid 98.

Machete (2010) Movie Review

Machete was a bit of a miss for me. I understood the direction that directors Ethan Maniquis and Robert Rodriguez were heading for. I just didn't quite...get it. As a salesperson, I'm taught to push the "why", not the "how". For me, the "why" of this film left a lot to be desired.

It's not that I didn't like Machete, rather it didn't hook me. Half cheesy action film, half telenovela, it definitely has some shining moments. Danny Trejo (Machete) plays a tough badass as he does in most films. His hardcore attitude makes him instantly lovable and they give him more attitude than ever in this role. Not only does he destroy a lot of tough guys, he manages to find time to slay the ladies as well. Oh yes, the ladies love Machete and Machete loves the ladies.

Props to Robert De Niro as well in his role as The Senator. Hearing his country accent makes you almost forgot this was the same guy that said, "You talkin' to me?" (Taxi Driver is on my list for this October!). You're supposed to hate him as he plays a villain, but you can't help but love him at the same time.

A handful of action sequences left me with raised eyebrows. My favorite in particular was Cheech Marin in the church with the double shotgun action. Talk about money!

Fun movie and worth at least one watch. Seeing Machete seek revenge on The Senator after being double-crossed (the plot) managed to keep me entertained but not quite jumping-for-joy excited. I give it a solid 76.

Movies 365: June 2018

1. Citizen Kane (1941)

2. Manchester By the Sea (2016)

3. Whiplash (2014)

4. The Big Lebowski (1998)

5. The Goonies (1985)

6. Sunshine (2007)

7. The Sound of Music (1965)

8. Ocean's 8 (2018)

9. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

10. From Dusk 'Til Dawn (1996)

11. Mean Dreams (2017)

12. Dazed and Confused (1993)

13. Some Like it Hot (1959)

14. Field of Dreams (1989)

15. The Incredibles (2004)/The Incredibles 2 (2018)

16. The Exorcists (1973)

17. Big Trouble In Little China (1982)

18. Freedom Writers (2007)

19. Point Blank (2011)

20. Jurassic Park (1993)

21. The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)/Jurassic Park 3 (2001)

22. Jurassic World (2015)/Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

23. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2001)

24. Office Space (1999)

25. The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

26. Walk the Line (2005)

27. Mulholland Drive (2001)

28. A Bug's Life (1998)

29. Vertigo (1958)

30. Fargo (1996)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84.3%

Movie I'm Most Excited to Watch: The Incredibles 2

Paddington 2 (2018) Movie Review

I'm hoping this review doesn't turn into a lovefest, but Paddington 2, like its predecessor, had a way of pushing all of my right buttons. The gang is back with a few new faces to add, like Hugh Grant playing the role of antagonist Phoenix Buchanan. Grant excels in the role as you hate him and love him at the same time. He's smug, playful, and just a downright jerk. The film wouldn't have been the same without him.

The film's humor packs a powerful punch in a number of ways. It's hilariousness comes not just in the things that hit you directly, but the side things happening at the same time. In one scene the Brown family is talking amongst themselves with their usual funny banter while Paddington destroys an entire candy apple in one bite. I'm excited to go back again and revisit some of the things I may have missed. 

Paddington's Aunt Lucy has her hundredth birthday coming up and Paddington finds something extremely special to give to her. He decides to get a job and scrounge up his cash to buy the item, but someone else has their sights on the item as well and is willing to stop at nothing to get it.

It's the perfect film to start 2018 off with a bang. While Paddington 2 does have a few extreme moments, those moments are forgivable when looking at the film as a whole. Every kids movie has its extreme moments, but not every kids movies can successfully pass on a positive message without making it look preachy. This is where Paddington 2 shines and sets itself apart.

The message is simple: We get further in life when we help each other and love each other. Now's as good a time as any to reinforce that statement. Paddington reminds us of who we should all strive to be as people. He goes through life without a care in the world and always puts his family and friends first.

A fun and heartwarming ride, you'll find yourself rooting for Paddington the whole way through. I give Paddington 2 a 98. Talk about setting the bar high for 2018! It's gonna be a great year.

The Debut (2000) Movie Review

Bottom Line: You need to watch The Debut. It's not the best movie out there, but I think it's absolutely necessary as we strive to understand race and our place in the world. No, the acting isn't out-of-this-world and the film is a bit cheesy in spots. The beauty of it all is that it still manages to deliver a powerful message in spite of its shortcomings.

The story revolves around Ben Mercado (Dante Basco). Ben is trying to find himself. He's torn between the lines of his Filipino culture and the rest of the majority world. Racism is tackled head-on, self-racism being one of the most central focuses. When you come from a strong, influential culture, it's not unreal to be scrutinized by others within that culture because you don't confine to the norm. There's power in seeing it unfold in front of you.

I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into the Filipino culture and their traditions. As different as cultures and races can be, it's very interesting to see the similarities that bind us. The birthday party that was thrown for Ben's sister had a familiar feel to the cookouts my mom used to host growing up. At the same time, the differences are also glaring. There is a scene where Ben hits up a party with his friends and he's the only minority there. While he was with people he knew, he still felt out of place. Been there. Interestingly enough, he felt most comfortable around the family and culture he spent part of his life running from, even when there was heavy tension afoot. If that's not real life, I don't know what is.

Director Gene Cajayon made it pretty easy for you to become invested in Ben. You've got everyone trying to decide his life for him while he puts his heart and soul into a passion that no one respects. His father wants him to go to medical school and follow in his own footsteps, but Ben has other plans. Everything comes to a head at his sister's birthday party where the story primarily takes place.

I do wish there were subtitles during the scenes were they were speaking Filipino, however I understand the director's choice to keep that barrier up. At the same time, I felt it lessened the impact of what was being said. It was awkward in spots, but awkwardly real.

The film reinforces one thing among many: We still struggle with race issues today and, unfortunately, it's hard for people on the other side of the coin to properly address those issues. Progress is slow, but as long as there is progress of some sort, it's the only way we can really hope to get better as a society.

So glad this film randomly found its way onto my Movies 365 list. I give it a 73.

Point Break (1991) Review

My buddy who recommended Point Break asked for my thoughts almost immediately after I watched it. In a word: Fun. No, it's not going to blow your mind or give you chills, but it's a great film to watch if you're just trying to have a good time. It's like Fast and the Furious before Fast and the Furious became Fast and the Furious. Oh yeah, and with surfer dudes.

Point Break can be a bit over the top at times. One scene in particular involving a chase scene where someone literally threw a dog at Keanu Reeves left me scratching my head and chuckling, but I'm pretty sure I wasn't supposed to be laughing at that point. The plot holes threw me off just as much. Spoiler Alert In the Form of a Question: After Johnny Utah's cover is blown, why the hell is he still hanging out with the bankrobbers?

After a slow start, I managed to find myself engaged in what was unfolding. Keanu Reeves got off to a slow start as well in his role as Johnny Utah, but found his way midway through. It was almost like this was the film where he learned how to act, but director Kathryn Bigelow didn't notice until they were well past the point of reshoots. It doesn't kill the movie, not by a longshot, especially considering its setting.

The ending was extremely ambiguous and, ten years ago, probably would have ruined the entire film for me. Now, it left me asking myself, "What does this mean exactly?" My answer in a sec...

For those of you like me that are new to the film, Point Break is the story of a detective trying to take down a gang of surfers that have become notorious on the bank-robbing circuit as the Ex-Presidents. The film has some fun action sequences, including a house raid midway through that I really enjoyed. I also thought Bigelow captured some powerful shots when it came to expressing the love and power of the ocean. I would love to see this film shot in IMAX today. And I said this film, not the god-awful remake. My favorite shot takes place at a gas station. Bodhi (Patrick Swayze) is burning a car (destroying evidence) to the ground using a gas pump and a lighter. For some reason, it reminded me of the one scene I enjoyed in Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice where the courtroom explodes and just Superman is left among the flames. Scenes like this, no matter how good or bad a film is, stay etched in your memory for a long time.

So what were my thoughts on the ending? I feel like the waves got the better of Utah and he succumbed to their call. He got a taste of a life that was more easygoing and peaceful. Less rules and restrictions. Ultimately, it was enough for him to throw everything else (badge included) away. And yes, I think he does end up staying with Tyler (Lori Petty).

Glad I saw this film. I give it a 77.

Movies 365: May 2018

1. The Godfather (1972)

2. The Godfather Part II (1974)

3. The Godfather Part III (1990)

4. Pillow Talk (1959)

5. Conan the Barbarian (1982)

6. Pyscho (1960)

7. Requiem For a Dream (2000)

8. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)

9. Goon (2012)

10. Saving Private Ryan (1998)

11. The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004)

12. McLintock! (1963)

13. Dirty Harry (1971)

14. The Hunt For Red October (1990)

15. Broken Flowers (2005)

16. Wargames (1983)

17. Slither (2006)

18. Deadpool (2016)/Deadpool 2 (2018)

19. 13 Assassins (2011)

20. Saturday Night Fever (1977)

21. The Blues Brothers (1980)

22. The Shining (1980)

23. Inglorious Basterds (2009)

24. The Guest (2014)

25. Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

26. JCVD (2008)

27. Come Undone (2010)

28. Beetlejuice (1988)

29. Major League (1989)

30. Bad Lieutenant (1992)

31. Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 85.4%

Movie I'm Most Excited to Watch: 13 Assassins

Joy (2015) Movie Review

Joy never fully grabbed me and I wanted it to. Joy (Jennifer Lawrence) is a genius in her own right, but the bad breaks and trials of life have prevented her from rising to become anything more than a struggling matriarch trying to keep her entire family from killing each other. After coming up with a brilliant idea she decides to throw her all at it to make her dreams come true.

On paper, it sounds like just the movie I would fall in love with. However, it gets off to a very slow start due to some chronological jumbling. While I was still able to follow along just fine, I found my interest waning.

The payoff at the ending didn't do much to satisfy the bad taste in my mouth. I was frustrated for Joy throughout the film all the while rooting for her success. In the end, it just wasn't quite what I was hoping it would be.

I did think the film was aided by some very strong acting performances. Whether you loved them or hated them, everyone played their roles extremely well. There were also a handful of surprises over the course of the film that managed to keep me engaged.

Would I watch this again? Sure. Do I need to? Meh. I give Joy a 76.

The Big Heat (1953) Movie Review

I can imagine that some of the cool scenes that happened in The Big Heat were well ahead of their time. One scene in particular was a car explosion created with strong sound, camera rumblings, and a bright flash of light outside of a window. Seems simple and subtle, but its impact was jarring at that point in the movie. 

The film missed a few steps, wasn't perfect by any means. In fact, one can argue that there was one glaring plothole throughout just staring at you the entire time. I didn't realize it until there was about half an hour left, but it made me stop and say, "Wait...what? But why didn't they just...ok. Whatevs." Call me old, but I'm learning to let things go. Good doesn't mean perfect. The Big Heat falls well of perfection but it gets the job done.

There is a lot to digest throughout the film so make sure to keep up. This isn't a film you watch while browsing Google or folding clothes. I had to rely on protagonist Dave Bannion (Glenn Ford) to keep me on track. His screen time has a way of captivating you as you quickly come to love this character. In a town full of "yellow-bellied ninnies", Bannion wasn't afraid to stand up to the mob and what he knew to be true. Dude was so tough he gave others the courage to stand up as well. Props.

The film did lose me in spots and lost a few points as a result. At its core, though, is a movie that ultimately gets it right. In Bannion's efforts to get to the bottom of a cop committing suicide, the audience is taken on a thrilling journey that I hope to revisit at some point down the road. I give The Big Heat an 81.

Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) Movie Review

In Safety Not Guaranteed, three reporters go on a wild goose chase to track down a man who put out a want-ad for a time travel partner. I want to keep this is as short as I can because, if you haven't seen it yet, I want you to go in knowing as little as I did. What starts out as a quirky adventure turns into a touching story as truth starts to unfold. Everyone can think of something they would go back in time and change, but Darius (Aubrey Plaza) secretly has a reason that would put ours to shame. Sometimes it's the little things that can make all the difference.

You'll come to love Darius within the first ten minutes of the movie. Plaza plays the role well with quirky quips that crack me up. Definitely an easy character to root for. 

My only problem with the film was that it ended way too soon. At only 86 minutes, it's a quick watch that keeps you entertained the whole way through. There is more that I want to expand on outside of the fun, unique premise and the wonderful protagonist, but this is definitely one you should experience for yourself with as little to go on as possible. It finds a way into your heart and sticks with you. For that, not only am I giving it a 100, but it knocks off Spider-Man 2 to crack my All-Time Top Ten List. See it.

Cinderella Man (2005) Movie Review

Cinderella Man is one of those films where I ask myself, "Why in the world has it taken me thirteen years to watch this?" It could be the fact that I've never had a strong love for films based on true stories or that I'm all binged out on boxing movies. Whatever the case may be, I'm glad Movies 365 has brought this film into my life and now into my heart.

There's so much to like about the movie, I'm not even sure where to start. Maybe Paul Giamati giving the performance of his life as trainer Joe Gould? Talk about playing a fabulous role. He's brash and straightforward, yet full of heart. He's not a fighter, but will go toe-to-toe with anyone to protect the people he cares about. Outshining him, however, is a stellar lead performance by legend Russell Crowe playing man of the hour James Braddock. Crowe makes you feel this guy, makes you love him. In one of the early scenes where Braddock gives his entire breakfast to his starving daughter before leaving for a strenuous day of work, you quickly realize that this is a guy you want to get behind and root for.

In the same vein, kudos to Ron Howard for using the source material to flesh out the stakes. The story could have just as easily been about a man trying to get back into boxing, but he made it about a man trying to feed his family and survive. It's painful to watch at times, but necessary. If you're not the least bit inspired after viewing this film, I don't know what will do it for you.

Howard also succeeds with excellent pace management. Seamless cuts between fights keep the action fresh and the viewer engaged. You don't get a whole lot of time to catch your breath. The cinematics are shot in a way that's gritty and real, beyond fitting for the Great Depression era when the film takes place.

Other than me almost going hoarse from screaming at the screen so much, I can't find many flaws with the film (hiccups, nothing major). I challenge you not to love this film about an aging boxer that just wants to keep his family alive. I give Cinderella Man a 95.

Movie 365: April 2018

1. Rear Window (1954)
2. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)/The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
3. Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
4. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
5. Waiting For Guffman (2006)
6. A Quiet Place (2018)
7. Three O'Clock High (1987)/Lost In Translation (2003)
8. Braveheart (1995)
9. Dances With Wolves (1990)
10. The Deer Hunter (1978)/Hard Candy (2006)
11. St. Vincent (2014)
12. 21 Grams (2003)
13. The Lady Vanishes (1938)
14. Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
15. Titanic (1997)
16. The Brothers Bloom (2009)
17. Bolt (2008)
18. Chocolate (2008)
19. This is Spinal Tap (1984)
20. Heat (1995)
21. Blockers (2018)
22. Amelie (2001)
23. The Usual Suspects (1995)
24. Dogma (1999)
25. Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
26. Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
27. Rampage (2018)
28. 28 Days Later (2003)
29. 28 Weeks Later... (2007)
30. Stripes (1981)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83.3%
Movie I'm Most Excited to Watch This Month: A Quiet Place

After the Dark (2014) Movie Review

Ever drank an open soda that's been sitting in the fridge too long? That's kind of like what happens to the premise of After the Dark. Due to its lack of reality (will expand on that in a moment), there are no real stakes and we all know what happens to Phillip McSween when he watches a film with no stakes. I turn green...

Despite a premise that falls flat, I can appreciate the message that the film was trying to get across. Everyone is important and has value. You can never understand that true value of a person or a thing until you give that person or a thing a try. The true value behind this message actually saved this film from getting a worse score.

I also give credit, as I did with I Declare War, for the film daring to try such an interesting premise. On paper it seems like it just might work and, perhaps with a bit more development, it could have. Or perhaps the film was just doomed from the start. One can never be sure.

I'll let you decide for yourself: On their last day of classes, a professor challenges a high school class to imagine different scenarios in which they would have to survive an apocalypse. While this is all happening inside of a classroom, the film takes us into the imaginary world of these different apocalyptic scenarios so what we're seeing is never actual reality, but the scenarios themselves. Ready to drop everything and watch yet?

With me watching 365 movies and having to randomly choose some from my list of all-time Rotten Tomato films, I expect some duds to slip through. Not only was the source material not enough to make me care, but the ending was so ridiculous that it destroyed any hopes of After the Dark being worth anyone's time. I give it a 61.

The 39 Steps (1935) Movie Review

Admission #1: I loved this film.
Admission #2: It was a little confusing in spots which made it hard at times for me to be fully immersed.
Admission #3: The second admission probably had a lot to do with the fact that I was extremely tired after having run a full day on two hours of sleep.

The 39 Steps succeeded in keeping me interested because of its intriguing premise. It wasn't twenty minutes of watching before I knew there was no way I was going to miss this ending. The film is shrouded in mystery as the main characters run for their lives from location to location holding on to a secret they're not even sure of. The twist is clever and not over-the-top. You can feel it building throughout the entirety of the film. The payoff is definitely worth it. 

A man in London tries to help a counterespionage agent. When the agent is killed and he stands accused, he must go on the run to both save himself and also stop a spy ring trying to steal top secret information. Robert Donat is a joy to watch playing the role of main character Richard Hannay. His charm and humor make him instantly likable.

I love when films like The 39 Steps give me yet another reason to appreciate the classics. I give it a very solid 95.

Okja (2017) Movie Review

In their efforts to be cost efficient and profitable, the Mirando Corporation creates a breed of "super pigs" that will be able to feed more homes per pig. One pig in particular, Okja, is being raised by little Mija (Seo-hyeon Ahn) in the mountains of South Korea. When the Mirando Corporation come to claim what is theirs, Mija will stop at nothing to get her best friend back. 

There is a lot to like about this film, but one primary thing bothered me overall. At one point, Okja takes an extremely dark turn that I was neither ready for nor did I think was absolutely necessary. People that have seen the film probably know exactly which part I'm referring to. It was merely a piece of an overall delightful puzzle that just didn't match.

Solid acting performances abound in the film and it's not just the big names carrying their weight. Tilda Swinton and Jake Gyllenhaal (almost spelled his name right on the first try!) were really in tune with their respective zany characters. As a viewer the two show you that they are more than mere cardboard antagonists, but rather there were layers and levels to their characters that left you with insight. Of course that can't be pulled off without a solid actor/actress behind the helm. Ahn's performance as Mija was stellar. To be able to exemplify such strength and weakness in the same role takes real talent. My personal favorite of them all was Kim's role played by Choi Woo-Shik. His humor is subtle yet sidesplitting. He accomplishes a lot in the small amount of time he's on screen.

This films captures your attention both in its originality and a consistently entertaining pace. Even during the scenes with heavy dialogue, the film managed to hold on to its unique feel that captured my attention in the first place. Prepare to run the gauntlet of emotions as it goes from funny to heartbreaking to heartwarming to just plain sad at times. So glad I saw what I think has the potential to become a cult classic. I give it an 84.

Mad Max (1979) Movie Review

Guilty confession: Typically when I watch a "classic" or a film I've really been looking forward to, I go into it expecting to like it. In other words, the film is already ahead of the curve when it comes to my grading scale. It has to do a lot to let me down. I hate to say it, but Mad Max? It let me down. Not in the sense that it was bad, but rather in the sense that I was hoping for more.

Max is a police officer in a post-apocalyptic world where biker gangs rule the road. After his partner is brutally burned by one of the most dangerous gangs, Max decides to retire but a terrible turn of events sucks him right back in.

The film got off to a slow start for me. I was confused by what was happening and why it was happening. It's not a good sign when I have to jump on to Wikipedia to clarify things. Unfortunately things never quite bounced back for me after that. I spent a good majority of the film thinking, "What are the stakes for Max? Why should I care about his character?" You're not really given a ton of insight into who he is and why he's a hero you want to root for. Read to kids in the hospital. Pull a cat out of a tree. Do something! Give me a reason to care. I don't think that's too much to ask for.

Despite my issues with the film, Mad Max is carried by a solid performance from Gibson. Visceral rage just oozes from the man as he goes out for his revenge. He's got that look, one we've seen in many films before. A look that says, "I'm crazy and I want you to know it." His passion in the role is a shining spot.

The film also benefits from solid world-building. Though you're only given a small taste, it's all you need to see. The road is what's important, the heartbeat of the film. You witness it in the attention to detail behind the cars (Max's car in the end was dope) and the gangs' constant power struggle over maintaining territory. The road is a wasteland, yet extremely vital for those living in it.

I'm giving Mad Max a 73. Perhaps that's not a bad thing. For a movie to be missing some key components and still get a decent score says a lot. It's kind of like eating at an expensive restaurant: When you see your plate, you're slightly let down because you were hoping for more, but you quickly find that the portion you received was good enough.

Movies 365: March 2018

Extremely excited for March movies, although you can probably catch me saying that about every month. From brand new title Red Sparrow starring Jennifer Lawrence to sales classic Boiler Room with a pre-Batman Ben Afleck, I've got some really good ones to look forward to. What's the big deal with Sixteen Candles? Can Stand By Me stand the test of time? I plan to find out the answers to both questions and then some. Stay tuned and, as always, thanks so much for the support.

March Movies 2018
1. True Romance (1993)/Lost Highway (1997)
2. Red Sparrow (2018)
3. The Way, Way Back (2013)
4. Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
5. Sixteen Candles (1984)
6. Tully (2018)
7. Oldboy (2003)
8. The Blue Room (2014)
9. A Wrinkle In Time (2018)
10. Seven Samurai (1954)
11. Pootie Tang (2001)
12. The Signal (2014)
13. Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)
14. Maggie (2015)
15. Queen Margot (1994)
16. The Breakfast Club (1985)
17. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
18. Turbo Kid (2015)
19. Vanilla Sky (2001)
20. Tombstone (1993)
21. Personal Shopper (2017)
22. Stand By Me (1986)
23. Pacific Rim (2013)/Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)
24. Ip Man (2010)
25. Ip Man 2: The Legend of the Grandmaster (2011)
26. Ip Man 3 (2016)
27. Boiler Room (2000)
28. Trading Places (1983)
29. The Limey (1999)
30. Ready Player One (2018)
31. The Raid: Redemption (2012)/The Raid 2 (2014)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Score: 76.4%
Movie I'm Most Looking Forward to: Stand By Me

Movie 365: February 2018

1. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)
2. What Richard Did (2013)
3. Total Recall (1990)
4. Smashed (2012)
5. Donnie Darko (2001)
6. The Birds (1963)
7. Varsity Blues (1999)
8. 12 Angry Men (1957)
9. Thank You For Smoking (2006)
10. Jaws (1975)
11. Uncle Buck (1989
12. The Green Mile (1999)
13. Friends With Benefits (2011)/The One (2001)
14. Singin' In the Rain (1952)
15. The Girl With All the Gifts (2017)
16. Black Panther (2018)
17. Surf's Up (2007)
18. Monsters (2010)
19. The Shape of Water (2017)
20. When Marnie Was There (2015)
21. Weekend at Bernie's (1989)
22. The Cloverfield Paradox (2018)
23. The One (2001)
24. Lantana (2002)
25. Wake In Fright (1971)
26. Top Five (2014)
27. Being There (1979)
28. Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

Average Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82.21%
Movie I'm Most Looking Forward to: Satan's Brew

Groundhog Day (1993) Movie Review

In a film that relies on the premise of a man reliving the same day over and over, it would be easy for Groundhog Day to fail due to monotony. However, not only are there a number of things happening during the course of Phil Connors' (Bill Murray) day, the success of the film comes from Phil's countless attempt to perfect those things. From ice sculpting to having a fling, I looked at Phil's day-to-day as less of striving for perfection and more of a long blooper reel. You'll crack up as Phil makes mental notes aloud of something he needs to correct. It's especially funny watching the reaction of those around him who he's spent a lifetime of days getting to know, yet they have no idea who he is. They feel like they should know him just as well, yet their facial expressions clearly indicate they don't. The devil is fully in the details.

Yes, Phil Connors, famous weatherman, is reliving the same Groundhog Day over and over again in a town that he hates. His ensuing failures and successes of handling the same day repeatedly give you multiple reasons to laugh repeatedly. Unlike a number of comedies, the film is a great on a number of levels, layered with both solid character development and a heartwarming message. Self-centered Phil learns the importance of what it means to live each day to the fullest. Of course it doesn't hit him right away, but I imagine we would react similarly if put in his shoes. Phil experiences a gauntlet of emotions including disbelief, despair, relief, and invigoration.

And that's exactly where its power lies. While it's a film with a premise mired in fantasy, Groundhog Day fully and completely represents our realities as human beings and how we choose to shape those realities. Classic film. I give it a 90.

I Declare War (2012) Movie Review

I Declare War is the first film I chose in my quest to watch 365 films in 2018. It won't go down as a classic, but rather a film you're glad you watched at least once. Honestly, had it been a film about anything else, it could've been a classic. The subject matter made it hard to stay intrigued. You're entertained sure, but in the back of your mind, you're constantly reminding yourself that this is kids playing a game. With no real stakes. In the woods.

That's the plot, guys. A game of War played with fake weapons by kids in the woods. There were some funny moments that gave me a chuckle. One quote in particular caught me off guard: "God is so gay." Hilarious. I also thought writer Jason Lapeyre did an excellent job of capturing the fun blend between reality and pretend and how blurred those lines can be when kids use their imaginations. Friendships get tested in the spirit of competition. We all know how much kids hate to lose.

Decent, not classic. Even better, you can check it out on Vudu right now for free. I give it a 70.

It Follows (2015) Movie Review

Perhaps It Follows could have done with a little more resolution. Or maybe it ended exactly where it was supposed to. Either way, the movie was flat-out phenomenal from start to finish.

After sleeping with a guy she has been dating for awhile, Jay (Maika Monroe) wakes up to find herself tied to a chair in an abandoned building. Her boyfriend explains to her that he has passed on to her a mark that will cause something horrific to come after her. She has to kill it before it kills her and comes after the others that have been marked.

It Follows opens with a girl bursting out of a home in her underclothes. She is frazzled and looks to be terrified by something. She runs home, grabs her car keys, and races for the beach. It's not two minutes in before we see what comes of this girl and the horrifying entity we will be dealing with in the film. Three minutes in and you're totally hooked.

Although director David Robert Mitchell confirmed that there is no set time period in which the movie takes place, both the setting and soundtrack gave me an 80's vibe a la "Stranger Things". I can't explain it, but the little touches--cord phone, small tube tv's, etc.--gave the film even more of an unsettling feel.

I can't tell you the number of times I had to leave my chair to hide out in the kitchen, watching the film from around a corner. What terrified me the most was not having any idea what was coming next. The entity antagonist literally could be anyone and could show up at anytime. Edge of my seat doesn't even begin to define it.

The movie benefits from both an interesting premise and a phenomenal performance from Monroe. I hope to see her again in more films, one of which I just added to my Movies 365 list: The Guest (2014)! I give It Follows a very well-deserved 97. See it.