FILM TRENDING: OUR TAKE!
Christopher Lloyd & Lea Thompson to attend "Back to the Future" concert
Stars will appear at the Hollywood Bowl
posted June 10, 2015
It's just been announced that Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson (among others) will be in attendance for the 30th anniversary screening of "Back to the Future", with the LA Phil performing Alan Silvestri's ENTIRE score live during the film!
Review: "Jurassic World"
Flix-Men newcomer Jason Thomas takes us to the upgraded island of dinosaurs
posted June 11, 2015
Firstly I'd like to express my gratitude for being welcomed to the Flix-Men!
As I stood in line for a screening of Jurassic World tonight I was asked where the lineup for Jurassic Park was. I resisted the urge to reply, "It's in 1993!" and pointed the gentleman in the right direction. Anyone who IS looking for Jurassic Park may be a bit disappointed, but it is a very fun ride with dino sized heaps of nostalgia.
Chirstopher Lee passes at 93
An icon of cinema from Hammer to Burton
posted June 11, 2015
Here's a brief appreciation for Christopher Lee, who passed away Sunday at the age of 93. His career was wide, varied and always iconic with roles in films like "The Wicker Man", the Hammer Dracula series, and even "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. But the first time I experienced this tall actor whose at-times forbodding presence filled unsettling characters, was in director Richard Lester's 1974 swashbuckler, "The Three Musketeers", starring Michael York, Rachel Welch and Oliver Reed.
Lee was the perfect vision of the Count De Rochefort, Cardinal Richelieu's living blade and lover to the lethal Milady de Winter, and beyond other actors who have assumed the role since, he will always personify this classic Alexandre Dumas character in the flesh on the big screen.
To Christopher Lee; his life, his career and the cinematic legacy he leaves behind. - David Blanchard
Review: "Jurassic World"
Flix-Men Phil Barrett is mixed about the new dino thriller
posted June 12, 2015
JURASSIC WORLD is sort of fascinating in a sense. On the one hand, it's trying to make a comment about the current state of entertainment, mixed in with some truly fun set pieces that leave the audience cheering. On the other, the script is such a mess that it directs the characters to make the stupidest decisions possible for the sake of danger.
One half of that film is one of the best blockbusters of the year. The other half is so mind-numbingly moronic it derails an otherwise fun movie. If characters are faced with a dumb decision in Collin Trevorrow's picture, then they're going to do something idiotic. Characters do what the script tells them to, not what it seems they would do because they're well-written.
Review: "Burying The Ex"
Flix-Men Brian McQuery goes inside Joe Dante's latest film venture
posted June 13, 2015
It's always exciting when there's a new Joe Dante picture because it's become a rare occasion and while the trailer was underwhelming, the chance to see an advance screening at the Egyptian with Dante and cast and crew in person was impossible to pass up.
The opening 15 minutes or so dull, you wonder why Dante didn't just stop reading the screenplay and toss it aside. It's at the bad sitcom level and you expect to hear a laugh track. The setup is as simple as it gets and you keep waiting for something to happen. Eventually it does and things improve a bit in the second half, but it's never clear what drew Dante to the project and he does nothing inspired with the material. The cinematography and editing are as basic as you can get.
Review: "San Andreas"
Flix-Men David Blanchard finds this Dwayne Johnson action flick to be shaken and stirred just enough
posted June 13, 2015
"San Andreas" is the type of movie I expected to be just like most of the other mega-disaster/ big wave that engulfs all / unprecedented event movies that we've seen countless times, replete with an over abundance of artificial looking CG effects. However, I actually found myself very much enjoying the ride, in part due to the undeniable charm and brawn of Dwayne Johnson, who, after past missteps like "The Tooth Fairy" and "Journey 2: The Mysterious Island", has at last arrived on the cinematic action stage, finally ready to have the "Action King" crown firmly placed upon his head.
"Inside Out" at the El Capitan
Advanced press screening
posted June 13, 2015
Flix-Men Brian McQuery and David Blanchard this morning attended a special press screening of Pixar's "Inside Out" at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood. Our reviews for this movie, as well a a few more for "Jurassic World", will be up shortly so stay tuned!
Review: "Inside Out"
A review of the latest Pixar animated feature by Flix-Men Brian McQuery
posted June 13, 2015
A new Pixar feature is always cause for celebration. INSIDE OUT comes from the mind of Pete Docter, the filmmaker who made MONSTERS, INC. and UP so I had high expectations for something great.
And the picture opens beautifully setting up the human world of Riley and her parents while simultaneously introducing the world inside Riley's head and her Emotions. Much like UP, it is a great blend of drama and humor and the picture is off and running. It is so good that you are expecting another Pixar masterpiece.
Review: "Jurassic World"
Flix-Men David Blanchard goes inside the highly anticipated dino reboot
posted June 14, 2015
22 years to the day after the classic and iconic original "Jurassic Park" was released in theatres to the thunderous roar of moviegoers enthusiastically responding to the roars of incredible fully realized dinosaurs; a feat that broke major ground in digital effects, "Jurassic World" has now stomped into theatres hoping for the same reaction, multiplied.
After two previous sequels that some would call mediocre or just OK, the new Colin Trevorrow directed reboot, with Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall onboard as executive producer and producer, respectively, tries really hard to match the true wonder, excitement and thrills of the original. The sad news is that the film's CG dinosaurs and two-dimensional characters exhibit a well worn "been there, done that" reaction.
Review: "Terminator: Genisys"
Flix-Men Brian McQuery goes up against the poorly-scripted latest installment in the franchise
posted July 1, 2015
The continuation of beloved '70s and '80s franchises has produced mostly mediocre or bad films with rare exceptions like ROCKY BALBOA and RAMBO. So when it was announced that Arnold Schwarzenegger was returning to THE TERMINATOR, it wasn't a particularly exciting moment. It sounded like a desperate cash grab. The subsequent announcement that they were re-casting Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese and revisiting the 1984 storyline sounded like a terrible idea. The trailers seemed to prove that out with several classic lines being used in a new context as if that was something particularly exciting or creative. No, it was just stupid. The new Sarah and Kyle were not inspiring. And the title sounds like an energy drink. Perfect for merchandising!
This review will contain SPOILERS because it has to.
Review: "Escobar: Paradise Lost"
Flix-Men Brian McQuery looks at the new Benicio Del Toro film
posted July 4, 2015
Pablo Escobar was a very complicated man. On one hand, he was a drug kingpin who ordered the deaths of thousands of people. On the other, a religious and devoted family man who spent a lot of money to better his community. His story is ripe for a great film. And although some of that complexity is explored in this picture, it is not his story.
This story is about Nick played by Josh Hutcherson, a young Canadian surfer who moves to Colombia with his brother to open a small business on the beach. Nick falls for a local girl, Maria, played by Claudia Traisac, who is the niece of Pablo Escobar. When Nick eventually meets Pablo, he likes him, but it is not long before he begins to understand who Pablo really is and what he is capable of.
Review: "Magic Mike XXL"
Flix-Men Brian McQuery's roundup of the boys' latest onstage performance in the sequel
posted July 4, 2015
MAGIC MIKE was a surprise hit for Director Steven Soderbergh and star Channing Tatum, so… Of course they have to make a sequel! How about we do a road movie where all the boys head down to a stripper convention? Is that enough of a story? Who cares? They'll be dancing and taking their clothes off. It'll be great. That's how I assume the conversation went. And that's what the sequel is. The first picture had a lot of story to tell and characters to develop. This one just tries to skate by on that picture's charm.
Review: "Ant-Man"
Flix-Men David Blanchard on Marvel's latest superhero origin outing that's surprisingly funny
posted July 19, 2015
For those who have not seen the movie yet, there are a few spoilers!
Marvel’s ever-expanding cinematic universe continues with what some might consider a third-tear superhero; but the fact is “Ant-Man”, starring Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas, is a genuine blast and surprisingly funny! Humor was certainly the best direction to take in the screenplay, and Rudd is indeed charming and very likeable in the role of Scott Lang, a former cat burglar trying to get back on his feet and be near his daughter, living with his estranged wife, after being released from prison.
While Douglas could have been relegated to serious mentor role, playing Hank Pym, a former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, he too is allowed a fun performance, revealed as the original Ant-Man years ago, which connects with the comic origin. In 1963, Pym, entomologist and physicist, discovered the subatomic particles that make Ant-Man's transformation possible and later guides Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) to take over.
Review: "Trainwreck"
Flix-Men Brian McQuerry happily rides the Amy Schumer/Judd Apatow comedy
posted July 19, 2015
Like Judd Apatow, my first exposure to Amy Schumer was the Comedy Central Roasts and her appearances on Howard Stern. That led Apatow to develop this picture with her. Based on the cast and the trailers, all signs pointed to a hilarious comedy that didn’t follow the typical formula. And since it wasn't Apatow's material, I hoped that he wouldn't be so precious and would deliver a tight, well paced comedy.
Review: "Vacation"
Flix-Men Jason Thomas hits the road with the new Griswalds
posted July 28, 2015
It's tough to review a movie like this since comedy affects us all in different ways depending on our moods. The only previous Vacation movie I saw in theaters was “Christmas Vacation”, and at the time, I couldn't understand why everyone was laughing so hard at such stupid jokes. It has grown on me and is one of my 'must watch' movies every Christmas, as it is with many people. Of course I have also enjoyed the other Vacation movies several times at home. This Vacation reboot/sequel was directed and written by John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein (with John Hughes writing as well).
Review: "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation"
Flix-Men David Blanchard loves the new Tom Cruise actioner
posted July 28, 2015
To be honest, I had not seen the previous movie, "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" before "Rogue Nation" because I had found myself a little skeptical of the franchise, particularly after the second and third films were just OK. However, I'm happy to say that "Rogue Nation" is a fantastic action flick that has restored my faith in the Tom Cruise-led franchise!
Commentary: Where is "The Rocketeer"?
By Allen Pinney
posted July 28, 2015
July 29th was the birthday of artist Dave Stevens. And for those of you who don't know who Dave Stevens is, he's the father of The Rocketeer and passed away in 2008 from hairy cell leukemia.
Remembering Dave's legacy always makes me nostalgic for Disney's underrated, and under-appreciated “The Rocketeer”. Released in 1991, 'The Rocketeer' is an adaptation of Stevens' comic book series of the same name and was published in 1982 as a backup story in Mike Grell's Pacific Comics' Starslayer series.
Review: "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation"
Jason Thomas accepts the mission with Tom Cruise and the IMF
posted July 31, 2015
I haven't seen a Mission Impossible movie since the very first one so I wasn't really sure what to expect, although I knew there were a lot of practical stunts, a lot of which were performed by Tom Cruise himself, again as Ethan Hunt, agent of the IMF.
A lot of people seem to dislike Tom Cruise although I find is acting very good and greatly admire the ambitious movies he takes on. I enjoyed him in recent movies that take science fiction very seriously. Like him or not, he is a very energetic and enthusiastic actor. He was very ripped for this one, and had one feat of strength that had me wondering if he pulled that off without wires!
Review: "Fantastic Four"
David Blanchard is completely unmoved by the pointless reboot
posted August 6, 2015
So the question I have is how did 20th Century Fox even green light this project? Right off the top I will say that director Josh Trank’s “Fantastic Four” is a lifeless, dark and utterly un-engaging movie. The script is boring, nothing actually happens in the story, and lines of dialog are incredibly flat and poorly written.
There were two things everyone initially complained about; first during the reveal of an oddly too-young cast who would take on slightly more adult characters; second, when they cast Michael B. Jordan in the part of Johnny Storm; a traditionally white and blond-haired role. Interestingly enough, both these points have now been rendered completely moot, because this film will likely sink to the bottom of the bad movie ocean in fifteen minutes, never to be seen again and probably a footnote of how making more superhero films dark and brooding is absolutely NOT the way to go!
Review: "The Gift"
Jason Thomas finds this Jason Bateman thriller intriguing but not completely hitting the mark
posted August 6, 2015
It's tough to review a movie categorized as a suspense thriller without ruining some element of the suspense and twists, but I'll keep it as spoiler free as I can.
“The Gift” stars Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall as married couple Simon and Robyn, who have just moved to a neighborhood close to where Simon grew up. They quickly bump into Gordo who is played by Joel Edgerton. Edgerton also wrote and directed the film.
“The Gift” is being touted as a modern version of “Fatal Attraction”. The subject and certain elements are quite similar, but it would be difficult to tell a story of this style without some parallels being made, deliberate or accidental.
Commentary: "Dear 20th Century Fox..."
Allen Pinney spells out how the recent Fantastic Four movie, linked with the X-Men, should have been.
posted August 6, 2015
Dear 20th Century Fox,
Please stop. Please stop making movies using Marvel properties. Please stop making horrible movies with Marvel properties. The fans have grown tired of your constant embarrassments and the casual fans can’t get on board with this mess either. Marvel was right to cancel the Fantastic Four comic book, you’ve had three chances, and you’ve struck out three times. You. Are. Done.
Signed,
Allen “Make Mine Marvel” Pinney
(Long time FF fan and long-suffering movie goer.)
P.S. Want to know how to fix this? I’ll tell you… for FREE.
With this recent Fantastic Farce, Hugh “Wolverine” Jackman about to retire and the latest X-trilogy coming to a close, you are in the perfect position to relaunch/reboot/reinvent both of these franchises. Don’t want to give them back to Marvel/Disney? Fine, could you at least play ball like Sony is, then?
Review: "Fantastic Four"
Brian McQuerry steps up to the quantum gate for his take on the comic book reboot.
posted August 6, 2015
I grew up reading FANTASTIC FOUR comic books. And I'm familiar with the comics from their inception in 1961 through the mid '90s. I am not familiar with the past 20 years of FF comics including the ULTIMATE version. When the casting of this reboot was announced, it was clear that this was not the FANTASTIC FOUR that I grew up with and wanted to see on the big screen. There would be no Idol of Millions, Benjamin J. Grimm, the Ever Lovin' Blue-Eyed Thing or Stretch or Susie or Johnny or Aunt Petunia or the Yancy Street Gang. When the trailer was released…What a revoltin' development! This was a deadly serious total reinvention of the concept and fun was not part of it.
Commentary: Someone please explain why "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" is so great!
Brian McQuerry wonders what all the hubbub is about
posted August 6, 2015
I wanted to love MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - ROGUE NATION because I really enjoy the series and I love Christopher McQuarrie and want nothing but great success for that man. It is a capably made, entertaining flick, but like the last installment it has a forgettable villain. The Syndicate is supposed to be the anti-IMF and this deadly, dangerous organization, yet what we see on screen is pretty inept. Ilsa Faust actually makes fun of the other two shooters in the opera sequence. And then the dozen guys on motorcycles are completely ineffective. Aren't these all supposed to be special agents recruited from other agencies? Yet they are just typical, useless henchmen.
Review: "Shaun the Sheep"
Allen Pinney races after the flock to check out the new Aardman Animation comedy
posted August 6, 2015
‘Shaun the Sheep’ manages to do in 86 minutes, with NO dialogue, what Minions could not do with talking characters: Present an excellent family film that not only entertains children but adults as well, at a pace that doesn’t leave time for sleeping or getting bored, or any unhappy crying (or adult whining).
Review: "The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
Jason Thomas had a really fun time with the Henry Cavill and Arnie Hammer starring/Guy Ritchie directed reboot of the classic 60's TV series
posted August 13, 2015
“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” is a big screen adaptation of the 1964-1968 TV series, which I know absolutely nothing about other than it rings a bell, so I am unable to make any comparisons. I suspect most viewers today will be in the same boat.
The movie is directed by Guy Ritchie, who previously directed “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”, “Snatch”, and the 2009 and 2011 Sherlock Holmes films. It stars Henry Cavill as Napoleon Solo, Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin and Alicia Vikander as Gaby. While “Man of Steel”, also starring Cavill, was a letdown to me, I really did enjoy Cavill as Superman so I was eager to see him in this. Armie Hammer had roles in “Lone Ranger” and “The Social Network”, and Alicia Kikander I knew only from “Ex Machina” as tha android Ava.
Review: "The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
David Blanchard takes on this reboot, partly through the eye of being a fan of the original 1960's TV series
posted August 16, 2015
Yet another television series from the Boomer generation has spawned a big screen adaptation, as director Guy Ritchie takes his trademark style, brought forth exceptionally well in the Robert Downey, Jr. Sherlock Holmes movies, and wraps it around “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.”, based upon the Robert Vaughn/David McCallum spy show of the 1960’s.
The movie is a lot of fun with a generous dose of charm and well-placed humor. Henry Cavill plays Napoleon Solo; a former self-trained and highly motivated international criminal whose skill set is roped into usage by the CIA. Being a fan of the original series, I have to say that Cavill does a wonderful job of channeling Robert Vaughn’s manner and style. Whether the filmmakers fully intended this or not; being that most reboots tend to merely grab names and attempt to completely reinvent many aspects of a previously established title with little trace of what came before (see Denzel Washington in “The Equalizer”), Cavill brings us a true to the original cunning, charismatic and refreshingly charming super spy.
Review: "The Gift"
Brian McQuery is pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns of this Jason Bateman thriller
posted August 20, 2015
Blumhouse is best known for their genre franchises. But when the character writing is strong in their pictures, things get really interesting. In SINISTER, Ethan Hawke's Ellison Oswalt is a writer who was once successful and is desperate to be back in that spotlight. In THE PURGE: ANARCHY, Frank Grillo's Sergeant is a father who is obsessed with revenge, but he can't just stand by and watch innocent people suffer. And Jason Bateman's Simon in THE GIFT is no exception. He is an ambitious executive who's life unravels when he runs into someone he went to high school with.
Review: "Pawn Sacrifice"
Brian McQuery gives us an advance review of the upcoming Tobey Maguire/chessman Bobby Fischer drama
posted September 2, 2015
A new picture directed by Edward Zwick is a must see. A new picture written by Steven Knight is a must see. So when they team up, the results are something really special. The subject is chess and the story of two brilliant chess players, USA's Bobby Fischer and Russia's Boris Spassky.
PAWN SACRIFICE is a smooth blend of bio-pic and drama with a generous amount of humor. The period is showcased well through its production design, wardrobe, music and news clips from the era.
Review: "Ant-Man"
Allen Pinney brings up the rear with his very appreciative take on Marvel's latest superhero cinematic outing
posted September 4, 2015
File this under: Better late than never.
I finally got out this week to see Marvel's Ant-Man in theaters, and I'm so glad I did. I won't go so far as to say it's the BEST Marvel Studios movie I've seen, but I'll say this; it's darn near the most PERFECT Marvel Studios movie I've seen.
Cut from very familiar cloth (it IS Marvel after all), and borrowing many action movie/heist movie/comic book movie devices along the way, Ant-Man is a fast-paced, witty, action backed and wholly satisfying member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Paul Rudd (like Chris Pratt) makes a welcome addition to the square-jawed, morally centered heroes that embody the universe around them. He's NOT a big, strapping superhero... at all. But he's a hero nonetheless. In a typical Marvel scenario, a down on his luck, ordinary human being has a gift bestowed upon him that will either make him or break him. Rudd's Scott Lang, at first reluctant, fully embraces the hero mantle and accepts responsibly for his past actions and his life going forward. I can't spoil much at this point so I will tell you there is happy ending and a promise to see more of Ant-Man in the future.
Welcome new Flix-Men team member, Mike Flynn!
posted September 4, 2015
Let’s give a big movie geek welcome to Mike Flynn, who’s the latest edition to our Flix-Men writing team!
Mike (right, pictured with actor Michael Rooker) is a 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s cinephile who prefers and appreciates the finer qualities of Martin Scorsese and John Carpenter movies while still gleefully enjoying much of today’s superhero big screen, big budget offerings. Mike lives in New Jersey and calls the movie theater his home above all else. He’d also happily volunteer to write a remake of Andrew "Dice" Clay’s “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane”.
We all look forward to hearing Mike sound off and engage and challenge the rest of us with his true passion for film.
Review: "Tangerine"
David Blanchard is nicely surprised by this wonderfully innovative and endearingly unique comedy/drama
posted September 4, 2015
This is an unexpected delight of a film, introducing us to the sometimes-seedy world of transsexual prostitutes that frequent a shop called Donut Time located in the heart of Hollywood. Amazingly shot entirely using iPhone 5 and with a budget of $100,000, director Sean S. Baker gives us a raw yet hilarious depiction of the lives of two transsexual prostitutes, Sin-Dee and Alexandra, endearingly played by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor, respectively.
Our newcomer to the Flix-Men fold, Mike Flynn has dealt his hand on the Summer 2015 TOP 5 MOVIES, and he splits two movies into the #5 spot. You can read all about it right here!
Philip Barrett has graced us with his list of the TOP 5 MOVIES of Summer 2015 and you can check out the rundown right here!
Omar Figueroa has pulled together his TOP 5 MOVIES of Summer 2015, and you can check it out right here!
Review: "Everest"
Jason Thomas joins the periless team up the side of the mountian in his review of the first big movie of the fall
posted September 17, 2015
“Everest” is the true story of a 1996 expedition to climb Mount Everest, based on the book ‘Into Thin Air’, Jon Krakauer's personal account of the experience. Since I have never read Krakauer's book I am unable to compare Everest to the book so I can only share my thoughts on the movie itself.
“Everest” wasn't on my "must see" list by any means as I don't understand the mentality of people who risk their lives in such a (in my opinion) pointless way, especially when they have family and kids, or even a pregnant wife to take care of. While it's hard to fully understand what motivates these people, journalist Krakauer who asks on our behalf brings up the subject in the film.
Review: "Cop Car"
David Blanchard found this small, yet highly-charged Kevin Bacon film to surprisingly turn out to be one of the best movies of the summer
posted September 18, 2015
COP CAR is a movie that hits on so many levels, and it's not afraid to cross boundaries or allow its audience to have to think for themselves. The story surrounds two boys who come upon a police vehicle way out in the middle of the country that's seemingly abandoned.
It's established at the very beginning that Travis, played by James Freedson-Jackson, is the knowledgeable one about adult situations, teaching Harrison, played by Hays Wellford, a series of swear words as they walk out from their suburban home in a small town to just hang out for an afternoon. A bit scared by the sudden appearance of this unmanned police vehicle, Travis dares Harrison to not only get inside the car, but to actually drive off in it, excited by the concept of commandeering an adult authority vehicle.
Review: "The Green Inferno"
Brian McQuery takes us to a most terrifying place in the heart of the Amazon jungle in Eli Roth's latest horror offering
posted September 20, 2015
NOTE: This review was written after the 2013 AFI Fest screening and originally published by KillerFilm.com.
I’m not a fan of Eli Roth as either a filmmaker or an actor. I don’t understand how he became a brand in horror considering he has yet to make a good feature, let alone a great one. I do however admire that he has used his clout to produce features like THE LAST EXORCISM and THE SACRAMENT. So I wasn’t excited about THE GREEN INFERNO, but the opportunity to see it for free essentially at its premiere at a midnight AFI Fest screening including a Q&A with Roth and the cast was appealing and sounded like a fun night. And it was. The audience even included Quentin Tarantino, Marilyn Manson and John Gulager. Roth gave an entertaining introduction to the picture and explained that it was inspired by cult classic cannibal pictures including CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST.
Review: "Sicario"
Brian McQuery can't praise enough this Emily Blunt/Josh Brolin/Benicio Del Toro drama/thriller
posted September 21, 2015
This picture was a total surprise to me. I heard nothing about it before seeing the trailer. I'm a sucker for realistic portrayals of special forces, black ops, task forces, SWAT, etc. Add to that Josh Brolin, Benicio Del Toro and the Director of PRISONERS, Denis Villeneuve and I was in! This looked to be a fantastic picture. And it was also photographed by the brilliant Roger Deakins.
SICARIO lives up to that trailer and to its pedigree. It is a dark, gripping tale about the U.S. Government's attempt to deal with the hugely powerful drug cartels.
Review: "Black Mass"
Brian McQuery can't take his eyes off Johnny Depp in this gangster drama, yet the rest of the film remains uneven
posted September 21, 2015
The story of James "Whitey" Bulger should be ripe for a great picture. Here is a gangster who cut a deal with the F.B.I. to inform on his competitors so that he could build a criminal empire. When it all went to hell, he went on the lam and was on the F.B.I.'s Most Wanted list for years. They finally caught him in his 80's. You could probably make several features out of this material. Director Scott Cooper assembled an impressive cast led by Johnny Depp as Bulger to tell his version.
Unfortunately the story and screenplay of BLACK MASS is not nearly compelling as it should be. It is very repetitive. Someone crosses Bulger or he fears that they may have and he kills them. Some of that gets tiresome, even if it was true. Supposedly Cooper had a three hour cut at one point. He may have a better picture in there somewhere.
Hey, this is David Blanchard, head of the Flix-Men gang of movie geeks. So while I wanted to give everyone else on the team time to put together and post their TOP 5 MOVIES from the summer of 2015, the calls have been coming in that mine has remained MIA. Well, after very careful consideration, here AT LAST is MY list!
Review: "Bridge of Spies"
Brian McQuery thinks this first Steven Spielberg movie in three years is servicable but little more
posted October 15, 2015
Steven Spielberg doesn't make nearly enough pictures these days, so when he re-teams with Tom Hanks and has a screenplay co-written by the Coen Brothers, it's a must see. The trailers promised a beautifully made picture, but they weren't very compelling.
And neither is BRIDGE OF SPIES. While it covers historically important events - the trial of a Soviet spy in America and his subsequent exchange for two captured Americans - it doesn't feel nearly important enough even though we're told it is. The screenplay is not compelling or engaging enough and the picture clocks in at well over two hours, overstaying its welcome.
Review: "Bridge of Spies"
Jason Thomas mainly appreciates Tom Hanks in this Steven Spielberg espionage thriller
posted October 15, 2015
I intentionally went into BRIDGE OF SPIES not having any idea what it was about or what I could expect, other than knowing it starred Tom Hanks and was directed by Steven Spielberg.
The story, based on actual events, takes place in 1958 at the height of the cold war between America and the Russians. Tom Hanks plays James B. Donovan, a US attorney tasked with defending an accused Russian spy and later negotiating a trade for a US pilot being held by the Russians and an American student being held in East Berlin.
Review: "Legend"
Brian McQuery finds this Tom Hardy duel-role gangster movie to be hit or miss
posted October 16, 2015
Brian Helgeland as either screenwriter or writer/director typically makes smart, engaging pictures. Here he takes on a true story and teams up with Tom Hardy in a dual role as the Krays, twin brother gangsters who ruled the East End of London in the 1960's. Anticipation was high for this one.
The period detail and music of LEGEND is excellent. Helgeland establishes time and place well and because he starts the story while Ronnie is locked up, we get time to meet Reggie Kray before seeing the dynamic of the two brothers.
Review: "Spotlight"
Jason Thomas found this true story to be frank and well done
posted November 17, 2015
I admit I was initially reluctant to see SPOTLIGHT but the cast and early reviews had me intrigued. The film (directed by Tom McCarthy and written by McCarthy and Josh Singer) tells the true story of The Boston Globe investigation into the Catholic church's cover up of several years of child sexual abuse.
‘Spotlight’ is a column in the Boston Globe newspaper dedicated to in-depth stories that take months of research. When Marty Baron (played by Liev Schrieber) takes over as the paper's new editor, he convinces the small "Spotlight" crew to investigate the Catholic Church sexual abuse and cover ups in Boston; a city seemingly controlled by the church. As the team investigates, they uncover more and more shocking truths that lead to much more than expected.
Review: "Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2"
Jason Thomas finds the final chapter satisfying but lacking a proper ending
posted November 20, 2015
If you have seen the previous HUNGER GAMES movies (which would be necessary prior to seeing the final movie in the series) you pretty much know what to expect as far as characters and storyline. So all that remains is the question of how it compares to the rest of the series, and how well it concludes the story. Although I felt MOCKINGJAY PART 1 wasn't quite as good as the rest of the series, I can see that, had they crammed 1 and 2 together, it would have been a long movie, or a lot would have had to be trimmed.
I've been a fan of Jennifer Lawrence since I saw her in HUNGER GAMES, both on and off camera. While I haven't read the books at all, I couldn't imagine anyone else playing Katniss Everdeen. As expected, she carries the film with ease and delivers a very powerful entertaining performance. Lawrence has a genuine sincerity to her acting that makes her a pleasure to watch on screen.
Review: "The Good Dinosaur"
Jason Thomas enjoyed this latest Pixar film, even though it does have some too frightening moments for kids
posted November 25, 2015
THE GOOD DINOSAUR is Pixar's newest feature, also made by the creators of INSIDE OUT. It takes place in a prehistoric "alternate" reality where the meteor that destroyed all the dinosaurs misses the earth! Dinosaurs have evolved and can now cultivate their land and care for other creatures as livestock. The main character, Arlo is a young dinosaur who doesn't quite fit in with his family and struggles with his fear of just about everything. After finding himself lost and alone he befriends a human boy, Spot, as he tries to make his way back home.
Review: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"
David Blanchard finds the new Star Wars film to be a true delight for fans of the original trilogy!
posted January 3, 2016
After waiting 32 and half years for a GOOD Star Wars movie, especially following the less than well-received and often distasteful prequels, we’ve arrived at a time where love and appreciation for the original Star Wars trilogy couldn’t be any more heightened. With such a huge ramp-up following George Lucas’ sale of his beloved franchise to Walt Disney Studios, the new film is nothing short of a major reaffirmation that this influential space opera can still thrill with great emotion against a grand galactic canvas!
Director J.J. Abrams, having grown up adoring and appreciating the works of Lucas and Steven Spielberg through such films as STAR WARS, JAWS, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, was absolutely the right choice to helm such an undertaking; not only creating a rollicking adventure that returns beloved characters while introducing fresh and fascinating new ones, but also restoring fan-faith, taken away by Lucas’ misguided and bloated pre-trilogy.
TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2015
David Blanchard's rundown of the good, the bad, and the ugly from the last 12 months.
posted January 7, 2016
With the flicks of 2015 now in the cinematic history books, it’s time to take a look at a noted rundown of movies last year had to offer; the good, the bad and the ugly. I invite anyone and everyone to match these lists and to offer your own opinions, both Flix-Men and Flix-Fans.
This is David Blanchard, and to begin the year-end roll-out, you can check out my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2015 (and on down) RIGHT HERE!
TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2015
Jason Thomas' offers his rundown of the best and the questionable from this past year.
posted January 7, 2016
2015 had lots of great movies, and several bad ones. I have based this list, not on what I think will be Oscar contenders, but what excited and entertained me this year. Check it out RIGHT HERE!
TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2015
Brian McQuery shares his picks, along with a rundown of the most anticipated films of 2016
posted January 9, 2016
George Miller is done with Mad Max, and why this is the wisest decision he could make!
by David Blanchard
posted January 13, 2016
I just had the pleasure of seeing George Miller in person at a screening of MAD MAX: FURY ROAD at Arclight Hollywood just last week, and he seemed perhaps a bit apprehensive about jumping right into the next Mad Max movie. Coming away from his speaking of a desire to do something "small" before heading back to the Wasteland; feeling "the engines needed to cool a bit first", Miller has now decided not to continue with his epic, visionary post-apocalyptic tale...and he couldn't have made a better decision, and I mean that in the best way as a true fan of the series.
TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2015
Allen Pinney brings his picks from last year and adds his most anticipated films of 2016
posted January 16, 2016
Review: "Fifty Shades of Black"
Jason Thomas checks out this badly constructed parody
posted January 31, 2016
When I first saw the trailer for FIFTY SHADES OF BLACK I thought that WAS the gag, so I was surprised to see it was actually a feature film. At first I had little interest but my curiosity began to grow as I chuckled through the ridiculous trailers.
Obviously this movie is a parody of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, which stars Marlon Wayans as Christian and Kali Hawk as Hannah. Hearing that Wayans was inspired by greats like AIRPLANE!, I was hoping for a fun, but ridiculous time at the theater. With fairly low expectations I was looking forward to a mindless, enjoyable evening. Unfortunately it didn't even live up to my lowered expectations.
Review: "The Finest Hours"
Brian McQuery goes to sea and finds a mixed bag of excitment that's poorly paced
posted January 31, 2016
This is the true story of an amazing Coast Guard rescue of an oil tanker in a blizzard in 1952. It has an excellent cast - Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Ben Foster and Eric Bana. The trailer is harrowing. Unfortunately the picture itself is a mixed bag.
The opening sequence details the first date of Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) and Miriam (Holliday Grainger) as they double with his brother and her friend. Miriam has never been on a boat and things build up to the boys suggesting they take her on a fishing boat around the harbor. Bernie gets permission from a boat owner, both couples board the boat…and the story jumps ahead in time. Why all that build up and not show the boat trip?
