The World's End Movie Review

The World’s End

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman,David Bradley, Michael Smiley, Samantha White, Rose Reynolds, Paddy Considine, Eddie Marsan, Rosamund Pike, Darren Boyd,

Directed by: Edgar Wright

Rated: R

Run Time: 109 mins

Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Sci-Fi

Opens August 23rd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! From the guys that brought films such as “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead”, opens “The World’s End” starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost and Paddy Considine. How does this film compare to the other Edgar Wright/ Simon Pegg/ Nick Frost collaborations? Read on to find out.

On June 22, 1990, 5 childhood friends had the night of their life as they attempted to conquer the “Golden Mile” of Newton Haven, a stretch of 12 pubs, with the end pub being The World’s End. As the night progressed, the more they drank, some of the weaker boys dropped off until 3 were left, only making it to 9 out of the 12 pubs. Ditching the last 3 pubs on their list, the boys headed to a nearby hillside to watch the sunrise, ushering in a new day. Fast- forward to present day, the aforementioned group of lads, their “ringleader” Gary “The King” King, is in a state of arrested development. We find Gary in a support group recounting the best night of his life, when he attempted to conquer the Golden Mile, having regrets surface for never completing his mission.

Now Gary is hell-bent on recreating this magical night, so he seeks out his childhood mates, now grown and living their own lives. Oliver Chamberlain (Martin Freeman) one of the first boys to drop out of the pub crawl is now working as a high dollar realtor. Steven Prince (Paddy Considine) is dating a 26 year-old fitness instructor, and Peter Page (Eddie Marsan) is working at his father’s Audi dealership. Gary’s best friend Andy Knightley (Nick Frost) is more challenging to convince to reunite with the others as he has taken quite a disdain to Gary and has been sober for the past 16 years.

Somehow all the men, under Gary’s convincing arguments, all reunite and return to their hometown of Newton Haven. Upon arriving, they notice that things are different from they remember, the people seem off, the pubs more cookie-cutter and the atmosphere more suspicious. Will the men be able to conquer the Golden Mile this time around or has too much time passed to make it worth their while? Or are there more sinister forces at play to stop the men from conquering old fears?

As with most Edgar Wright/ Simon Pegg/ Nick Frost collaborations, there is an expectation of a great deal of comedy mixed in with action and some type of element of horror. This formula works it’s magic once more as “The World’s End” is the perfect blend of cheeky humor, backhanded social commentary and sci-fi to make this a highly entertaining film that audiences will enjoy. Be sure to check out “The World’s End” when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday August 23, 2013.

You're Next Movie Review

You’re Next  

Starring: Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, AJ Bowen, Wendy Glenn, Joe Swanberg, Margaret Laney, Amy Seimetz, Ti West, Rob Moran, Barbara Crampton, L.C. Holt, Simon Barrett, Lane Hughes

Directed by: Adam Wingard

Rated: R

Run Time: 96 mins

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Opens August 23rd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Horror Film Fans! Opening this week is the award winning horror film at such festivals as Austin Fantastic Fest, Toronto International Film Fest and the Gerardmer Film Festival, “You’re Next”. Although this film was made a few years back, will horror fans still embrace with with enthusiasm like the have with “The Purge” from earlier this year?

When Crispian (AJ Bowen) brings his new girlfriend Erin (Sharni Vinson) home to meet his parents and siblings, neither one could imagine their weekend going the way it did. The new couple was traveling to Crispian’s parents Paul (Rob Moran) and Aubrey’s (Barbara Crampton) 35th wedding anniversary, and it would be the first time in years that all the siblings would be under one roof. There is the older brother Drake (Joe Swanberg) and wife Kelly (Margaret Laney), younger sister Aimee (Amy Seimetz) and filmmaker boyfriend Tariq (Ti West) and youngest sibling Felix (Nicholas Tucci) and girlfriend Zee (Wendy Glenn).

The relationship between older siblings Crispian and Drake has always been a little rocky but everything changes the following night at dinner when a group of mercenary killers descends upon the family, taking them out one by one. Who will survive? Who are these killers and why target the family?

Over the past few months,  there has been a solid representation of horror/ thriller films such as “The Conjuring” and the remake of “Evil Dead”. What this film tries to embody with the whole home invasion plot, greatly improves on what they tried to accomplish in “The Purge” but lack of unique characters and situations drag the pacing of the film down. Full of cliche attributes from characterization, plot points and direction, the only strong point in the film is that the female lead is strong and intelligent to navigate the way through the chaos. The gore and suspense factors are mediocre,  but a vast improvement over “The Purge”. You be the judge when “You’re Next” opens in theaters starting Friday August 23, 2013.

Drug War Movie Review

Drug War  

Starring: Louis Koo, Sun Honglei, Huang Yi, Li Jing

Directed by: Johnnie To

Rated: NR

Run Time:105 mins

Genre: Crime/ Thriller/ Action

Opens August 23rd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week at FilmBar is the gritty crime thriller “Drug Wars” from Hong Kong director Johnnie To. Considered a master of crime/ thriller films in his homeland, will American audiences embrace the unusual style of this emerging director? Read on to find out.

China is governed by its own way of life, philosophy and values, so if you're caught manufacturing drugs, its an automatic death sentence, no questions asked. When drug producer Timmy Choi (Louis Koo) is caught with quite a bit of meth under his belt, he is coerced into helping Captain Zhang (Sun Honglei) uncover a larger drug ring or face sudden execution. Choi has only 72 hours to prove himself to Captain Zhang; can he do it or will it be sudden death for him?

What’s so unique about foreign films is the difference between their context and ours in terms of visual material. With Asian cinema, generally the context is slightly more raw, real and thrown in the viewers face for added shock value. What was interesting about this film is that the crime context that they portray in the film although we experience the similarities in the context the filmmaker does with a tongue- and cheek approach where it is humorous and disturbing all at once. This film doesn’t take itself too seriously, but the element of drama, grit and gore are heavy hitters in this rough drama.  If you’re a fan of Asian cinema, check out “Drug Wars” when it opens at Film Bar starting Friday August 23, 2013.

Austenland Movie Review

Austenland 

Starring: Keri Russell, Jennifer Coolidge, JJ Feild, Bret McKenzie, Georgia King, James Callis, Ricky Whittle, Jane Seymour

Directed by:Jerusha Hess

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 97 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Romance

Opens August 23rd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening this week is something for all the literary fans out there, especially fans of the Jane Austen's work.  This the first based-on-a-book film from Stefanie Meyers that she did not write, her production company Fickle Fish, produced.

For as long as she can remember, Jane Hayes (Keri Russell) has been in love with Mr. Darcy. Because of the unrequited love her romantic relationships as an adult have suffered, and as a result, she is a single lonely woman living a really blase life.  Her dream is to travel to Austenland, a Jane Austen themed resort, where the guests become the stars in their own Jane Austen romance.

Tired of living in this dream world, Jane takes a huge risk spending most of her life savings to go to Austenland. She makes a pact with her best friend if she has a terrible time she will give up the Mr. Darcy fantasy for good and move on in her life.

When she arrives in England, she meets a fellow Austen enthusiast Miss Elizabeth (Jennifer Coolidge), who is not the typical Austen fan, but really just out to meet men. At Austenland, the actors are to create the illusion of a live Jane Austen character, which at the end the actors are to pretend they are in love with the guest. The owner of the retreat, Mrs. Wattlesbrook (Jane Seymore) determined the quality of the experience based on the packaged purchased.  Jane spring for the most affordable package where she finds herself living the role of a simpleton. The joke is on Mrs. Wattelsbrook as two suitors fall for Jane, Martin (Bret McKenzie), one of the hired help/ groundskeeper, not a part of the charade, and Mr. Henry Nobley (JJ Feild) one of the actors to play the Mr. Darby type. Now Jane finds her self in a strange love triangle between two men whom she's unsure of her feelings. Will this be just a vacation fling or something much more? Whom will Jane pick, the man rooted in reality or fantasy?

Capturing all the essence that draw women to Jane Austen works like moths to a flame, "Austenland" is just quirky and adorable where it's not falling into a trap of being too cliche. More of a cheeky type of British humor, this romantic comedy, although  Keri Russell, mostly known for her more dramatic role on television (Felicity, The Americans) captures the same comedic magic that worked so well for her in the 2007 film "Waitress". Jennifer Coolidge plays her typical zany sidekick, much like in "Legally Blonde", but more outrageous in the stuffy British setting. Be sure to catch"Austenland" when it opens in theaters starting Friday August 23,2013.

Movie Review for Spark: A Burning Man Story

Spark: A Burning Man Story  

Starring: Larry Harvey, John Law, Michael Mikle

Directed by: Steve Brown and Jessie Deeter

Rated: NR

Run Time: 112 mins

Genre: Documentary/ Biography

Opens August 23rd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week at Harkins Valley Art Theater is the documentary “Spark: A Burning Man Story”. If you’re not familiar with Burning Man, the filmmakers take viewers on a journey of it’s origins, the people behind the scenes and the followers of this unique festival/ movement.

Started by a small group of artist friends in the San Francisco area in the 1990’s, 21 years later Burning Man has grown into a festival where for one week every year 60,000 plus people gather in the Nevada desert to build a temporary city, based on a gifting economy, creating a social type of utopia for artists, musician and seekers who a free to be whom they want to be. The philosophy behind Burning Man is rather unusual, but works for the thousands that gather each year. To the outside viewer looking in, it looks like a technicolor circus filled with characters one would see in a fairy tale or Tim Burton film, but with a closer look, the passion that drives these people to attend each year is rather curious. Following the journey of 3 artists on the path to the 2012 Burning Man festival, it is an intriguing look to what it takes to create an event of this magnitude.

If you were ever curious about Burning Man or even wanted to attend the event, this film provides a well thought out, fair representation of the event which depending on your personality and interests may even spark an interest in attending future events. Check out “Spark: A Burning Man Story” when it opens at Harkins Valley Art starting Friday August 23, 2013.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones Movie Review

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones 

Starring: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Kevin Zegers, Jemima West, Robert Sheehan, Robert Maillet, Kevin Durand, Lena Headey, Jared Harris, CCH Pounder, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Aiden Turner, Stephen R. Hart, Harry Van Gorkum

Directed by: Harald Zwart

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 130 mins

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Drama

Opens August 21st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com 

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening mid-week is a film based on a popular young adult novel series written by Cassandra Clare. The first book/film in the series “The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones” stars Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. Will this film win over fans of the book and gain a few more? Read on to find out.

When Clary Fray (Lily Collins) witnesses a murder in a club that one she can apparently see, she begins to question her sanity. She keeps drawing these strange symbols, a diamond shape with two horns or wings extending at the top of the shape. Her mother, Jocelyn (Lena Heady) becomes more alarmed, begging Clary to stay home so she can tell her something important. Clary, being the rebellious teen, leaves her mom, taking off with her friend, Simon (Robert Sheehan). While with Simon at a coffee house,  she catches sight of the killer from the previous night. The mysterious figure reveals himself to be Jace (Jamie Campbell Bower), and before she can get any further information, she receives a phone call from her mom, ordering to stay away from home. Right after Clary left, a few men broke into their home, confronting Jocelyn looking for a hidden item.

Clary panics and rushes home to find the place in disarray. Jace comes to her rescue, where she finds out that he is a shadow hunter, someone that is half human/half angel, hunting demons and other things that go bump in the night. Apparently, it's been a huge family secret that Jocelyn was hiding from Clary as she is also a shadow hunter.

Now Clary needs to find her mother before an enemy from her mother's past, Valentine (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) does. Jocelyn, years ago, hid something very important to Valentine, and now he is hunting Clary to find out where it is.  Will Clary be able to find her mom in time or will Valentine succeed in his devious plan?

For those new to the series, some of the plot points in the film may come across really strange.  Without revealing any spoilers, some of the relationships get close pretty fast before really getting to know each other. This film is more mature in the context than most young adult films, so it is recommended to leave the small kiddos at home.

Other than that, the special effects are rather remarkable, capturing the essence of magic that comes across the book. The casting choices, albeit different that what is described in the book, works well. Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower have amazing chemistry as Clary and Jace, which is one of the pivotal relationships of the film. Compared to some of the other "tween" novels turned into films, this excels in the special effects/escapism, but the storyline gets a little complex and confusing which hopefully will be cleared up in future sequels.  Be sure to catch "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones" when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Wednesday August 21,2013.

Movie Review for Lee Daniels' The Butler

Lee Daniels’ The Butler  

Starring: Forest Whitaker, David Banner, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Lenny Kravitz, James Marsden, David Oyelowo, Vanessa Redgrave, Alan Rickman, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams, Clarence Williams III

Directed by: Lee Daniels

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 132 mins

Genre: Biography/ Drama

Opens August 16th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is the latest film from Lee Daniels, "Lee Daniels' The Butler". This film has been making headlines long before its release due to the legal battle between the Weinstein Company, (the film's distributor) and Warner Bros. Daniels has assembled one of the most impressive casts in recent memory, aside from all the hype, will it be the first contender for next year's Oscars race?

Inspired by the true story of a White House butler, this story spans about 80 plus years chronicling some of the most pivotal points in the civil rights movement.  As a boy, Cecil Gaines grew up on a cotton plantation in Macon, GA, where he went through much tragedy but will set him on a course that will the rest of his life. After witnessing the dead of his father and the rape of his mother, Cecil was brought in from the fields to work as the house help. Under the wing of Ms. Annabeth Westfall (Vanessa Redgrave), Cecil became one of the best butlers on the plantation. As he grew older and reached a point of maturity, Cecil realized that unless he wanted to meet the same fate as his father, he needed to get out of the South and head North where the opportunities were slightly more improved for a colored man.

By the 1940's, Cecil found himself in Washington DC working as a butler at the Hotel Excelsior, where he met his wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey), and built a life for her and their two sons. In 1957, he was recruited to work at the White House, starting under the Eisenhower administration. His first day, Cecil was tasked to serve President Eisenhower (Robin Williams) and ends up witnessing a discussion on  the students trying to desegregate the schools. It is Cecil’s first taste of what the president goes through trying to understand what is going on in the country. Going through the Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon and Reagan administrations, Cecil tries to sever his country the best he can while his son is out doing the work of a foot soldier in the Civil Rights fight. Cecil and his son Louis don’t see eye to eye on Civil Rights and becomes a strain on their relationship as well as the entire family.

Lee Daniels has made a name for himself with polarizing or controversial films that leave the viewer like they have been punched in the gut (Precious, The Paperboy) but treats this film with more respect and honor than the aforementioned films. Not shying away from any of the brutal nature of the Civil Rights movement, Daniels tries to represent both sides of the movement as balanced as possible. Although Daniels tries to represent each president fairly by including nuances of each president that exemplify the humanistic quality of each leader, the film is seriously heavy and relies on deep ingrained stereotypes like meal selections, language usage and regional attitudes. One of the most poignant moments of the film is when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. explains to Louis the exemplary qualities that a butler exudes and why it is a position of honor. It is a quiet beautiful moment that I wish that would have been focused on a little longer or kept pacing throughout the film.

The cast is a stellar assembly of talent, with stand out performance from Oprah Winfrey as the philandering alcoholic wife Gloria, John Cusack as "Tricky Dick" aka President Richard Nixon and of course, Forrest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines. This is a film to keep on your radar going into award season as I can't imagine someone from this cast won't walk away with some type of award. Be sure to check out "Lee Daniels' The Butler" when it opens in theaters starting Friday August 16, 2013.

Movie Review for Kick-Ass 2

Kick-Ass 2  

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace Moretz, Christopeher Mintz-Plasse, Donald Faison, Lyndsy Fonseca, Augustus Prew, Morris Chestnut, Jim Carrey, Lindy Booth, Clarke Duke

Directed by: Jeff Wadlow

Rated: R

Run Time: 103 mins

Genre: Action/ Comedy/Crime

Opens August 16th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! If you’re in the mood for an action film this weekend, the sequel to the 2010 hit “Kick-Ass”, “Kick-Ass 2” opens in theaters nationwide. Missing from the sequel is Nicolas Cage’s character “Big Daddy” but gains a quirky comedic actor, Jim Carrey. How does the film fare? Read on to find out.

When we find Dave Lizewski a.k.a. Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), he’s a high school senior who has retired from the real-life super hero game. Others have joined the ranks of real-life superheroes, and after the death of Big Daddy, it was best to lie low. Now that he has had a taste of the real life action he wants more and is generally bored with regular life.

On the other hand, Mindy Macready a.k.a. Hit Girl is trying to get through life without Big Daddy, adjust to a new life under the guardianship of her father’s old partner Det. Marcus Williams (Morris Chestnut) and being a high school freshman. As much as she wants to avenge her father’s death, Marcus makes Mindy swear that she will give that life up and focus on being a teenager. Easier said than done as she and Dave have been training together taking on the degenerates of the city. After getting caught again, Mindy is forced to give up Hit Girl for good but can she deny such a strong part of herself when there are people that need her help?

While Mindy deserts Dave, he finds a new crop of super heroes to help him patrol the town. Under the wing of General Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), Dave/Kick-Ass teams up with his friend Marty aka Battle Guy (Clarke Duke), Dr. Gravity (Donald Faison), Night Bitch (Lindy Booth)Insect Man (Robert Emms) and Tommy’s Parents (Steven Mackintosh and Monica Dolan). They have a new set of foes as Chris D’Amico has risen an army of evil vigilantes to avenge his father’s death and to kill Kick-Ass. Under his new identity, The Motherf8%&*& (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), he assembles some of the most ruthless killers known. Can Kick-Ass and his new team stop the M.F. before it’s too late or will they meet the worst fate under this maniacs rule?

Over the top and über violent are probably the best two words to sum up this sequel.  Although the characters were more colorful, literally and figuratively, something was missing that created the same impact the first film delivered in entertainment.  Perhaps that the focus was more on Hit Girl and less on Kick Ass, but the plight of a high school girl from a male's point of view is rather ridiculous and uninteresting as told from a comic book-esq style. The action sequences will keep viewers on the edge of their sets but what made the first film so unique was the dynamic that Kick Ass had with his friends and his now nemesis, Chris D’Amico. Overall the comedic tone and violent action sequences are entertaining, but unsuitable for small children. Catch “Kick-Ass 2” When it opens in theaters starting Friday August 16, 2013.

JOBS Movie Review

JOBS 

Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Josh Gad, Dermot Mulroney, Lukas Haas, Matthew Modine, J.K. Simmons, Leslie Ann Warren, James Woods, Ahna O’Reilly

Directed by: Joshua Michael Stern

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 122 mins

Genre: Biography/ Drama

Opens August 16th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Another bio-pic film opening this week focuses on Apple founder Steve Jobs. Ashton Kutcher is cast as the enigmatic founder, but can he pull off such a beloved figure in the tech world?

Focusing more on the origins of the Apple company, “JOBS” chronicles the life of Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher) starting in 1974 while attending Reed College, the formation of Apple with his friend and co-founder Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad) to the rise and fall of Steve Jobs’ first tenure at Apple Computers to his rehiring in 1996.

Steve Jobs revolutionized an industry, changing the way people use technology from film, music, telecommunications and of course, personal computing. As a filmmaker,  I would expect that one would focus more on the accomplishments rather than the drama that went on to paint this man as a tyrant to work with. So much time is spent on Jobs’ struggle with the board of directors and his famous tantrums while working on projects, demanding perfection. There is so much innovation in the Apple company that it would have been more interesting of a film if they focused not on the Apple II, The Lisa or the origins of the Macintosh but more on the iPod, iTunes and the iPhone or even talk about his struggle with Pancreatic Cancer. What does work in the film is that the casting of the people involved as the resemblance is uncanny to some of the real -life people. The only stand out performance in the film is from Josh Gd, in a more serious turn when as “Woz” confronts Jobs before his firing. You be the judge when “JOBS” opens in theaters starting Friday August 16, 2013.

In a World... Movie Review

In a World... 

Starring: Lake Bell, Rob Corddry, Fred Melamed, Alexandra Holden, Eva Longoria, Ken Marino, Demetri Martin, Nick Offerman, Geena Davis

Directed by: Lake Bell

Rated: R

Run Time: 93 mins

Genre:Comedy

Opens August 16th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening this week as a Harkins Camelview Exclusive is an indie film that created quite a buzz at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Taking the prize for the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and Nominated for the Grand Jury, triple threat director, writer and lead actress of the film, Lake Bell has assembled a top notch comedic cast. Although the film bills such names as Rob Corddry, Nick Offerman and the ever so random Geena Davis, how will audiences respond to the indie film?

In every business, there is someone who perfects their craft so well that it becomes legendary. In the world of voice over acting, three little words spoken by Don LaFontaine, “In a world...” is the creme de la creme of voice over work. Carol Solomon’s (Lake Bell) father, Sam Soto (Fred Melamed) is also a legend in the business but has not quite reached LaFontaine status.  Carol, on the other hand, is a bit of a lost soul. Like her father she works in the Biz, but as a vocal coach, taking small jobs when she can.

In an effort to get Carol out of her creative rut, Sam kicks Carol out of his house so his young girlfriend, Jaime (Alexandra Holden)can move in. Carol ends up crashing at her sister Dani’s (Michaela Watkins) place, where she and her husband Moe (Rob Corddry) have been having problems of their own.

Carol’s luck seems to change when she’s called by a friend, Louis (Demetri Martin) to do some vocal coaching for Eva Longoria. As fate would have it, Carol ends up filling in for voice over actor/ hot-shot Gustav (Ken Marino), taking the job away from him and landing a few more. Suddenly, Carol is in demand for projects, including a quadrilogy of the latest book franchise for tweens, “The Amazon Games”. This causes a frenzy among the seasoned veterans as Carol is up for the revival of the epic trailers opening “In a World..” used in “The Amazon Games”. In a division of the industry where looks don’t matter, but the tone of your voice does, primarily dominated by males, will Carole lead the way for future women voice over actors to get better projects or will the males continue to dominate?

Using her quirky, rambling style to bring attention to industry that most people don’t worship as celebrities, Lake Bell does a superb job of bringing this story to life. The characters are interesting; dialogue is rapid-fire and fun and overall a unique subject that everyone watches but rarely thinks about the intricacies of the behind the scenes. Bell also give females a voice in a normally male dominated business and proves that female voice over actors can be just as talented as the men. Be sure to check out “In a World...”  when it opens at Harkins Camelview 5 starting Friday August 16, 2013.

The Spectacular Now Movie Review

The Spectacular Now  

Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Brie Larson, Kyle Chandler, Jennifer Jason Leigh

Directed by:James Ponsoldt

Rated: R Run Time: 95 mins Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens August 9th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! If you missed it the first time around at this year’s festival "The Spectacular Now” is opening this week at Harkins Camelview 5. Winning the prize for Best Acting at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, “The Spectacular Now” stars Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley and Kyle Chandler.

High School student Sutter (Miles Teller) is living the good life. He has an amazing girlfriend, he's popular and he the life of any party. As Sutter begins his senior year, he loses the girl, his drinking consumption rises and he feels completely lost on what to do for his future.

After one night of binge drinking, he passes out in a random front lawn in a neighborhood he's unfamiliar with. He's awaken by Aimee (Shailene Woodley), a classmate who takes him home while working her paper route. After that day, Sutter and Aimee become close as friends and then eventually as a couple, which is a surprise to Sutter. Aimee is not Sutter's type but catches his eye is a different, more special way.

As they get closer to graduation, Sutter's insecurities rise and his bad habits of drinking are wearing off on Aimee. Sutter constantly feels like there's this impending dark cloud of doom following him, but is his feelings for Aimee enough to change him to be a better man?

From the writers that brought the world “500 Days of Summer”, “The Spectacular Now” is this generation's “Say Anything”. The performances of Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley are reminiscent of John Cusack and Ione Skye, with more drinking and irresponsible behavior. Teller's and Woodley's chemistry and performances are so dynamic that they are ones that will be exciting to watch as their careers progress. Be sure to catch "The Spectacular Now" when it opens at Harkins Camelview 5 Starting Friday August 9, 2013.

We're the Millers Movie Review

We’re the Millers

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Will Poulter, Ed Helms, Nick Offerman, Katherine Hahn

Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Rated: R

Run Time: 110 mins

Genre: Comedy

Opens August 7th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! In a mid-week release for an end-of the summer treat is the offbeat comedy, "We're the Millers" starring Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts and Will Poulter. Sudeikis and Aniston's films are usually hit or miss, so how does this latest film compare? Read on to find out.

When small time drug dealer David Clark (Jason Sudeikis) finds himself in hot water, he makes a deal with his boss, old college friend Brad Gurdlinger (Ed Helms). David is to drive from Colorado to Mexico to pick up a “smidge” of marijuana. Brad will finance the whole thing, but David needs to figure out a way to get it past the border patrol. Inspiration strikes David when he sees a family needing directions while traveling cross country in their RV. After some major pleading, he enlists the services of a neighbor kid, Kenny Rossmore (Will Poulter), a street urchin, Casey Mathis (Emma Roberts) and the hot stripper neighbor, Rose O’Reilly (Jennifer Aniston). This group puts the fun in a dysfunctional family as it travels down into Mexico, where they double cross a drug lord and try to get back across the border in 24 hours. Will they be able to do it or will it all prove to be too much craziness and drama from the colorful characters they encounter along the way?

Only two words can sum up the total experience of this movie: outrageously hilarious. Probably the best film by Jennifer Aniston and Jason Sudeikis have each done in years, each actor is at the top of their game in this raunchy comedy. Aniston not only looks fabulous physically, but finally has been able to mix the bad girl image that is wanted with the funny sweet girl that audience originally fell in love with on "Friends". Sudeikis's films are usually hit or miss, but the complimentary misfits cast to play opposite his role help balance out the obnoxious frat douche that he usually plays. A great surprise was the supporting cast of characters in Ed Helms, Nick Offerman and Katherine Hahn, all who are excellent at physical, improvisational comedy. What's so great about watching these three is that their improv skills are so finely tuned is you can't tell whether the insane comments coming from their mouth is scripted or off the cuff. Much like a well played tennis match the lines that zing back and forth between all the characters are so fast and unexpected that what looks like an end of the summer filler film is comedic brilliance in play. The story was refreshingly original and only slightly predictable, but the balance of script with improv as seen over the credits make this a highly entertaining film to watch.

Elysium Movie Review

Elysium 

Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Alica Braga, Diego Luna, Wagner Moura, William Fichtner, Brandon Auret, Josh Blacker

Directed by: Neill Blomkamp

Rated: R

Run Time: 109 mins

Genre: Action/ Drama/ Sci-Fi

Opens August 9th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is the latest film from “District 9” director Neill Blomkamp, “Elysium” stars Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Diego Luna.

Set in the year 2154, the dystopian state that most of the Earth’s population lives in is pretty gross. Most of the remaining inhabitants live in poverty, shanty sq housing and  The wealthy elite live in space in a colony called Elysium, a star shaped paradise that orbits the Earth.

As a child,  Max (Matt Damon) was told by the nuns at the orphanage that he had a special purpose in life. As an adult, his life so far has been less than ideal. On parole for stealing cars, Max works in a factory assembling droids that police the population. When he is injured in an accident at work, taking in a lethal dose of radiation, Max has less than 5 days to live.

Located up on Elysium, there is a healing technology that if  one is a citizen of the wealthy utopia, enjoys the benefits of perfect health or rapid healing. Max, always wanting to go there, unfortunately, has a reason to go. The only one that can make it happen is human traffic smuggler Spider (Wagner Moura), who has been able to forge identities to get illegals on to Elysium to be healed.

If Max does one last job of stealing information out of Corporate giant John Carlyle (William Fichtner), Spider can get him up on Elysium, which would be beneficial not only for him but the world. The only person that could stop Max is Secretary of Defence Delacourt (Jodie Foster), who has arranged a military coup for the leadership of Elysium. Will Max be able to beat Delacourt at her own game or will he die a painful death?

If you ever wanted to see “Good Will Hunting”, The Bourne Identity” and “District 9” all in one shot, check out “Elysium”. This film is full of so many plot holes that it was difficult to get into the story. Another distracting aspect to the film was Jodie Foster’s interpretation of a wealthy elite accent. It comes across as part robot, parch French and part snooty British. It was as if she was confused as whom she was playing. Foster is usually such a powerful actress that it is surprising that never quite finds her footing in her character. Matt Damon’s character is a cross between Will Hunting and Jason Bourne which works decently. The story theme lacks originality as it feels like a recycled version of “District 9”, pinning the poor against the wealthy. You be the judge when “Elysium” when it opens in theaters starting Friday August 9, 2013.

Movie Review for Planes

Planes  

Starring: (Voices of:) Dane Cook, Stacy Keach, Brad Garrett, Teri Hatcher, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Priyanka Chopra, John Cleese, Cedric the Entertainer, Carlos Alazraqui

Directed by: Klay Hall

Rated: PG

Run Time: 92 mins

Genre: Animation/ Adventure/ Comedy

Opens August 9th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

One of the last family films throwing its hat in the box office ring for the summer is the from the world of “Cars”, is the animated film “Planes”. Original slated for a direct-to-video release and with a different actor for the lead voice, can “Planes” reach the heights of box office success “Cars” had or will it crash and burn opening weekend? Read on to find out.

Dusty Crophopper (Dan Cook- voice) has big dreams of busting out of his mundane existence of crop dusting and being able to compete against the best flyers in the world in the Wings Around the World race. Unfortunately, crop-dusting planes are not built for racing, let alone high speeds, but Dusty refuses to listen to the naysayers. He enters the qualifying race for the Wings Around the World as the top 5 planes will make it in. Dusty places in 6th in the race just missing the qualifying group. Deflated, he goes home but his luck changes when he finds out that one of the other lanes has been disqualified for high octane fueling. Dusty is ecstatic but knows he has a lot of work to do to prepare for this life-changing race.

He enlists the help of retired plane Skipper (Stacy Keach) to help him train for distance, harsh weather and be able to get his speed up. Skipper flew missions during World War II, so he knows a thing or two about dangerous flying.

Dusty is flying against of of his heroes, Ripslinger (Roger Craig Smith), three time champ of the Wings Around the World Race. Ripslinger is looking for his fourth consecutive title and isn’t about to let anyone get in his way, especially a country bumpkin plane. Will Dusty be able to finish the race or will it prove to be too big of a challenge for the small time player?

The message of the film seems familiar, and a nice reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams if they put their focus, time and effort into it, but we’ve seen this in another film earlier this summer starring a bunch of snails. If you combine “Turbo” and “Cars”, making them aerodynamic, you get “Planes”. Lacking any originality in the story, but mildly entertaining for the Tonka and Hot Wheels kids, “Planes” is worth the look for a rainy day matinee. “Planes’ opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday August 9, 2013.

Movie Review for Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters 

Starring: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Douglas Smith, Leven Rambin, Brandon T. Jackson, Jake Abel, Anthony Head, Stanley Tucci, Paloma Kwiatkowski, Nathan Fillion

Directed by: Thor Freudenthal

Rated: PG

Run Time: 106 mins

Genre: Adventure/ Family/ Fantasy

Opens August 7th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  The second film opening mid-week is the second film in the “Percy Jackson” series, “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters”. Reprising their roles are Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson.

Years ago, 4 children were on their way to Camp Half-Blood but were being chased by shadowy figures out to kill them. Only 3 out of the 4 made it inside. The fourth child, Thalia, daughter of Zeus was overcome by the shadowy Cyclops, where Zeus turned her into a magical tree that acts as a protective barrier around the camp.

Fast forward to present day, Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) is in a fierce competition to keep his status as camp hero. Clarisse (Leven Rambin), daughter of Ares, God of War, is constantly berating Percy, taunting him that she is the superior half blood. Percy proves the validity of his title when a mechanical bull breaks through the protective barrier that surrounds the camp,. Percy defeats the bull but the camp soon finds that the Thalia tree has been poisoned and is slowly dying. Annabeth (Alexandra Daddario), desperate to seek a solution to saving the camp and Thalia tree, remembers the only thing that can help heal the tree, the Golden Fleece. Embarking on a quest like this is no easy feat and even though Percy just saved the camp, Mr. D (Stanley Tucci) chooses Clarisse over Percy to go after the fleece. Slightly deflated, Percy still manages to go after the fleece himself as Luke (Jake Abel) has resurfaced, drudging up something so sinister it could end the world as they know it. Will they be Percy and friends be able to retrieve the fleece before Luke gets to it? Or will Luke win this time and end the world?

Much darker and serious in tone, “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” challengers the viewer to remember the Greek Mythology myths learned in grammar school. The supporting characters were much more interesting in this film than the main players, which was a little disappointing to see the Percy character less charismatic than the first film. The 3D effects weren’t that bad and make the final scenes completely worth it. This is a decent sequel, just a little less exciting than the first film. Check out “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Wednesday, August 7, 2013.

The Act of Killing Movie Review

The Act of Killing 

Starring: Anwar Congo, Haji Anif, Syamsul Arifin, Sakhyan Asmara,

Directed by: Joshua Oppenheimer, Christine Cynn & Anonymous

Rated: NR

Run Time: 115 mins

Genre: Documentary/ Crime/ History

Opens August 2nd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans, opening this week is the award winning documentary “The Act of KillIng”. If you haven’t heard of this film yet, this is one that needs a closer examination as the content is not an easy pill to swallow.

Taking an in-depth look at the leaders of Indonesia, specifically a group that call themselves the movie theater mafia, a right -wing paramilitary group that committed crimes against humanity. In 1965, the Indonesian government was overthrown by the military. Anwar Congo and his friends, back then, were small time gangster leading death squad leaders targeting anyone they considered being communist, ethnic Chinese or any type of intellectual. Assisting the military, they killed millions of people in less than a year. These so called “Movie Theater Mafia” men, grew so powerful, they became the founding fathers of a right -wing paramilitary group that grew out of their death squads.

From their love of cinema, to help explain and further justify their actions, this documentary recounts the barbaric and sadistic acts of these men in reenactments of their crimes done in a theatrical style. Out of their love for cinema and being fans of some of the Golden Age Hollywood actors, Congo and his men would model themselves after the gangster roles in crime films to bring a sense of authenticity and be in the mindset that they were the gangsters on film stepping off the silver screen and into the streets to do the dirty work. Although they try to justify their actions as a social justice, do any of them feel and remorse for their actions or do they live in such a fantasy world that the end justifies the means?

Letting the viewer be a fly on the wall, Director Joshua Oppenheimer takes the viewer on these mind-boggling retellings of horrific killings, giving insight to the inner thoughts and workings to the cultural differences in Indonesia and the rule of the Pancasila Youth. It’s a brash and unapologetic way of storytelling, dishing the truth with little signs of regret. The raw emotions of fear and anger of the victims, with little or no regrets from the “mafia” leaders themselves is heartbreaking and chilling. They way that Anwar Congo and his men try to justify and spin their actions through propaganda of film makes you wonder if this is what life would be like if the Nazis were still in power today. A powerful and emotionally haunting film, this is one not to be missed. Check out “The Act of Killing” when it opens at Harkins Camelview 5 starting Friday August 2, 2013.

2 Guns Movie Review

2 Guns 

Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, James Marsden, Edward James Olmos

Directed by: Baltasar Kormakur

Rated: R

Run Time: 109 mins

Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Crime

Opens August 2nd

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  New in theaters this week is the crime/ comedy "2 Guns" starring Denzel Washington and Mark Walhbergh. How does the duo fare are partners in crime? Read on to find out.

Dealing with shady people is an extremely lucrative business. Partners Bobby Trench (Denzel Washington) and Michael "Stig" Stigman (Mark Wahlberg) find themselves in a bit of a pickle. They have just paid a visit to Mexican drug lord Papi Greco (Edward James Olmos) and were stiffed n $100,000 worth of cocaine. Their contact to the cartel has been put down, and with nowhere to turn for their supplier, they decide to get revenge on Papi. Bobby and Stig end up robbing a bank where Papi is believed to have over $3 million dollars stashed away in a security deposit box. What they walk away with is over to $40 million dollars, so where did Papi get all that cash?

 Ironically, Bobby works for the DEA and Stig works for a Black Ops division in the US Navy, each not knowing the other man's identity. When the money ends up in the wrong side's hands, then do they find out that they money stolen was actually the C.I.A.'s courtesy of the amazing interpersonal skills of Special Agent Earl (Bill Paxton). Now with several interest parties vying for that cold hard cash, Bobby and Stig find themselves pawns in a deadly game of cat vs. mouse, but who will walk away the victor with the least amount of bodies in their wake?

 When it’s an action comedy, Mark Wahlberg really shines. The pairing of Denzel Washington and Wahlberg is a brilliant chemistry of wit, sarcasm, brain and brawn giving the audience a reason to root for these two slightly crooked characters. In a story like this, where each character is a magnification of psychotic personified, each actor shines with his or her given role where one is not upstaging the other (too much), but blends together for this maniacal symphony of immoral entertainment. Highly entertaining, every character is not whom you think, the dialogue zings just as fast as the bullets fly and the action sequences are just as high powered. One of the better law enforcement buddy comedies in recent memory, “2 Guns” is a definite must see in theaters when it opens nationwide starting Friday August 2,2013

The Smurfs 2 Movie Review

The Smurfs 2 

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Hank Azaria, Brendan Gleeson (Voices of ) Katy Perry, Christina Ricci, Jonathan Winters, J.B. Smoove, George Lopez, Anton Yelchin

Directed by: Raja Gosnell

Rated: PG

Run Time: 105 mins

Genre: Animation/ Comedy/ Family/ 3D

Opens July 31st

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Opening mid week is the sequel to the 2011 film, “The Smurfs”. In “The Smurfs 2” we find the Smurfs preparing a surprise  party for Smurfette’s birthday. Giving a brief origin story on how Smurfette (Katy Perry - voice) joined the Smurfs, she was created by Gargamel (Hank Azaria), making her a naughty Smurf with a grey complexion. She infiltrated the Smurf’s village, cause quite a bit of damage until Papa Smurf (Jonathan Winters - voice) did a spell and made the good blue Smurf we all know and love.

When all the guys in the village blew Smurfette on her birthday, she felt neglected and went off on her own. On the other side of the dimensional portal, Gargamel was up to his old tricks again, this time in Paris, France. Apparently, he’s some sort of celebrity in the human world for his magic show. He uses the essence of Smurfs to power his wand, and he has created  two more pseudo Smurfs, Vexy (Christina Ricci - vice) and Hackus (J.B. Smoove - voice). The look like the other Smurfs, but lack the same blue skin/ magic essence. In his latest evil plan, he’s tasked Vexy to kidnap Smurfette so she will tell them how to make the Smurf’s magic essence.

Vexy nabs Smurfette and is determined to turn her into a Naughty, which is a badly behaving Smurf. Papa Smurf and the rest of the other Smurfs feeling bad for tricking Smurfette gather a search party to go to the human world to find her. They will need help from their human friends Patrick (Neil Patrick Harris) and Grace Winslow (Jayma Mays), whose own growing brood, Blue (Jacob Tremblay) and Pat’s step-father Victor (Brendan Gleeson) team up with the Smurfs, traveling to Paris to get back their girl.  They all quickly realize that getting Smurfette back will  be harder than they originally thought, putting all their relationships to the test.

The loveable blue characters have evolved some from the last film. They don’t over use the Smurf word for everything, which is a pleasant improvement over the first film. In the first film,  the word was on overkill. The message of this film is driven home both through the Smurfs and Human storylines, that family doesn’t have to be blood to care for someone and that your origin doesn’t really matter; that it is your choice on whom to be that determines your character. Aside from the heartfelt messages, the film is full of slapstick, nonsensical humor that will surely please the kids. Even though this has the 3D version, the graphics would be just as enjoyable in 2D. Check out “The Smurfs 2” when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Wednesday July 31, 2013.

The To Do List Movie Review

The To Do List 

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Bill Hader, Connie Britton, Clark Gregg, Alia Shawkat, Sarah Steele, Scott Porter, Rachel Bilson, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Andy Samberg, Donald Glover

Directed by: Maggie Carey

Rated: R

Run Time:

Genre: Comedy/ Romance

Opens July 26th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  If you’re looking for a comedy to check out this weekend, opening in theaters is a film from award winning writer/ director Maggie Carey. “The To Do List” is Carey’s first feature film and packs in an impressive cast, lead by Aubrey Plaza, Bill Hader and Rachel Bilson.

In the great year that was 1993, overachiever Brandy Klark (Aubrey Plaza) has just graduated from high school and is eager to get started on her preparations for college. Her friends Fiona (Alia Shawkat) and Wendy (Sarah Steele) try to get Brandy to loosen up some and reminder her of her lack of dating experience during her high school years.

That night at a graduation party, Brandy has a run in with an older college guy, Rusty Waters (Scott Porter), igniting a dormant feeling of lust within her. After that night, fueled with determination, Brandy creates a to do list of sexual experiences she needs to have before leaving for college.

In her quest to shed her good girl/ virginal image, Brandy looks to the guys from her circle   to start off on her list. Her study partner Cameron (Johnny Simmons)  has been in love with her for most of their high school career, so when Brandy starts to experiment with him, he interprets that they are now an item. Brandy thinks nothing of it as she still has her eye on Rusty and will do anything to capture his attention. Will Brandy be able to accomplish her goal of finishing all the items on her list or will the so called harmless hook ups do more harm than good?

With any coming of age teenage sexual comedies, there is a certain level one would expect of awkwardness that is expected. For example, if you saw the movie “Sex Drive” or “American Pie” there’s a certain amount of raunchiness and uncomfortable situations that really enhance the comedic element of the film. Writer/ Director Maggie Carey tops the aforementioned films and takes it about 5 levels high in terms of uncomfortable humor with the amount of sexual terms, bodily fluid used and sexual situations scenes. Let’s just say, in an attempt to keep this spoiler free, you definitely need to leave the kids at home for this one and may not want to see with your parents or Grandma as it gets truly awkward. There were several times I had to look away from getting grossed out  by the vomit and bodily emissions, but it is done in good taste, without the use of any nudity.

Aside from the gross out/ awkward comedy, this film is fun to reminisce to as the details are spot on. From the props, to the costumes to the music, I found myself recognizing stuff I had when I was that age and being reminded of songs I loved. Aubrey Plaza is the perfect choice for the role of Brandy as her deadpan, sarcastic delivery is so spot on. This is a film you want to see at least once because it will be a topic of water cooler discussion. If you’re a fan of Plaza or any of the other cast members, check out “The To Do List” when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday July 26,2013.

Terms and Conditions May Apply Movie Review

Terms and Conditions May Apply  

Starring: Moby, Raymond Kurzweil, Mark Zuckerberg

Directed by: Cullen Hoback

Rated: NR

Run Time: 79 mins

Genre: Documentary

Opens July 26th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Also, opening at Harkins Valley Art this weekend is the award winning documentary “Terms and Conditions May Apply”. If you’re one of those people who usually click “I Agree” without reading the fine print when you sign up for anything online, you need to check out this film.

Featuring interviews from such people such as musician/ digital music rights activist Moby, author/ inventor Raymond Kurzweil and even an unauthorized interview from Mr. Facebook himself, Mark Zuckerberg, when you agree to the terms and agreements of any so called “free service”, what exactly are you agreeing to and what are these companies and the government doing with the information you so freely provide.

You may once or twice have heard “there is no such thing as a free lunch” as it’s impossible to get something for nothing; there's  some price to pay. Director Cullen Hoback delivers a frightening yet compelling look into the terms and agreements of what millions of people agree to daily when signing up for anything online. Yet if they took a closer look, they may not be so willing to give up their data so willingly. The technology may be fun, cool and improve the quality of life in some way but what are the true costs to you?  Check out “Terms and Conditions May Apply” when it opens at Harkins Valley Art starting Friday July 26, 2013.