Now You See Me

Now You See Me (PG-13) 201

Directed by Louis Letterrier

Starring:  Morgan Freeman, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, Michael Caine, Jesse Eisenberg, Mélanie Laurent, Common, Elias Koteas, David Warshofsky, J. LaRose and Caitriona Balfe

Here We Go:  A group of elite magicians comes together to pull off some extraordinary, and ultimately illegal, tricks.  I absolutely loved this movie!  It was fantastical, extraordinary, smart and intriguing.  I would say that it's magical, but that would just be lame, right?  Seriously, the amount of awesome in this movie made it worth seeing.  Who doesn't like magic?  The group of actors assembled for this movie are right on point and the ending is just like any magic trick...surprising.  

Bottom Line: It's a treat for the senses, and definitely one that we think is worth seeing! 

The Hours

A Resurrection (R) 2012

Directed by Steven Daldry

Starring:  Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Ed Harris, Toni Collette, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Stephen Dillane, Allison Janney and John C. Reilly

Here We Go:  The Hours explores the parallels between the lives of three women during different periods of time.  This movie is, in one word, exquisite.  The stories run together with such fluidity that you never feel as though you've just been cut off from a story, but rather that you're excited to see what is going to happen next.  The director hits every mark, and film quickly transforms into art.  Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf is engrossing, and there were several times when I forgot that I was watching Nicole Kidman and not Virginia Woolf.  And Julianne Moore as a severely depressed wife and mother is so painfully real.  It takes more than a halfhearted effort at emotional drama to impress me, because frankly, I'm not all too interested in sap.  But this movie made me a fan and I am genuinely happy that I took the time to experience this beautiful piece of work.

Bottom Line: Watch it!

Pitch Perfect

Pitch Perfect (PG-13) 2012

Directed by Jason Moore

Starring:  Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Ben Platt, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Alexis Knapp, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee and Kelley Jakle

Here We Go:  An all-girls college a cappella group comes together to update their image in order to stand a chance in a heated competition.  Pitch Perfect is like Glee with bite, but maybe that's the difference between high school and college.  There is still that chick-flick, cheekiness that comes from movies like this (think: Bring It On), but it's still a movie that both guys and girls can enjoy.  It's actually funny in an off the wall sort of way, and the singing is pretty awesome!  Of course there are those "it would never happen" moments, but so what?  Just listening to Anna Kendrick sing Cups makes it all ok!

Bottom Line:   Watch it!

Lawless

Lawless (R) 2012

Directed by John Hillcoat

Starring:  Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain, Gary Oldman,Guy Pearce, Mia Wasikowska, Jason Clarke and Dane DeHaan

Here We Go:  Think old Western flick mixed with a '20s gangster film.  The Bondurant brothers are running a bootlegging business during Prohibition and have to deal with a new local lawman trying to stick his hand into their earnings.  This movie really has an outstanding all around cast that takes a decent, but not great, script and makes a good movie.  Shia LeBeouf is just right as the weakling little brother but it is really Tom Hardy and Jason Clarke that make this movie.  Both were very well cast and you truly believe they could be good ole' boys cooking up some moonshine in your backyard.  

Bottom Line:   Watch it!

The Conjuring

The Conjuring (R) 2013

Directed by James Wan

Starring: Vera Farmiga, Joey King, Patrick Wilson, Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston, Mackenzie Foy, Shanley Caswell, Hayley McFarland, John Brotherton and Steve Coulter

Here We Go:  Demonologists, Ed and Lorraine Warren, come to the rescue of a family that has been invaded by a deadly demon.  Maybe it's because this movie is based on a true story, but this movie is legit!  It's absolutely scary, the story moves along at a good pace, and I can testify to the fact that this movie had grown men bring out their inner child - their inner screams-like-a-little-girl child.  The cast is perfect and truly believable, (and we all know how easily horror movies can quickly lose points on believability).  I just keep thinking of the first time the demon makes an appearance...and on that note, I'm off to check under my bed and turn on a few more lights.

Bottom Line:  Watch it, ya big baby!

Cloud Atlas

Cloud Atlas (R) 2012

Directed by Andy Wachowski, Lana Wachowski and Tom Tykwer

Starring: Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Doona Bae, Ben Whishaw, Keith David, James D'Arcy, Xun Zhou, David Gyasi, Susan Sarandon and Hugh Grant

Here We Go:  From the 19th century to the 1970s and then well into a futuristic society, Cloud Atlas shows how the lives of  individuals change and touch each other across the span of many lifetimes.  Ok, what?  If not for the amazing actors, the fantastic sets, and being able to see the significant transformations of each person over time, I probably would have stopped this movie after 10 minutes.  I was so lost and had so many questions that there really wasn't any good reason for me to go on.  Then, towards the end, things started to make sense and the moral of the story/ending was really just so beautiful and profound.  I went from lost and confused to having a striking Ah-ha Moment.  If that you're looking for something that is going to be a light, airy movie that you don't have to give your full attention, this isn't the one for you.

Bottom Line:  If you like a movie that is full of intricate detail, watch it!

Beautiful Creatures

Beautiful Creatures (PG-13) 2013

Directed by Richard LaGravenese

Starring:  Alden Ehrenreich, Alice Englert, Jeremy Irons, Viola Davis, Emmy Rossum, Thomas Mann, Emma Thompson, Dame Eileen Atkins, Kyle Gallner, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Margo Martindale and Zoey Deutch

Here We Go:  When I initially saw previews for this movie I had high expectations without really knowing what it was about.  The more previews I saw, the lower my expectations.  That being said, I still went into this movie thinking it was going to be entertaining and it did not disappoint.  The overall concept of the movie (based on the novel of the same name) was kinda like taking Twilight and mixing it in a jar with Charmed and seeing what comes out.  The finished product was not bad but the story just didn't seem to reach its full potential.  Jeremy Irons was very well cast and the leads of Alice Englert (Lena) and Alden Enrenriech  (Ethan) were excellent.  There is room for a sequel here but with a poor box office performance this was probably the one and only film in the series.  

Bottom Line:  Watch it.

World War Z

World War Z (PG-13) 2013

Directed by Marc Forster

Starring:  Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Matthew Fox, Eric Weston, David Morse, James Badge Dale, Elyes Gabel, David Andrews, Michiel Huisman and Julian Seager

Here We Go:  The world is being taken over by zombies and Gerry (Pitt) is a former United Nations investigator who is racing around the globe trying to find a way to prevent the end of mankind.  This is like a cross between Contagion and I Am Legend (but with zombies, of course).  The effects are great, the plot makes sense and the acting is solid, which makes the whole story seem realistic.  The only criticism I have is that the guy sitting behind me would forget how to use his "inside voice" throughout the film and I was lacking any solid objects for throwing that I was willing to dispose of.  But other than that, the movie had several nail biting moments and the zombies weren't walking pixels (bonus!).

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (R) 2012

Directed by Lorene Scafaria

Starring:  Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Melanie Lynskey, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Gillian Jacobs, Patton Oswalt, T.J. Miller, Melinda Dillon, Rob Corddry, Rob Huebel and Amy Schumer

Here We Go:  The end is coming and Dodge (Carell) finds himself abandoned by his wife and in the company of a younger companion (Knightley) who may make all the difference in the world.  I expected this to be more comedy than anything else, but I was surprised to find that there was more to it than a typical Steve Carell movie.  The storyline isn't anything sci-fi and there aren't any weird aliens or special effects.  It truly is about the journey of two people who are literally facing the final days of Earth.  There are definitely some funny moments, so it's good for the guys, but it's also touching, sad and sweet.  No matter what, it's refreshing to watch a movie about the end of days that doesn't involve the demolition of NYC or any other been there/done that stuff.

Bottom Line:  Try something different, and watch it!

Now You See Me

Now You See Me (PG-13) 2013

Directed by Louis Leterrier

Starring:  Morgan Freeman, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Woody Harrelson, Michael Caine, Jesse Eisenberg, Mélanie Laurent, Common, Elias Koteas, David Warshofsky, J. LaRose and Caitriona Balfe

Here We Go:  A group of magicians pull a Robin Hood and steal from the rich to give to the poor, while alluding the FBI.  This movie was entertaining with a good cast that kept you guessing.  There were twists and turns throughout the movie, and the ending wasn't disappointing.  You get to know who's who, but you never fully understand the lineup.  The ending may not be what you expect, and, just like the rest of the movie, it will take you by surprise.

Bottom Line:  It's magical (see what we did there?). Watch it!

A Haunted House

A Haunted House (R) 2013

Directed by Michael Tiddes

Starring:  Marlon Wayans, Essence Atkins, Cedric the Entertainer, Nick Swardson, David Koechner, Alanna Ubach, Dave Sheridan, Liana Mendoza, Affion Crockett and Jamie Noel

Here We Go:  A couple discovers that their home is possessed and they explore different ways to handle the problem, all while keeping a video diary.  From seeing previews, you might think that this movie is just a spoof, but there's more to it than that.  Some of the jokes are just goofy, but most of it is flat out funny.  I was cracking up!  Sometimes it's just good to sit back and watch something entertainingly mindless.  The cast is great and the acting is never treated like it's just for some goofball movie.  Cedric the Entertainer as the questionable, ex-con priest brought a whole new level of funny.  This is a comedy for the sake of being a comedy, so kick back and enjoy it.

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

The Call

The Call (R) 2013

Directed by Brad Anderson

Starring:  Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Eklund, David Otunga, Michael Imperioli, Justina Machado, José Zúñiga, Roma Maffia, Evie Thompson, Denise Dowse and Ella Rae Peck

Here We Go:  At first I didn't know where this movie was going to go because it seemed like it started with the climax.  However,  you quickly learn that there is more to the plot and that the story is really about redemption, closure and revenge.  I have to point out that the police chase made the LAPD look ridiculously inept while the 911 operator was a superstar.  I  guess since Halle Berry was the 911 operator they had to make her the star but LAPD could have been a little more competent.  And why were there no detectives on this case?  A kid is kidnapped and it is left to a 911 operator and some uniformed officers for a day long chase?  Without ruining the ending I will tell you that it is excellent and doesn't fall into the normal "happy ending."  In fact, the ending makes the entire movie worth watching.  

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Hyde Park on Hudson

Hyde Park on Hudson (R) 2012

Directed by Roger Michell

Starring:   Bill Murray, Laura Linney, Olivia Colman, Samuel West, Elizabeth Marvel, Elizabeth Wilson, Eleanor Bron and Olivia Williams

Here We Go:  The behind the scene angle of Hyde Park on Hudson shows Franklin D. Roosevelt (Murray) and his relationship with his cousin, friend, confidant, and possible love interest, Daisy (Linney), introduces a side of FDR that not many have seen.  It's a little hard to process the idea of Murray as FDR, but then the story begins and Murray just falls right into character.  You literally stop seeing the comedian and start seeing the former President of the United States.  Now, before you start thinking of the relationship between FDR and Daisy as something horrifying, I'll just clarify that they were actually 6th cousins, which is enough of a distance to keep that gag reflex from creeping up on you.  Anyway, the movie has some funny moments (most involving the scenes with visiting Royals), and some scandalous revelations that give you a new perspective of this historical figure.  In any case, it was a good movie and it helped to humanize FDR while making him likable, regardless of his questionable lifestyle. 

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Zero Dark Thirty

Zero Dark Thirty (PG-13) 2011

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

Starring:  Jessica Chastain, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle, Mark Strong, Kyle Chandler, Édgar Ramírez, James Gandolfini, Chris Pratt, Reda Kateb, Scott Adkins and Taylor Kinney

Here We Go:  This is based on the known "facts" surrounding the hunt for Osama Bin Laden so anyone who will enjoy this movie probably already knows the plot.  That being said, the movie is still very well done and, despite knowing the eventual climax, the director still manages to build up a sense of anticipation as you wait for the final operation to be carried out successfully.  It's a long movie that doesn't seem long and the production team paid just enough attention to detail for it to seem realistic without bogging down viewers with details that may have made the movie too long and unwatchable.  Jessica Chastain and Jason Clarke were particularly well cast and both gave excellent performances.  

Bottom Line:  Its not for everyone but we suggest you watch it!

Red Dawn

Red Dawn (PG-13) 2012

Directed by Dan Bradley

Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Adrianne Palicki, Josh Hutcherson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Isabel Lucas, Connor Cruise, Kenneth Choi and Alyssa Diaz

Here We Go:  This is not the film that the 1984 class was.  But, then again, I didn't expect it to be. The plot for all intents and purposes is the same as 1984 but the villain has changed.  My biggest problem with this movie was that Josh Peck was horribly cast.  He just didn't fit the role.  He looked exhausted the entire movie and constantly sounded hoarse as though he had been screaming for days on end.  His acting and casting was so poor that I found myself focusing on him instead of the rest of the movie.  Remove Josh Peck from the movie and its not that bad.  

Bottom Line:  Watch it if you don't mind Josh Peck.  

Epic

Epic (PG) 2013

Directed by Chris Wedge

Starring:   Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Knoxville, Aziz Ansari, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler, Judah Friedlander and Blake Anderson

Here We Go:  The human world and the magical world of miniature forest people accidentally come together to save the world from evil foes that are trying to kill it all.  The scale and detail of Epic are impressive, and it makes you feel as though you have been transported to that world.  Children and adults will be equally entertained by the story, scenery and comedy found in this movie.  Personal favorites are definitely the snail (Hutcherson) and slug (Ansari).  I mean, a jealous slug with a huge crush on a human is just plain funny.  Even the battle scenes are impressive, and it's nice to see strong male and female roles.  No weak girls cowering away from a fight here!  

Bottom Line:  This is one to watch!

Sucker Punch

Sucker Punch (PG-13) 2011

Directed by Zack Snyder

Starring:  Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Oscar Isaac, Jon Hamm and Scott Glenn

Here We Go:  Babydoll (Browning) is sent to a shady asylum where she teams up with other patients and plans an escape.  Sure, at the root of this movie there is definitely a disturbing foundation where girls are taken advantage of and politics and money mean more than the moral high-ground.  But the way that this movie shifts from reality to fantasy, and takes the girls out of their vulnerable roles into being deadly warriors, just makes it all eye candy.  Reality is a dark 1950s world that looks touched by Tim Burton.  Fantasy is world of action packed, robot slaying and full-on combat with some guidance from a sensei-like Scott Glenn.   Mix together an awesome soundtrack, sexy women battling it out with guns and swords, and a larger than life fantasy world, and you end up with a pretty hot movie. 

Bottom Line:  If you like an action packed movie that doesn't follow the typical prototype, this is the movie for you.

Mama

Mama (PG-13) 2013

Directed by Andres Muschietti

Starring:  Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Megan Charpentier, Isabelle Nélisse, Daniel Kash and Julia Chantrey

Here We Go:  Two little girls are left to fend for themselves in a cabin in the woods, but a supernatural mother comes forward to raise them for years as her own.  Mama is a twisted, creepy movie with a good back story and a solid ending.  The little girls were so believable that they easily sold the story with their expressions alone.  Just watching little wild children scurrying around is disturbing enough, but then enter the evil mother and littlest one looking like an adoring lunatic and the creep-factor increases.  It must be said that Jessica Chastain played her part beautifully - her reactions and delivery are so real that you can easily forget that she is just acting.    The ending could have easily gone for predictable, but I think there's enough of a twist to take you off guard.

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror (PG) 2012

Directed by Tarsem Singh

Starring:  Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, Mare Winningham, Michael Lerner, Sean Bean, Danny Woodburn, Martin Klebba, Sebastian Saraceno, Jordan Prentice, Mark Povinelli, Joe Gnoffo, Ronald Lee Clark and Robert Emms

Here We Go:  This version of the Snow White story finds Snow White (Colins) running from her evil stepmother (Roberts) to the helping hands of a scrappy group of dwarfish thieves.  The dwarfs teach Snow White how to use the art of thieving to win back her kingdom and free her people from the Queen's tyranny.  Of course, the basic story line of this fairy tale is true to form; however, this version is very refreshing!  It is colorful, feisty, funny and fun!  Children and adults will get lost in this magically whimsical world, the costumes are amazing and the Indie number at the end puts a charming cherry on top.

Bottom Line:  Grab some popcorn, because this one is one to watch!

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (PG-13) 2011

Directed by John Madden

Starring:  Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Tom Wilkinson, Celia Imrie, Ronald Pickup, Dev Patel, Tena Desae and Sid Makkar

Here We Go:  Seniors decide to relocate to India to make the most of retirement.  They find that retirement doesn't mean an end, but rather the opportunity to  write new chapters in their lives.  This movie is full of quick English wit and endearing characters.  It was nice to see such a talented group come together in this ensemble cast to make such a smart, feel-good movie.  By the end, you feel that things have come full circle and that everything is as it should be.  With the overall messages being of new beginnings, risk taking, love, and learning (at any age), this movie is a pleasure to watch. 

Bottom Line:  Watch it!