Ways to Live Forever Movie Review

Ways to Live Forever  

Starring: Robbie Kay, Alex Etel, Ben Chaplin, Emilia Fox, Greta Scacchi, Ella Purnell, Phyllida Law

Directed by: Gustavo Ron

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 90 mins

Genre: Drama/ Family

Opens October 18th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is an award winning film based on the novel of the same name by Sally Nicholls. “Ways to Live Forever” stars Ben Chapin, Emilia Fox, Gretta Scacchi, Robbie Kay and Alex Etel.

Like any 12 year old boy, Sam (Robbie Kay) has wishes and dreams that he wants to accomplish in his life. Blessed with a curious mind, Sam is fascinated with information and wants to explore all that life can offer. Only catch is that his life span is at risk for being cut short since he was diagnosed with leukemia and his doctors don’t give him much time to live. His best friend Felix (Alex Etel) he met while in the hospital and together they plan out how to full fill Sam’s “bucket list” before he dies.

From breaking a world record, to doing teenage things, to seeing the stars in a spaceship, those closest to Sam help him record his thoughts on life before his illness can get the best of him. Will Sam be able to accomplish his list or will life get the best of him?

Not since “My Girl” has a film about childhood death been so poignant in the way life is seen through a child’s eyes. Truly a heart-warming film with such  tough subjects, this one is a tearjerker that will also bring a smile to your face. Not only are the child actors fantastic in this film, the story is so touching that I recommend bringing a box of tissues to the theater. The best way to sum this film up is to compare it to “My Girl” meets “The Bucket List”.

In a very cool promotion to see this film, the distributors of this film are teaming up with numerous health organizations, hospitals, and cancer foundations throughout the US (including the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Johns Hopkins, and more) to promote the film, and will be donating a portion of the box office proceeds back in support of their efforts (for the complete list, visit http://waystoliveforevermovie.com/home/index.php/supporters. Be sure to catch “Ways to Live Forever” when it opens in theaters starting Friday October 18,2013.

Carrie Movie Review

Carrie 

Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer, Gabriella Wilde, Portia Doubleday, Ansel Elgort

Directed by: Kimberly Peirce

Rated: R

Run Time: 100 mins

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Opens October 18th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is a remake of the 1976 horror classic, also based off a Stephen King novel. Can you guess what is it? If pig’s blood sounds familiar, then you probably know what it is. Director Kimberly Peirce  gives audiences a modern take on the horror classic, but how does it compare to the original?

Leading a sheltered life and using her faith as a shield to reality, Margaret White (Julianne Moore) births a baby girl at home, thinking it was some sort of cancer imposed on her by the devil, and it was a test by God to sacrifice this child. Some sort of rationality kicks in and she saves the baby girl, naming her Carrie.

Fast-forward to her high school years, Carrie (Chloë Grace Moretz) is a shy recluse who is on the receiving end of bullying by a popular girl and her friends. One of the girls, Sue (Gabriella Wilde) takes pity on her after a prank gone awry and tries to make amends with the poor girl. Carrie, during this tumultuous time, discovers her extrasensory ability in the form of telekinesis.

As the bullying and her overbearing mother grow worse, Carrie’s abilities become stronger. Will Carrie be able to control her abilities or will those who have done her wrong pay the ultimate price?

The danger in remakes is the loss of uniqueness and surprise. What makes this film unique is that a female director throws her hat in the ring to re-envision this horror classic and does a decent job. The real problem lies in the casting of the characters. Chloë Grace Moretz does a decent job as the troubled Carrie as does the high school bullies, but Julianne Moore as the overzealous, religious freak mother is a hard sell. Out of all the characters that Moore has played over the years, from a roller skating porn star, Sarah Palin to FBI Agent, this character is just not strong enough to believe that she is this deranged religious mother. What made Sissy Spacek so entrancing in the first film is that she sold the audience on being the lonely, homely Carrie. Moretz is easier to accept as the outcast/ misfit, but easily transforms into a pretty teenager that looks normal. The important note to figure in while watching that this is a “Reimagining” of the classic film so don’t be quick to judge on content comparison.

Other than the casting, the special effects are rather good, giving the telekinesis abilities new depth and thrills. You be the judge when “Carrie” opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday October 18, 2013.

The Fifth Estate Movie Review

The Fifth Estate 

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl, Anthony Mackie, David Thewlis, Alicia Vikander, Peter Capaldi, Carice van Houten, Dan Stevens, Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney

Directed by: Bill Condon

Rated: R

Run Time: 128 mins

Genre: Drama/ Biography

Opens October 18th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Another film opening this week is one that has been in the headlines over the past few years and based on a book by one of the people portrayed in the film. The man which the film is about, Julian Assange, wasn’t too keen that a film was being made about him and even wrote an email to the actor who plays him, Benedict Cumberbatch about the role expressing his displeasure. Aside from behind the scenes drama, how does the film fare in terms of entertainment?  Read on to find out.

If you ever heard of a little website called Wikileaks mentioned in the news, chances are you have heard of its creator Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch). Picking up the story in 2007 in Berlin, Germany, Assange teamed  up with a young tech geek/hacker type, named Daniel Berg (Daniel Brühl) to take Wikileaks to a new level. Assange has a past of hacking crimes yet has turned humanitarian by using his hacking past to expose those who cause crimes against humanity. Wikileaks is a platform where whistleblowers can, leak data, sources, exposing documents, governments and corporate crimes under a veil of anonymity.

In theory, this works in favor of Assange, his volunteers and their sources but when a “leak” so huge against the American government is exposed, how far will Assange go to defend his actions when he puts so many lives at risk all in the name of justice?

Not since the Pentagon Papers were released, has there been such a groundbreaking journalistic event for the media to partake in. Where the argument lies, is 1.) Blogging a form of journalism? And 2). With this amount of potential damaging information, what should be released and what gets redacted?    The problem with this film isn’t that it is a compelling story or that the protagonist/antagonist dynamic is lacking, but the artistic vision of the story seems a little lackluster. Several scenes of the film try to explain the complexities of the mindset of Assange and Berg with intercuts of “visualizations” of the inner workings of Wikileaks which seem out of place. The amount of information flying back and forth is fascinating, and if they focused more on the subjects of Assanges “leaks” would have made for a more exciting story. It was as if Director Bill Condon was trying too hard to get the “Twilight” crowd to have a “Matrix” dreamscape experience to explain the complicated character that is Julian Assange. You be the judge when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday October 18, 2013.

Movie Review for We Are What We Are

We Are What We Are  

Starring: Bill Sage, Ambyr Childers, Julia Garner, Wyatt Russell, Jack Gore, Kelly McGillis

Directed by: Jim Mickle

Rated: R

Run Time: 105 mins

Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Drama

Opens October 18th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Horror Film Fans! You know it’s that time of year when the horror films are being released in full force and this week is a film that will give the updated version of a horror classic a run for its money. Opening this week as a Harkins Camelview exclusive is the horror film “We Are What We Are” starring  Bill Sage, Julia Garner and Kelly McGillis. This horror film touches on a subject that is not as oversaturated in the horror market, cannibalism. So how does it fare? Read on to find out.

When family matriarch of the Parker clan, Emma Parker (Kassie DePaiva) dies at the young age of 47 of what seems to be an early onset of Parkinson's Disease, the rest of the family is shaken to its core. Eldest daughter Rose (Julia Garner) is expected by her father Frank (Bill Sage) to step in her mother’s role and to fulfill her duties in taking care of the family and learn of the ways of their heritage, which are practicing Cannibalism.

Middle daughter Iris (Ambyr Childers) and Rose have grown weary of their family’s practices.  She has been searching for a way to break free now that their mother is gone.  Frank has grown more oppressive with each passing day in an effort to deal with his own health issues and grief over losing his wife.

As private the Parker clan have been, there has been a number of disappearances in the area that remain unsolved. One of those family member of the disappeared is the town doctor, Doc Barrow (Michael Parks) who treated Emma Parker while she gave birth to her third child Rory (Jack Gore) and exhumed her body before being laid to rest. Doc Barrow knew there was something odd about Emma’s condition, and with some keen observations, decides to dig a little further into the health history of the rest of the Parker family. Will Doc Barrow be able to help the Parker children before it’s too late or will he become their latest victim for dinner? Although this is not necessarily a scary film, it is more disgusting than frightening to make the viewer squeamish, the content of the film is delivered in such a way that it makes it tolerable to view. One may expect with a director such as Jim Mickle (Stake Land, Mulberry Street) helming this film that a particular level of expectation of horrific thrills will be met. Which if you’re going in with little or no expectations, this film is suitable for getting in the Halloween mood. The young actresses playing the daughters are fantastic as is Bill Sage as the deranged, over zealous head cannibal.  You be the judge when “We Are What We Are” opens at Harkins Camelview starting Friday October 18,2013.

Movie Review for A.C.O.D

A.C.O.D.  

Starring: Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O'Hara, Amy Poehler, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clark Duke, Ken Howard, Jessica Alba, Jane Lynch

Directed by: Stuart Zicherman

Rated: R

Run Time: 88 mins

Genre: Comedy

Opens October 18th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Another film opening this week features a large cast of comedic characters in a story loosely based on the experience of Director Stu Zicherman’s life. “A.C.O.D.” (Adults Children of Divorce) stars Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, Catherine O’Hara and Richard Jenkins.

When the divorce rate is hovering somewhere around fifty percent, you have a whole generation growing up in a unusual living situation. Some divorces end well, but for Carter (Adam Scott) his parents decided to drop the d-bomb on him on his 9th birthday and have hated each other ever since.

Now that Carter is an adult, he has managed to keep the peace between his parents until his younger brother Trey (Clark Duke) announces his engagement. Now Carter is put in the middle of his feuding parents about how to plan this wedding.

As Carter  fights for his sanity, he seeks out the therapist that helped him as a child, Dr. Dr. Judith (Jane Lynch).  Carter discovers that she’s not really a psychiatrist but a state funded researcher that wrote a book, “Children of Divorce” that he was a subject of.  As Carter talks to Dr. Judith, filling her in on the last decade or two on his development, she gets the brilliant idea to do a follow up book on the children in the first book to see how they turned out as adults. Carter wants to clear his pseudo name from the book, so he sees this as an opportunity to show everyone that he is a functioning adult.

As chief family peacemaker, Carter gets his mother, Melissa (Catherine O’Hara), and his father Hugh (Richard Jenkins) both to the same restaurant, forcing them to work out their issues about their son’s upcoming nuptials. As good of intentions Carter had, this ends up being a disaster, for the very reasons his parents broke up have brought them together putting everyone’s present and future relationships at risk. Can Carter get through these new found revelations or as an Adult Child of Divorce will his adulthood and romantic relationships follow the same path as his parent’s doomed relationships?

With such a strong assembly of comedic actors, interesting subject material and back story one would expect non stop hilarity to ensue. The comedic elements are there, but this film lacks a certain snark that the actors in the cast are known for. The performances feel a little soft and the build up to the resolution is not as fulfilling as the viewer may expect. If you’re a child of divorce, you may resonate with some of the themes in this film. You be the judge when “A.C.O.D.” opens in theaters starting Friday October 18, 2013

Captain Phillips Movie Review

Captain Phillips  

Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman, Faysal Ahmed, Mahat M. Ali, Michael Chrenus, Catherine Keener, Yul Vazquez, Max Martini

Directed by: Paul Greengrass

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 134 mins

Genre: Biography/ Crime/ Drama

Opens October 11th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Another film opening this week is not only based on a book, but was headline making news a few years ago. Based on the 2009 account of the kidnapping and hijacking of the Maersk Alabama ship and it’s captain, Captain Richard Phillips, held captive by a group of rag-tag Somali pirates. There has been early chatter that Tom Hanks may be in the running for another piece of hardware to add to his award pile, so how does he do?

Based on the events of the spring of 2009, Captain Richard Phillips (Tom Hanks) was preparing for any other ship route that he has run in the past. There had been several alerts from government agencies warning about the pirate activity of the coast of Somalia, which Capt. Phillips took seriously. He and his crew took the proper procedures and when a group of 4 Somali pirates invades their ship, no one could imagine how far up the chain this event would escalate to. When the US Military gets involved, things get very real, very quick. Will the pirates succeed in collecting $10 million dollars for ransom or will they have a most unfortunate end?

What stands out in this film is hands-down the performances of Tom Hanks and one of the Somali pirates, played by Faysal Ahmed. The last 30 minutes play out so intense and so well done that as a viewer, can sit back identify with the emotions being portrayed by these actors. The first half of the film plays out a little slow but builds momentum that, by the end scenes, the payoff of the final moments makes the whole film worth the watch. In this reviewer’s opinion, this is Tom Hanks's best performance since “Castaway”, in the way he performs alone towards the end. The performance is subtle, relatable and powerful. Be sure to check out “Captain Phillips” when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday October 11, 2013.

Movie Review for The Summit

The Summit  

Directed by: Nick Ryan

Rated: R

Run Time: 95 mins

Genre: Documentary

Opens October 11th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week as a Harkins Camelview exclusive is an award winning documentary that shines at the Boulder International Film Festival, British Film Institute Awards and this year’s Sundance Film Festival.  “The Summit” chronicles the story of an 2008 expedition to the famed K2, one of Earth’s most deadliest mountains and 2nd tallest, where 11 climbers perished in a most unfortunate way.

Twenty-four climbers from 15 expeditions set out in 2008 from the summit camp to conquer the K2, a climber’s ultimate challenge. The mountain is roughly 28,251 feet tall, nestled on the border between China and Pakistan. Statistics figure that 1 out of 4 climbers will die trying to conquer K2. During this expedition a piece of ice fell, cutting the fixed ropes which resulted in the deaths of 11 climbers.

Told through interviews, audio footage and reenactments that feel too realistic, this documentary features gorgeous cinematography to capture the essence of majesty, grandeur and danger of this mystical landscape. The interviews of the climbers that survive are remarkable, inspiring and incredible that these individuals would embark on such a life threatening adventure.  This is a film that should be experienced on the big screen so be sure to catch “The Summit” when it opens at Harkins Camelview starting Friday October 11,2013.

Movie Review for Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet  

Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, Douglas Booth, Ed Westwick, Christian Cooke, Damian Lewis, Laura Morante, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Stellan Skarsgård, Tom Wisdom, Paul Giamatti, Lesley Manville

Directed by: Carlo Carlei

Rated: PG-13

Run Time:118 mins

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Opens October 11th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

It’s story so well known, replicated, redone and remade that when a new version comes out there is a bit of wonder in how the storyteller, or in this case, filmmaker will make the timeless Shakespeare classic fresh and new. Director Carlo Carlei takes on the arduous task, so how does he do?

Chances are unless you you slept through high school english or drama class, you already know the story of” Romeo and Juliet”. In this film, Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit) plays one half of the star-crossed lovers as Juliet and Douglas Booth (LOL) as Romeo, which if going by the actual age of the characters in the story, are rather close. Rounding out the cast is Paul Giamatti as the Priest, Ed Westwick as Tybalt, Christian Cook as Mercutio.

For those not familiar with the story, basically there are two families feuding with each other; the Montagues and the Capulets. Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet. When Romeo meets Juliet, he falls madly in love with her and she with him. At first, neither knows their family hates the other, so this love is big-time forbidden. In an attempt to end the feud, the Priest agrees to marry these two crazy kids, but insanity ensues, there is a massive communication failure and lots of people die.

What makes this film so intriguing to watch is that in this film version compared to past renditions, does justice to Shakespeare; keeping it in the original context and tone, but visually exquisite in the details. From the costumes, the casting, the sets/locations, to the originality in the script, this film is Shakespeare done right. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare this is a must-see film, as breathes new life into the timeless tale of star-crossed lovers.  Be sure to catch “Romeo and Juliet” when it opens in theaters starting Friday October 11, 2013.

Machete Kills Movie Review

Machete Kills  

Starring: Danny Trejo, Demian Bichir, Michelle Rodriguez, Amber Heard, Jessica Alba, Lady Gaga, Carlos Estevez, Mel Gibson, Sofia Vergara, Alexa Vega, Antonio Banderas, Cuba Gooding Jr., Walton Goggins, Vanessa Hudgens

Directed by: Robert Rodriguez

Rated: R

Run Time:

Genre: Action/ Crime

Opens October 11th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is the sequel to the 2010 hit “Machete”, “Machete Kills”, starring Danny Trejo as the revenge driven vigilante. How does it stack up to the first film? Read on to find out.

When the film opens, we find Machete (Danny Trejo) and Agent Sartana (Jessica Alba) intercept a shady weapons deal that was about to go down between a rogue group of U.S. Military soldiers and a Mexican Cartel gang. When the deal gets botched a third group, a  more sinister rogue group of contract killers working for a large corporation end up getting away with the weapons, a nuclear missile, leaving Agent Sartana dead.  Machete is arrested for the crime and is kept in a shady border town jail, awaiting execution.

Machete’s luck changes when the US President, (Carlos Estevez, a.k.a. Charlie Sheen) pardons the misfortunate vigilante, makes him a US citizen and then asks him to save the world. The targeted villain is cartel leader turned revolutionary, Marcos Mendez (Demian Bichic); a man so dangerous he makes Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde look like amateurs. His handler is an agent stationed in San Antonio and will help him in his mission to apprehend Mendez.

Upon his arrival in San Antonio, his handler, Miss San Antonio (Amber Heard) informs him that he will have find a girl in a brothel to be able to get to Mendez. Soon Machete will have to duke it out with a contract killer known as the Chameleon (Walt Goggins/Cuba Gooding Jr/ Lady Gaga/Antonio Banderas), a bordello madam with a vendetta against men, Desdemona (Sofia Vergara) and a corporate giant named Voz (Mel Gibson) to avenge Agent Sartana’s death and save the world. Can he do it or will this be too big of a challenge for the legendary Machete?

The first five minutes of the film set the tone for the amount of absurdity featured in this latest installment of the Machete saga. Using a cinematic blender to include as much gore, violence, ridiculousness, gratuitous sex with cheeky humor, Rodriguez kicks his grindhouse filmmaking style to up the ante in this film, which the attached trailer sets up the next film quite nicely. This film caters to those who seek their cinematic thrills to the B-movie, the grindhouse flicks and cult films. If you’re a fan of this type of films, you’re in for an entertaining 107 minutes of entertaining nonsense. “Machete Kills” opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday October 11, 2013.

Parkland Movie Review

Parkland   

Starring: Marcia Gay Harden, Zac Efron, Paul Giamatti, Mallory Moye, Ron Livingston, Billy Bob Thornton, Mark Duplass, Gil Bellows, David Harbour, Bitsie Tulloch, Sean McGraw, Brett Stimely, Colin Hanks

Directed by: Peter Landesman

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 93 mins

Genre: Drama

Opens October 4th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination. “Parkland” features an all-star cast led by Marcia Gay Harden, Paul Giamatti and Zac Efron.  This film focuses on the people that were behind the scenes in trying to save President Kennedy’s life and those trying to bring his killer to justice. Did the filmmakers give these people the respect they deserve or is this film just another one to blend in with the annals of history?

Recounting the events of November 22,193 and the three days following, “Parkland” gives a voice to the people that worked feverously behind the scenes trying to make sense of the assassination of President Kennedy. Parkland Hospital was the focal point of the nation for two days as it catered to trying to save President Kennedy and his accused assassin Lee Harvey Oswald. The same team that attempted to save President Kennedy was comprised of Dr. Charles “Jim” Carrico (Zac Efron), Nurse Doris Nelson (Marcia Gay Hardin) and Dr. Malcolm Perry (Colin Hanks). Much to their dismay they had to turn around and help the accused mere hours later.

Also, featuring the investigation into the event, this film takes an inside look at the man who shot the famous footage of the shooting, Abraham Zapruder (Paul Giamatti); the FBI Agents that were profiling Oswald, Agent James Hosty (Ron Livingston) and Agent Gordon Shanklin (David Harbour) and the Secret Service Agents detailed to the late president, Kenneth O”Donnell (Mark Duplass) and Rufus Youngblood (Nico Evers-Swindell).

For those that remember, experienced this tragic event or are a history buff, you may be intrigued by the stories presented in this film. It’s one thing to know the tragic main details but to hear and learn of the names and faces of the ones closely affected by this event makes it an emotional journey for the viewer. The cast assembled in this film is fantastic; each one deeply moving in their respective roles. Even the executive producers assembled is quite impressive - Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Gary Goetzman, Guy East, and Brian Falk to name a few. It shows on screen that a lot of care and compassion went into the making of this film. Be sure to check out “Parkland” opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday October 4, 2013.

Runner Runner Movie Review

Runner Runner 

Starring: Ben Affleck, Justin Timberlake, Gemma Arterton, Anthony Mackie, Michael Esper, Oliver Cooper, John Heard

Directed by: Brad Furman

Rated: R

Run Time: 91 mins

Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Thriller

Opens October 4th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Another film opening this week stars an Academy Award Winner, an Emmy Winner and BAFTA Nominee. With all that talent, one might assume that this thriller about online gambling would raise the stakes. How did they do? Read on to find out.

When Princeton grad student Richie Furst (Justin Timberlake) gets reprimanded for promoting online gaming on campus, he’s on the line for paying his tuition by the following week. He owes about $60,000.00, So to raise that money he tries his hand at online poker where he almost wins but finds out that one of the players was cheating. He decides to bring this matter to the attention of the website’s owner Ivan Block (Ben Affleck). The only catch is he has to travel down to Costa Rica to garner an audience with the elusive gambling mastermind.

Block is impressed by Richie and the way he conducted his business with him, resulting in an offer of employment with a starting salary of 6 figures. Not bad, right?

A few months into his employment, Richie is approached by FBI Agent Shavers (Anthony Mackie); trying to force him into cooperating his investigation into Ivan Block and his gambling business. Richie panics, informs Ivan who blows this off as this is of little importance. Richie believes Ivan and continues doing business per usual.

As the deals become more questionable, Richie questions his own safety and role within Ivan’s organization. Will he be able to exit quietly or fall like a house of cards if the feds catch up with Ivan?

The past few films that Justin Timberlake (In Time, Trouble with the Curve) have starred in that showed his dramatic side has not been his best work. He really excels in the realm of comedy and should stay there. Ben Affleck, over the past few years has turned his career around with venturing into directing and acting, but this role albeit, not his typical role, suited his acting skills from the Changing Lanes years. He’s gotten past crying in every role which is positive, but this film could have been much stronger if Timberlake’s role was recast. Gemma Arterton and Anthony Mackie were fine choices for their respective roles, but the quality of the film with so much talent didn’t quite hit the jackpot. Although this film is entertaining, I’m not quite sure if it was the script or the direction of the film, but it lacks a certain spark to make it memorable. You be the judge when “Runner Runner” opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday October 4, 2013.

Gravity Movie Review

Gravity 

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Directed by: Alfonso Cuarón

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 90 mins

Genre: Action/Drama

Opens October 4th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is a film that has been pleasing critics across the country since it’s unveiling at the Venice Film Festival. “Gravity” stars Sandra Bullock, George Clooney and Ed Harris, directed by Alfonso Cuarón.  Early buzz is predicting that Bullock may be a contender for next year’s Oscars race, but how does the film stack up?

About 300 miles above the surface of the Earth orbits the Hubble Telescope. Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) and Astronaut Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) end up being the sole survivors when shrapnel from a Russian satellite strikes the telescope. The result of the damage results in  Dr. Stone flung off into open space; spinning, panicking and losing oxygen fast, her only anchor is Kowalski talking her back to her senses.

Once she gets her bearings, Dr. Stone is able to communicate with Kowalski so he can retrieve her and scoot on over to the international space station before the space trash circles around the Earth. They only have about 90 minutes. If they don’t make it to the Space station before the next round of shrapnel hits, there will be no survivors from this latest space mission. Will they be able to make to the station or perish in a unique way?

So many adjectives can be used to describe this film. Stunning. Intense. Breathtaking. Awe-inspiring; most of all, amazing. What doesn’t look like much from the trailers released, this film is a 90 minute rollercoaster ride that will keep the viewer on the edge of their seat until the very end. Sandra Bullocks performance is exceptionable, in as the mental and emotional depths the role requires would take a toll on anyone. The chemistry and playful banter that Clooney and Bullock have on this film is fun to watch in the lighter moments and keeps the viewer rooting for them as they fight for their lives.  Director Alfonso Cuarón has outdone himself as this is an unprecedented piece of work to have under his belt. Be sure to catch “Gravity” when it opens in theaters starting Friday October 4, 2013.

Rush Movie Review

Rush 

Starring: Chris Hemsworth,  Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde,

Directed by: Ron Howard

Rated: R

Run Time: 123 mins

Genre: Action/ Drama/ Biography/Sports

Opens September 27th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is the latest film this year to feature racing (Turbo, Planes) but is live action instead of animated. Based on the true story of Formula 1 Racers Niki Lauda and James Hunt in the 1970’s, Director Ron Howard presents a keen insight into the world of racing 40 years ago. Will race fans flock to see this biopic or will it crash and burn at the box office?

Starting in their days as Formula 3 drivers in 1970, James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) already had a reputation for being a ladies man that lived life on the wild side. When James first encountered Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) on a British Formula 3 race track, a fierce rivalry was born, spanning the course of 6 years when each man worked his way (or paid for his way) into Formula 1 racing to conquer the industry.

Through each man’s personal trials and tribulations, the rivalry took on new meaning for each man as the years went by. When they finally meet head to head in 1976, in Japan, for the World Championship title, will the personal conflicts get in the way or is the rivalry so significant that each man is willing to die to prove he is the better driver?

What is most surprising about “Rush” is that although it is directed by Ron Howard, it doesn’t take on the typical stylistic characteristics of his trademark films. The film looks as if it was shot on film during the 1970’s, giving it an air of  authenticity for the viewer’s experience.  Each actor, especially Brühl, keeps the audience rooting for each driver even though you may be partial to one over the other. Brühl's character of Lauda is so unfriendly and cold that he's likable; you root for him along the way. Hemsworth delivers another epic performance, this time as a formula race driver god that is deeply flawed and troubled. Even if you’re not a race fan, the acting performances and tension between the two main actors, Hemsworth and Brühl, really capture the essence of what great sports rivalry is comprised of, mutual respect and disdain for the other competitor. Be sure to catch “Rush when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday September 27,2013.

Movie Review for Don Jon

Don Jon 

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson, Rob Brown, Jeremy Luke

Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Rated: R

Run Time: 90 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens September 27th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week is a film that has been gathering quite a bit of buzz thanks to Sundance, which its first cut was given an NC-17 rating. Joseph Gordon-Levitt pulls triple duty in his directorial debut, taking on lead actor, writer AND Director. How does he fare?  Read on to find out.

Good naturedly dubbed “Don Jon” by his friends, Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a man all about high standards. From the way he takes care of his body, to the car he drives to the women he dates, Jon has a particular way of living life, on his terms, with no apologies. Although he is not lacking in getting women to date him, Jon is unfulfilled when it comes to matters of the bedroom. No one can get him more satisfied than himself, in front of his computer, watching pornography. When he starts dating Barbara (Scarlett Johansson) he tries to be a better man; the only qualm he has is that he can’t quit the porn.  When his relationship with Barbara hangs in the balance, will Jon be able to grow up and quit the porn of continue his life as is?

Taking the traditional romantic comedy and flipping it on its head, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s freshmen entry into the directorial world is nothing but ingenious. Although the film does have quite a bit of pornographic references and gratuitous sex scenes, it's a refreshing look at what can be a stale genre. Not only does Gordon-Levitt pull off some impressive direction, his performance as the narcissistic, sex obsessed Jon. Jon is reminiscent of a less obtrusive character from “The Jersey Shore”; this version is the one you actually root for rather than gawk in mock-horror.  The palpable chemistry between the rest of the cast members is entertaining and enjoyable. Just a word to the wise, this is not a film that is suitable for small children, so it’s best to leave the little ones at home for this one. Be sure to catch “Don Jon” when it opens in theaters starting Friday September 27, 2013.

The Short Game Movie Review

The  Short Game  

Starring: Allan Kournikova, Zamokuhle Nxasana, Alexa Pano, Kuang Yang, Jed Dy,

Augustin Valery, Sky Sudberry, Amari Avery

Directed by: Josh Green Baum

Rated: PG

Run Time:90 mins

Genre: Documentary/ Sport

Opens September 20th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Another documentary opening this week focuses on the world of Golf in the children’s arena. “The Short Game” features some of the best 7 year golfers in the world but is it worth the watch?

Golf in recent years has grown in popularity thanks to such players as Tiger Woods, who was a golf prodigy himself. Adult players strive to win that green player’s jacket at Augusta but for the children that play golf, every year the best players in the world gather in North Carolina at Pinehurst Golf Course to determine the U.S. Kids World Champion of Golf. Featuring Allan Kournikova from Florida, Zamokuhle Nxasana from South Africa, Alexa Pano from Florida, Kuang Yang from China, Jed Dy from the Philippines, Augustin Valery from France, Sky Sudberry from Texas and Amari Avery from California, the amazing quality each of these kids share is a determination to win and drive to be the best they can be.  As their parents as their caddy, each child is in a fierce competition to be the world champion, but will emotions or lack of focus get the best of them?

What was equally impressive is how quickly each child could switch to being a mini adult on the golf course to being a regular 7 or 8 year old kid the moment they were given free time. This film is truly entertaining and rather inspiring in capturing the spirit of good sportsmanship and positive life skills that should not be missed. Be sure to catch “The Short Game” when it opens in theaters starting Friday September 20,2013.

Movie Review for Salinger

Salinger  

Starring: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Martin Sheen, Gore Vidal

Directed by: Shane Salerno

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 120 mins

Genre: Documentary

Opens September 20th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Opening this week as a Harkins Camelview Exclusive is the documentary into reclusive American Author of “Catcher in the Rye”, J.D. Salinger. His books and stories have inspired generations of fans but will fans be impressed with the man behind the pages?

Even if you haven’t read “Catcher in the Rye” or familiar with J.D. Salinger’s work, this film doesn’t focus as much on the stories themselves, but the journey itself.  Featuring interviews with Salingers closest friends’, lovers, family members, respected figures in the literary world and Hollywood admirers,  the stories accumulated paint the picture into a very complicated, intriguing man. Tracking his history as a young man in New York City, through his involvement in World War II, his literary achievements highs and lows, to his various love affairs and marriages, Salinger has led a fascinating life. He was a man that was very particular in his vision for his work and would not compromise for anyone. Be sure to check out “Salinger” when it opens up at Harkins Camelview 5 starting Friday September 20, 2013.

Movie Review for Prisoners

Prisoners 

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano

Directed by: Denis Villeneuve

Rated: R

Run Time: 153 mins

Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Thriller

Opens September 20th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening this week is the crime drama “Prisoners” starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Terrance Howard and Melissa Leo. This film had gone through multiple stars attached before it started filming, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Chastain, Mark Wahlberg and Christian Bale. Despite all the cast changes/ rumors, how well does the final cast perform in the final cut?

In a quiet Pennsylvania suburb, families gather together to celebrate and give thanks on this particular Thanksgiving holiday.  Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman), his wife Grace (Maria Bello) and their two children Ralph (Dylan Minnette) and Anna (Erin Gerasimovich) are spending their holiday with neighbors, the Birch family. Franklin Birch (Terrence Howard) and Keller go back many years to their high school days. Nancy Birch (Viola Davis) has prepared a large meal and while it’s still cooking their young daughters want to go outside. The parents agree only if they are supervised by their older siblings.

While on their neighborhood stroll, Anna and Joy Birch (Kyla Drew Simmons) see an old trailer and want to play on it. Ralph and Eliza Birch (Zoe Borde) pull their younger siblings away after realizing there is someone inside.

After dinner,  Anna and Joy beg to go back to the Keller’s house down the street to look for a red whistle that Anna lost a few weeks ago. The parents allow them to leave, not realizing they were unsupervised.  After realizing the girls never returned, all the family members go into a full-panic mode trying to find their daughters. Ralph remembers seeing the camper the girls were playing on, so the police are notified, issuing a countywide manhunt for this recreational vehicle.

Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) is the first detective on the scene when they find the trailer and the suspect they apprehend, Alex Jones (Paul Dano) is refusing to speak, or rather giving the impression that he may know more or less than he really does.

When Detective Loki is not able to get anywhere with Jones, Keller Dover takes matters into his own hands by doing extra investigative work on his own. With each passing day,  the likelihood that their daughters will be found grows slimmer; will Dover find the girls before Loki? Or is this kidnapping part of a much more twisted, complicated kidnapping ring stretching over the past few decades?

What could be a predictable story with an impressive cast to bill, “Prisoners” is more of a character study film, rich with complexity and raw emotion that really shines on screen. The only downside to this film is the extended run time which clocks in around two hours and forty minutes. Director Denis Villeneuve does an excellent job of guiding his cast into some pretty dark emotional places that one would never wish on their worst enemy to experience, which make for compelling performances from the entire cast. Standout performances from Hugh Jackman, Paul Dano and Melissa Leo are the most powerful of the film The storyline was slightly predictable, but there was so many different plot points that if you are not paying attention to may be confusing the further you get into the film, so pay attention to everything. Be sure to catch “Prisoners” when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday September 20, 2013.

Insidious: Chapter 2 Movie Review

Insidious: Chapter 2 

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye, Steve Coulter, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Ty Simpkins, Danielle Bisutti

Directed by: James Wan

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 105 mins

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Opens September 13th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Horror Film Fans! Opening this week is the sequel to the 2010 hit “Insidious”, bringing the cast back for more screams, thrills and chills. Director James Wan is quickly climbing the ranks as a master thriller with some of his other films such as this year’s “The Conjuring”, but how does this sequel stack up?

Kicking off hours after where the first film left off, Renai Lambert (Rose Byrne) is being questioned by the police in her husband Josh ’s (Patrick Wilson) involvement in the murder of paranormal psychologist/psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye). If you recall from the first film, Elise was killed by one of the evil spirits when Josh (Patrick Wilson) was in the “dark side” on a search and rescue mission for his son Dalton (Ty Simpkins). For the moment, Renai, Josh their kids and Josh’s mother Lorraine (Barbara Hershey) are staying at his childhood home where the hauntings first originate with a young Josh.

When Josh came back out of the seance, Renai noticed that something wasn’t quite right as if she didn’t recognize her husband. Even Dalton noticed something was off with his dad. It appears that the hauntings followed Josh back into the real world, and their story wasn’t quite over. By returning to his childhood home, the original spirit that haunted Josh as a boy is back in full force conjuring up more evil and drama.

Elise was one of the original paranormal investigators that originally helped Josh as a boy, but now that she’s gone, Lorraine seeks out the assistance of one of the other investigators, Carl (Steve Coulter) to help bring this evil to an end, once and for all. Can they do it? Or is the evil spirits too strong for the group to overcome?

 What Director James Wan has demonstrated in his catalogue of work and what he does so brilliantly is creating the tension and atmosphere of suspense versus using the gore, blood and guts to horrify make this so much more entertaining experience. Wan and screenwriter Leigh Whannell did a fantastic job of weaving plot point elements from the first film into the sequel to where it make sense why certain choices were made in the original film. By giving more backstory into the origins of the hauntings of Josh’s childhood and his psychic abilities, the story does a great job keeping the element of logic as a strong point. This film although not as scary as the first film, still does an excellent job of creating suspense and thrills that should please audiences. Be sure to check out “Insidious: Chapter 2” when it opens in theaters nationwide starting Friday September 13,2013.

Riddick Movie Review

Riddick 

Starring: Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Jordi Molla, Matt Nable, Katee Sackhoff, Bokeem Woodbine, Dave Bautista, Conrad Pla, Raoul Trujillo, Nolan Funk, Keri Hilson

Directed by: David Twohy

Rated: R

Run Time: 119 mins

Genre: Sci- Fi

Opens August 6th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans!  Now that we are officially into the Fall Summer Movie Season, this should be an interesting line up at the box office. Kicking things off is the latest installment in the Riddick series, starring Vin Diesel as the named anti-hero. How does this film compared to the previous two? Read on to find out.

Richard B. Riddick (Vin Diesel) is having a colossally awful day. He has been abandoned on a desolate planet, left for dead and almost eaten by several species of animals that look as if they mutated from the “Jurassic Park” Island. After managing to escape death for the umpteenth time in one day, he seeks shelter in a nearby abandoned cave where he regroup and tries to configure a game plan on how to get back to his home planet Furya.

As Riddick adapts to his temporary home, he manages to make a friend in one of the planet’s animal species, a hybrid of  hyena and  large dog. Through exploring the landscape, Riddick discovers an abandoned space station where he sends a distress beacon for rescue. Those who come looking for him are out for his head, literally, so it’s up to Riddick to outsmart the bounty hunters that have come to hunt him down. Will Riddick be able to leave the planet and return home or will the hunters or elements get to him first?

The defining factor of this film is the cinematography; the shots, action sequences and special effects all look fantastic, but it’s not enough to support the long run time. The action is rather intense and will keep viewers on the edge of their seat, but if you’re not familiar with the character and the previous films, you may feel a bit lost. The film is primarily a testosterone - fueled gore fest that includes bad dialogue, sexist banter and lots of violence. The best way to sum this film up is if “Jurassic Park” meets “Alien” and “Man vs. Wild”; it a strange dichotomy of genres that never quite finds it footing. You be the judge when “Riddick” opens up in theaters nationwide starting Friday August 6, 2013.

Movie Review for Adore

Adore 

Starring: Robin Wright, Naomi Watts, Xavier Samuel, James Frecheville, Ben Mendelsohn

Directed by: Anne Fontaine

Rated: R

Run Time: 100 mins

Genre: Drama

Opens August 6th

By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com

Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening this week in limited release at Harkins Shea 14 and video on demand is the drama “Adore” starring Robin Wright, Naomi Watts and Xavier Samuel. Based on the novella by Nobel Prize winner for Literature Doris Lessing, Academy Award Winner Screenwriter Christopher Hampton (DANGEROUS LIAISONS) tackles some rather taboo issues in this edgy film.

Roz (Robin Wright) and Lil (Naomi Watts) have been best friends since they were young girls. Never far from each other this pattern followed them into adulthood, ending up as neighbors right down the path from each other. Each girl married and had a son around the same age, but Lil’s life strayed from their perfect path when her husband passed away when her son Ian was still a young boy. Roz and her husband Harold (Ben Mendelsohn) took Lil and Ian under their wing letting their son Tom become best friends with Ian.

As the boys grew into young men, Lil and Roz would marvel how their boys are more like young gods and how people regularly mistaken the women's’ closeness as of a romantic nature. Only if they knew the truth. Ian (Samuel Xavier) as an adult has developed romantic feelings for someone close to him. When Harold is offered a job in Sydney, Roz and Tom (James Frecheville) stay behind, not wanting to be far from their home, Lil and Ian or what they are comfortable with. Roz also has another reason to stay as she has taken up a side affair with Ian, Lil’s son. Ian claims he’s in love with Roz. As their secret affair is just getting started, Tom discovers Roz leaving Ian in the walk of shame from the guest room, so as retaliation he makes a play for Lil. What’s even more surprising that the pairing of mothers swapping sons makes for an emotional and physical fulfillment that any one of them have never known and can’t get enough of.

As much of Greek tragedy as can be imagined, these unconventional relationships albeit each is happy with their pairing, puts other relationships in jeopardy as it may not be looked on with approval by others. Will it be too much for the two women or their sons or are these relationships quite functional as is?

As much of a Social Ick factor that can be fathomed, this story is actually quite intricate and fascinating because it lacks a certain predictability that one may expect with this film. This film definitely pushes into some significant social taboos/ Oedipus Complex issues, but the performances are powerful and brilliant that even the social and emotional complexities are explored intelligently and compassionately. If anything this is a great film to be water cooler discussion. Check out “adore” when it opens starting Friday August 6, 2013.