MOVIE REVIEW: AVENGERS: ENDGAME

Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers -- Thor, Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner -- must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos -- the evil demigod who decimated the planet and the universe.

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Josh Brolin

Release Date: April 24, 2019

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language

Runtime: 3 h 2min

Review:

Avengers Endgame is the final chapters of the first season of Marvel long running superhero show.  It’s been a bit of an issue that I’ve had with Marvel mainly because very few of the movies have ever just wowed me, that’s not to say I haven’t enjoyed them but they’ve never been the type of films that have blown my mind.  The episodic nature of them always reminded me more of a TV show than movies.  The Russo Brothers do have a nailed down their ability to manage all the various character and plotlines and this culmination does feel like a bit of a victory lap through the last 10 years of films. There are plenty of moments where fan service seems more important than actual plot but it works because the film is ultimately entertaining.  The first hour plays out like a Marvel version of the under watched HBO series The Leftovers with the 2^nd hour pushing into something very reminiscent of the classic series finale of Star Trek The Next Generation.  Much like that series finale the story focuses on the characters we’ve come to know over years as opposed massive action.  Sure it all leads to a climatic showdown but it’s smart to keep the focus on the main 6 characters since they’ve always been the focus of the entire endeavor.  Once the big show down comes it’s a massive spectacle that delivers some incredibly satisfying moments.  The only small drawback is that some of it feels fairly familiar with one moment seemingly channeling an iconic shot from Game of Thrones legendary Battle of the Bastards episode.  I’ll throw in the fact that if anyone whose familiar with another long seeded collection of superhero stories from DC animated universe will get a sense of déjà vu since that series ended with a very similar final battle.  Once the battle is over there are a few more lingering issues because there are plot holes aplenty if you think about many of the choices made, a few are particularly glaring,  It’s really a testament to the work of the cast and directors that film works because in lesser hands it could have been a real mess.  The film is a fitting end to this chapter even if the finality of it doesn’t quiet resonate much like that cliffhanger at the end of Infinity War. 

B-

Cindy Prascik's Review of Avengers Endgame

Yesterday I, along with three-quarters of the world's population, hit the cinema for Avengers: Endgame.

An important note on spoilers: The vast majority of movie-goers, and plenty of people who don't usually bother with the cinema, too, will see this movie. A smaller number wouldn't see it if it were the best film ever made; it's just not their thing. A movie like this is probably the only time that literally NOBODY needs someone else's input to decide whether or not to watch. Couple that with the fact that people are so twitchy about spoilers that I barely understand what constitutes one in some people's eyes, well, best not to risk it, I suppose. So...rather than a review, we'll call this a conversation. I'm starting with my thoughts, and--after you've seen the movie--I hope you'll revisit this and join me in the comments. In other words: HERE THERE BE SPOILERS. Also, this is gonna get long, as is only fitting for a three-plus-hour movie. Forewarned is forearmed on both counts.

Endgame marks the culmination of the Avengers Infinity Saga, and is the next-to-last film in Phase Three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It's all about the endings as the remaining Avengers attempt to undo the damage done by a snap of Thanos' fingers in Infinity War.

As I've noted time and again, I am not really a Marvel Person. I enjoy most of Marvel's films, but I don't find them to be anything special and I always have plenty of complaints, both legit and nitpicky. I'd read some spoilers for Endgame that left me thinking I wouldn't like it even as much as I do the average Marvel flick, but I am happy to say I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did I well and truly enjoy the picture, but many of the recurring beefs I have with Marvel product proved to be non-factors.

Endgame kicks off with Traffic's Dear Mr. Fantasy in glorious surround-sound. That right there is good for a whole lot of Weasleys, before I put even half an eyeball on the other two hours and 59 minutes. Epic.

The first hour of Endgame is not just good, it's excellent. The people who embody these heroes are decorated actors and adept at emotional as well as physical heavy lifting. Watching the survivors cope with the aftermath of Infinity War, interacting among themselves and with others, is a real treat. Robert Downey, Jr. is especially effective and, for the first time since maybe Tropic Thunder, it doesn't seem like he's playing an exaggerated version of himself. Sure, Tony Stark is still Tony Stark, but this performance is--dare I say it?--even a little understated, setting a perfect tone. Helping matters is the fact that the usual shoehorned one-liners are in short supply here. There is some unfortunate comedy (more on that later), but this go-round it's not Iron Man's fault.

Come the middle hour, Endgame starts to bog down a bit. I wasn't clock-watching (except for purposes of wanting to know when this or that happens), but it definitely didn't hold my attention like hour one. The third act has the big action, and--while it isn't as pointlessly bloated as Captain America: Civil War or Avengers: Infinity War--it probably could have used a trim. Having said all that, at no point in this three hours did it feel like I'd been sitting for 12 (a welcome change for me with Marvel) and, truly, through the end, the only times I looked at the clock were those times I wanted to mark at what point a certain scene happened or a character turned up. Performances: RDJ isn't the only one doing great work in Avengers: Endgame. Bradley Cooper continues to mesmerize as Rocket; he is extraordinary. Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner are magical when they share the screen, reminding me very much of Eva Green and Rory Kinnear's all-too-infrequent scenes together in Penny Dreadful. Paul Rudd...seriously, who doesn't love Paul Rudd? While most of the film is comparatively somber, Scott Lang gives us those lighter moments that--when done well and timely placed--provide important relief in such a grim tale. Tom Holland shows, again, that he's become the heart of the MCU, and Sebastian Stan--reminiscent of "...but I knew him..." in Captain America: the Winter Soldier--proves he needs only his two eyes and 15 seconds on camera to outshine a veritable gaggle of award-winning actors. The movie does a fair job of shaking out screen time among the principals, but the previously-dusted characters turn up late and don't get much to do. The bulk of the attention is (rightly) on the original Avengers, whose time with Marvel allegedly ends with this film. *cough cough* It remains Marvel's greatest strength that they've been able to find just the right people to inhabit their much-loved characters, which, for me, is what makes even their worst movies pretty enjoyable.

A couple quibbles, and let none of these be mistaken for reasons not to see this on a big screen: Wow is the God of Thunder ill-used here. Sure, the Thor movies are probably the lightest of Marvel's offerings (and also my favorites, for the record), but here he's straight-up comic relief, and it seems very unfair, especially as the character is visibly dealing with PTSD. Iron Man gets a scene straight out of a Best Picture nominee, but Thor's just a boozed-up fat joke? I call shenanigans! Thor's handling in Endgame is almost totally missed opportunities and dubious humor, very unfortunate for such a great character and an actor who deserves better. I also feel like Endgame craps on Steve Rogers a bit. Steve's friendship with Bucky is the cornerstone of his story, so it seems implausible that he would abandon Bucky to his (horrible) fate to stay in the past with Peggy. Steve being Steve, it's also unlikely he'd have upended Peggy's life in such a way, when she'd gotten married, had a family, and (as far as we know) been happy. Considering Peggy passed--what, three movies ago?--of natural causes, it felt very forced that half of Steve's close-ups in Endgame were of him mooning over that photo of her in the locket. I knew all that was coming and I honestly thought it would make me hate the movie, but...well...on down the line here I'll explain why it didn't.

As I said 18 years ago at the beginning of this dissertation, Avengers: Endgame is a climax, a torch-passing, an ending. As such, there are significant deaths and impending disappearances of long-loved characters. Tony Stark's passing hit me harder than expected, given how uninvested I've been in the character, but losing Nat? Well...that one about murdered me. Romanoff is a great character and ScarJo an even better actor; the movie feels her absence immediately and consistently once she's gone, despite the fact there are some super-badass female warriors carrying the girl-power mantle going forward. (Can Shuri have her own movie now, please and thank you?) Given the weight and volume the deaths, you'd think I might have shed a tear or two, but...nope. I, who ran right over two cinema employees on my way out of Saving Mr. Banks because I didn't see them through the veil of my tears...I, who had to be consoled by a stranger over the end credits of American Sniper...I couldn't muster so much as a sniffle here, and therein lies a big problem not only for Marvel, but for fantasy entertainment in general: "Death" has no real consequence, especially once the universe starts fiddling with time travel. If RDJ's next couple movies are flops? No worries, we'll just go back in time and un-kill him for Iron Man 12. Yes, I know they've stressed "dead means dead." I know this installment very specifically brings back only the characters who were dusted by Thanos, and not those who were killed otherwise. And I know everybody and their brother's Marvel contract is up. BUT...yeah, I'm still not buying it. If the demand is there and the principals are willing, any or all of them could pop back up at any time, and some of them seem quite likely to. (Lookin' at you, Loki!) The silver lining--and what allows me to not hate what they did with Steve Rogers--is I don't believe that was really Steve Rogers, or at least not the only Steve Rogers. Somewhere, there's a Steve Rogers who meant "'til the end of the line" when he said it. The way the scene played out, Bucky standing back, seemingly knowing what was happening and allowing Steve to choose his own happiness for once, also made it less horrible than it could have been, though, far as I'm concerned, still not the sendoff Steve Rogers deserved. (And may I mention again the quiet, heartbreaking genius of Sebastian Stan, which makes the scene?)

Moments: I'm nobody's feminist--or at least I stand so accused because I don't like Captain Marvel--but there's a bit where all the female heroes charge together against Thanos and...oh my...the chills! I loved the Cap vs. Cap fight, and the "America's ass" joke was genuinely funny and not over-used. It was great that Hot Tub Time Machine (probably not Sebastian Stan's proudest cinematic moment?) was name-checked, and the call-back to the elevator fight in CATWS--for my money, Marvel's greatest film--was terrific. Timeline tomfoolery often becomes muddled and, as mentioned, can result in a lack of investment in the proceedings (who cares what happens if they can just make it un-happen?), but I can't pretend I wasn't happy to see some familiar faces who have passed on or simply disappeared from the MCU. (Huzzah, Brock Rumlow!) Finally, though there are no mid- or post-credits scenes at the end of Endgame, the first credits sequence--which ends with a sort-of curtain call for Cap, Iron Man, Black Widow, Hulk, Thor, and Hawkeye--is quite epic in and of itself and entirely worth sticking around for. After that, it's okay to take off like a person who's consumed a bathtub-sized Diet Coke and has been waiting three and a half hours to pee. I see you. You're good.

Avengers: Endgame runs 182 minutes (yikes!) and is rated PG13 for "sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language."

Avengers: Endgame is one of Marvel's best offerings, and definitely finishes the Infinity Saga on an uptick. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Avengers: Endgame gets eight.

Fangirl points: I mean, you noticed I really, really like Sebastian Stan, right?

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: TAG

One month every year, five highly competitive friends hit the ground running for a no-holds-barred game of tag -- risking their necks, their jobs and their relationships to take one another down. This time, the game coincides with the wedding of the only undefeated player. What should be an easy target soon becomes an all-out war as he knows they're coming to get him. 

Director: Jeff Tomsic 

Cast: Ed Helms, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Annabelle Wallis, Isla Fisher, Rashida Jones, Leslie Bibb

Release Date: June 15, 2018

 

Rated R for language throughout, crude sexual content, drug use and brief nudity 

Runtime: 1 hr. 40 min. 

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Tag is one of those goofy comedies that shouldn’t work because of the flimsy premise but it succeeds more often than not.  Jeff Tomsic creates a fun little film that moves along at a steady pace with the “tag” sequences standing out for ingenuity.  The film’s biggest asset is it’s collection of stars.  They all share good comedic timing and chemistry together.  The jokes go off in fairly rapid fire manner with the movie never lingering too much on anything to avoid stagnation.  Its breezy style makes it easier to overlook some of the horrible things these friends do to each other.  Still it makes for a funny movie that’s got a beating heart underneath it’s crude exterior.  There are a few dead spots here and there but nothing damning even though they could have used female members of the cast a bit more.  Same complaints aside, Tag is a surprisingly funny film that doesn’t disappoint. 

B+

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Tag & Incredibles 2

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for a promising double-bill of Tag and Incredibles 2.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on my agenda, Tag.

A group of friends continues a game of tag from their high-school days three decades (and counting) into their adult lives.

While Tag's story is "inspired by actual events" rather than "based on a true story," it seems a great deal of it skates hilariously (or alarmingly) close to the truth. Based on a a group of friends from Spokane, Washington, who really have been playing the same game of tag for over 30 years, some of the picture's most outlandish tags are the ones that really happened.

Tag is a comedy, but it's more amusing than laugh-out-loud hilarious. The likable cast includes Jeremy Renner, Ed Helms, and Jon Hamm, yet I found the characters--at best--bland, and--at worst--pretty lousy people, which made it hard to enjoy their exploits. In fact, as I exited the theater, the first thing I did was jump online to check the IMDB/Rotten Tomatoes scores to see if the movie had left anyone else as flat as it had left me. (At this writing, it's got a 7.1 on IMDB and 56% on RT, so I guess it has.) The story is fascinating, and a few cool tunes pop up, but with such a terrific cast it's hard to think it shouldn't be better than it is.

Tag clocks in at 100 minutes and is rated R for "language throughout, crude sexual content, drug use, and brief nudity."

It's good for a few summer afternoon laughs and an eyeful of Jeremy Renner, but otherwise Tag is most definitely not "it." 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Tag gets five and a half.

Next up: the long-awaited sequel Incredibles 2.

In an effort to have the superhero ban lifted, Elastigirl is tapped for some high-profile missions while Mr. Incredible keeps the home fires burning.

Incredibles 2 is a sequel that is well worth the 14-year wait. The characters haven't aged onscreen, but they've aged very well in popular culture, with the stay-at-home-dad angle being a nice touch for 2018. The film's action sequences are exciting and well-choreographed, with nary a one dragging on too long. (Are you paying attention, Avengers?) Incredibles 2 features bright, crisp animation, top-notch voice talent, charming characters, and clever laughs. There's an awful little short called "Bao" that runs before the movie, so, unless you really love the pre-show or you want to grab a favorite seat, give yourself an extra five minutes to get to the theater.

Incredibles 2 runs 118 minutes and is rated PG for "action sequences and some brief, mild language." 

Be advised there is one scene featuring a strobe-light effect that may adversely affect some viewers.

Incredibles 2 is a fantastic family film that (at least on first viewing) seems even better than the original. Only time will tell if it ages as well. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Incredibles 2 gets nine.

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Wind River & Goon: Last of the Enforcers

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Thanks to an extra-long holiday weekend, yesterday I was able to enjoy a Fantastic Friday Double-Feature.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

 

First on my agenda, a visit to Marquee Cinemas to see early awards hopeful Wind River.

 

When a young woman's body is discovered on a Native American Reservation, an FBI agent recruits the local game tracker to assist in the investigation.

 

Wind River is a somber, inspired-by-true-events tale that sheds some light on a violent reality faced by Native American women, a sad reality-check sold as a movie thriller. The picture is suspenseful and intense, with quiet power underscored by majestic winter scenery. A perfect cast is headed by Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, supported by Graham Greene, Julia Jones, The Magnificent 7's Martin Sensmeier, and Gil Birmingham in what may be my favorite performance of the year so far. 

 

There is a profound moment between two grieving fathers that, with zero showboating, is the best thing I've seen at the movies in 2017. (And I spend a lot of moments at the movies, so that's saying something.) Wind River's only fault is that that most of Jeremy Renner is mostly covered by a snowsuit for most of the time. It's worse than when whoever dresses the Avengers decided it was a good idea to put sleeves on Hawkeye. Hrmph.

 

Wind River runs 107 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, rape, disturbing images, and language."

 

Wind River is a smart, moving film that will be on your mind long after you leave the cinema. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Wind River gets eight and a half.

 

Next on the docket, a home screening of Goon: Last of the Enforcers.

 

Doug "The Thug" Glatt mounts a comeback amidst mounting challenges on and off the ice.

 

Like the first Pirates of the Caribbean and Guardians of the Galaxy movies, the original Goon surprised movie-goers by being much more than they expected, a legitimately solid picture that wasn't just good for a comedy or good for a sports movie or good for what you'd expect from the creative team in question. Incapable of duplicating that element of surprise, even a good sequel naturally feels diminished, but I am pleased to report that Goon: Last of the Enforcers still has a great deal going for it.

 

Getting my petty quibbles out of the way first: Last of the Enforcers is amusing throughout and has moments of hilarity, but the humor is nowhere near as consistent as the original. The movie also goes overboard in its depiction of hockey violence. The best comedy is rooted in reality, and too many liberties are taken here, particularly during the climactic bloodbath. That out of the way, Goon 2 is a funny film that retains all the heart of its predecessor. It's bittersweet catching up with the old crew, several of whom have taken on new roles in the time meant to have passed between pictures. It goes without saying that more Liev Schreiber is always better than less Liev Schreiber, but being a supporting player does nothing to dim his brilliance; his aging tough guy Ross "The Boss" Rhea is again the very best thing about the movie. New characters serve their purpose well enough, but never manage to drum up a fraction of the affection I have for even the most minor players from the first film. Jay Baruchel doubles as director on this outing, so his screen time as Glatt's profanity-spewing best friend is limited, and the brilliant Kim Coates also feels underused. Returning Highlanders, though they probably have no less screen time than the first time 'round, sometimes feel pushed aside for the new guys, but the movie does give each his moment. Perhaps more importantly, it also does a great job of showing how they've grown together as a team. That, coupled with Doug's new life as husband and father-to-be, is really what makes Last of the Enforcers a great sequel that's well worth your movie dollar.

 

Goon: Last of the Enforcers clocks in at 101 minutes and is rated R for "pervasive language, crude sexual content, and bloody sports violence."

 

The original Goon was great enough to rob even the best sequel of the element of surprise, but Goon: Last of the Enforcers is a solid comedy with well-played, heartfelt moments that ultimately win the day. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Goon: Last of the Enforcers gets eight.

 

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Review of Arrival

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee cinemas for sci-fi awards contender Arrival. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

 

When extra-terrestrial crafts land at a dozen spots across the globe, a linguist (Amy Adams) and a scientist (Jeremy Renner) head one of the teams responsible for deciphering the aliens' language and determining the reason for their appearance. 

 

Dear reader(s), you may recall my saying, on many occasions, that I do not read reviews before I write my own. This remains true, though it could not escape my notice that Arrival is carrying outstanding scores on many websites and has already received perfect ratings from two of my movie-reviewing pals. 

 

But...hey...I guess if you wanted someone else's opinion you wouldn't be here, right? Arrival has a good deal going for it. From a purely visual standpoint, it is lovely, with bleak landscapes that underline the movie's tense tone and a glorious depiction of the aliens' written language. 

 

Interactions between the visitors from space and our intrepid interpreters are absolutely stunning. Both Adams and Renner are terrific, and their wonder and earnestness are contagious; you'll be holding your breath, hoping these are ET-aliens and not Alien-aliens. 

 

Johann Johannsson has provided a stunning, intense score that commands your attention, yet never upstages the action onscreen. Arrival has many positive messages about cooperation and not assuming the worst and beginnings and endings and, really, life in general. 

 

That being said: Arrival is about the best insomnia cure you could get for seven dollars and fifty-cents. The movie plods along like an overlong Doctor Who episode and often seems utterly lost in itself.

 

I made it about 20 minutes before the struggle to stay awake began in earnest, and it was a mighty struggle indeed for the remainder of the picture's not-excessive runtime. Unlike last year's trundling would-be masterpiece, The Revenant, this one can't be saved by its physical beauty. 

 

Arrival clocks in at a very reasonable 116 minutes and is rated PG13 for "brief strong language." Arrival will almost certainly make most best picture shortlists this Awards Season. 

 

It'll probably take home some of those trophies, and maybe it'll even deserve to, but I'd take a one-way trip to outer-space before I'd watch it again. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Arrival gets five. Until next time... 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: ARRIVAL

Linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads an elite team of investigators when gigantic spaceships touch down in 12 locations around the world. As nations teeter on the verge of global war, Banks and her crew must race against time to find a way to communicate with the extraterrestrial visitors. Hoping to unravel the mystery, she takes a chance that could threaten her life and quite possibly all of mankind.

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Cast: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg, Tzi Ma

Release Date: Nov 11, 2016    

Rated PG-13 for brief Strong Language    

Runtime: 1 hr. 56 min.    

Genres: Drama, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Denis Villeneuve’s Arrival is a shining example of how to do heady science fiction with strong emotional depth. It recalls classics like Close Encounters with the Third Kind, 2001 and Contact.  Villeneuve’s film is a measured affair that demands your attention from start to finish with an impressive payoff that rewards you.  Amy Adams has never been better or more subdued.  Her performance carries the entire film and gives the film its bitter sweet heart.  Jeremy Renner provides a nice counterbalance to Adams.  Forest Whitaker is a tab wasted in a thankless role.  Arrival is a sure to join the upper echelon of science fictions films and marks another excellent film from Denis Villeneuve.

A-

MOVIE REVIEW: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his teammates reunite for this pulse-pounding sequel, in which they attempt to take down a secret international organization known as the Syndicate--highly skilled ex-IMF agents who are intent on bringing down their former outfit. Christopher McQuarrie directs this new entry in the Mission Impossible franchise, with Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin, and Simon Pegg co-staring. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Director: Christopher McQuarrie 

Cast: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Alec Baldwin.

Release Date: Jul 31, 2015

Rated PG-13 Sequences of Action & Violence and Brief Partial Nudity

Runtime: 2 hr. 11 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Family

Review:

Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation is probably the best action film of the summer.  It’s one of the most well round action films in recent memory.  Christopher McQuarrie ably directs set piece after set piece each larger and more extravagant than the last.  It’s quite a feat when the big set piece that’s been playing on all the trailers is just the start of the film.  At its center is Tom Cruise.  I constantly have to remind myself that Cruise is 53 years old because he’s just so impressive in his action films.  Say what you will about his personal life but the man makes for a perfect movie star in everyway imaginable.  He’s at his best here hitting all the right beats and even throwing in some comedic bits here and there.  The supporting cast is strong if under utilized.  Rebecca Ferguson makes for a surprisingly believable agent.  She’s able to go toe to toe with Cruise in the action department and her and Cruise have a solid rapport together.  Simon Pegg and Cruise have great chemistry together with Pegg nailing the comic relief portion of the film.  .  Jeremy Renner gets the short end of the stick though as he’s sidelined for the better part of the film.  Renner has a substantial role but it’s really just lots of standing around looking at screens or talking to people on the phone.  His action sequences are zero in this entry.  Ving Rhames is pretty much in the same boat but to a lesser extent.  The plot is a tad convoluted but never really that important to the proceedings since they made Sean Harris looks about as nefarious as humanly possible with the only thing missing being a shot of him punching kittens.  The film is a lot of fun all around but it could have been trimmed by a good ten or fifteen minutes at the very least.

A-

Cindy Prascik's Review of Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

Dearest Blog: Thanks to an early dismissal yesterday, I was able to get out to see Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation on opening day.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

After the IMF is disbanded and its agents forced to report to the CIA, Ethan Hunt's crew has to go off-book to battle the evil Syndicate.

There are two things regular reader(s) already know I'm going to say about Mission: Impossible - Rouge Nation. Number one: it's a great movie you should go see right away, then go see it again and again. Number two: NOT ENOUGH JEREMY RENNER! There, that's that out of the way.

Rogue Nation kicks off with a spectacular action sequence that perfectly sets the tone for an edge-of-your-seat couple hours. Crazy stunts galore and great fight choreography are exciting to watch and keep the movie moving at a good pace. The plot is well-crafted, and beautiful locations compliment the story nicely. Tom Cruise is the very definition of A-List, a star who carries the movie without ever seeming to steal screen time from the rest of a pretty decent ensemble. Cruise again performed many of his own stunts, including that crazy plane thing you've undoubtedly seen in all the trailers and ads by now.

Not just the action hero, not just the handsome leading man, Cruise is also a pretty funny guy, though most comic-relief duties rightfully fall to the brilliant Simon Pegg. Now that it's clear Ethan Hunt isn't going anywhere, it seems the filmmakers aren't quite sure what to do with William Brant, so--though Jeremy Renner probably doesn't have any less screen time than the other supporting cast--he doesn't seem to have much to do. (Renner is in a similar, unfortunate situation with the Bourne franchise.) It's fair to say no movie was ever worse for having Sean Harris or Tom Hollander, either. If I had one teensy complaint about Rogue Nation, it's the usual: it would have been pretty simple to trim this to a two-hour runtime, and the movie would have been sharper and more enjoyable for it.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation runs 131 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of action and violence, and brief partial nudity."

A straight-up awesome blockbuster and easily the best movie of the summer, of a possible nine Weasleys, Mission: Impossible - Rouge Nation gets eight and a half.

(And you can bet that'd be nine if it only had more Renner!)

Until next time...

Dear Filmmakers: It is VERY important that you find more screentime for Jeremy Renner. Please and thank you.

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Saving Mr. Banks & American Hustle

Dearest Blog, yesterday I braved the holiday throngs for a couple movies I hoped would prove worth it, Saving Mr. Banks and American Hustle.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on my agenda was Saving Mr. Banks, the story behind the story of Mary Poppins, and of Walt Disney's struggle to bring the beloved classic to the big screen.

If ever one of my reviews required a disclaimer, it's this one, so here it is: I HATE Mary Poppins. I hate the character, I hate the story, and if you start singing one of those stupid songs within my earshot, I will pull out your vocal cords through your eye sockets. I was recently scarred by an attempt to watch I'm Not There despite the fact I despise Bob Dylan, so, if I feared my distaste for the subject matter might leave me unable to enjoy this film on its own merits, it's understandable. As it turns out, I needn't have worried.

Saving Mr. Banks is a glorious piece of filmmaking, carried squarely on the shoulders of its magnificent leads, Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks. The two so thoroughly embody P.L. Travers and Walt Disney that it's almost jarring when the old photos used in the end credits don't have their faces. Thompson makes Travers a sympathetic character, even at her stiffest and most difficult, and Hanks...well, if Mr. Disney and Captain Phillips land him two spots on the "Best Actor" lists come year end, that's fair. The supporting cast is also pretty special, with standout performances from Ruth Wilson, Colin Farrell, and Paul Giamatti.The story-within-the-story flows smoothly between flashbacks and present-day happenings, and the costumes and scenery effectively dictate the feel of each sequence and scene. "Nice" is so vanilla that it almost doesn't seem like a compliment even when it's meant as one, but Saving Mr. Banks is just a nice movie that I think pretty much anyone will enjoy. If the film is sentimental, it's in a good way, rather than the eye-rolling way of some of the unfortunate trailers running with it. I cried so much I had to sneak out the back door of the cinema because I was embarrassed to walk through the lobby! If it had that effect on someone so utterly UNsentimental about Mary Poppins, those who love the book and/or the movie had better bring a whole box of Kleenex with them!

Saving Mr. Banks runs 125 minutes and is rated PG13 for "thematic elements including some unsettling images."

Young or old, Mary Poppins fan or not, I don't think a person could help but enjoy this movie. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Saving Mr. Banks gets eight.

Next up was my birthday present from Hollywood, American Hustle.

When a pair of con-artists is busted, they're forced to work with the FBI in an attempt to hook some bigger fish.

It will come as no surprise to anyone when I say awards season movies aren't necessarily my cup of tea. That's not to say I don't often enjoy them, but my taste generally runs more summer blockbuster than Oscar bait. When I start seeing "Academy Award Nominee" and "Golden Globe Winner" before all the names in the trailers, that's exactly what I'm looking for in those movies, performances that knock my socks off. I am pleased to report American Hustle delivers more than a few of those in a fun, exciting ride that will hold your undivided attention from start to finish.

Christian Bale is terrific in the lead, the formerly cut Bruce Wayne barely recognizable as a paunchy fashion nightmare with a bad combover. Bale gained 40 pounds for the role, and, sadly, this movie makes more of a point of showing off his flabby bare belly than the last Batman did of his six pack. His performance is extraordinary, smart and subtle when it needs to be, over the top when it has to be, just all-around perfect. Bradley Cooper is terrific as the FBI agent slowly losing his grip as he tries to make his name on the case, as is my beloved Jeremy Renner as a politician trying to do the right thing in perhaps not quite the right way. On the ladies' side, Amy Adams is fantastic, but can't help be overshadowed by another stellar showing from Jennifer Lawrence. If you were harboring any inexplicable, lingering doubts as to whether Lawrence is actually the most perfect human being in existence, well, this should erase them for good. Finally, I was absolutely delighted to see two of my Boardwalk Empire favorites, Jack Huston and Shea Whigham, who are both great in smaller roles.

American Hustle begins with the warning: "Some of this actually happened." Like Pain & Gain, these people's behavior is sometimes too stupid to believe, and yet...there it is. The movie goes from serious as a heart attack to laugh-out-loud funny in the blink of an eye, the plot zigging and zagging to keep you on the edge of your seat, without getting muddled or confusing. The awesome 70s soundtrack is bound to bring back fond memories for those who remember the era, even if the hairstyles and fashions do not!

American Hustle clocks in at 138 minutes and is rated R for "pervasive language, some sexual content, and brief violence."

For all the time I spend at the cinema, I think I deserved a really great movie for my birthday and, with American Hustle, I got it. Of a possible nine Weasleys, American Hustle gets eight and a half.

So, dear Blog, that's all the news that's fit to print for now. If time and the listings cooperate, and if I can manage to make myself see something besides The Hobbit, I've got a half-dozen new releases to squeeze in over the next seven days before I can finalize my year-end top ten. Fingers crossed!

Until next time...



Would you believe me if I said these are three of Hollywood's hottest leading men??

MOVIE REVIEW AMERICAN HUSTLE

Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, and Amy Adams star in director David O. Russell's fictional period crime drama about a reckless FBI agent who recruits a con man and his alluring partner into a scheme to ensnare corrupt politicians and gangsters. Smooth-talking Irving Rosenfeld (Bale) is a hustler of the highest order. No mark is off limits for Rosenfeld, especially when his crafty partner Sydney Prosser (Adams) is by his side. When renegade FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Cooper) thrusts the deceptive duo into the treacherous world of New Jersey power players and underworld heavies, the thrill of the hunt grows too strong to resist. Meanwhile, New Jersey politician Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner) gets caught in the middle, and Rosenfeld's capricious wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) holds more power than anyone could imagine. Louis C.K. and Jack Huston costar. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: David O. Russell

Cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Jennifer Lawrence.

Release Date: Dec 13, 2013

Rated R for pervasive language, some sexual content and brief violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.

Genres: Drama

Review:

Who said prestige films had to be a laborious task? American Hustle is wonderfully crafted and skillfully acted film that sizzles from the opening scene. David O. Russell has been on a hot streak as of late and American Hustle may be his best yet. I’d never have imagined that Russell would have become an actor’s director after all the fall out from I Heart Huckabees but some how he’s become a master at extracting some of the finest work from his performers. American Hustle’s cast is firing on all cylinders deliver performances that are fully realized and engaging throughout while being incredibly entertaining. It’s the kind of filmmaking high wire act that incredibly hard to pull off but the cast and crew deliver in all facets. Christian Bale continues to top himself with each performance and this might be his best. Bale’s performance is a virtuoso exhibition of varying shades of gray throughout while maintaining a real sense of the character’s heart. Amy Adams, whose becoming a much more interesting actress with each role, gives her character a fiery but broken heart. Adams has more than a few moments where she just commands the screen with emotion streaming out of her eyes. Bradley Cooper is perfectly manic and unstable as the FBI agent, showing again that Russell can get him to deliver his best work. Jennifer Lawrence is equally impressive in a smaller role. Lawrence may have a limited role but her screen time and character are incredibly memorable. Jeremy Renner also delivers some of his finest work as the good hearted but misguided mayor. American Hustle is one of those films that is so well done that the 2 hours just fly by with nary a dead spot. It’s one of the year’s best which is likely to rack up nominations come award season.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: HANSEL & GRETEL WITCH HUNTERS

Fifteen years after a horrific experience in a deceptively inviting ginger bread house, an orphan Hansel (Jeremy Renner) and Gretel (Gemma Arterton) have become famous for ridding the countryside of witches. Despite their stellar success record, the brother and sister face a unique challenge when an extremely powerful witch. The film was directed by Tommy Wirkola. Actresses Famke Janssen and Pihla Vitala co-star. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Director: Tommy Wirkola

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Gemma Arterton, Famke Janssen, Peter Stormare, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal.

Release Date: Jan 25, 2013

Rated R for fantasy Horror Violence/Gore, Brief Sexuality/Nudity and Language

Runtime: 1 hr. 28 min.

Genres: Fantasy

Review:

If you are watching a movie called Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters then you have a good idea about what kind of film you are going to see, more so, if you are familiar with Tommy Wirkola’s previous film, the schlock fest Dead Snow. Hansel & Gretel Witch Hunters has a good sense of humor about itself and never takes itself overly seriously. A generic plot, which only has a few flourishes, is pedestrian enough that you could watch this while doing other things while never missing much in terms of plot. That’s not to say it isn’t watchable, which it is, but that’s mostly because the cast seems to be having a great time. Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton make a fun duo, each fully embracing the general silliness of plot and their characters. They have great chemistry together. Famke Janssen is equally fun as the main baddie. She vamps it up from the first moment she hits the screen. The interplay and overly gory and vulgar script partnered with some solid direction keep the film moving. It’s fun and rather silly but never great. The entire film looks like it was done on a cheap sound stage which becomes more and more noticeable as the film progresses. Likewise, cheap 3D showcase shots litter the film’s 2nd half. This might have been fun on the big screen in 3D but at home it’s just wasted space and time. The biggest issue is the script which is so bland that it rarely takes advantage of the performances. It all plays out the way you think it will and rarely provides enough to fully engage the audience. For what it is, it’s disposable fun which has the good grace to keep things light and short.

C+

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BOURNE LEGACY

IN THEATERS ON DVD

THE BOURNE LEGACY




The fourth installment of the highly successful Bourne series sees the return of the franchise's screenwriter, Tony Gilroy, this time stepping into the director's seat for an entry which sidelines main character Jason Bourne in order to focus on a fellow estranged assassin (Jeremy Renner). Edward Norton and Rachel Weisz co-star, with Joan Allen and Albert Finney reprising their roles from the previous films. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Tony Gilroy

Cast: Jeremy Renner, Edward Norton, Rachel Weisz, Joan Allen, Albert Finney

Release Date: Aug 10, 2012

Rated PG-13 for Violence and Action Sequences

Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Genres: Comedy

Review:

The Bourne Legacy is one of those films that come into being because of behind the scenes issues. Paul Greengrass had a falling out with the studio which made Matt Damon bow out; the studio didn’t want to let an established franchise die on the vine. It’s just one of those odd births that lead us into The Bourne Legacy which is an effective if slightly bland supplement to the Bourne trilogy. The write around is well done, covering a story that occurs parallel to the 3rd film thereby keeping it firmly established in the world. Tony Gilroy isn’t afraid to reference or even give visual cues to the trilogy, the opening shot and final scene offer some nice symmetry with the Damon led films. The general conceit of the film works fine but the script suffers a tad from over explanation. Lots of expositional conversations occur in the first half, the type were people include their job title and schooling in conversations so the audience is up to speed. It’s a slow waltz up to the crux of the story which might leave some a bit surprised at the lack of actual action in this action film, especially in the first half. Lots of techno babble about pills and back office government agencies with a very upset Edward Norton screaming out orders take us to Jeremy Renner’s Cross. Renner’s conversion into an action star is more or less complete and as Cross he’s effective but outside of being overly chatty Cross is kind of bland. The character feels strangely underwritten, leaving us with an easily forgettable lead. Rachel Weisz is mostly regulated to a constant state of panic intermixed with jogging through Manila slums. Her performance is fine but the character feels incredibly one note. So much so that when the big action set piece hits in all it’s parkour/motorcycle glory I was kind of hoping she die to give Cross some deeper motivation for survival. Legacy isn’t a bad film by any stretch and there are worse ways to spend 2 hours but in reality the only way it would have been worthwhile would have been if Cross ran into Bourne in the final reel, maybe someday.

B-

[Trailer] The Bourne Legacy

New full trailer for The Bourne Legacy is out and it looks like the plot will be expanding on the Bourne universe exploring more areas of the entire Treadstone project and fall out.

Looks like it can be surprisingly good even though it was a strange way to keep an actor centric franchise alive, a solid cast always helps…..

MOVIE REVIEW: THE AVENGERS

IN THEATERS

MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS 3D



Marvel Studios delivers the ultimate comic-book film, which ties together such characters as Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) for a big-screen franchise team-up like no other. Taking center stage this time is Nick Fury (played once again by the note-perfect Samuel L. Jackson), leader of the peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Fury, along with former Russian spy Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson), recruits a super team to combat Thor's ever-deceptive brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) after he brainwashes ace archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) while stealing a cosmic cube from an underground base. Thus the heroes must learn to work together alongside outlaw scientist Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), who can track down the artifact's gamma signals when he's not hulking out into a giant green monster. Show runner Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly) adapted and helmed the script by Zak Penn. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Joss Whedon

Cast: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson.

Release Date: May 04, 2012

Rated PG-13 Intense Sci-Fi Action/Violence and A Mild Drug Reference

Runtime: 2 hr. 23 min.Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

Marvel’s huge gambit started with Iron Man’s post credit scene and went on from there. It was a terribly risky and ambitious. Once all the stand alone films were done Joss Whedon was tasked with the incredibly difficult task of putting it all together and giving each character its due while creating a story that would justify these characters coming together. Whedon, to his massive credit, delivered a spectacle which will be remembered by children for years to come. Whedon’s love of the characters and genre is readily apparent in the ever single frame of the film. Whedon knows his audience and delivers the kind of film that fans want. Massive action set pieces that give each character a time to shine as the film goes along, leading up to a an insane climatic battle that gives us more destruction than Transformers Dark of the Moon. It would have been easy for Whedon to just deliver an endless battle royale but he gives his film time and allows each character to have simpler quieter moments that let you into their head and motivations. The cast is on target throughout and while it would have been easy for Robert Downey Jr. to have run the show, he’s kept in check and gives the other actors room to breathe and shine. Mark Ruffalo’s take of Bruce Banner is impressive, so much so that I’d say we finally have a definitive film version of the character. Scarlett Johansson and Jeremy Renner do as much as they can with less screen time than the other stalwarts. Tom Hiddleston provides a great villain for the super group to fight, sadly he only lacked a long twirly mustache. 2 post credit scenes provide more fun to ease you off your high. The first sets up a sequel and latter is a wonderful moment showcasing Whedon and the cast. A perfectly fitting end to a film that’s blockbuster filmmaking at it’s finest.

A

[Official Trailer] Avengers Assemble

New name, new poster and new trailer, geekness levels rising……..

More footage is on hand it makes everything look appropriately fun and epic….

[Teaser Trailer] The Bourne Legacy

To say this film is a risk would be an understatement. Some franchises are associated with certain actors and once Matt Damon decided to skip the next entry due to behind the scenes issues most assumed the Bourne series would be dead in the water expect the studio of course.

Deciding to create a new story line, with Jeremy Renner in the lead as a different character, within the same world is an interesting approach. It’s intriguing enough for me to be interested and this teaser, along with the amount of talent assembled along with some returning stars, make this teaser all the more intriguing…..

MOVIE REVIEW: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL

IN THEATERS

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL



Academy Award-winning director Brad Bird (Ratatouille) makes his live-action feature directorial debut with the fourth installment of the massively successful Mission Impossible series. The Kremlin has been bombed, and the blame has fallen on the IMF. As a result, the president initiates Ghost Protocol, and accuses Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team of placing the bomb in an attempt to incite a global nuclear war. Now, in order to clear the IMF of terrorism charges, Ethan assembles a new team to uncover the truth by using every high-tech trick in the book. But this time they're on their own, and should they be caught, the entire world could be plunged into a nightmare from which there is no waking up. Jeremy Renner, Paula Patton, and Simon Pegg co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Brad Bird

Cast: Tom Cruise, Paula Patton, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Michael Nyqvist

Release Date: Dec 21, 2011

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence

Genres: Action/Adventure

Runtime: 1 hr. 50 min.

Review:

The Mission Impossible franchise has been a study in variety with each film bringing a different cinematic flavor. Ghost Protocol is simply fun from start to finish. Brad Bird, who also had directed The Incredibles & The Iron Giant, has tapped into that sweet spot for action films. Simplistic and bombastic, Bird delivers an adrenaline filled series of huge action set pieces that would serve as a climaxes in most films. Each is well planned and plotted, always keeping the audience in a white knuckled stance. The cast seems to be having just as much fun as the audience. Tom Cruise is about as relaxed as I’ve seen him in a long time. Cruise provides a steady cool and is always believable as super agent Ethan Hunt, a character that’s really defined his action career. Jeremy Renner is equally at ease in his role, he’s being prepped to take over the franchise from Cruise, and the two share a fun sense of chemistry on screen. Paula Patton is adequately sexy and powerful, while Simon Pegg shines as one the best comic relief role seen in a long time. Michael Nyqvist is appropriately sinister as the villain not that he’s asked to do much in the first place. There’s a small subplot involving a Russian cop that feels like it could have been excised and streamlined the run time but it’s a minor quibble. As a whole, Ghost Protocol is probably one of the best action films in recent memory but those that have seen Bird’s animated film shouldn’t be surprised.

A

[Official Trailer] The Avengers

Official trailer is finally out and it’s pretty damn Geektastic, watch it for yourself.

You get a nice sense of the scale that Whedon is going for and some nice action shots of all the heroes, of course Robert Downey Jr’s Tony Stark gets the best line in the trailer…..

[Trailer] The Avengers

After last weeks The Dark Knight Rises bootleg now it looks like another bootleg of a hotly anticipated comic book film has hit the internet.

The teaser to The Avengers, which is going to play before Captain America, is out and kind of cool looking, at least from what little I could see, quality is pretty shoddy and will probably be pulled down sooner than later…….

I’ll post the official one as soon as it’s out…..