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A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
If you didn't get it, then don't watch it
If you're into Sofia Coppola and just want to enjoy Christmas without the bells, whistles or morals and rather enjoy a nice martini with George Clooney or a brandy with Bill and the waitress, then this is solid.
Don't expect a Groundhog Day comedy, don't expect a sophisticated Wes Anderson film, just enjoy Murray and the atmosphere he brings.
Set in a cold storm in Queens, New York, built around great cameos and laid back performances, Murray must figure out how to run his show after everyone's left him, including the electricity.
Don't miss this Sofia Coppola gem for the season. You won't regret it. Make sure you have your favorite poison in hand.
-Adam Ray
Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
My childhood is ruined
You ever go back to your home town and you're hanging out with your friends that you grew up with? Someone from the group says "Hey, we should go back to that restaurant we always hung out at when we were little!" Everyone cheers, get's ready, and makes their way to the restaurant:
You walk in, the paint is still the same, the manager gained 50 pounds and doesn't remember any of you. You sit down at the same old table you guys always sat at from long ago. The waitress comes by with glasses of water and the menus. You gaze over the greasy paper sheet to see what they're cooking. You find one item and tell everyone "Hey, you guys remember this?" but you look up and see your friends not really paying attention because they're feeling a little uneasy and disappointed by picking the place. They're all looking around, trying to find the vanished essence and some are feeling just as queasy as you about picking the nostalgic place. Time drifts for a second. By then the waitress is bringing your food: burger and fries, but there's something wrong and rubbery about it that makes your stomach hurt a little and it's almost like you need to pass gas but it just sits there. It goes away but you realize that you just wasted about ten minutes staring at your fork while the table next to you has a baby screaming and a father trying his hardest to parent right out of high school. You look over your shoulder trying to recognize someone but nobody comes to mind.
You leave a small tip with your check knowing that your evening was a desolation of time all because you wanted to take a trip down memory lane. Everyone goes out into the parking lot and hugs. They smile, but immediately the smiles curve into an awkward frown of defeat and boredom when they turn away from you. There you are entering into your house. You go upstairs and sit on your old bed, looking around and seeing all the money you spent on past superheroes and quirky movie posters that defined your once-was personality. You're all grown up now. You lay down on your bed, which creaks underneath you, and you stare at the ceiling. Nothing significant, just the old you gazing up at the painted popcorn. Sadness enters into the mind, what-ifs and almost-had-its come and go. You drift until you get sleepy. You get back up and go downstairs to get a bottle of water. You sip it slowly, staring at the wall with all your old childhood portraits hanging. You stare at your smiling face from long ago for awhile, wondering how you got here. From the glass you see your self, your real self. Right here. Right now. At this very moment you sense the shocking sincerity of the present reality. I am depressed.
That's how I felt about Dumb and Dumber To.
The Letdown (2014)
A gem among shorts
I was pleased to check out this little baby at the Tucson Film and Music Festival in October 2014. I must admit I had no idea what I was getting into when I arrived at the fest.
This was the first to start the show and I was really sucked in from the get-go. Although a short, I held a smile the entire duration. The comedic timing, the exposition without dialogue rang true, and it ended on a solid note between father and daughter. I was also pleased to see a previous actor I worked with in the production, Dan Higgins, as well as see some awesome new blood on the big screen.
Bravo to this little gem among the shorts.
-Adam Ray
Transparent (2014)
Dark as a storm cloud, loud as thunder, as dangerous as lightening - DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW
I was really spellbound by how this pilot played out. It didn't spoon feed you with the lives of three siblings and their father - played by the marvelous talent Jeffrey Tambor, instead it hinted at the lives that we all sort of live by.
I nearly fell to tears when Tambor's character is describing how his children are selfish. That short scene really put the hooks in the realism of not only family drama but the drama of those who live a transgender life.
Please do not miss this show. If you're looking for something upbeat and cleaver, look elsewhere. This show alone is going to rock your boat of emotion, dark humor, and the reality we all face deep within ourselves.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)
Anti-gun PSA with a pinch of Jurassic Park nostalgia
Well I enjoyed every bit of it. It was very, very long. I really felt that it was sort of like a director's cut more than anything else.
What really made it great was that it followed Ceasar and his ape tribe. It also really took a short view of the humans and the virus that plagued the world. It stuck to it's story and made us believe that these apes were creatures that have feelings, family, and overall an emotional brotherhood connection. AND it gave you the spook factor of living in a "lost world" and gave you that tense grab of the unknown.
One thing I felt they pushed was the fact that guns were a major plot wrench that fell into the gears and messed up this almost peaceful utopia between humans and apes to live as one. But what it did do is set up this series for about ten more sequels and allow you to branch out into different parts of the new Planet Apes world.
For those that liked the first reboot Apes movie, you're going to have a better time with this one.
Godzilla (2014)
CRAPZILLA, tears of dispair
Alright if you're reading this, you're going to get some spoilers.
First, the story opens up okay. It's a little like a made for TV movie at first, but when Cranston comes in, you feel a lot better. His part really lets you believe he's going to be part of the entire film. WRONG, he dies in a helicopter. Oh and who takes over? His no-name actor son (Taylor-Johnson) and Ken Watanabe (the guy who owns the airline in Inception).
First I love Cranston from B.B., so why kill him early? He totally sets up a decent film until he dies. Then it's all down hill.
Second, I really like Watanabe. He's a great actor, why does he look like he's really depressed, really tired, or really drugged on something during every shot. Seriously, go back and look at him - he's a total mess, but he happens to be the one and only scientist who knows everything about the monsters.
And third, the love/family scenes between Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olson (one of the Olson's who plays the wife) with the kid who looks like the kid version of Peter Dinklage does not need to be in the film. It really lacks the sympathy for them. Godzilla should've squashed that story or blew blue fire at them to make the audience feel better.
Last but not least, people are comparing this to Pacific Rim. DON'T. We knew that Pacific Rim was suppose to be campy and over the top, we were not suppose to take it seriously. This film tried too hard to do that. Don't waste your time or money. If you're a Breaking Bad fan, look somewhere else. Cranston's in it for a few minutes. :(
God's Not Dead (2014)
If he's not dead yet, this film sure killed him
Well there comes a time when people just want to hear other people tell about their faith and devotion. Why not get a bunch of people together, give them a really bad script, and have them speak about their beliefs on the big screen?
And as for the crazies who are gong to get all offended by this review:
Socialism: social organization that obtains ownership and control of the means of production and distribution of a product in the community as a whole. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you our new and improved "God". We'll throw in his son if you call within the next five minutes.
But sir, what exactly are you selling? GOD!
But remember, this guy made an entire universe so that you can watch his crappy movie just to believe in him. Get real...oh wait...
Jurassic Park (1993)
Our vision is based on movement
This film terrified me into loving film when I was a kid.
I remember my father taking me to see this. We were down by the nosebleed section the opening weekend and damn, when the T-Rex enters into the screen, that was it. I fell in love, and at the same time I honestly felt it was going to break through the screen and eat me and my little brother.
If you want to watch something smart, family friendly, but also enjoy a classic for cinema, this film has it all.
BTW this CGI is light years compared to the junk that's being pumped out today.
-Adam Ray
The Following (2013)
Television junk food
I love it. If you're bored and have nothing else to do but watch something that keeps you feeding on junk food then I'd watch this show.
Don't expect it to be too well thought out or well written, most of it is very predictable and easy to follow and they leave a lot of back-flash gaps to work in a variety of twists into the plot but that's what makes each episode fun.
This is more of a drama soap than anything else. I love Kevin Bacon though and although it isn't a knockout show, I still think it's candy for the bored eye.
IF YOU'RE BORED and have nothing else to do during the winter time I wouldn't mind checking this one out.
By the way, those police, those cops, and all those FBI agents are modern day keystone cops. It makes you mad but you're still going to watch it. It's bloody, it's badly written, but it's fun all around.
For all those who thought they were getting something drawn out and serious, loosen up a little. It's THE BACON!
-Adam Ray
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Total eye candy
Want to laugh out loud, envy, curse your crappy life, and rip people off for about three hours, they yes, go watch this film! This film was the best Christmas gift I got!
First off, if you're an old school Scorsese fan, then you will not be disappointed. Right up there with Goodfellas, Casino, and Boardwalk Empire.
Second, if you're a Leo fan, then this film made it his top five (more likely his top three). Makes Titanic look like Goldie Hawn's Overboard.
Third, you want some serious glimpses into the wild, psychotic, and rotten world of wall street brokers, then you have arrived at the right door. This film is our Wall Street.
You will miss out big time if you do not see this in the big screen. So much amazingness you'll snort it up and crap out greed for days.
The film of the year.
-Adam Ray
Under the Dome (2013)
This egg is cracked
I blame the Dome, because I'm sure that before it came crashing down all the acting and plot lines of all the characters were quite interesting, but when the mystery dome shows up - something happened:
The script writing turned south quick, their acting suddenly became difficult to take seriously, and overall all their characters went flat, like the surface of this train wreck.
Sad to say but I feel like I'm stuck in this torture dome of bad television. I'm going to finish this season, but I'm really begging that they turn the next season into a satirical family drama or start shot- gunning the main characters and have the C and D actors go nuts to keep us entertained.
The only people keeping this fish bowl from drying up is Mike Vogel, but after watching that suddenly appearance of "Max" the psycho blonde lady who "knows secrets" I lost a lot of respect. Who takes crap from someone inside a diner full of guns in a place where there's pure anarchy? Oh, let me guess, a cold blooded mercenary who decided to turn nice after a week sleeping with the only hot character in the show (Lefevre). And is anyone else tired of looking Mackenzie Lintz's scrunchy face when she's mad? And last I'd just like to say to Dean Norris, and I'm sure I'm not alone, but what happened to you after Breaking Bad? And the guy who plays Junior should have died the first Dome day.
Oye...if you dare to check it out, watch it until you reach the egg episode, then after take something and watch the rest under the influence. It really helps.
-Commdash
Get Low (2009)
Cute until it gets ugly...
I really had a lot going for this little flick, but after it was all said and done, it wasn't all that.
I felt that the first act was cute: you follow a hermit (Duvall) as he embarks on his own personal journey into death. He's straight forward and to the point of things. But a lot of it is very cliché and touches a little on the actor Duvall more than his character that he portrays.
As you enter into the second act you're mixed in with a few extra actors. Murray is a money hungry snake that's doing his best to keep his funeral company afloat while conning the hermit into contributing more funds. Spacek plays the past love interest to Duvall and I must say it's a little cute but does little to the plot until the ending.
Well the ending you're hoping for something big and crazy, I feel the film turns sour and becomes a dark drama between a man's past, a woman's love, and a town audience listening the legendary confession of the hermit.
When it was done, I was only satisfied that I watched it. If you're looking for something incredible or fulfilling, well...I'd look to another title.
-Adam Ray
Mystery Diners (2011)
Want garbage? Watch this!
Wow. I was flipping channels and I saw this title pop up. Watching for about five minutes and something just didn't seem right...
So I got online to check out what it's all about. Then it hit me! This show is phony! It's fake! It's a fugazi!
If you want to see garbage, please watch this, or actually look at a garbage can full of crap because I guarantee you you're going to save a lot more brain cells than seeing this...thing.
Right now I'm shaking my head at the Food Network to have this garbage be part of their broadcasting bill. Come on Food Network, you are so much better than this! Take this reality TV garbage out and put some serious shows back in. Don't waste our time just so you can make a few pennies.
What, you think we're stupid? Tear down this circus sideshow!
If there were negative integers, I'd be using it on this title review.
-Adam
Man of Steel (2013)
Whoever that man is, he's going to change the world...
Want to watch one of the greatest superhero films of cinematic history?! - Please, I beg of you, go watch this film!
Alright, let's get to it: here you've got science fiction meeting up with a style of Americana in it's finest performance, enveloped in a drama so sweet that half way through the film you'll forget you're watching a Superman film.
Henry Cavill does an amazing performance suiting up as the symbol of hope, with his fathers (Costner - human father, Crowe - real father) to support his every move along the way. If you're with your pops for Father's Day and want to see something that truly makes you feel like a patriot, please, watch this film! Or if you're up for some seriously well played choreographed action, also, please, go watch this film!
You will not be disappointed.
Adam
Rocky (1976)
Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
Have a few hours and want to see a classic underdog film? Go watch Rocky! If you're a city kid this film's got nostalgia painted all over the walls of Philly for your eyes to scan over.
It took me awhile to see this film and it's not the film you're actually thinking when you come to it - it's NOT about boxing. It's about one man's struggle to make it to the top - not necessarily the top of the world, but just the top of HIS world.
Here you'll find the classics: The jealous and awkward friendships The shy tensions of love interest The people who attempt to befriend you once you get a jump in the world And those who have different motives, motives you strive to stray from
I'm not going to tell you anymore, but if you want to see a film that's part patriotic, part drama, but all passion, please watch this film!
Adam
Lincoln (2012)
We have here an American classic
If you want to see a political, social, and drama filled film without all the boring fluff, that also keeps you on the edge of your seat without any crazy battle scenes or vampire slaying, then go watch this film!
Sad that we all know the historical ending, but this film really ties it all together. The acting, the atmosphere, and how it's all presented really drags you through the mud of the Civil War battlefields to the staircases of the White House near Capital Hill (actually on a hill). You really sink your teeth into Lincoln's family drama, the tension of a national cabinet gnawing at the president's feet, the southern side's point, and the historical movements that resonate even to this day. You'll feel like a true American when you're done watching the soft spoken top hatter take on the most controversial issue in American history - freedom of slavery.
By the way I was surprised to see Daniel Day Lewis reincarnate a once beloved (and betrayed) American icon such as Abraham Lincoln.
Please, if you have a few hours to spare, see this film (to me, another Spielberg classic). You will not regret it.
Open Range (2003)
"I want you to know that if I don't ever see you again...that I meant everything I said to you."
First off, if you're a fan of westerns, then yes, go see it. But if you're expecting something profound, aw-striking, and downright genius, then look to the west someplace else.
I love Costner (both acting and as a filmmaker) but this one really was a slump in his career. You don't get that nostalgia like you got watching Dances With Wolves, and having Duvall as his "freegrazer" partner really doesn't bring anything new to the table.
I feel it was definitely studio controlled or that Costner didn't put his whole heart into it like his other films. Action is null, the romantic tension between Costner and Bening isn't so fantastic, and the rough guy attitude isn't all there (even with the villains). I give this puppy a six, not for Costner, but for the western genre.
Total Recall (2012)
Take this thing out of the case and stick it up your nose...
Well they're deciding to remake Vernhoeven films and I'm sad now that I just watched this POS.
I'll be short and sweet:
Ferrell doesn't live up to the Arnold we all love but he did an okay job acting. His wife played by Wiseman's wife Kate Beckinsdale is a little edgy and replaces both Michael "Richter" Ironside's and Sharon Stone's characters. I was surprised to see Bryan Cranston in it and perked it up a little knowing that he plays Cohagen but he should've swapped this one for a better film.
As for plot, no Mars. Instead you've got droids that Cohagen's using to take over the planet and rule over "The Colony." There's no Quato instead you have a resistance leader named Mathias. No Martian race, just a cluster of cities stacked on cities, everything's dark and wet and CGI. No massive planetary trigger either.
You have the three boobed prostitute, the cheesy one liners that can only be executed by Arnold, some film trolling, and a lot of CGI that's okay but nothing fancy. Oh yeah, you'll see a Barack Obama futuristic dollar bill in one scene for a sec but that's about it.
See you at the party Richter... :(
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
A childhood returned
This film really kicked off the whole winter season. Jackson really brought in a lot of bells and whistles, but they were all there to warm the heart and make you smile at the screen.
This film gave me that nostalgic feeling of being in the movie theater once again. The adventure, the action, the mystical world you crave for.
I did not read the book or read the LOTR series, but regardless, this film really put a feeling back into my heart. It left me craving for more even though I was already satisfied.
It also is a solid setup for the series as well as provides you with a good backdrop for the Lord of the Rings. Yes, it's obvious that the technology has changed and the graphics have gotten extremely better, but nonetheless you cannot look at Gandolf without smiling. Neither can you ignore Bilbo's weak and worried comedic performance.
I'd just like to say thank you Peter Jackson for giving us once again a solid film and a solid beginning to a masterpiece trilogy. Everyone GO WATCH IT!
BIG SPOILERS IF YOU DARE TO READ BELOW::::::::
1. Frodo's in the beginning of the film, as is the original Bilbo, who's writing the Hobbit story. 2. The film marks the beginning of when Gandolf meets Bilbo for the first time. 3. The stone trolls in the LOTR are in this and there's a battle between them and the dwarfs. 4. It provides the reason between dwarfs and elves hatred against one another, as well as gives you an understanding between Gandolf and Galandriel (C. Blanchett). 5. It marks the beginning of the evil forces that plague the land in the LOTR, including the doubt and tension from Saruman. 6. Yes, Gollum is in it, and Bilbo takes the ring from him. It looks like he'll be in it only for this film, but it's a really nice play between Bilbo and Gollum. This Gollum looks a lot better than the original.
Hope this helps.
A Better Life (2011)
Between a father a son, I would watch it for Bichir
First off I liked the film. It did bring the Latino culture to the picture okay, but it wasn't great. The whole father and son attempt was really not as convincing, and although it touched on some realistic points I really think it played so well. Now I think that Demian Bichir was fantastic, keeping his character very internal. But the son was not convincing at all and the entire time I felt that he wasn't himself. That kid speaking really made me cringe and his baby face really didn't make me think I was looking at a brat but an actor who was not prepared for his role. His constant nagging and the dialogue they gave him was really "whack" - it was poorly presented. To top it off, they really messed up with the gangster elements and the son's friends.
All in all, if I were to watch it again, I would only watch it for Bichir. One thing I would've liked to see was the entire film in Spanish. And if you're wondering I don't know how to speak Spanish.
Gomorra (2008)
This film will knock you on your ass.
This was one of the greatest gangster films to hit the first ten of the 2000's.
But it's not your typical gangster film. What rocks Gomorrah from it's cradle is the utter destructive environment you're set in. The balance of power lies in the hands of the ignorant, the poor, the youth, and the insecure. This film is no Godfather, no Scorsese classic mafioso flick, nor is it near any Cocaine ridden Scarface. This films is pure, raw, and covered in the dust of violence, respect, and street workers.
Although the children in this film are portrayed by being innocent and driven by their fellow neighbors and friends to become gangsters, it really drives you to the reality of the city. These so-called "thugs" and "wanna-bes" are just a taste - for Gomorrah, it's the real deal.
As for the adults, it's a game of war, drugs, toxic, and money. It's not about friendship, respect, or bad blood. It's about real gangster hustling and real gangster moves, that takes you to a horrendous neighborhood with a smile.
I was watching this as if it unfolded like a documentary. The action, the adrenaline, the consistent edge you're looking over was so real because the actions from these talented actors were so natural in their environment. You feared your every move, you triumphed along with their every rock pile, and you dared not to blink to miss anything.
This film takes a leap into the future for great film making. I highly recommend this to a very quiet audience, someone who is calculated, who can see chaos in its beautiful form of mayhem, and is a fan of guerrilla style adrenaline film making. This piece will knock you on your ass and wake you up.
9/10.
Adam Ray
The Thing (2011)
If you're into John Carpenter's style, don't bother with this one
Well if you're into the original and the nostalgia, I say watch this in the cheap seats or wait till it comes out on DVD. Nothing to write home to.
As predicted, early on in the film, the alien eventually breaks out (you can see the clip on IMDb) and I was really hoping we'd get into some eerie scenes of Clue and mayhem but it dragged on with bad acting and cliché "bad scientist" scenarios. And I couldn't stand having 70's mophead Olsen in the film, he was the worst.
It's definitely a tribute, but nothing to scary about it. I wasn't on the edge of my seat like the first one and that bothered me. It was a near complete plot layout as the first one, only they swapped it with CGI. I felt I was watching the 80's version with George Lucas remastering it.
Worst CGI: Helicopter scene when the alien reveals itself (took ten seconds, you see everything, and it's no longer scary for the rest of the film).
Best CGI: The arms that turn into little aliens and start crawling all around. That really creeped me out. It wasn't scary overall. I think the creepiest thing about it was the screams and sounds it made.
Winstead didn't really drive the movie either. I preferred the burly bearded guys who spoke Norway and carried guns and flame throwers. I wanted the female to die off due to her acting. Cute yes, but this is a John Carpenter remake - there should be no women in the ice. The Lars character is solid, as is Jonas (who are played by Langhelle and Hivju).
The last scene when the credits are rolling, I liked the big tribute to continue the story. It definitely stopped me from giving this a four.
Five otta ten. For bad CGI, acting and tributes to the original.
Highly recommend this to: People who can wait for the cheap seats or DVD.
Drive (2011)
This movie completed my summer
I was a little bummed over this summer's blockbusters. I must admit, I walked out of Pirates 4. But Drive, aww man. Talk about a movie...
You've got Ryan Gosling, all the girls are going nuts over him, so everyone's tricked into thinking this is a quasi-spin off of some Fast and Furious film. WRONG. I have a completely different respect for him now. He's real cold in this film.
If you like mobster flicks, your classic Tony Scott films, with a blend of cold-as-nails Michael Mann films (pre-Miami Vice) then this is the film for you.
It's gritty, it's fast, and it's a soon to be a cult classic.
The music, by the Chromatics is a personal favorite. The pacing and the brute violence really grabs the audience by the balls. It's a must for the theaters. The long takes in the film are killer. Refn did an amazing job with character development and exposition. It's torn edges in and torn edges out.
I was not disappointed at all. Check it out right now.
Whitney (2011)
Eight minutes in and I was gone
So right after the Office I stayed and watched part of Whitney. Must admit, it was really horrible. When they mentioned it was filmed with a studio live audience I didn't believe it. The laughter was too cut and paste and really shoveling out the "comedy" it had to offer. It was more of a parody of regular sitcoms but they were being serious about it.
If you like bad soap operas and horrible TV, this show is a must for you.
You've got a bimbo brunette and a hipster boyfriend. It's not pleasing or original. The start of it didn't go anywhere. Once the commercials came on I could start breathing normally again.
I highly recommend this to nobody. They need to close this show. NBC needs to move on with something much better.