Race (2016)

The film Race encompasses this man’s impressive and dedicated journey Through many hardships during the 1930’s, Along the way, Jesse meets Lawrence “Larry” Snyder, Played by Jason Sudeikis, (We’re The Millers, Saturday Night Live).Larry, Jesse’s track coach, offers him the chance to compete in the 1936 Olympic Games. The global event was held in Berlin, Germany, during the era of Hitler’s reign and extreme public discrimination towards minorities.

The film does well to capture this time of discrimination, especially in Germany with the spreading beliefs of Hitler. This adds conflict in the film, as Jesse and his team debate the value of attending the Olympics

Lead actor Stephan James (Selma), offers audiences a glance at these events, occurring at a controversial time in society. James adds qualities of proficiency and ease to his portrayal of the athlete. Sudeikis’s role as Jesse’s track coach is also portrayed well, as their relationship adds complexity to the film

Director Stephen Hopkins’ attempt to create a story that demonstrates authenticity and biographical truth, is somewhat underwhelmingly inadequate. With several scenes lacking in character movement, this is highly time-consuming for the film. When characters are moving up and around in the film, this catches the audience’s’ attention.

Though it tries to be just as successful as similar sport dramas, Race offers a fun time at the movies, however it is very slow at getting to finish line.

Rate: B-

Central Intelligence (2016)

Central Intelligence stars Dwayne Johnson and funny man Kevin Hart in this slow but steady action- comedy feature. Some may think that this is an unusual pair for a comedic film, but it satisfies. Johnson, plays an formerly overweight high school student who was popular bullying victim but is now a tall and buff CIA agent. While Hart, who plays one a once popular jock who was voted “most likely to succeed” who is married and has a successful accounting job.


This film is directed by the same person who did 2013’s widely acclaimed comedic film We’re The Millers.

 Rawson Marshall Thurber, does a fine, solid job at cracking jokes.

What makes Central Intelligence funny to it’s core, is it’s wacky and goofy screenplay. Throughout the film there are moments when both of the leading stars get quite edgy and annoying, but as the film progresses Hart and Johnson prove to be tolerable.

The film also offers quality action scenes that are ridiculously funny and suspenseful.
From an unlikely duo of comedic proportions, Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart have a goofy time with a witty on-screen chemistry.



Director:Rawson Marshall Thurber

Starring: Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson

Rated: PG-13

Rate: B-

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Captain America: Civil War (2016)

One of the most anticipated movies of the year, Captain America: Civil War, lived up to its’ name by providing viewers with an action-packed, adrenaline rush, thrill ride. With an all-star ensemble of superheroes, this movie has some of the best action sequences you’ll ever see in a superhero movie.
The political dispute that surrounds the film’s conflict divides two of the most iconic superheroes: Iron Man and Captain America.


Siding with Captain America: The mind altering Wanda Maximoff also known as Scarlet Witch, Scott Lang or Ant Man, Clint Barton the assassin Hawkeye and Sam Wilson, or Falcon. Meanwhile we have Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow or Natasha Romanoff, The Vision, Peter Parker: The web swinging Spider Man, Black Panther and War Machine or James Rhodes on Tony Stark’s’ Team Iron Man.

This movie is fantastic at introducing several new characters and great elements during the  quest for vengeance.

What makes Civil War better, and unlike any other superhero film, is its yearning to approve from its previous installments. This movie for sure captures an emotional and dramatic tone that will grab at audiences.

Returning to direct in the Captain America film saga is sibling filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo, who directed 2014’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the follow up to the first film in the Captain America franchise. Viewers will appreciate the way action, and diversity amongst the cast was executed when watching this film.

The films stunning and eye popping visuals and choreography are absolutely breathtaking. With several explosions and heroes and heroes and their hand and hand combat, with the exemptions of Iron Man, Vision and War Machine, and their abilities of flight, all of our favorite heroes shine throughout the production’s entirety.

Henry Jackman returns to score for Captain America, who previously composed for 2014’s The Winter Soldier. Jackman’s composition in this film adds a tone to the film that is upbeat and riveting.

United they stand, divided they’ll fall. For those who have ever seen a Marvel movie know that the action in each film gets better each time the studio releases a movie. That’s what is so pleasing with this final installment in one of Comic Books most successful movie franchises.

Rate: A

Bridge of Spies (2015)

Spielberg's Bridge of Spies is an Authentic Cold War  Action-Thriller that delivers a  powerful and dramatic performance by Tom Hanks.



Starring: Tom Hanks


Director: Steven Spielberg

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 2 Hours & 21 Minutes

Synopsis:
During the Cold War, the Soviet Union captures U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers after shooting down his U-2 spy plane. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, Powers' only hope is New York lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks), recruited by a CIA operative to negotiate his release. Donovan boards a plane to Berlin, hoping to win the young man's freedom through a prisoner exchange. If all goes well, the Russians would get Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance), the convicted spy who Donovan defended in court. 

Rate: B- (82%) 

The Big Short (2015)

Based on the acclaimed novel and the real accounts of what happened during the Economy Collapse of 2008. Renowned director Adam McKay brings "The Big Short" to it's silver screen adaption. Actors Christian Bale, Steve Carrell, and Ryan Gosling deliver dramatic and captivating performances as Financial Business Gurus. The dialogue of the film is so professional and causal for business terms. The film shows just how serious the effects of a financial crisis really can be, really was. There were many conflicts and consequences to this financial mess which caused severe unemployment, loss of houses, and many Americans filing for Bankruptcy. Based on the acclaimed novel and the real accounts of what happened during the Economy Collapse of 2008. "The Big Short" is a dramatic, captivating, mind-boggling, motion picture experience unlike anything else. 

Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carrell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt

Director: Adam McKay

MPAA Rating: R

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes

Synopsis:

In 2008, Wall Street guru Michael Burry realizes that a number of subprime home loans are in danger ofdefaulting. Burry bets against the housing market by throwing more than $1 billion of his investors' money into credit default swaps. His actions attract the attention of banker Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling), hedge-fund specialist Mark Baum (Steve Carell) and other greedy opportunists. Together, these men make a fortune by taking full advantage of the impending economic collapse in America.

Rate: B (85%) 

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)

  A similar twist to James Bond. Kingsman is a  raunchy-Action comedy flick. Very exciting. The acting is somewhat cheesy. Colin Firth does a nice job at presenting as a mentor for the films protagonist. And Samuel L. Jackson like always, does an exceptional job at his portrayal of the films villain. Overall, Kingsman is an awesome action film. 

Starring: Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Runtime: 2 Hours & 9 minutes 

MPAA Rating: R

Synopsis: 

Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn, Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency's ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.

Rate: B- (82%) 

Elf (2003)

   In this very jolly Christmas comedy starring Will Farrell as "Buddy The Elf", he is adopted by elves from the "North Pole". He is then informed by Santa that his biological father is in a "magical place" called "New York City" He travels there to meet him, and on his journey there many silly things happen! Fun for the whole family! Exciting. Silly. Goofy.

Starring: Will Farrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan

Director: Jon Faverau 

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1 Hour and 40 minutes

Synopsis: After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity.

Rate: A+ (94%) 

The Peanuts Movie (2015)

   Based upon the popular comic strip "Peanuts" By Charles M. Schultz,  comes a full length three-dimensional film.  This feature film is a delight for all. Immensely entertaining. Fun for whole family. 

   Director: Steve Martino

   Starring: Noah Schnapp, Hadley Miller and Bill Melendez

   MPAA Rating: G

   

   Synopsis:

 Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved "Peanuts" gang make their big-screen debut, like they've never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Charlie Brown, the world's most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE will prove that every underdog has his day.

Runtime: 1 hour and 30 minutes

    Rate: A- (92%) 

Joy (2015)

  Based on the real life story of a girl would become a multi-million dollar selling inventor. "Joy" tells the story behind how it all started. Stars Jennifer Lawrence as the determined inventor Joy Mangano. The film tackles just how difficult Joy's struggles were to kickstart such a successful business dynasty. With the help and guidance of those closest to her she can do anything. Amid some bumps in the road, financially and personally like getting divorced and filing for bankruptcy, Joy overcomes these seemingly impossible struggles. 

    Jennifer Lawrence renuites with director David O. Russell for the third time. And Bradley Cooper for the fourth time. Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper are a dream-team in this inspirational motion picture. 

   O. Russell did an okay job at trying to interpret Joy Mangano's story. By stating the fact, the film is only biased. Just facts only approached. But Lawrence's performance is a job well done. Highly praisable. The other cast did well to. Robert DiNiro plays her dad in the film. His preformance as a divorcee, single man is also cause for praise. He gives a sense of connection with Lawrence's role. 

  The sets are good in the sense of the time period in which is the early 70's and through the 80's East Coast. But, the special effects in which fake snow is used that makes a cause for bad.

  Based on the real life story of a girl would become a multi-million dollar selling inventor. "Joy" tells the story behind how it all started. Overall, Joy is a tale of Triumph, Loss, and Perseverance. 

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DiNiro, Bradley Cooper

Director: David O. Russell 

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 2 Hours & 4 Minutes

Synopsis:

A story of a family across four generations, centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Facing betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, Joy becomes a true boss of family and enterprise in a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy's inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces.

Grade: B- (83%) 

  

   

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

Pixar's 16th animated feature film The Good Dinosaur  is a beautiful masterpiece. A wonderful work of imagination and art. The animation in this spectacular film is very realistic. Spectacular. Emotional. Exciting. Fun for the whole family. 

Starring: Raymond Ochoa, Jeffery Wright, Frances McDormand, Steve Zahn, with Jack Bright, and Sam Elliott

Director: Peter Sohn 

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

Synopsis: 

Luckily for young Arlo, his parents (Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand) and his two siblings, the mighty dinosaurs were not wiped out 65 million years ago. When a rainstorm washes poor Arlo (Raymond Ochoa) downriver, he ends up bruised, battered and miles away from home. Good fortune shines on the frightened dino when he meets Spot (Jack Bright), a Neanderthal boy who offers his help and friendship. Together, the unlikely duo embark on an epic adventure to reunite Arlo with his beloved family.


Rate: A+