The Conspirator (2011)

It is perhaps one of America's greatest manhunts of any kind. It is also one of the most prominent moments in U.S history, because it is so relevant. The man who ended slavery and united a nation after a treacherous war,  "Abraham Lincoln"  who is one of history's most principled leaders, gets his unfortunate end, when a confederate supporter 'John Wilkes Booth" shoots the commander-in-chief, while he and the first lady celebrate the bitter end of the war.

"Robert Redford" erects a true chilling and haunting depiction of the turmoil and chaos that occurred in our nation's capitol so many years ago. "The Conspirator" is a rare film that captures emotional essence,  that is what makes this a truly captivating historical drama film.

To make it as 1800's looking as possible, the costumes in the film are dark, dreary and true to the set time period.

Depicted with lots of emotion and depth, from the cast that  consists of: James McAvoy, Robin Wright, Alexis Bledel, and Tom Wilkinson.   Each and every actor performs in a manner of being  riveting, jaw-dropping, and robust.

This is quite possibly the greatest fact-based film ever.  "One bullet killed the president, but not one man." The film is filled with a fantastic screenplay to occupy our actors. And it is magnificent. This fact-based film is a truly dramatic account of one of the most gruesome events in American history, "The Conspirator" captures a meaningful and heartfelt event, as this film is one to watch for it's historical significance.

"Roadside Attractions" presents a Robert Redford film, starring: James McAvoy, Robin Wright, with  Tom Wilkinson, and  Alexis Bledel. Rated PG-13 (for violent content) Runtime: 2 Hours & 3 Minutes. 

Rate:  A           
                                                     

Sausage Party (2016)

It's "Toy Story" gone rogue to the highest degree. But only this time, delectable edibles are the main culprits of insanity. The film takes place on the Fourth of July weekend, and you know what that means: Barbecues Fireworks, and endless amounts of consumption of food. The latest comedic attempt from mediocre funny man Seth Rogen, is one of the worst things to ever come out of  the bowels in Hollywood.

Food, Drinks, and other forms of consumption live in harmony at a grocery store called "Shopwell's". Each and every morning when the store opens for business, all delicacies burst out in a song about the "Gods" also-known-as Humans. The plethora of delicacies are so determined, confident, and rambunctious as they anticipate to be taken off their respective shelves and come home with us to "The Great Beyond". Little did the very enthused decadents know that they are in for an extremely rude awakening.

This was certainly a massive decline from other raunchy, sexualized, and racist animated "R" rated feature films, such as 1999's "South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut". "Sausage Party" fails big time at being consistent with its craft. As for the overall attempt to address major issues like: same-sex marriage, immigration,  politics, and race & ethnic background is simply crude and jaw-dropping. It's mockery of all these issues is just unbelievably dry and not the least bit amusing.

While the film also tries to  mock real-world issues, the film also pokes fun at and mocks disability. A very stupid and not relevant character "Gum",  is being portrayed as if it is science enthusiast "Stephen Hawking". The movie portrays the character as an invalid and weakling. The team on the film tried to make this secondary character funny as-can-be, however, it's just another piss-poor attempt  to accurately and genuinely portray and interpret disability in Hollywood in the cinema and on television.

As if it weren't already sexually provocative, offensive and widely racist enough, the flow of the film is utterly choppy. Meanwhile, the film is occupied with a very low quality screenplay and stupid characters. As it appeals to older audiences and not to ever be witnessed by youngsters. While "Sausage Party" suffers tremendously, there are some light spots of goodness audiences will appreciate. It has moments of well delivered action sequences and some good jokes. But this will not suffice for it's a very poor excuse for an adult feature film. Therefore, it is one of this years worst films.

Rate: F

Columbia Pictures, AnnaPurna Pictures, and Grey Point Films present a Conrad Vernon and Greg Tieman film. "Sausage Party" stars: Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Salma Hayek, Paul Rudd, James Franco Craig Robinson, and Bill Hader. Rated: R (for strong crude sexual content, pervasive language, and drug use). Runtime: 1 Hour & 30 Minutes. "Sausage Party" is now playing in theaters

Suicide Squad (2016)

It is amongst fans and popular culture as one of the most anticipated films to witness this year. A group of talented yet menacing and psychotic villains tries to attempt to rid the world of the evil "Enchantress" played by "Cara Delevingne" and all that her character possesses.

Like other superhero ensemble films, this one is absolutely breathtaking, when it comes to the characters. The characters add lots of humor, seriousness, and depth throughout the film. Therefore, the action sequences are very splendid. "Suicide Squad" has all the pizazz and brightly depicted colors that a film should have, and it's another reason this film is fully entertaining.

"Fury" director "David Ayer" is no "Joss Whedon". but his work with the film is respectively enjoyable, memorable, and fun overall. "Ayer" in  his own right, made something wonderful, and very exciting.

It is depicted with a very talented and quite humorous cast, led by: "Will Smith", "Margot Robbie", "Jai Courtney", "Jared Leto", "Joel Kinnaman"  and "Viola Davis". Such finess, zeal, and witty executions are delivered in the movie.

Academy-Award winning composer "Steven Price" makes the film's score. It goes really well with the pace of the film, and it does not make the film muddled or dogged. His score for the film is fast-paced, mesmerizing, and gripping.

It has been considered as movie-goers most anticipated film of the summer, perhaps this year. Action, humor, color and presence of depth make "Suicide Squad" a whirling of a thrill to witness.



Warner Bros. presents a David Ayer film. "Suicide Squad" stars: Margot Robbie, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Jared Leto, Ben Affleck, Jai Courtney, Ezra Miller. Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of violence and action throughout, disturbing behavior, suggestive content and language) Runtime: 2 Hours and 10 Minutes


Rate: A-

The Dark Knight (2008)

For its prime, it is one of cinemas most sinister action films of its generation. "The Dark Knight" crafted by "Christopher Nolan" is unique for a superhero film, and is absolutely menacing. A marvelous cast, riveting and dramatic screenplay, with stellar action sequences and a gripping score are the very vital reasons this film excels.

Christopher Nolan returns to erect a "Batman" film, previously the start of the Christian Bale "Batman Begins". It is very much so evil, sinister and diabolical is this film. As the "Joker"  portrayed so demented like by (Heath Ledger). His performance of the iconic superhero villain is utter genius. While "Christian Bale" delivers a menacing performance as the billionaire/superhero

It sticks with the flow of the film. A dramatic and haunting music score by famed composers "Hans Zimmer" and "James Newton Howard" is jolting and edgy.

There is so much action sequences and spectacular special effects throughout the film that make this film stand out extremely well. If you even blink the slightest, you could perhaps miss some of cinema's most thought-provoking action ever.

"Maggie Gyllenhaal", "Aaron Eckhart" and "Gary Oldman" also star in the film. They give sensational and intense performances in the film.

For over fifty years, one of comicbooks most popular and influential characters "Batman" has been at the attention of both cinema-goers and those who have  indulged in the comic book. "The Dark Knight" shows that there is a  hero in us all, we just have to be brave enough to take a stand for those who aren't willing to or are afraid to have their voices heard.     


Warner Bros and Legendary Pictures present a Christopher Nolan film. Starring: Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Heath Ledger. Runtime: 2 Hours & 32 Minutes. Rated PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and some mence) 

Rate: A+

Star Trek: Beyond (2016)

The revival of the “Star Trek” films continues with its third chapter. The follow-up to 2013’s “Into Darkness” is unquestionably weak, and relies way too heavily on special effects. 

Justin Lin who's best known for working on the “Fast and The Furious” franchise, erects a “Star Wars” esque  film. Characters, settings, and costumes all encompass the similarities between these film franchises. 

 “Star Trek: Beyond” features a wonderfully talented cast, but they lack in depth and perception. Especially with Simon Pegg’s Montgomery Scott character, which is highly irritating when he uses repetition of the word “lassie”  throughout the film. 

The film has been at the height of praise and controversy, due to its storyline involving 

the character Sulu, played by John Cho. Reason for the praise and controversy is because Cho's character was written in the film as a homosexual man. This story also caught the attention of original Sulu actor George Takei,who disapproved of the films decision to make his classic character a homosexual, even though Takei is gay in real life.

Composer Michael Giacchino saves this film despite its profoundly negative qualities. He creates a classical, brassy, and whirl-wind of a score that is highly enjoyable. 

“Live long and prosper” is the mantra of the entire “Star Trek” universe, as this is a new generation of “Star Trek” films, it does not prosper or live long enough to receive the positive attention of the fans, because it utterly disappoints. 

Rate: D-

Paramount Pictures presents a Justin Lin film in association with Bad Robot Productions and Skydance Media. Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban. Runtime: 2 Hours and 2 Minutes Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi action, and violence. In theaters now. 

The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Children, pet owners and adults have come to bare witness to a new film from the studio that brought audiences the “Despicable Me” films.  “The Secret Life of Pets” is similar to that of the “Toy Story” films but only this time in animal form. 

Helmers of this exciting film, Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney make this film positively appealing to all pet owners and animal fanatics. Audiences will highly appreciate the animation approach which is precious, cute and magical.   

Taking place in “New York City”, the film shows a vast portion of the “Big Apple” in great detail. Being an animated motion-picture, the movie is filled with wonder, spectacle, and magic.  

The film offers up a wonderful ensemble consisting of: (Modern Family's) Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart (Ride Along), comedian Louis C.K, and Jenny Slate (The Lorax). Each and every character portrayed by the actors in the movie are humorous and whimsical. Younger viewers will definitely get a kick out of this film. 

Alexandre Desplat (Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows) composes the music for this kid-friendly motion picture. The music is happy, jolting, and riveting, therefore it keeps the movie 

interesting. 

“The Secret Life of Pets” unleashes the wild, goofiness, and utter shenanigans that animals do. It is without a doubt a very accurate portrayal of animals behavior. 

Rate: B

Universal Pictures presents an Illumination Entertainment and Chris Meledandri production, directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney. “The Secret Life of Pets” stars Louis C.K, Jenny Slate, Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, Albert Brooks, Bobby Moynihan with a runtime of 1 Hour and 30 Minutes. Rated PG (for action and some rude humor) in theaters now. 

Star Wars Episode IV: a new hope (1977)

One of the world biggest phenomenons, "Star Wars: a new hope"  is brought to life by science fiction author George Lucas. "A New Hope" is filled with amazing action, old-school, retro special effects, and a wonderful cast. For over forty years, the kickstart of the space epic "Star Wars" has been widely acclaimed.

Bringing in a new breed of science fiction, similar to that of the popular Star Trek television show. Teamed with: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, as the leads: Han Solo, Leia, and Luke Skywalker, respectively, they are absolutely fierce and fun.


On top of the film's spectacular action, lay the films composition. Executed by John Williams, it is unequivocally one of cinema's best scores and most famous for an action, sci-fi film.

It's been a cinema powerhouse for over four decades. The stunning action sequences offers a thrill, the classical music composition and the action alongside it's superb ensemble  are why the "Star Wars" franchise has reigned supreme as a major cinema and fan favorite.




Rate: B+

Lucasfilm Ltd and 20th Century Fox present a George Lucas film. "A New Hope" stars: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, and Harrison Ford. Rated: PG (for sci-fi violence and brief mild language) Runtime: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes

Jason Bourne (2016)

Matt Damon returns as the lethal former CIA operative, nearly a decade after the events that took place in "Bourne Ultimatum". Jason Bourne is one of this years best. It is jam packed with explosive and thrilling action. Matt Damon is serious, emotional, and awesome in this role once more. 

Reuniting again with director Paul Greengrass, his vision of executing another "Bourne" film is splendid, dramatic, and terrific. 

The score of this film was made by John Powell and David Buckley. If you think that the action was great, wait until you witness the score that is fast-paced, beautiful and vibrant.

Matt Damon is to Tom Cruise is to Daniel Craig. Damon's role as Jason Bourne is without a doubt extremely similar to that of Ethan Hunt (Mission Impossible) and Daniel Craig (James Bond). As all three characters are extremely gifted in bringing down the bad guy. 

From best-selling author Robert Ludlum, comes a film portrayal of his beloved "Bourne Trilogy". With this being the fifth installment in the "Bourne" franchise, it is and will continue to be a thrilling film franchise for many years. 

Rate: A

Universal Studios presents a Paul Greengrass film. Starring: Matt Damon, Alicia Vikander, Tommy Lee Jones, Julia Stiles. Runtime: 2 hours and 3 minutes. Rated: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, and brief strong language) Jason Bourne is now playing in theaters nationwide.

Forrest Gump (1994)

From author Winston Groom, and based on his acclaimed novel of a mentally challenged man named "Forrest Gump". The film adaptation chronicles his daily struggles with walking normally, fitting in, and bullies, as the film progresses, you see him change and mature in some ways. His biggest supporter is his mother, played by Sally Field in the film. She gives advice to him in ways he'll remembers for the rest of his life. Widely acclaimed actor Tom Hanks plays the intellectually challenged man. The film is played out in memories and flashbacks as told by the character, he lives in Alabama and sits on a park bench giving oral presentations to the passerbyers that he comes across.

Director Robert Zemeckis has created something so touching that this film is a gift for movie lovers. He made this film with the utmost sense of wonder and passion that this film is a gem for the cinema, as it is special.

The film also stars Robin Wright and Gary Sinise as: Forrest's love interest and curmudgeon friend. They stand out so well in the film because these characters, all of them in fact, are distinctively written in so very well with the film.

"Forrest Gump" was scored by Alan Silvestri (Back to the Future Trilogy) and this is precisely one of the best scores for a book to film adaptation. He adds very classical tones and a peaceful melody to it.

The movie offers not a lot of special effects but uses diversions as well throughout the entirety of the film, and they are well crafted.

If you ever feel like you seem to not feel lucky enough, think of the challenges the title character in this story faces. While he faces adversity, loss, and agony throughout the film. But with the love and friendships he makes he can triumph over these barriers. If you do, or if you do not have a disability, just think of Forrest Gump and know that you can accomplish anything. That's is what makes this film amazing to watch, is comprehending its themes and morals are super relevant and important.

Paramount Pictures presents a Robert Zemeckis film."Forrest Gump"  stars: Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, and Robin Wright. Runtime: 2 Hours and 10 Minutes. Rated: PG-13 (for some sensuality, drug content, and war violence) 

Rate: A

Blazing Saddles (1974)

From comedic "Hollywood" icon, director Mel Brooks makes one of cinemas most provocatively raunchy, extremely racist films. "Blazing Saddles", as the name implies, it is very blazing with colorful language, wit, and buffoonery.

"Blazing Saddles" stars Gene Wilder (Young Frankenstein, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory) and Cleavon Little (Temperature's Rising). Both actors are amazing in this comedy as a small-town sheriff and magician. They shine best at the movies most questionable moments. And the films not so vital cast and characters also do a great job at providing laughs.

Mel Brooks had a vision of  utmost and profound originality,  a very quirky and demented sense of humor when he planned this film. As a result, it pays out.

This film is NOT to be viewed by children under 13. In fact, those with a very dull sense of humor, or get easily offended shouldn't bare witness to one of the greatest comedies ever made.

Paramount Pictures presents a film directed by Mel Brooks. "Blazing Saddles" stars Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Mel Brooks. Runtime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes. Rated R (for adult situations/language) 

Rate: A+