To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

It’s considered by many to be a literary classic. Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” has captured the hearts of audiences for over five decades. “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a dark, bold, yet triumphant story of a family living in a small town in Alabama which is based on Lee’s hometown of Monroeville. The fictitious Maycomb is quaint yet odd and mysterious. Playing a Negro defending attorney, is veteran actor Gregory Peck. Peck’s portrayal as this highly respected attorney and subtle or gentle father and widow, makes an instantaneous and profound connection each and every time he is on screen as this character. 
Director of the film Robert Mulligan erected a form of art that Lee created that was then to be considered to a masterpiece in cinema, one of the greatest films of the twentieth century that’ll have a lasting effect for generations to come. 
Then-child actors Mary Badham and Phillip Alford play Pecks’ on screen children. They both do so with such wonder and curiosity, that cannot be overlooked, with but as some of the greatest performances by a child actor. 
“To Kill a Mockingbird” composed by Elmer Bernstein, made something with a rustic and classical feel. His composition provides qualities of being eerie, dramatic and upbeat. 
Nominated for eight Academy Awards and five Golden Globes in the year after the film’s debut on the silver screen. Many perceive Robert Mulligan’s depiction of the Pulitzer Prize winning author’s beloved novel is definitely worth the accolades based on the finesse the film displays here.

Starring: Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Phillip Alford, Robert Duvall, Brock Peters, John Megna

Director: Robert Mulligan

MPAA Rating: PG

Runtime: 2 Hours 10 Minutes

Synopsis:

Scout Finch (Mary Badham), 6,and her older brother, Jem (Phillip Alford), live in sleepy Maycomb, Ala., spending much of their time with their friend Dill (John Megna) and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley (Robert Duvall). When Atticus (Gregory Peck), their widowed father and a respected lawyer, defends a black man named Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to evils of racism and stereotyping.

Rate: B

Spotlight (2015)

How far would you go to uncover the truth? A team of investigative journalists for The Boston Globe did exactly that.

The setting is  the start of the early 2000’s. Struggling to find a story, the team eventually finds one that is more than good, it’s utterly despicable. This story consists of lies, cover ups, and the molestation of several young children by higher ups in the “Catholic Church”. Through many hardships and struggles to advance their story, the characters needed to appear tough and assertive.

The team then files a suit against the Church for the heinous acts of abuse that should have never occurred. After the suit is filed, members of the ‘Spotlight Team’ meet with dozens of victimized people who were abused by Priests, Cardinals or Archdiocese. One member of “Spotlight,” Mike Rezendes played by (Mark Ruffalo), (The Avengers), finds a curmudgeon tempered lawyer to defend Spotlight & this ongoing story.      

Rachel McAdams, (The Notebook, Mean Girls) effortlessly plays the powerful ambitious member of Team Spotlight-- Sacha Pfeiffer. Meanwhile, Michael Keaton, (Beetlejuice) plays leader of Spotlight, Walter “Robby” Robinson. The ensemble is absolutely fantastic. The supporting cast Mark Ruffalo, (The Avengers) also plays key player of team Spotlight and Stanley Tucci, (The Hunger Games), plays the unattainable lawyer.

Director Tom McCarthy’s vision for such a heartbreaking subject is phenomenal. Every journalist and those aspiring to be must see this film. There’s a way these journalists approached this story and the people; in retrospect, that is what all journalists should do when reporting on an emotional or controversial story.

All performances in the movie are definitely worth all the praise. Especially McAdams  and Keaton’s were definitely worth raving about and all the buzz. I hope McAdams gets Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

How far would you go to uncover the truth? “Spotlight” a story about breaking no boundaries, sets an example for all journalists and aspiring journalists, to go beyond the limits when reporting a story, Controversial or Not.

Starring: Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, With Brian James D’Arcy, And Stanley Tucci
Director: Tom McCarthy

MPAA Rating: R
 Genre: Drama/Thriller

Runtime: 2 Hours & 8 Minutes
Synopsis:
In 2001, editor Marty Baron of The Boston Globe assigns a team of journalists to investigate allegations against John Geoghan, an unfrocked priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. Led by editor Walter "Robby" Robinson (Michael Keaton), reporters Michael Rezendes (Mark Ruffalo), Matt Carroll and Sacha Pfeiffer interview victims and try to unseal sensitive documents. The reporters make it their mission to provide proof of a cover-up of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.
Rate: A+ (95%)

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Deadpool (2016)

Based on the Marvel Comic Book, comes a full-length film about the unconventional superhero; Deadpool. It is the most vulgar and raunchiest Superhero movie you will ever see. It has several sexual jokes & references that are super hysterical. And the action in the film is the best yet from a Marvel Film.

Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern) plays the hero Deadpool and the alias of Wade Wilson who protects teenage girls from would-be stalkers. What makes this film better than others is its cool costumes and complex characters with interesting backgrounds.

The special effects in Deadpool are fantastic and at times gross & disturbing. Ryan Reynolds who so effortlessly portrays the not-so-superhero, does it so seemingly perfect.

Based on the Marvel Comic Book, comes a full-length film about the unconventional superhero; Deadpool. It is the most vulgar and raunchiest Superhero movie you will ever see. One of those rare superhero flicks that takes the meaning of badass and awesome to a whole new level.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds

Director: Tim Miller

MPAA Rating: R

Runtime: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

Synopsis:Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is a former Special Forces operative who now works as a mercenary. His world comes crashing down when evil scientist Ajax (Ed Skrein) tortures, disfigures and transforms him into Deadpool. The rogue experiment leaves Deadpool with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor. With help from mutant allies Colossus and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Deadpool uses his new skills to hunt down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

Rate: 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿

Money Monster (2016)

Money Monster: a thriller about corruption in the financial industry in America is compelling, but dull in some areas. Directed by Jodie Foster, the approach taken to make this movie had suspenseful elements but also had the qualities of being boring or not worth watching. The film stars George Clooney (Tomorrowland) and Julia Roberts (Mirror Mirror). The two tag team to prevent a lunatic from reeking havoc on live television which Clooney’s character has his own show, and Roberts’ character oversees all aspects of it. Roberts and Clooney are fresh in the roles displayed here, but it’s seems a little too serious for a crunch time of over 95 minutes. There are many unnecessary elements to this film that could have made it better that what it turned out to be, such as: worthless settings, terrible excuse for comedic dialogue. With quite the list of flaws that most action-thriller films try to avoid, Jodie Foster’s production, Money Monster deserves to be passed up.

Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Caitriona Balfe

MPAA Rating: R

Director: Jodie Foster

Runtime: 1 Hour & 38 Minutes

Synopsis:
Lee Gates is a Wall Street guru who picks hot stocks as host of the television show “Money Monster.” Suddenly,during a live broadcast, disgruntled investor Kyle Budwell storms onto the set and takes Gates hostage. He tells Lee that he lost everything on one of his tips. As Gates tries to plead with Kyle, he’s also using an earpiece to communicate with his longtime producer in the control room. Together, they must figure out a way to defuse the situation and disarm the angry young man.

Rate: C-

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