Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)

  Star Wars is a force to be reckoned with. Approximately thirty years after the "Return of the Jedi" Episode VI, and the defeat of the "Galactic Empire", comes a new threat of evil the "First Order". Also in addition to the new film, there are new characters. Lead by newcomers Daisy Ridley and John Boyega. There sense of an on-screen connection between them and it  is sensational. They give lots of emotion to their roles as Finn and Rey. 

Also, returning to the franchise are Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamil, and Harrison Ford, Respectively as roles: Princess Leia, now General of the Resistance, Luke Skywalker, and Han Solo. And also returning to the film are CP-3O, R2-D2, and Chewbacca.

What makes the film exciting is that it's got lots of action, fun, excitement, and occasional humor. Directed and Written by JJ Abrams, he does a fantastic job at his take on the visual effects, cinematography, sets.

Renowned and Award-Winning Composer John Williams scored the film. He has scored all movies in the franchise. Some of his original work is in the film. He is in my opinion, the number one thing that makes these types of movies special. He has created a theme that everyone knows and loves. And will continue to enjoy his Star Wars scores as the Star Wars legacy lives on. He made for this film an original piece of work that fits perfectly for the movie. Sets the tone for it. 

The costumes and special effects are awesome. Original Stormtrooper outfits are in this new film. And many new costumes in the film as well, to understand the personalities of each character. The special effects are beautifully defined and very colorful. 

Star Wars is a force to be reckoned with. The global phenomenon for over 30 years continues to shatter the globe. It's influential on millions. From toys, apparel and pre-sale records, Star Wars will live on in history. 

Director: J.J Abrams

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Sci-Fi, Action, Violence) 

Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamil, with Gwendoline Christie and Adam Driver

Runtime: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes

Synopsis:

Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, the galaxy faces a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and the First Order. When a defector named Finn crash-lands on a desert planet, he meets Rey (Daisy Ridley), a tough scavenger whose droid contains a top-secret map. Together, the young duo joins forces with Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to make sure the Resistance receives the intelligence concerning the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), the last of the Jedi Knights.

Rate: A+ 

   

Photo: LucasFilms

Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out Review ~

Pixar once again ceases to amaze. This new flick offers tons of fun for the family. Very colorful and creative, exuberant, and a very relatable film. Inside Out is a masterpiece for the ages. 

Starring: Amy Poehler, Kaitlyn Dias, Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling,  with Lewis Black,  and Richard Kind

Directed by: Pete Docter

MPAA(Motion Picture Association of America) Rating: PG for Mild Thematic Elements and Some Action

Runtime: 1 hr 35 min

Synopsis:

1. Riley (Kaitlyn Dias) is a happy, hockey-loving 11-year-old Midwestern girl, but her world turns upside-down when she and her parents move to San Francisco. Riley's emotions -- led by Joy (Amy Poehler) -- try to guide her through this difficult, life-changing event. However, the stress of the move brings Sadness (Phyllis Smith) to the forefront. When Joy and Sadness are inadvertently swept into the far reaches of Riley's mind, the only emotions left in Headquarters are Anger, Fear and Disgust.

   
   

   Rate: A+ 

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-