My Top 10 Best films of 2014

   2014 was such a good year for films that it was very difficult narrowing down the best to just 10. Movies that didn't make the cut: Noah, The Raid 2, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Boyhood, a film that I very much enjoyed the first time I saw it, but failed to grip me the second time.

10. Her

   Spike Jonze's story about a man who falls in love with an operating system is beautifully shot and wonderfully acted.  The film challenges what love is and what love can be.

9. How To Train Your Dragon 2

   While The Lego Movie was a blast of pure entertainment and Big Hero 6 was a fun time, when animation in 2014 comes to mind, one film stands out. How To Train Your Dragon 2 is The Empire Strikes Back of animated movies. This movie raises the stakes from the previous film in every way, delivering a dark entry into this series.  Toy Story better watch it's back because if the third Dragons movie is better than this installment,  then Woody and Buzz will have serious competition. 

8. Edge of Tomorrow

Possibly the funnest movie on this list, Edge of Tomorrow is a great sci-fi action movie. Despite other films having a similar premise, Edge of Tomorrow makes it feel fresh. Tom Cruise was great and Emily Blunt steals the show. This criminally under-viewed movie is everything a summer popcorn movie should be.

7. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

   Marvel's take on the spy genre is their most socially conscious film to date. The Winter Soldier is filled with terrific action and manages to make a 74 year old character relevant to modern audiences. This is the best stand alone Marvel film since 2008's Iron Man.

6. Gone Girl

   David Fincher's mystery film is  about a wife gone missing and a husband blamed for her disappearance. Fincher gets Ben Affleck's strongest performance out of him and a career defining performance out of Rosamund Pike. This was a great film that really got the audience involved in story. This is a very well made film that you should check out if you missed it.

5. X-Men: Days of Future Past

   The most emotional superhero film of the year takes on the themes of abandonment, identity, and friendship. The heart really overtakes the action in the film despite the standout moments such as the spectacular Quicksilver scene. Days of Future Past also manages erase the blunders that were X-Men: The Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.

4. Nightcrawler

   The creepiest character study since American Psycho, Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Louis Bloom, the most intense sociopath in 2014. Sporting nail-biting tension and unbelievable chase sequences, Nightcrawler is an instant classic.

   The last three films on this list could have been a tie for first.  I loved each of these so much that I have shifted around the number one spot more times than I can count. On this particular day, this is the order on which they land.

3. Dawn of The Planet of The Apes

   Caesar reigns as the leader of the apes after a virus has  wiped out most of humanity. Dawn of The Apes is a Shakespearean-like tale of a knight using a pawn in an attempt to topple a king. Koba is the best villain of the year, because like every character in the film, you can understand where he is coming from. Andy Serkis delivers one of the best performances of the year as Caesar. This is an epic that blows the previous entry out of the water. I cannot wait for the next time the apes are on screen.

2. Interstellar

   Christopher Nolan's space odyssey is a film about leaving a dying earth to find another planet to sustain the human race. In the heart of the film lies a father-daughter story.  Science vs. Love is the basis of the film. Interstellar is the most ambitious film of recent memory. It dares to take the audience to places we've never been and show us things nothing else has been able to. It is a visually immersive experience unlike any other.  This film wowed me with its visuals, intrigued me with its science and tugged on my heart. This is the only film of 2014 to make me cry. I have seen this film 5 times and have been moved every single time. I love this movie.

The best film of 2014 is...
1. Birdman

   Michael Keaton is back. Keaton stars as a movie star who got famous for playing a superhero in his early career, now struggling to stay prominent.  This film boasts an electric performance from Keaton and a brilliant Edward Norton. Emma Stone and Zack Galifianakis were terrific in this artful masterpiece that was shot in less than a month. Structured to look as though it is all one shot and sporting a score that is composed almost entirely of drums highlights the fact that Birdman is a film that takes risks. If even one of these risks didn't pay off then this film would have fallen on its face. Instead it soars to the top of my list.

My 10 Worst films of 2014

 

   2014 was an overall pretty good year for films. I didn't hate most of the movies on this list despite them being considerably weak compared to the rest of the year's releases.

10. Rio 2

   The weakest animated feature 2014 had to offer was Rio 2, a dull movie that fails to entertain.

9. 3 Days To Kill

   I suppose a joke about this movie not being a good way to kill time would be appropriate. McG's film about a dying spy feels like it is trying to capture the same magic as Taken. It succeeds if Taken was a really bland film that puts the viewer to sleep.

8. The Purge: Anarchy

   A great premise executd the wrong way. Makes for a decent Punisher story though.

7. Grudge Match

  What happens if you pit Raging Bull versus Rocky? A terrible comedy apparently. 

6. A Million Ways To Die In The West 

   Ingredients for making a bad western comedy: 

-include a stale lead performance

-make every joke a sex joke

-insert pointless love triangle. 

5. Ride Along

   Is anyone else tired of Kevin Hart yet? How long until we, as a society, stop laughing at his short jokes or angry Ice Cube?

4. Transcendence

   Sure, 5 was a bad comedy but at least it didn't bore me to tears as this movie did. This movie truly disappointed me.

3. Jersey Boys

   It's almost an achievement considering just how boring this movie is. On top of that it refused to end at an acceptable time. This movie just kept going and going at a slow pace and fails to make you care about any of the boys.

2. A Haunted House 2

   This is a movie that treats the audience as though they have the IQ of a candy necklace. Stupid jokes after stupid jokes somehow lead to a doll having a grudge against Marlon Wayans after he dumps it.

The absolute worst movie of 2014 is...

1 Transformers 4: Age of Extinction

   I hated this. I hated this so much. How can a film with giant robots fail to be entertaining?  I'll tell you.  This near 3 hour mess is filled with the same crap as the other 3 only with less plot and more over the top product placement.  Mark Wahlberg stopped in the middle of the movie and pulled out a Bud Light and drank it while practically winking at the camera. It gets better. Then the movie stops and showcases a "Romeo & Juliet" law that essentially says being a pedophile is okay. Then we get bombarded with incoherent cgi action, explosions, meaningless location changes, and gratuitous shots of women. It's the Michael Bay template of filmmaking, except I can't call this a film. I can't even call this a movie. This is an abomination.

LA Movie Review- Nightcrawler

Louis Bloom is a well-spoken, determined, smart individual who also happens to be a ferocious sociopath in need of a job. He finds one in recording accidents and selling the footage to a news station. After developing a taste for it, he travels the streets of L.A. with the intention of recording the most violent crimes the city has to offer. Dan Gilroy makes his directorial debut with this immensely electrifying thriller. Jake Gyllenhaal stars alongside Rene Russo and Bill Paxton.

Dan Gilroy makes a very impressive raw debut with this powerful story. He placed a heavy focus on realism which made for a gritty film. The tale he tells is a very dark, exciting one with just the right amount of satire to even things out. There is a sense of tension that grows as the movie goes on. You feel the sense of dread inside of you watching certain scenes because Dan Gilroy makes the movie feel so real. The story flows in a very engaging way by taking the audience on a ride The car chases in particular feel especially so because you have a beat on the danger of the situation. 

Jake Gyllenhaal is the reason to watch this film. His performance as the sociopath Louis Bloom is breathtaking. He captured the essence of a soulless human being in a way that I have not seen since Christian Bale in the cult classic, American Psycho. Both characters, Louis Bloom and Patrick Bateman, were driven by intense desire and greed. Gyllenhaal and Bale both portrayed absolutely insane men with nothing behind their eyes. 

Jake Gyllenhaal added many dimensions to the character, especially his eyes. Gyllenhaal’s eyes told a fascinating story. He allowed them to do most of the talking sometimes, including letting the audience know that he is just an empty vessel.  He goes to some very dark places in and always pulls it off. He showcases just how talented and powerful of an actor he truly is. Rene Russo has a supporting role as a television news director working with Bloom. She was a strong character in her own right and was a solid addition to the cast. Ruiz Ahmed played Louis Bloom’s intern, Rick. His purpose was to add to Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, so as a supporting actor he did his job.  Bill Paxton is an underrated actor. Bill Paxton is not in the film much, but he is great in everything he’s in.

Nightcrawler is a great character study in that of Louis Bloom. It is a fulfilling thriller and effective satire. Nightcrawler is a commentary on the current job market and the moral integrity of broadcast journalism. This film does so much right it’s hard to find anything wrong with it. It does however have some issues. The film felt like it was missing a scene between Jake Gyllenhaal’s character and Rene Russo’s character. Also, it felt like a few legal liberties were taken for the sake of the story. Despite this it has outstanding strengths. The direction was great, the score was engaging, and Jake Gyllenhaal was spark of insanity. Nightcrawler is a gripping thriller that kept me at the edge of my seat and I’m willing to bet it’ll do the same to you.

4.8/5

LA Movie Review- Chef

   A great chef decides to take his craft to the road to rekindle his creative spark. Joining him is his son who is in need of a father. Iron Man director Jon Favreau is a triple threat as he not only directs this movie, he also wrote it and stars in it. Starring alongside Favreau is Emjay Anthony as his son, Sofia Vergara as his ex-wife, Scarlett Johansson as his girlfriend, and  John Leguizamo, Robert Downey JR., and Dustin Hoffman in supporting roles.

   Jon Favreau is a hit or miss director for me. I really like what he did with the first Iron Man film, but I wasn't a fan of his work on Iron Man 2 or Cowboys vs Aliens. I think coming back with a smaller film was the right move for the director. Despite this being a smaller film, I imagine it must have been one of the tougher films Favereau has worked on. Wearing multiple hats while working on a movie is no easy task, but I imagine it must have fueled him creatively as it does to his character in the film. He has a good grasp on the direction of the film ad gets his message across. He also made a really good looking movie. Jon Favreau promised he would shoot the food in this movie like how Michael Bay shoots women in his movies. The food plays a big role in the movie and everything looks delicious. As good as everything looks, Faverau also cooks up a nice story about fathers and sons and what it means to express yourself. The characters are all handled well, and they serve the story nicely. 

Emjay Anthony and Jon Faverau

   Not only did Mr. Faverau do a fine job directing, but he is also a good actor in his own right. I really bought into his character in the movie. I bought into the character's struggles in his relationships, whether it be with his son, his ex-wife, or his co-workers and friends. If the child playing the chef's son was a bad actor then this movie would not have worked. Emjay Anthony works in this movie. His relationship with his father was the best part of the movie. This is also my favorite performance of John Leguizamo, who at times can be annoying, but not here. I personally would have liked to have seen more of Dustin Hoffman because he is good in the few scenes he has. Robert Downey Jr. is a lot of fun in the movie, and wasn't used any longer than he needed to be. 

   I like the style that this movie had. Everything from its look to the soundtrack added to the movie's own unique flavor. I thought the movie's portrayal of social media was effective. My one gripe with the movie is that it ends abruptly. A couple of character beats were going and then the movie ties them up as quickly as it could. It struck me as odd considering how up until that point the movie was really taking it's time. I would say Chef is a movie worth seeing at least once, but I don't feel a great need to ever revisit the film afterwards.

3.9/5

LA Movie Review- Maleficent

   A new spin on The Sleeping Beauty story isn't enough to describe Maleficent. No, this is more than that. This movie is a fairy tale where our protagonist is both hero and villain. She's someone who stood for good, was scorned and lost her way. But, just as Professor X taught us in X-Men: Days Of Future Past, just because someone stumbles, loses their way, it doesn't mean they are lost forever. Now it may seem like I wrote that in simply because I wanted to quote X-Men, and in a way you're right, it also applies to this movie in a surprising way.

   Making his directorial debut is Robert Stromberg. Robert came from a background in visual effects and he plays to his strengths with Maleficent. He creates this magical  fairy tale land for the characters to live in. He does go a bit overboard with the visual effects. For example, the fairies in this movie looked absolutely ridiculous. They looked like cartoon characters, and I know that seems paradoxical to say, but  they really didn't work well. Even worse was when the fairies transformed into humans, if every human was a member of the Three Stooges. I will hold off on the bad elements of the movie, so I can acknowledge the best part of the movie; Angelina Jolie. 

Jolie as Maleficent

   Angelina Jolie is really good in this movie. Her performance here was the definition of having fun with a character. You could tell Angelina Jolie was having a good time playing the character. She brought a lot of different emotions to the character and kept her from ever being a full on hero or a full on villain. She was a sympathetic character and one you could root for. Sharlto Copely played the true villain of the film. He has also played villains in his last few films such as Old boy and Elysium. Way to diversify Sharlto. He was fine in the movie. Nothing really stood out as good or bad in his performance.

Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora

   Elle Fanning didn't really have much to do in the movie. Her take on Princess Aurora was the one note, happy-all-the-time sort of girl. Sam Riley played Maleficent's right hand man in the movie. He was serviceable in the movie.

   This movie does it's job as a typical kid's movie. It entertains for an hour and a half and ends. I like that about this movie. It doesn't overstay its welcome by being longer than it needed to be. It isn't too painful to watch because of the run time. This isn't the best movie of the summer, but it isn't the worst either. Maleficent works as a family film. I enjoyed this movie for what it was, but I won't be running back to go see it.

3/5

LA Movie Review- A Million Ways To Die In The West

   A cowardly sheep farmer must find his courage when he is challenged by his ex's boyfriend and the deadliest gun-slinger in the west. Helping him in his quest, is a woman who is new in town, who happens to be full of surprises. A Million Ways To Die In The West is the sophomoric effort from director Seth MacFarlane. Seth MacFarlane also stars alongside Charlize Theron, Sarah Silverman, Giovanni Ribisi, Amanda Seyfried, Neil Patrick Harris, and Liam Neeson. 

  The movie is written by MacFarlane, Wellesley Wild, Alec Sulkin, the same trio of writers who brought the world Ted. Now, those three brought us a very funny film in Ted, but completely misfired here. The screenplay is bad, plain and simple. I don't have a problem with vulgarity in movies, as long as it serves some sort of purpose. For example, in The Wolf of Wall Street it added to the dimensions of the characters. It brought colorful life to their ways of speaking. Here it is just vulgar to be vulgar. It adds nothing to humor of the film. The dialog all feels the same as well. Perhaps bringing in another writer would have been a good choice, so they could add another voice to these characters. Seth MacFarlane's writing here doesn't really differentiate the voice between the characters. It almost feels as though he wrote for one character and then decided to split that character up into multiple versions of the same personality. His direction didn't help the film either. This movie was constantly uneven in tone. Something dark would happen followed by a fart joke. 

Seth MacFarlane misfires with A Million Ways To Die In The West

   Charlize Theron did what she could with the material she was given. She is the best aspect of the movie by far. Neil Patrick Harris has a funny moment in the movie and plays his part well. Amanda Seyfried. What a waste of her acting potential. Her character was the definition of bland in the movie. She had nothing to do and she is a very capable actress. I don't even see the point of casting her if MacFarlane planned to use her the way he did. Sarah Silverman plays a prostitute who is dating Edward, a virgin played by Giovanni Ribisi. I felt that a lot of their scenes didn't work together because their jokes weren't landing. Liam Neeson is not in the film very much. I wish his character was more fun so we, the audience, could have fun along with him. Instead his character was just kind of meh. Don't get me wrong, Liam Neeson isn't bad in the movie, but his character is a bad guy just for the sake of being bad. His character was very one-dimensional. Now onto the biggest problem in the cast, Seth MacFarlane. I thought he was really bad in the movie. All of his weaknesses as an actor are exposed here. His portrayal of the character was too sarcastic for my taste.  He had no redeemable quality that felt like he was worthy of being the titular character, or being a "good guy" even.There was too much winking at the camera going on from him.

Liam Neeson, Charlize Theron, and Seth MacFarlane

   This is a well made movie. All of the sets looked good and the visual effects were all neatly done. Together with cinematographer Michael Barrett, MacFarlane made a good looking movie. The problem didn't lie there however, it lied in its director.  Too many repetitive jokes from too similar characters, and a lead who just doesn't work can describe this movie. There are a few funny jokes in the movie, but surprise surprise, the best jokes are in the trailer. A Million Ways To Die In The West is a comedy whose director found a million ways to make this movie disappointing.

2.6/5

LA Movie Review- Neighbors

   A couple with a baby is put to the test when a fraternity moves in next door. Wanting to feel young again, the couple is at first welcoming of the fraternity and their leader. That all changes when the fraternity's nonstop partying disrupts the baby's sleep, leading to a war between the family and the frat. Seth Rogen, Rose Bryne, and Zac Efron star in this Nicholas Stoller comedy. 

   From the director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Get Him To The Greek, and The Five Year Engagement comes this new, fun comedy. Neighbors is a comedy that hits a lot of high notes. This movie has a great cast that work well together. Seth Rogen is coming off of his, in my opinion, best film last year in This Is The End. In that movie he plays the character he plays in most movies, which is Seth Rogen. If it isn't broken then there is no need to fix it, and in Neighbors it works as efficiently as it ever does. Rogen is very funny in the movie as a father who misses the ability to party. Starring opposite Seth is Rose Bryne who brings a lot of energy to her character. Rose Bryne and Seth Rogen's chemistry together is a big reason as to why this movie works as well as it does. Another big reason as to why this movie works is Zac Efron. This is my favorite Zac Efron performance. He isn't known for his comedic abilities and yet he hangs in there with Seth Rogen. 

Zac Efron and Dave Franco participate in a "Robert De Niro" party

   Zac Efron was really good in this movie and shows a lot of promise for his acting future. Dave Franco is funny and so is the underrated Ike Barinholtz as Seth Rogen's office buddy. Lisa Kudrow even makes a funny cameo in the movie. 

   There are so many memorable lines of dialog in this movie and funny moments. It is nice to see that some movies still believe in not giving away everything in a trailer. There are a few things in this movie that I did not enjoy. There is one scene that I really didn't enjoy, which I won't give away. It seems as though the purpose of that scene was simply to see if they could have gotten away with it and gross out the audience at the same time. The scene didn't really serve any purpose other than that. 

   Nicholas Stoller's film is a very funny one which had a hard job following Seth Rogen's last film, This Is The End. While I believe that he made a funnier movie than This Is The End, I don't believe he made a better movie. Still, there are plenty of laughs to be had in Neighbors, and I even caught myself repeating some of the movie's lines afterwards.

4/5

LA Movie Review- X-men: Days of Future Past

   In a desolate future, androids known as sentinels force most of the mutant population into extinction. In a fight for their race, the X-Men send Wolverine into the past so he can put an end to the events which lead to the creation of the sentinels. Simon Kinberg wrote the screenplay and Bryan Singer directed the film. Hugh Jackman leads the all-star cast also featuring Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, and Jennifer Lawrence.
   There are a lot of great superhero films; The Dark Knight, The Avengers, Iron Man, Spider-Man 2, and now X-Men: Days of Future Past can be added to that list. This is a perfect superhero movie in an era filled with greats. Director of the first two X-Men films, Bryan Singer returns to direct the seventh entry in the franchise. He sets the story in the early 1970's and fills the film's atmosphere with common tropes of the time. By doing so, he makes the movie feel as though it is taking place in an altered reality, complete with its own twisted version of our country's history. Singer's film is well paced and well made. This is a well edited film too. The film's 131 minute run time never feels too short or too long. Simon Kinberg's script takes care of past continuity issues in an incredibly effective fashion. No scene ever feels unnecessary or out of place. The special effects are all terrific and the cinematography adds to the 70's feel when it has to. Bryan Singer sets a fun yet serious tone and has many characters to play with.
   The time travel element of the film allows the combination of both, the cast of the original X-Men trilogy and the cast from X-Men: First Class. While he is featured prominently, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine isn't exactly the star of the show. He plays a huge role in the film, but it is a story centered on all of the prominent members of the X-Men, unlike what the trailers for the film would suggest. This is truly a team movie. Hugh Jackman is still great at playing Wolverine, a character he has been playing for fourteen years now. My favorite performance was that of James McAvoy and his take on the hopeless Professor X.

James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart

 The screenplay and acting add so much depth to the character, making him somewhat of an addict, and someone who is tortured by his abilities. Sharing the role of Professor Charles Xavier is Patrick Stewart, playing the older version of the character. While he isn't in the film much, he is a staple of the franchise. His wiser professor X is someone who can bring out the best of people. Ian McKellen is a great Magneto but Michael Fassbender makes the role his own. While McKellen's Magneto sees the need for peace and unity, Fassbender's Magneto is much more aggressive in his beliefs that man and mutant cannot coexist. Michael Fassbender is terrific at playing villains and what makes him so special here is the fact that you can understand his cause. Jennifer Lawrence is a much better Mystique here than she was in her last outing as the character. The character's inner struggle with right and wrong gives the twenty-three year old, academy award winning actress much to work with. Joining the cast is Peter Dinklage as the creator of the sentinels, Dr. Bolivar Trask, who commands the screen whenever he is on it. Ellen Page was great in her small, but important supporting role as Kitty Pride. Peter Evans stole the show as Quicksilver. His comedic timing was great, he was a fun character, and had the best scene in the movie.

Peter Evans as Quicksilver

   There are seven films in this universe, therefore there is a lot the audience should know going into this movie. To get the most out of the experience, I believe the audience should revisit the earlier films. Days of Future Past is an ambitious film with a lot of moving parts. It does a good job of cleaning up the mess that earlier X-Men films have made, but it also works as its own complete story.This film does benefit from multiple viewings and I encourage the audience to see it multiple times.This is a fun movie, this is a great movie, and this movie is my favorite of the year so far.

5/5

LA Movie Review- Godzilla

   Man's arrogance has lead them to believe that they are in charge of the planet. They are wrong. As nature fights back against the sins of mankind, the king of all monsters emerges. The film's title says Godzilla but he is not the main focus. The main focus of the film is on U.S. Navy officer Ford Brody, who is trying to reunite with his family while trying to stay alive. This ambitious reboot of the giant science fiction monster is directed by Gareth Edwards and stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

   This movie will divide audience members who come across it. Most will argue that Godzilla isn't in the film enough, and while that is a fair argument, I believe less is more. It is true that the giant lizard is not in the film as much as you would like him to be, but that takes nothing away from the presence he had while he was on-screen. Besides, how much of the screen time did the shark actually take up in Jaws? Putting the focus of the film on Godzilla alone would have just made for mindless destruction like the terrible 1998 version. Instead by placing the focus on the human characters we see Godzilla almost as a natural disaster. That film's mistake was exposing Godzilla too much, a mistake the director here didn't make. After all, no mystique big mistake. Gareth Edwards made a wise choice by keeping Godzilla's mystique. If Edwards can make you, the audience, care for the characters, you will be more engaged in the story. We see the film through the eyes of the human characters, making Godzilla feel larger than life. Striving for realism with a flare of campiness, Gareth Edwards did a good job directing the monster flick. Together with the help of screenplay writers Max Borenstein and Dave Callaham he was able to create an experience in the cinema. They took the character of Godzilla and made him into an anti-hero, a sympathetic anti-hero at that. The three crafted a film that has a genuine big movie feel to it.

Godzilla: villain or anti-hero?

   Aaron Taylor- Johnson was the lead of the film. His character was abandoned by his family when he was a child and is unwilling to do the same to the one that he has as an adult. Johnson is a good actor and he is good in the film but some of the creative choices made for his character were questionable, as his character is written with unbelievable luck. Bryan Cranston, fresh off of Breaking Bad has a minor role in the film. He gives a performance that echoes a type of stubborn desperation that we haven't seen from the actor recently. Ken Wantanabe plays Dr. Ichiro Serizawa who is one of the too few nods to the Japanese original. Elizabeth Olsen plays Ford Brody's wife, Ellen Brody. She is a solid edition to the cast but like the titular character, isn't in the film much.

Bryan Cranston (left) Aaron Taylor Johnson (left)

   On a technical level, the film is great. This movie has some breathtaking cinematography in it. The special effects are incredible as you see so much detail in the monster and the cities. Composer Alexandre Desplat wrote a score which breathes life into the allure of monster movies. His music builds up tension and helps scale the creature. The movie is 123 minutes long and it could have been cut down to below the two hour mark.
   Godzilla is almost the anti-Pacific Rim, a 2013 summer blockbuster revolving around giant creatures attacking the Earth and humans building giant robots to fight them.While that movie had a tremendous amount of action, the human characters were all flat and forgettable. The weight of the film lies on the shoulders of the humans in this blockbuster. They used just the right amount of action here, teasing you with glimpses of battles before delivering at the end of the film. Despite this, it does ultimately leave you wanting more from it. This movie will split audiences, but over time I believe people will appreciate this version of Godzilla, even if they don't right now.
4.4/5

LA Movie Review- The Amazing Spider-Man 2

   Peter Parker juggles his romantic life with his crime fighting life while being haunted by the memory of his parents. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is the most emotional and most violent of all of the films in the Spider-man franchise.

   Director Mark Webb has made only one movie outside of his Spider-Man films, and that movie would be 500 Days of Summer. 500 Days of Summer is a great movie which looks at the idea of love from the male perspective. I bring that up because that is what Mark Webb does best. This film is the most romantic superhero movie ever made. Mark Webb handles this element of the film perfectly. The relationship between Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy is undoubtedly the strongest element of the movie. The chemistry between Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone was terrific. You almost didn't need any action in the film because their story would have been enough. Mark Webb makes you care about these characters and makes you believe that they truly care for each other. The film is also surprisingly funny as well. Every few minutes you find yourself laughing out loud at the one of the movie's many jokes. Webb handles those two elements best but fails when juggling multiple story lines. There are a lot of characters in the movie and a lot of them don't get the appropriate amount of screen time. The screenplay written by Alex Kutzman, Jeff Pinker, and Roberto Orci crams a lot of story lines into one movie. These story lines were too much for Webb to carry and as a result many intimate moments were crammed to make room for the next subplot. This made for a very long winded and convoluted film.
   Visually the film is a mixed bag. While all the effects in the film are truly amazing, the cinematography was not. The problem was its inconsistency. Certain action scenes suffered from dreadful shaky cam while others were clear and easy to follow. The film also utilizes just the right amount of slow motion which allows the audience to bask in the glory of being Spider-man, especially in his swinging sequences. The looks of the characters were diverse in quality. The Spider-man suit has never looked better while Electro looked more like an angry cartoon character rather than a terrifying villain.
   Andrew Garfield completely outshines Tobey Macguire. Garfield is the superior Spider-Man on screen. He is charismatic, funny, and serious when he needs to be. Andrew Garfield brought a great emotional depth to the character of Peter Parker. His Peter Parker wasn't necessarily a nerd, but he was clearly intelligent. There was more to him than that. He was a friend, a son, a nephew, a lover, and a hero. Emma Stone was great as Gwen Stacy. She was more than a damsel in distress. She added so much to the film as a character that you want to cheer on. Jamie Foxx played the role of Max Dillon/ Electro. He was given a story arc similar to that of Syndrome, the villain from The Incredibles. Foxx is an obsessed fan of Spider-Man who only wants people to notice him. I found that story to be interesting even though Jamie Foxx is given some laughable dialogue. Dane DeHann is in the film and is a better Harry Osborn than James Franco ever was in the original trilogy. Sally Field isn't in the film much but makes the most of her screen time. Paul Giamatti plays the Rhino and has a very annoying Russian accent. Fortunately his appearance here doesn't take up much time and is mostly a set up for future films.
   The Amazing Spider-Man 2 does suffer from poor pacing but is still an enjoyable film. It is more entertaining than the first film but too many story lines drag down the quality.
3.5/5
   That is the rating the it was going to receive and then the final 15 minutes of the film happened. Those final 15 minutes contained an emotional gut punch of a scene. It was shocking and unexpectedly violent for a superhero movie, especially a Spider-Man movie. The movie then holds you in grief before giving you something completely opposite. As the triumphant Spider-Man theme by Hans Zimmer plays, you are given a great moment of hope that closes out the film. If you end a movie strongly then the audience will forgive you for any missteps earlier in the film. Although it is a very flawed movie, it is also a great piece of entertainment with an abundance of heart.
4/5

LA Movie Review- Transcendence

   Dr. Will Caster is a scientist who is close to creating a new artificial intelligence, one capable of being smarter than the entire population of the world. Threatened by the possibility of Caster creating what could become a God, a terrorist group known as Rift attacks Dr. Caster. Fearing for his life, Will Caster's wife uploads his consciousness into a computer as a way of keeping him alive. Transcendence is directed by Wally Pfister and written by Jack Paglen. The movie stars Johnny Depp as Will Caster, Rebecca Hall as Evelyn  Caster, Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, and Kate Mara as the leader of Rift.

   This is Wally Pfister's first time as a director, he has primarily worked as a cinematographer. He worked on such films as The Dark Knight Trilogy, Memento, Moneyball and even won an Academy Award for Inception. Jack Paglen has never written a screenplay before this one. So what you have is a first time director directing a screenplay written by a first time writer. The combination of these elements make for a very lackluster film. That saddens me to say because not only was I looking forward to this movie, I also really wanted to see Wally Pfister succeed as a director. He made a movie with interesting ideas that ultimately go nowhere. The first third is the point at which the film peaked. It contains topics of morality which are interesting but at the same time there are little red flags in the beginning which are cringe worthy. You hope the film will get past them and continue to tell a compelling story but it never does. After the first third the film was moving very slowly and wrapped itself up with an unsatisfying finale. This film's science fiction element isn't anything we haven't seen before. Even the love story doesn't hit as strongly as it could have. The fact that the love story fails is a major reason why the movie isn't good. The love story between Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall is supposed to be the soul of the film and when that along with the sci-fi  isn't connecting you get a dry film. 

   Johnny Depp can be a terrific actor when he wants to be. Unfortunately here, the screenplay just doesn't allow that as he is essentially playing a computer. Rebecca Hall tries but her relationship with the computer just doesn't work unlike in the film Her, where a man falls in love with his operating system. The difference is in that film the operating system had a personality. In Transcendence we have Johnny Depp who has no personality at all for most of the film. It takes two to tango and as much as Rebecca Hall tries, the rule remains true. Kate Mara plays the leader of the terrorist group who believes Will Caster should be stopped. Once again, Kate Mara tries and the screenplay tries to make her a formidable opponent but you never really buy that. If the screenplay was better it would have expressed what the audience was thinking and that was that her character didn't have a snowball's chance in hell of victory. Cillian Murphy plays an FBI agent who along with Morgan Freeman is trying to stop this new Artificial Intelligence. Cillian Murphy as talented as he is brought nothing to this movie. I don't believe that's his fault either, there was just nothing to his character. The same goes for Morgan Freeman who had nothing to do in the movie. The once exception to all of this is Paul Bettnay who plays a scientist who was a friend of Dr. Caster. Paul was good in the film as he was a character who you understood and could get behind.

   There are good things about the film. Wally Pfister made a good looking film with the help of cinematographer Jess Hall. Jack Paglen raised some interesting ideas in the beginning of the film.  The other two thirds of the film really bring the quality down. It isn't helped by a one-note Johnny Depp and a cast that is mostly underwritten. This could have been a great sci-fi movie but unfortunately Transcendence  falls flat on too many levels.

2.5/5 

LA Movie Review- Captain America: The Winter Soldier

   When Captain America discovers that the line between freedom and fear is becoming more blurred than ever, he'll become a fugitive as he takes on corruption while battling his ever-haunting past.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is the newest film to be a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is however unlike any of the previous films that exist within that universe. This film doesn't fit into the superhero genre. It transcends it. Captain America II is an action filled political thriller that takes you on an incredible journey.
   Directors Anthony and Joe Russo's film is a game changer for the Marvel cinematic universe. They directed a film which contains the fun of previous Marvel movies while managing to take itself more seriously than any of the other Marvel movies. The brothers Russo seemed like an odd choice to direct this film as they have primarily directed sitcoms such  as Community and Arrested Development. They did a tremendous job with this film. They did a great job of building up tension in scenes that demanded it. There were plenty of moments where I believed characters would die. They took me right into their world and made me believe anything could happen in it. The action sequences were the strongest element of the movie. They were shockingly good. I don't mean in a way suggesting that I assumed they would be bad. I was shocked by how much they raised the bar with their action scenes as they are absolutely incredible. Every punch, kick, and throwing of a shield is hard hitting. The film has some truly intense moments during these scenes which make them all the more better. The tone set by the brothers is fun and exciting. The screenplay they directed ensured that their Marvel film would stick out from the others.
   Christopher Markus Stephen Mcfeely wrote the screenplay based on themes of trust and betrayal. They clearly have something to say about today's world and they say it through this film. Aside from their clear message on freedom, they also did a good job handling the characters. There are some scenes that don't work as well as you want them to. They don't hurt the film in a major way, but they still do hurt it. Aside from a few hiccups they do an exceptional job. They along with the brothers Russo did a great job of making this film feel like a political espionage type thriller.
   Chris Evans was great as Steve Rogers/Captain America. Evans has the unique role of playing a patriot from the past in today's world. You sense that freedom runs through this man's veins. Scarlett Johansson is given much more to due with her character in this film. She has a larger role than previous films an with it she is  funny, fierce, and a friend to Cap. She is quite good in the role of Black Widow, who is an ever growing character. Samuel L. Jackson's Nick Fury is also expanded upon in the film. He has trust issues like Bruce Banner has anger issues. There are also several new additions to the cast. Alexander Pierce is a new character in the film. He's a powerful and cunning individual played by the legendary Robert Redford. Anthony Mackie is a fun addition to the cast as Falcon, Captain America's partner. Sebastian Stan plays the mysterious Winter Soldier. He was a villain done right. He has great screen presence. He was a deadly character who was a legitimate threat to favorite shield carrying hero.
   The first superhero film of the year has set a high bar for those who follow it. This film has a relevant message and a layered plot with unparalleled action. This sequel raises the stakes to an unexpected level and is a guaranteed great time at the movies. The Russo brothers have delivered a film that in my opinion is as good as The Avengers. 
4.8/5

LA Movie Review- Noah

  

   Noah is a man chosen by God to see that the good in the world survives a forthcoming flood. To fulfill that responsibility Noah must build an ark, fend off armies, and make incredibly difficult moral decisions. Darren Aronofsky directs the film based on a screenplay that he co-wrote with Ari Handel.

   This is first and foremost Darren Aronofsky's film. Aronofsky takes creative control and he doesn't entirely follow the Noah story from the bible. Nor should he have. This is his take on the story and he does not need to limit the plot to what occurs on the pages. He expands on it, goes in different directions, and tells the story that he wanted to tell. The story he tells is very good. The way he tells the story places it on a massive scope, that you as an audience member feel from the beginning. He creates this strange and unfamiliar world that feels as though it exists outside of time. He fills it with things images and ideas you couldn't possibly imagine. His vision is unlike any recent biblical film.
   Noah contains the flavor of a war movie and even dips into the disaster film, making for a compelling drama, whose's tone is gritty and at times adventurous. All of that is blended into a film led by Russel Crowe.

   Russel Crowe is an immensely talented actor. He is given much to do in the role of Noah. He has to portray a father, a husband, and a defender. It isn't anything Crowe can't handle. He's terrific in the role of titular character. He is a man whose' faith is intact so much so, that he would do even the most unspeakable things for his creator. He's almost haunted by God and the responsibilities God has entrusted to him. Russel Crowe gives a great performance. Jennifer Connelly plays Noah's wife and she too is great in the film. You never doubt her because of what she brings to her performance. As Noah is in touch with God, his humanity fades in favor of the greater good. That's where Connelly adds to the film. She is the human side of Noah. She helps us connect to him because of how easy it is to connect with her character. Emma Watson is good in the film but she does take some adjusting too. When she first appears all you see is Emma Watson instead of the character. That all changes when her character arc is revealed, allowing you to buy into her as an important part of the film. Logan Lerman plays Noah's middle child, a character who has a sense of disconnect from his family. While at times selfish and cowardly, you always understand Lerman and the motivation for his actions. Ray Winstone plays the antagonist, a king who takes what he wants whenever he wants. The key to a good villain is that in their eyes they aren't a villain. This element is found in Winstone's character. Anthony Hopkins appears in a small but enjoyable role in the film as Noah's grandfather.
   The film is visually stunning. It was shot by cinematographer Matthew Libatique who also shot Black Swan and the first two Iron Man movies. The film's score has an epic feel to it, that was composed by one of my favorite composers, Clint Mansel. The screenplay by Ari Handel and Aronofsky is a compelling one. The writers flesh out each character and build toward moments with  weight and meaning. But there are moments where the film feels as though it loses its footing. Particularly between the first and second half of the film. The first focuses on the imminent flood while the second focuses especially on decisions of the family. The film is also quite long and doesn't end as strongly as it could have. The first half was more entertaining than the second half but the second half was more compelling than the first. That doesn't change the fact that Noah is a great film that was directed by a talented filmmaker.
4.3/5

LA Movie Review- Non-Stop

   An air marshall is put to the test when he receives text messages from an unknown passenger threatening to kill someone every twenty minutes unless they receive $150 million. The air marshall must try to keep the passengers alive while looking for the murder in the middle of a transatlantic flight. Liam Neeson's career as an action hero continues with this mystery-thriller.
   This movie really surprised me. It was less action, more suspense. I liked that about it. This movie really took its time in creating a suspenseful environment. It does a good job setting up possible suspects just like any other mystery. In the vein of 2011's Source Code, it takes advantage of the element of time and uses it efficiently as a way of creating a sense of panic and tension. Director Jaume Collet-Sera makes an enjoyable movie. Most of the time, I would be upset if the director chooses to use shaky cam for the action sequences but by placing the movie in such a compact setting, it makes sense.
   Liam Neeson plays the air marshall, who is being framed as a high jacker. Like all Neeson characters this one is smart, resourceful, and threatening. He does what Liam Neeson does and  that's always fun to watch. Julianne Moore is the female lead and she's fine in the movie. Recent best supporting actress winner Lupita Nyong'o is in the movie and has absolutely nothing to do. The rest of the cast is good, with no real standouts.
    Non-Stop is a good addition to the Liam Neeson archive of action. By no means is it perfect but it is an entertaining popcorn flick. This movie gave me exactly what I wanted from it.
3.7/5

LA Movie Review- 300: Rise of an Empire

 *Warning, there are spoilers for 300 in this review*

   Greek general Themistokles attempts to band together the rest of Greece in an effort to stop the conquering God-King, Xerxes. Noam Murro takes over the directing reigns from Zack Snyder in this prequel/sequel to 300.
   300 was known for its graphic novel-inspired visuals, slow motion, and bloody action. While Rise of an Empire has all of that, it is missing an essential element- a hero we can root for. The characters are more important than the story. If you don't care about the characters then you won't care about their story. That is the biggest problem that this movie has. In 300 we saw the life of King Leonidas from his birth to his death. We knew all there was to know about the character. In this film we learn very little about General Themistokles. There was nothing particularly special about him. In fact, it would have been impossible to differentiate between him or any of the soldiers if they didn't stick a blue cape on him. Sullivan Stapleton plays the generic general who just makes you long for Gerard Butler as Leonidas. Eva Green, however, is just the opposite. She overshadows Xerxes as the true villain of the story, Artemisia. Her performance is the best part of the movie. Eva's character is a damaged individual who is as manipulate as she is deadly. Eva really plays up the damaged part and makes you care about her character the most.
    Visually this film is similar to the original. Everything appears to have been shot on a green screen. The movie is just as violent and bloody as expected. The action for the most part looks good, but at times feels like a video game. The constant slow motion and CGI blood ensures that.
   The screenplay was written by Zack Snyder and Kurt Johnstad. It replaces most of the land action from the first one with naval battles. It feels unnecessary, but to their credit it was something we had never before seen in this world. Their screenplay is a generic one, which includes plot holes and rewrites the ending of the first movie. You read that correctly. They changed the ending from 300, which in my opinion, was much superior to the one it was replaced with. That film ended with10,000 Spartans commanding 30,0000 Greeks into battle against Xerxes' army. Apparently that wasn't good enough so they changed it in favor of something less hopefull.
   300: Rise of an Empire is not as entertaining as 300. It isn't everything you loved about the first but does have some of those things. The movie definitely benefits from Eva Green's performance, but it doesn't change the fact that this is a disappointing movie. If you turn your brain off then you may be able to find enjoyment in this movie. 300 set the bar high and this movie just didn't hit it.
3/5

LA Movie Review- The Wolf of Wall Street

     Based on a true story, The Wolf of Wall Street tells the tale of Jordan Belfort, a stock broker who creates his own  business, Stratton Oakmont. Jordan Belfort lives a life full of money, drugs, and sex. Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo Dicaprio and Jonah Hill in a film that is an instant classic. 

   "Stratton Oakmont is America"- Jordan Belfort. In all of its glory and decadence, it just may be. I believe Scorsese had that in his mind as he perfectly directed this fantastic story of rise and fall. Mr. Belfort is a man of multiple addictions and he will do whatever it takes to fulfill them. Jordan's confidence takes him through penny stocks, into his own firm, and allow him to emerge as The Wolf of Wall Street.

   Leonardo Dicaprio brings life to the  junkie. He delivers a performance layered with charisma and narcissism. This is a truly memorable character as he is the epitome of everything that is immoral. He's funny, smart, and selfish. Some moments do shine a light at some of the good within him but it doesn't change the fact that he is a terrible person. Leonardo Dicaprio proves that he is one of the best in the world at what he does with this performance. Jonah Hill plays Donnie Azoff, Belfort's right hand man. Hill is very funny as the bumbling stock broker. He has some great moments and really adds to the film. Margott Robbie's break out role is that of Jordan's mistress and second wife. Robbie brings presence to the screen while holding her own on screen with Dicaprio. Rob Reiner is funny in a supporting role and Matthew McConaughey steals a scene early in the film.

   Martin Scorsese directs a great script from Terence Winter. Some people may complain that the film is too long but there isn't one scene I would have cut out. Watching this film you feel that Scorsese was confident in his experience because of how bold this is. This is such a well made and engrossing film that its three hour running time flies by. 

   The Wolf of Wall Street is a great film that in my opinion was the best of 2013.

5/5  

LA Movie Review- The Lego Movie

LA Movie Review- The Lego Movie
   The Evil Lord Business threatens to mold the Lego universe into his own vision of perfection using a viscid weapon. Ordinary construction worker, Emmett, discovers the only thing that can stop that weapon- the piece of resistance. Having made this discovery he becomes known as "the special" and is expected to lead the Lego people to victory over Lord Business. 21 Jump Street directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller helm this animated adventure.
   This is a great movie. Anyone can enjoy this film, child or adult. The story and message transcend age. That message is if you believe you can be special then you will be. It consistent throughout this fast paced and very funny movie. It has great moments which reference pop culture and brings to screen characters that you would never thought you would see in a movie together. Phil Lord and Chris Miller did a great job directing. The screenplay is a clever piece of work by  Miller and Lord. The movie goes above and beyond the extra mile, even entering uncharted territory in the world of animated movies.
   The animation in the film is unlike anything done before in any other animated feature film. It is very, very cool. The movie looks like it was made up entirely out of Legos. It's amazing to watch this blend of CGI and  stop motion. I cannot believe how good of a job they did of putting you in that world. As I was watching it, I felt like I was watching actual Legos.
   All of the actors who lend their voices do good work.  Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, and Liam Neeson were all very funny.  I also quite enjoyed Will Arnett as Batman and the 21 Jump Street reunion in the film with Channing Tatum as Superman and Jonah Hill as Green Lantern.
   On the downside, not every joke landed for me and it may take a few minutes to adjust to the animation.  Other than those petty complaints I don't see why anyone couldn't enjoy this movie which not only evokes Toy Story in similarity but in heart as well. This movie really brings it in the final act.  It catches you by surprise and starts tugging at your heart in ways you couldn't even imagine. The Lego Movie is a fun, interesting, movie that if could only be described in one word; that word would be special.
4.2/5

LA Movie Review- The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

   Walter Mitty is an avid day dreamer who works for a magazine company which happens to be going under. The company receives a special picture which will be the cover for the final magazine. When the picture is lost, Walter Mitty will attempt to find it by traveling the world in search of the photographer. Ben Stiller directs and stars in this film.    

   Ben Stiller directed one of my favorite comedies of all time Tropic Thunder. Going into film I had high ecpectations. This film is beautifully shot by cinematographer Stuart Dryburgh. Every frame of the film is visually appealing. Ben Stiller tries telling a story about taking chances and going after what you want but the message is lost in this uninteresting film. Boring may be a better word. I hate to say it as I was anticipating this movie but I was ultimately disappointed by it. Unfortunately this film contains next to no laughs. The day dreaming sequences work in the movie, particularly a fight sequence with Adam Scott which was a highlight of the film. The main story is just too dull to bother caring about. 

   Stiller plays Mitty dry, without any humor. He was capable of doing more with the role and didn't. Kristen Wigg does not bring any laughs into the film either. She is Walter's love interest in the film and inspiration. Sean Penn has a small part in the movie and he is fine in it. He's actually the only interesting character.

   When a movie is bad the first person that needs to be blamed is the director. Ben Stiller is a talented enough director that he should have known that the story was not working.  He should have seen that the screenplay was dull and lifeless. It disappoints me that he didn't. Considering how good Tropic Thunder was, I am holding out hope that  his next directorial effort will be better and that this was only a hiccup.

   The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a visually appealing but ultimately boring film.

2/5

LA Movie Review- Her

   Taking place in the not so distant future, a recently divorced man falls in love with Samantha, his charming computer operating system. Spike Jonze directs this incredibly beautiful and unique love story. Spike Jonze's film is one with an unbelievable screenplay which he wrote himself, wonderful performances, and great art direction. 

   Opening with Joaquin Phoenix  reading a love letter, you can tell you are in for something special. This is a story about love and all that it can cause and all of it's effects it can have on people. After being divorced Theodore Twombly, played engagingly by Joaquin Phoenix, feeling the loss of love in his life, decides to download an operating system with a personality. They fall for each other in a story unlike any other. Along the way, they face the challenges of their relationship which include criticism from others and the limitations they face.
   Joaquin Phoenix is terrifically engaging in the film. You feel for his character in each scene, whether he's enjoying the delightful conversations he has with Samantha or is having is heart broken. You smile when he smiles and when his heart is breaking you feel it like a dagger in your own. Scarlett Joahnsson lends her voice to Samantha who is curious, understanding, and loving to Theodore. Amy Adams is good in everything she is in and I cannot fathom why she is not getting more recognition for her work here. Rooney Mara plays Theodore's ex-wife in the film and she does so much with so little lines. Chris Pratt, whose star is glowing brighter and brighter, provides comic relief in the film.
   Her, as a love story, is so different from many other romantic movies but at times it falls into the same predictable plot points they all seem to have. It is original enough that these common moments can be over looked by some, but if Spike Jonze was going to write such an original story then he should have gone the extra mile. Still, Spike Jonze did a fantastic job, especially collaborating with his art director to create such an interesting visual world.
   All of that being said, or rather read, Her is still an immensely beautiful love story that has no equal.
4.5/5