Hands of Stone

No Mas                                                                             1/5


Standout
    De Niro...for the most part

True Story
     The story of Roberto Duran is one worth telling








Rotten Tomatoes 45%                                 Cinemascore: N/A

I walked into Hands of Stone void of expectations. Before this film I hadn't even heard of Roberto Duran, which is what made my experience watching this movie all the more disappointing. The action isn't impactful, scenes are scarcely directed well, and the script is saturated with fat and fluff. All this is frustrating because there seems to be a great movie to be made behind this story, it just wasn't captured onto film. For what its worth De Niro steels almost every scene he's in, its good to see him not mailing in a preformance for a change. Ramirez, as Duran, was strong and Usher, as Sugar Ray Leonard, wasn't awful. Hands of Stone is a poor movie with several strong performances, maybe in a couple more years we can get a movie about Roberto Duran that does both.

Mechanic: Resurrection

Let it Stay Dead                                                                1/5


Action Packed
    People get punched, their are explosions

B Movie
     If nothing else this movie can be enjoyed as an action movie from yesteryear








Rotten Tomatoes 24%                                   Cinemascore: B+

Look, nobody thought Mechanic: Resurrection was going to be great on release. For nothing else this movie can be enjoyed as an action fix or as one of those classic B movies you watch because its so mediocre. However. when it comes to my experience, I found no enjoyment outside of laughing at how bad this movie was sometimes.

Mechanic: Resurrection desperately wants to be the thinking mans action splurge, but it consistently shoots itself in the foot. For example: the villain main plan to lure Arthur Bishop (Statham) out of hiding is to have him fall in love with an agent he's blackmailing (Alba) so that he can kidnap her and use him as leverage against him. Statham, being the badass this film says he is, catches on to this and exposes the whole plan before he can fall for her. And now what happens after this unexpected turn? Well what do you think, he falls for her anyway, she gets kidnapped and now you have your action set up. I'm not exaggerating it's that forced.

Mechanic: Resurrection is just plain silly. Its action is over the top, its characters are vomiting cliches and for a good many people this will be exactly what they want. I don't hate this movie but I'm not a person who likes shutting their brain off to enjoy something. I want to engage in a movie, buy into it's world or have a discussion along with it. I hope this movie makes its money back though, otherwise unless Statham finds another niche (comedy prehaps?), he may go the way of the action B movie with it.

War Dogs

Scorsese Lite                                                                    3/5


Political
    As Teller says, this movie is essentially a case study in Bush era administration arms dealing

Foreshadowing
     Small chapter titles foreshadow the upcoming section while also raising the tension and the stakes. 

True Story
     This is real, something like this actually happened.

Perfect Preformance
     Jonah Hill as Efriam gives a chilling preformance, one part brilliant and one part unhinged



Rotten Tomatoes 61%                                   Cinemascore: B

While not as funny as the trailers let on, War Dogs is still a well constructed story about two guys who get into the world of back door arms dealing and ultimately get in over their head. It's not an exceptionally deep film, most of it's commentary is placed out in the open for discussion, but it's strengths are aligned with its protagonist David (Teller) and Efriam (Hill). Over the course of the narrative their 'friendship' slowly evolves into something ugly, which parallels the nature of the world their exploiting. Each section of the film opens with a quote that one of the characters says later in that same section. While a little off putting at first, Phillips (the director) uses this as an effective means to building tension and subtle foreshadowing. It's a little Tarantino-like in design but ultimately just as effective. The script is one that I could easily see a director like Scorsese tackling with its gritty underbelly yet dramatic climb to sucess, Phillips does an admirable job where he can and the circumstance of the material is only a compliment. All in all, War Dogs is an effective political drama which frames the sins of yesterday into a quality character piece discussing exploitation and corruption.

Seven Memorable Summer Movies

Another summer down, another season of blockbuster movies behind us. To say the truth we had few blockbusters to be excited about this summer, and only several of those really delivered, but with my favorite time of year now directly behind us its time to honor what movies really stole the show. Just to be clear, the summer movie season tenacity begins in May considering thats when the biggest blockbusters begin rolling out on a weekly basis, any movie that came out in May or early June is eligible even though summer began on June 21st. Also Im only considering movies that I've seen and that got a wide release, I live in a small community in Massachusetts, I don't get to see everything let alone the movies that only get released on 100 screens. I also tried to vary the list as much as possible, keeping if fresh with a variety of action, comedy and family affair. With that in mind, let's see if your favorites were my favorites too:

Captain America: Civil War

Half a year gone and Captain America: Civil War is still my favorite movie of 2016. This movie delivered much of what I wanted and even some spoonfuls I wasn't expecting. In the year we got Deadpool, Civil War was a stronger story about revenge. In a year with Batman v Superman, the battle between Cap and Tony represented a greater collision of ideals. It's easily the best comic book movie of the year, by far the greatest action movie of the year and still a clear winner for my favorite of 2016 so far. But there are still six other films from this summer that will stick in my memory.

The Nice Guys

Too few people saw The Nice Guys, and its really a shame. It seems everybody wants to jump down Hollywoods throat when it comes to reboots, sequels and spinoffs but here is an original film that nobody seemed to care about. Not only was it completely original, it was terrifically acted, expertly directed, delightfully funny and absurdly compelling from beginning to end. Crow, Gosling and Black put a big smile on my face for two whole hours, its too bad it only stuck around for several weeks in May.


Popstar: Never Stop, Never Stopping

When I recommended this movie at the box office, I was usually laughed at. One person even called me gay because suggested it to him. Jokes on those guys because I wasn't lying Popstar is my favorite comedy of 2016 so far. It's a complete satire of other documentaries that stars like Justin Bieber (if you can even call them that) put out for their fans, and its spearheaded by the creative minds of Lonely Islands for SNL. I laughed really hard at this movie, and some of the songs are so good (in a comedic since) that I still listen to them for a gentle laugh.


The Secret Life of Pets

Ya, there is no Dory on this list, but I have to stick what was more memorable to me and after a month and a half that movie is The Secret Life of Pets. This movie is just plain harmless fun, nothing remarkable or distinctly compelling but just fun. It's the first movie from Illumination Entertainment that I actually enjoyed, and thats saying a lot considering Illumination has had some of the biggest animated hits since PIXAR. Now Pets holds the record for the biggest opening for an original movie, a record I don't anticipate going anywhere soon.

Star Trek: Beyond

Star Trek: Beyond was so good. I was nervous when Justin Lin replaced Orsi (not because I disliked Lin but I didn't want Paramount to turn Star Trek into a pure action franchise) and I was even more nervous when that first trailer dropped and the studio said they wanted Star Trek to be more like "Avengers". I'm really glad after all that drama this is the final result. Star Trek Beyond worked as a character piece, as a space opera, as a fun adventure film. More importantly Star Trek: Beyond was everything it needed to be to ensure the franchises legacy going forward. If you haven't seen it yet, go to the theatre, there is still time.

Sausage Party

I never assumed Sausage Party would stick with me like it had. Not only is it really funny, but its a surprisingly deep allegory for the nature of faith and organized religion.Well acted and hilariously realized, Sausage Party is worth checking out not only because you'll probably laugh yourself stupid (especially at the food orgy at the end) but you'll also have a bit a substance with the stupid.

Kubo and the Two Strings

Ah Kubo, the kids epic to release this year that really isn't for kids. Remarkably animated and passionately crafted, Kubo and the Two Strings is one of the best animations to come out in a year with plenty of competition. Please if you have not yet, I recomend seeing this film in theatres. Its one of the best 3D experiences I have had in a long time, one of the best original stories to come out this year, and one of the most ballsy movies in family animation since The Lion King. Kubo and the Two Strings isn't being forgotten anytime soon.


Well that's it. Thanks for reading as always, and if your favorite this movie wasn't on the list, don't worry, this is a list of my most memorable movies this summer so nobody is going to have the same seven (well maybe we will but you get where I'm coming from). Feel free to post any thoughts or your own list in the comments below, or check out my other reviews from this summer from the side bar. Summer is coming to a close, but, like every year, we have new tokens to remember it by. Bring on the fall!

Kubo and the Two Strings

An Emotional Epic for Everyone                                        4/5


Stunning
     This movie is beautiful and see it in 3D if you can

Thematic
     Themes of Family, Imagination, Trust and Legacy all are in play here

Epic
     An adventure thats larger then the characters themselves

Crowd Pleaser/ Ripe
     A 96 on Rotten Tomatoes and an A on Cinemascore!



Rotten Tomatoes 96%                                     Cinemascore: A

To really appreciate Kubo and the Two Strings you have to think about it for a little while, everything you saw has to sink in. Provided by the team at LAIKA, Kubo is another clay stop motion animated picture like their Coraline or Paranorman. It tells the tale of Kubo who must embark on a quest to find his fathers armor in the wake of a terrible danger, and like all great epics, the adventure is merely a devise to shepard the true story forward. Kubo is a story that deserves to be heard, and despite several flaws in its execution, I would implore anybody who has the slightest curiosity to go see it. It's is a beautiful film that will make you gaze at awe at one moment and shock you the next. See this one in 3D if you can, you can thank me after.

Sausage Party

Filling in the Comedy Hole this Summer                            3/5


Funny as Hell
     Of course I laughed! Have you seen this movies trailer?

Thematic
     I shit you not this movie has one of the more profound theme/message this year.

Dat Cast!
     I mean look at that cast! It beautiful! They even pulled Norton into this madness






Rotten Tomatoes 82%                                     Cinemascore: B

Is Sausage Party the best comedy I've seen this year? No (Though its close). Is it the best animation I've seen this year? No. However, Sausage Party may the most perplexing movie Ive seen this year though, it's not as funny as I thought it would be but it makes up for it with a bulk of commentary on organized religion and the nature of theocracy. Sausage Party is essentially a metaphor for our own world populated with various ethnicities believing multiple interpretations of the same thing. You see, in the grocery store Shopwells, all the food their believes that when a person buys them they are chosen to be taken to the great beyond where eternal happiness awaits them. The correlation continues when food sees that different foods are treated differently considering when they expire or if their damaged, resulting in each type of food forming their own exclamation as to why this is and how to maintain their "purity" in order to gain favor of their gods. Now, I'm no philosopher but I really didn't expect this level of depth in a movie that is animated and featuring food just to get away with torture porn and sexual innuendos all in the name of comedy. The humor dries in Sausage Party dries up pretty fast(at least until the last 15 minutes) considering they tend to recycle the same jokes for shock value, but this is much more then just a superficial R-rated comedy that happens to be animated. Believe it or not if you like a little allegory with your cinema, then a perfect helping debuted this weekend.

Pete's Dragon

 A Boy and his Dragon                                                     3/5


Full of Heart
     Though the movie pulls on the heart stings as much as it can, sometimes it works

Perfect Tone
     Pete's Dragon feels like a folklore being retold considering its setting

Original Song
     Something Wild by Lindsey Stirling and The Dragon Song are both standouts

Cinemascore Win!
   As shown below, Pete's Dragon scored a convented A on Cinemascore



Rotten Tomatoes 86%                                   Cinemascore: A

Pete's Dragon is the third live action adaptation of a classic disney story this year, the first of which was the fantastic Jungle Book and the second being the not so fantastic Alice Through the Looking Glass, but whereas The Jungle Book is more or less a direct translation of the classic animated movie (plus or minus a few changes) Pete's Dragon takes a more drastic approach. The plot, the characters, even the setting is changed this time around to adapt the lesser revered Pete's Dragon from 1977, and it works, it works really well. Making Elliot (the dragon) a physical entity gives the whole film a since of magic and wonderment, but unlike many other films, Pete's Dragon allows itself to breath throughout the movie leading to some heartfelt moments. All credit goes to David Lowery for this, you can tell that a lot of care and heart was put into this project, and this summer that's something really refreshing.

Pete's Dragon is a very good film, but their are a few nitpicks here and their I should point out that held the film back from being as great as I think it could have been. For one, the protagonist, Pete isn't all that interesting. We're told throughout the story that Pete is brave, but his actions are more dictated by fear and uncertainty then bravery. Also the rest of the cast outside of Elliot is relatively simple, and can be describe via a few adjectives. It's all not a big deal just holds the film back from being to deep or compelling. Finally like many movies this one also has a weak third act, sure its exciting but considering the tone the film struck with me I would have liked a more subdued climax.

All in all though I really liked Pete's Dragon, more I thought I would when I first heard about this movie. It strikes a near perfect tone, the relationship between Pete and Elliot is handled really well, and the movie can strum up a few feels. If your curious check this one out, if your like me you might be surprised by what you find.

Notice, August 11

Just another quick update. Since I have to work each day this weekend, Im going to be a little behind on the movies coming out, including Pete's Dragon, Sausage Party and Florence Foster Jenkins. I want to see all of these movies so I will have quick reviews and thoughts up in time.

Suicide Squad

Just a little bit Insane                                                      3/5



Soundtrack
    You herd them in the trailers, and their all in the film

Standout!
     Will Smith as Deadshot is his best blockbuster role in years

Original Song
    Its called Heathens by Twenty One Pilots and its awsome. 

Thematic
    Themes of Redemption and Sacrifice are highlighted throughout 


Rotten Tomatos 26%                                    Cinemascore: B+

The only reason I give Suicide Squad a passing score is because their are sparks of brilliance in this film, and ultimately despite the films various flaws they shine through and delivered me a fun time. However buyer beware, Suicide Squad's plot and pacing is just as zany as some of its titled characters: plotholes, awkward cuts and editing decision, all this and more exist in spades in this DCEU sequel. Even some of the character motivations and origins are poorly explained and executed. Check your mind at the door ladies and gentlemen, this film will defy your understanding otherwise.

First let me address the positives. Positive number one: the performances. Everybody here has a character to fill and for the most part they all do it well, particularly Will Smith as Deadshot, who embodies the heart and soul of the Suicide Squad while also caring most of the action on his shoulders. Positive number two: the message. This is a film about redemption; Director David Ayer in an interview said that the difference between being just a bad guy and being evil is that even a bad guy can be redeemed. This movie emphasizes this message very well; I site a remember a particular scene featuring The Squad at a bar that won me over. Lastly this movie caries a particular swagger to it and its just plain fun. The same swagger and fun may have been lost somewhere in the second act, but its still worth acknowledging it effectiveness in introducing the cast.

Now for the negatives, and dare I say there are many so I'll try to summarize. The biggest flaw by far in Suicide Squad are the various plotholes, the biggest of which are Jared Leto's Joker and star Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn. The two characters are played very well, but simply put there was no need for either character to be in this movie. Its a shame too because these characters are iconic, yet while watching the movie it became apparent quickly that Harley Quinn serves as a detriment to her team. If Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is so tactical, why did she enlist Harley who would ultimately bring out the joker risking her entire operation? It's just poor script writing and feels more forced then anything. This is just one of the many plotholes that plague the production, but the muck doesn't stop there. A lot of the action is poorly edited and just uninteresting, characters leave and show up with barely any warning, and the last ten minutes is a complete clusterf**k.

This year the DCEU released two movies. Batman v. Superman tried to be grand and philosophical but fell on its head and dropped the goods. Suicide Squad doesn't make the mistake of being bigger then it should be, and instead when it fails (and it fails a lot) it doesn't feel as disappointing. Perhaps thats secret strategy of Suicide Squad, shrinking the scope so that when it fumbles its not out of it's league. Maybe it's just a bad movie and I'm only going soft on it because I love comic book adaptations? But despite all this I genially believe their are nuggets of greatness in this movie that deserve greater thought and discussion to them, the irony is you have to check your brain at the door to ignore everything else.

Should Ghostbusters get a Sequel?

As of today, August 3rd, the new Ghostbusters has made just over 160 million worldwide. To put that in perspective the movie cost 144mil to make and the movie likely had a marketing budget around 50-70million dollars (we'll just stay with 50 to be safe) so Ghostbusters is still in the red. If the movie keeps going strong on the domestic front Sony might make just enough to break even (especialally considering theaters keep a chunk of the profits) and that's not what this movie was meant to do. Ghostbusters is a family friendly, multigenerational property that has been ripe for a reboot for years. The movie wasn't awful either, I mentioned in my review that I though it was pretty funny only held back by its generic tendencies.

So all this got me thinking, Does Ghostbusters deserve a sequel? Sony has been promising a sequel despite the mediocre preformance so we still might get one. If it were up to me I would say sure; there is just enough good in Ghostbusters to warrant seeing these characters again. A sequel is also a great chance to fix what was wrong the first time around, next time we may get more laughs and less forced cameos.

Unfortunately I don't really think a sequel is worth it for Sony. The marketing for this movie turned into a war zone of tragic misrepresentations. The trailers were awful and the fan reception was even uglier. If you hated this movie you were sexist, if you were looking forward to this movie then you were betraying the original classic. There really is no middle ground on the internet sometimes, and Ghostbusters brought that polarization to light.

Ultimately I think this issue resolves into two camps with vastly different answers. Does Ghostbusters deserve a sequel? I would say yes because I think this is a franchise with plenty of potential to go up (especially now that the internet shit storm that it stirred is behind us). But is Ghostbusters worth a sequel? To that and to Sony as well I think it's a no. When all is said and done this movie will preform marginally over minimum sucess. The hell that Sony suffered in large part to their marketing and the nature of the property was adapting is reason enough to call a shut down. Who really knows though, maybe Ghostbusters 2 is still in the cards. Maybe Sony has a plan to make the sequel twice as good, maybe they'll really nail the marketing next time around. Only time will tell but I think we can all safely, and promptly, lay this Ghostbusters to a well earned rest.

Bad Moms

Good Girls Gone Bad                                                         2/5


Its funny
     I had several belly laughs over the hour

Crowd Pleaser
     An A on Cinemasore and an applause after the credits in my theatre









Rotten Tomatos 63%                                       Cinemascore: A

My biggest concern going into Bad Moms was with Mila Kunis (as Amy Mitchell) both as a mom and a comedic lead, truth be told though she's the best part about this movie. Bad Moms is funny and is defiantly going to be a favorite for any "Moms" on a girls night out (which seems to be the main audience from my experience). Bad Moms deserves the praise its getting but what holds it back for me is just some standard script problems. For a movie about a woman trying to become her best self, and seperate from societies expectations, the script really doesn't try too. Did this movie really need a villian to victimize Amy? Was a romance between Amy and the hot dad (in the midst of a divorce) essential to the plot? No, not at all. These elements were constructed simply to justify Amy's actions and to give the audience someone to root for and against. Funny? Yes. But a compelling story is absent under the promise of girl power the movie boast proudly of.

Jason Bourne

Bourne into Action                                                              3/5


World Adventure
     Athens, Greece; Berlin, Germany and Vegas are all featured locals

Action Packed
     Its a Bourne film with Greengrass, What did you expect?
   







Rotten Tomatos 57%                                         Cinemascore: A-

Jason Bourne is a great action movie trapped within a generic film. The plot of most action movies are rarely exceptional, but the spy genre has had its bar raised with recent movies such as 2012s Skyfall, 2014s Winter Solider and last years Mission Impossible: Rouge Nation. Jason Bourne works best in one of it's several action set pieces or fantastic chase scenes, and begins to drag when the plot needs to kick in to recycle the same "global surveillance" plot (featured in most the movies listed above) and to remind us how bad Tommy Lee Jones is as a corrupt government director. Despite its clear flaws Jason Bourne is still a great reminder as to why the original trilogy is still beloved, Greengrass knows how to direct action and thats absolutely the case here.