Point Break

I recall seeing the original version of this film and I recall the cast of characters (i.e., Patrick Swayze, Keanu Reeves, and Gary Busey).  Do I recall the plot?  No…not really!  I think it had something to do with an undercover constable/police officer seeking to ensnare a surfer for a crime.  (Remember: An individual is innocent until proven guilty.)

In the new film, I only recognized one character – Delroy Lindo.  Who else played in the film?  It doesn’t matter!  The film, its scenery, and action sequences were much larger than any of its cast.

Recommendation: See this film in the theater today.  If not, take it home as your 1st DVD pick, or move it to the top of your streaming queue.

Starring: Who cares?!

JOY

If Joy Mangano’s real life was anything like the film, I applaud you Ms. Mangano. Thank you for finding your voice and refusing to accept the reality that was presented to you.  You are indeed a dragon slayer; I do not understand how Tony Robbins could have missed telling this inspiring story. 

This movie will definitely go into my collection of inspirational films.    

Recommendation: See this film in the theater today.  If not, take it home as your 1st DVD pick, or move it to the top of your streaming queue.

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Diane Ladd, Dascha Polanco, Edgar Ramirez, Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Robert De Niro, Elisabeth Röhm, Virginia Madsen

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Awesome!  Too bad awesome does not necessarily mean good.

During three quarters of the film, I felt like I was watching a cartoon.  The only time I could take the film seriously was when Oscar Isaac appeared on the screen.  In the remaining portion, the film found its legs.  (It seemed a necessary shift to properly launch future films.)

If you are feeling nostalgic and you want to see some old faces, this film is for you.  If you do not want to see the same story told in a slightly differently way, you may want to pause before spending your hard earned money to see Star Wars in the theater.

Recommendation: Take it home as your 2^nd DVD pick, or randomly add it to your streaming queue.

Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver

CREED

Outstanding!  Creed – the perfect cast, soundtrack, and story collided.

Each of the film’s (seemingly) eclectic cast members executed his/her respective roles with precision.  As the film’s storyline delivered its staggering combinations of excitement, sorrow, and disappointment the film’s awesome soundtrack intensified every blow.

I left the movie theater wondering why I became so emotionally invested in this film.  Now, I know…It was GREAT!

Recommendation: See this film in the theater today.  If not, take it home as your 1st DVD pick, or move it to the top of your streaming queue.

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew, and Andre Ward

Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

The Hunger Games series became better as they were released; Mockingjay Part 2 was the better of the  installments.  The film was four or five minutes longer than necessary, but it was great!  Lots of action, intrigue, and lust/love. Although, the lust/love element was inconsequential to the film.

Hey, it is finally done!!!! 

 

That being said, go see this film in the theater.  If not, take it home as your 1^st DVD pick, or move it to the top of your streaming queue.

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Elizabeth Banks, and Stanley Tucci

Note to Evan Ross: Don’t make a habit of dying in films!

Spectre

If you are a Bond fan, go see this film in the theater immediately! You should really enjoy the semi-realistic action and fight scenes. 

 

Like me, you will also appreciate seeing Bond hop from one country to another.  The constant change of setting makes for great movie watching.  However, I felt the director forced me to eye guzzle the landscape in Spectre.  It was as if the director couldn’t depend on me to form a gestalt.  The director had to ram it down my retina.  (He should have learned a lesson from the Bourne Identity: Make the scenery a subtle, yet amazing character in the film.) 

 

The only thing that could have made the film better were a few casting changes:

Dwayne Johnson – Mr. Hinx

Colin Firth – M

Simon Pegg – Q

Monica Bellucci –still beautiful, but it is time to start considering other types of roles.

Question: Was it me?  Or, has James Bond had his license to kill softened?  Perhaps Bond (now) has a license to kill when the assailant possess an immediate threat.  Not killing, caused Bond a lot of trouble later on.

Anyway, if you are not going to see this film in the theater take it home as your 1^st DVD pick.  And/Or, move it to the top of your streaming queue.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Dave Bautista, Naomie Harris, and Ralph Fiennes