Movie Review Monday: St. Vincent

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2014 dramatic comedy, St. Vincent, starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, and Naomi Watts.

I stumbled across this movie the other day on Netflix, and it was a decent viewing experience that went in some unexpected directions; some good, some bad. Overall, it is a unique film that is cute and has a lot of heart.

Bill Murray stars as Vincent, who begins to warm up to his new neighbor's child, Oliver, after he starts to babysit for him after school. They get up to some wild adventures, and Vincent helps Oliver feel more at home as his parents are going through a messy divorce. His mom (McCarthy) feels like a very realistic, down to Earth representation of a single working mom. Murray does pretty well in his role too, as does the actor playing Oliver. Watts plays a prostitute and stripper with a heart of gold that Vincent frequents.

There are some twists that I won't spoil here, and those are what worked and didn't work for me at the same time. The movie goes down weird, dark turns but still maintains a positive course towards an ending I think works mostly well. It can't figure out a consistent tone or message, but the climax is definitely satisfying. It is a solidly average movie for me overall.

You can check out St. Vincent for yourself streaming right now on Netflix.

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Movie Review Monday: Save the Date

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2012 romantic dramedy Save the Date, starring Lizzy Caplan, Alison Brie, Martin Starr, and Mark Webber.

The film follows sisters Sarah (Caplan) and Beth (Brie) as they both go on different paths in their love lives. Sarah is trying to figure out what she wants while she begins to get serious with a long time boyfriend, and Beth is planning her wedding, committed to her partner for the long haul.

I labelled this movie as a romantic dramedy (drama + comedy) because it isn't laugh out loud funny but it does have some funny moments. It deals with something many people struggle with as they grow up; figuring out who you want to be with for the rest of your life. A tried and true premise for a film, this movie brings a modern veneer to it but not much else. It is sort of a timeless story that plays off the journey of Sarah mostly in a very subtle way. She's a frustrating character but one that I think people can empathize with either from their own lives or people they know.

I enjoyed this movie enough. It was pretty average and I didn't like the ending that much. It wasn't enough of anything to really engage me (much like my last review for American Ultra). Save the Date was a little better than that film, but it still wasn't great. It didn't resonate with me and I won't really think much about it now afterwards. I liked all the actors in it though and they did a fine job with what they were given.

You can catch Save the Date streaming right now on Netflix.

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Movie Review Monday: 10 Cloverfield Lane

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2016 thriller, 10 Cloverfield Lane, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman.

I had been curious about this film after hearing some good buzz about it earlier this year. It is something unique, engaging, and fresh that presents a bold new front for franchise film-making.

We meet Michelle (Winstead) at the beginning of the movie, who gets in a car accident and is "rescued" by Howard (Goodman) and is being held in an underground bunker. Howard tells Michelle that the world outside is unsafe and he did her a favor by getting her down into the safety of the bunker. Michelle is suspicious and schemes to find a way out into a possibly unsafe world outside.

The movie is claustrophobic, intimate, and intense. Goodman delivers a great performance as a quiet, powerful, and quirky character. The thrills land each and every time, and there is this sneaking question in the back of your head the whole time of Howard's true intentions and if the world outside truly is unsafe (no spoilers!). The movie reminded me a lot of the recent movie, Room, which shared the sense of tight, up close anxiety (You can stream Room right now on Amazon Prime).

You really shouldn't go into this movie knowing too much. The reveals are half the fun but even without them, the acting and intensity of the movie are worth it. I knew that the movie exists in the same universe as it's spiritual predecessor Cloverfield (2008). Other than that, I didn't know anything about this movie. That connection can get the gears moving for you, but I honestly only knew the premise of the prior film, but now after seeing (and enjoying) 10 Cloverfield Lane, I'm going to seek out the original to get more background.

You can rent 10 Cloverfield Lane now from your favorite On Demand service or from Redbox.

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Movie Review Monday: A.C.O.D.

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2013 dark comedic drama, A.C.O.D (Adult Children of Divorce) starring Adam Scott, Jane Lynch, and Amy Poehler among others in a solid ensemble cast.

Two things to start off: this is my first new movie review in a while, so thank you for your patience, and I did not like this movie. I had high hopes with the unique premise and awesome cast (including two of my favorites, Scott and Poehler from Parks and Rec) but it ultimately did not pan out.

The great cast wasn't given too much to do to and the plot was middling and frustrating. Sometimes when movies showcase realistic, selfish characters, it is refreshing and insightful. This movie did not accomplish that. It was just frustrating. It also didn't focus enough for me. It had a lot it wanted to do and balance, but it ended up fumbling for me. I watched this with my partner, and she wasn't a fan either. We wanted more resolution and more to grab onto in terms of the plot and any takeaways. I get that it didn't resolve anything just like life doesn't. Life just keeps on going. But I have seen other movies do a far better job handling a lack of firm resolution.

If you're looking for an uproariously funny comedy or a heartfelt drama, look elsewhere. This movie doesn't give much but a few good moments in what ultimately feels like a meandering hour and a half.

I'll have something better for you next week!

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Room

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the award season darling, Room (2015), starring Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay.

An intense, emotional drama, the story follows Larson and Tremblay as a mother and her son, Jack, who have been trapped in small room for years. As Jack grows older, Ma (Larson) begins to yearn for more for her son. As they devise a plan to escape, the outside world begins to look more harrowing than their simple existence inside.

Both Larson and Tremblay are incredible in this movie and have to be as they carry most of the story on their shoulders. We are up close and personal with both of them, getting an intimate glimpse into their unique way of life. We see the small joys, the hard moments, and the clever ways they make the most of their space. Something else I like about this movie is how timeless it is. It could happen anywhere at any time. It doesn't date itself in anyway. There is also some neat cinematography, as a lot of the shots inside the room where literally done in the small area itself, versus doing some type of camera wizardry. It helps to really give a raw, real feel and the give a sense of the claustrophobic nature of living in such small space.

I watched this movie with my partner, and we were both immediately invested, getting tense as the story unfolded and feeling everything right alongside the main characters. Watching movies that are award season fodder tends to be hit or miss for me, but I was very pleased with this movie. It is a dark, real look at how an experience would play out on all levels.

I recommend you check out Room, which you can rent from Redbox, or rent/buy from your favorite video on demand provider.

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekly Geek Outs - 01/29/16

Greetings!

Hope all is well with everyone out there! I'm happy to give this weekly post of mine a little bit of a refresh, courtesy of the excellent design work of Alice Rugoletti, She was kind enough to whip this up for me (as well as my new main logo) to allow for an image unique and custom-made that is solely my own. You'll see something new for my movie reviews as well, so get excited for that.

Without further ado, here's what is going on in my world this week:

• The Man in the High Castle

I've been checking out this Amazon Original Series that depicts an alternate 1960s America where we lost World War II and the country is divided between Japan and Germany. Based on an acclaimed novel of the same name, we follow a small resistance that is trying to fight their overlords from the shadows. It's pretty grim and dark, but as a history major, I enjoy this intriguing setting for a show. I haven't finished the first season but I am going to finish it soon, unlike other shows I've invested time in lately, like Heroes Reborn, of which I will not be wasting any more time with.

• Parenthood

I've been slowing working my way through this show with my partner, and we just began season 3. I geeked out about this show several months ago, and while it has been slow going so far, we have really enjoyed it. The drama and comedy are great as well as the emotional family moments, which never fail to warm my heart. It's another great show to share with my partner too, so I look forward to continuing to watch it with her. You can find it all on Netflix if you want to check out the entire series yourself.

• 7 Days in Hell

This one-off comedy event came out a little while on HBO, and before my trial expired, I checked it out since I had remembered hearing good things about it. It stars Andy Samberg and Kit Harrington (of Game of Thrones fame) in a sports mockumentary about this epic, never ending tennis match. It is silly, smart satire that is also just ridiculous enough without being over the top. I'm a pretty big Andy Samberg fan and this is true to form for him, so if you get the chance to watch it, definitely do so!

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What I'm Geeking Out About This Week - 01/15/16

Greetings!

Here's what is going on in my world this week:

• True Detective, Season 1

My partner and I blew through this over this past weekend, and we really enjoyed it. We had friends who had recommended it to us for a bit, and with my trial of HBO Now that I was playing around with (more on that later) we decided to check the show out. It's a slow burning, haunting, journey into a dark world of crime and mystery. Led masterfully by the two main actors, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the show pulls you in and takes you on this long, winding journey towards the truth about what happened in this bizarre fictional case that took place several years before. We haven't checked out season two yet (I've heard conflicting reports of its quality) but at the very least, I'm glad we checked out season one.

• Silicon Valley

This was another show that I had heard some good things about. I am a fan of some of the actors and creative people behind this show, but unfortunately, I am not a huge fan of this show. It isn't bad or off-putting in any way, it just felt bland to me. Granted, I only watched the first handful of episodes, but still, there is so much good, scripted television out there that I don't feel the need to invest a bunch of time into a show that just doesn't feel like it is worth my time. Maybe the show gets better, but I gave it a chance and am going to move on. It doesn't feel like it is groundbreaking in any way or at all doing anything terribly creative so I don't feel like I am missing much. It had a sort of Big Bang Theory vibe to me, which while it at times celebrates geeks and nerds, sometimes it is laughing at us rather than with us.

• HBO Now

I've been playing around with the free trial of HBO Now for the past month, and I've enjoyed what it has to offer. You get your pick of all of HBO's past shows, documentaries, and their current selection of both modern and classic movies. The quality is good and the interface works pretty well too. It works on my Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku Stick, and a myriad of other devices like my iPhone, iPad, or laptop. While the price tag of $15/month is a little steep, I do feel like it is staking a claim to a pretty robust, unique, and competitive viewing library. Nowhere else can I instantly stream Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies unless I am deliberately paying to rent or buy just that movie.

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Secondhand Lions

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2003 feel good, coming of age, family drama Secondhand Lions, starring Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Haley Joel Osmont.

My partner insisted we watch this one since it is one of her favorites, alongside similar movies like Big Fish. I can see why she enjoys them, since they make you feel all warm and fuzzy as well as being just fun to watch. I really enjoyed this movie just like I did Big Fish, and it even got me to get a little misty eyed. There just is something about these sorts of movies that does it for me every time.

The plot focuses on Walter (Osmont) who is abruptly left with his two eccentric uncles (Caine and Duvall) who he has never met for the summer while his mother goes off looking for work. What follows is a silly, fun, poignant, and transformative adventure for Walter. We also learn more about his uncles and their amazing and over the top lives which have become tall tales to everyone around them. The uncles are also rumored to have a hidden fortune that all of their relatives and random traveling salesman are hounding them for. Walter is the only person in a long time that isn't after them for their money, all he needs is a family and a home.

While this movie isn't available to stream anywhere that I've looked, it is definitely worth a rental in my opinion (also if you haven't watched Big Fish, I recommend you watch that too). This film is definitely a positive emotional release if you need that after a tough time, and it would be a great choice to share with someone you care about.

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Top Five

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is 2014's Top Five, starring Chris Rock and Rosario Dawson among a stellar ensemble cast of comedians and actors.

Top Five follows a sort of dramatized version of reality, where Rock's character Andre Allen, is a fictional mouthpiece for struggles common to Rock (and surely other comedians and actors like him), such as authenticity, integrity, creativity, and addiction. It feels very similar to the movie Funny People, or the television show Louiein certain respects. Other entertainment industry shows like Extras (or the several others out there) also hold a lot of thematic similarities to Top Five, just to get a flavor for this movie since it feels so unique to me. While it falls into a pantheon of other great shows and movies, it falls a bit short for me in the end.

The movie as a whole is pretty funny. It's not uproariously hilarious, nor is it unfunny, it has some humorous moments, and was a pleasure to watch, but it could probably be better billed as a "dramedy" (drama + comedy). Allen struggles with alcoholism, his personal motivation for where his life is going, people taking him seriously, and relationship woes. Rock imbues the character and his struggles with a reliability and his unique swagger, so it makes the proceedings engaging enough to watch.

All of the other actors in the movie shine in their brief roles. Tracy Morgan, Michael Che, Jay Pharaoh, Gabrielle Union, and Leslie Jones specifically all hold their own, and Dawson is fantastic as her character, reporter Chelsea Brown, accompanies Rock's character around for most of the film. There are also some really fun cameos later in the film that made the whole viewing experience even better.

I'd recommend folks check this movie out, especially if you're a fan of Chris Rock and/or comedy as an art form. It explores issues that I found interesting and I think others like me would as well.

You can stream Top Five right now on Hulu and Amazon Prime Instant Video.

Thanks for stopping by!

Movie Review Monday: Hunger Games - Mockingjay, Part I

Welcome to another edition of Movie Review Monday!

This week's film is the 2014 blockbuster, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I, starring Jennifer Lawrence and a stellar ensemble cast.

In anticipation of the final chapter of this film series coming out in a few weeks, I wanted to look back and review the most recent release (read my Catching Fire review too!) to get myself mentally prepared.

We pick up this movie right after Catching Fire and the plot focuses on Katniss (Lawrence) being strongly pushed into being the symbol for a growing revolution against the Capital. She has her reservations, partially being about not knowing how to be a rebel leader, and also not wanting to get the people she cares about (or anyone else for that matter) hurt or killed on her behalf. We see Katniss begin to warm to the idea as she realizes the true reach of the Capital's carnage.

We also see Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) become a weapon of the Capital's propoganda and he serves as their sort of antithesis to Katniss. An interesting part to this movie (since it is mostly slow moving) is the gradual tension, anticipation, and building up towards something more, as well as how much the importance of symbols is explored. People need something (or someone) to believe in, and a lot of times the images we use are very carefully crafted versus being genuine moments, and both sides in this story utilize artificial symbols to achieve their ends, further deepening the shades of grey for each.

While this movie isn't the best of the series, it is a solid movie which definitely is comparable to Deathly Hallows Part I in that it allows for some breathing room and plot development where if this was just one movie, it would feel rushed and/or shallow.

Make sure to catch up on the full story since you can find the other Hunger Games movies available to stream on Hulu and Amazon Prime right now (the original movie isn't on either service at the moment but you could just rent it from any video-on-demand provider). They're all great and it is a solid sci-fi universe to explore. I've only watched the movies and I enjoy it a lot.

Definitely check back here on the blog to get my thoughts on the final chapter, Mockingjay Part II, when it comes out in theaters on November 20.

Thanks for stopping by!