Coming Soon: March 2016

After a pretty standard February (save for what's likely to be one of the year's best films), March is boasting some big films and the potential, hopefully great, start to a new cinematic universe. But first, let's review February first:

Hail, Caesar!: Despite having an amazing cast and being the product of the Coen brothers, this comedy wasn't all that funny and it was poorly threaded together by a lame plot that didn't amount to much. It was fun to see all the actors/actresses having a blast though. Rath's Review Score: 6.5/10

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: One that I skipped out on, but it seems like I didn't miss much. Critics and fans alike said it was fun, but fairly forgettable.

Deadpool: A film made by a fan for the fans ended up not only being successful, but crushing most expectations. Critics liked it for the most part, but fans adore it and it's currently breaking all sorts of February and R-rated box office records. Likely to be one of the most re-watchable films to come from this year and I wouldn't be surprised to see it in my Top 10. RRS: 9/10

How to Be Single: Another one I missed, but I presume I would have enjoyed. Many critics said it was better/funnier than they expected it to be, but it still fell short of greatness. 

Zoolander II: Man oh man, this one hurt. Strikingly unfunny more often than not, this tone-deaf sequel was a bust save for a few really good scenes and a fun cast. RRS: 6/10

The Witch: A highly over-praised, but still very well made horror film. The Witch is nowhere near as scary as early reviews would have you believe, but it is eerie and uncomfortable to watch. RRS: 7/10

Son of Saul: Not a film I covered last month, but it's the likely Oscar winner for Foreign Language film. It's an intense look at the Holocaust filmed in a unique way that puts you right in the thick of it. Not an easy film to watch by any means, but a very powerful one. RRS: 9/10 

Eddie the Eagle: A pretty darn good, feel-good film about an Olympic ski jumper that is equal parts fun, funny, and inspiring. Not much bad to say about this one, though I'm not so sure it will stand the test of time. RRS: 7.5/10

Gods of Egypt: Apparently a film that is almost so bad, it's good, Gods of Egypt is currently in the running for being the year's biggest bomb at the box office as we speak. Critics cited horrible effects, hammy performances, and lame action as the culprits for their atrocious scores.
Triple 9: A busy weekend prohibited me from seeing this one even though I wanted to. Critics and moviegoers seem to agree that it's really impressive in certain ways (action scenes and casting) but average in others (overall plot).

Most Disappointing: Zoolander II
Most Surprising: Eddie the Eagle
Worst Movie: Zoolander II (only because I didn't see Gods of Egypt)
Best Movie: Deadpool!

Let's take a look at March shall we? Remember that all the titles/dates are links to the trailers!

London Has Fallen -- Mar 4

Why It's Worth Seeing: I'm one of those people that loved Olympus Has Fallen (review HERE). I know I'm mostly alone in that camp, but I found it to be an awesome throwback action film that was badass, very violent, brutal, and even smart at times. If the sequel can capture those things over again, then I'm sure I'll love this sequel.

What Could Go Wrong: Sequel's tend to have the need to go bigger, as if it equals better. Sometimes that's the case, but not so here. I'd like to them to keep it a tight, somewhat believable action film instead of a borderline superhero flick. 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot -- Mar 4

Why It's Worth Seeing: I love Tina Fey and I think the premise is a really interesting one, specifically because it's based on a true story.

What Could Go Wrong: I can't quite understand the tone from the trailers (is it serious? is it not?) and I don't find them all that funny in the first place. On a busy March 4th weekend, this is likely the one I skip. 

Zootopia -- Mar 4

Why It's Worth Seeing: During my premiere of Star Wars, if you had asked every audience member, "Other than Star Wars, what was the best part about tonight?" they would have replied with the Sloth/DMV trailer from this film. It's by far the hardest I've ever laughed at a movie trailer and early reviews for this one indicate that the film has more laughs like that in store. Can't. Wait.

What Could Go Wrong: Reviews also indicate the film is a little preachy and on-the-nose in its messaging, which sometimes really irks me in animated films. But this is Disney Animated Studios, so I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

10 Cloverfield Lane -- Mar 11

Why It's Worth Seeing: A couple months back I was completely and pleasantly blown away by the surprise trailer for this Cloverfield "sequel" and I have very high hopes for it even though I know really nothing about it. The first film was a monster classic, also shrouded in mystery, so I'm hoping this can recapture that magic.

What Could Go Wrong: There's almost too much mystery. And I'm also very confused as to JJ Abrams comments with regards to it being a "spiritual successor". Is it a sequel? A new film entirely? I feel like if it's not connected to the first one at all that I'll be disappointed. 

The Brothers Grimsby -- Mar 11

Why It's Worth Seeing: Sacha Baron Cohen films can be funny and this looks like a bit of a break from the norm of his usual public-stunt comedy work

What Could Go Wrong: His films can also easily get annoying and this looks rather uninspired, all things considered. I didn't find the trailer all that funny. 

The Divergent Series: Allegiant -- Mar 18

Why It's Worth Seeing: Having read the books, the third one goes to some pretty surprising and dark places and this is one of the better YA series adaptations outside of The Hunger Games.

What Could Go Wrong: I'm interested to see when they'll split the book given the huge twist that happens at one point. I almost wonder if they'll be doing some massive rewrites, which would make the impact of that twist a lot less important. 

Midnight Special -- Mar 18

Why It's Worth Seeing: Early reviews for this film that I know almost nothing about are pretty fantastic and it seems like it could be a unique take on the "superhero/powers" genre

What Could Go Wrong: It might not be as smart or unique as it thinks it is and if it ends up into just another origin story I think it will be quickly forgotten. 

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice -- Mar 25

Why It's Worth Seeing: Well, this is the big one...in many different ways. This could either make things look fantastic for DC or have a lot of movie execs shaking in their boots. Personally, I think it looks like a ton of fun and I can't wait to see it. One of the previous trailers seemed to give everything away...but I think there's a hidden ace up their sleeves.

What Could Go Wrong: If that trailer really did reveal everything then this might be a tad boring. Also, Snyder needs to tone down the destruction and I'm hoping that bringing in Affleck will help from a directorial standpoint. 

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 -- Mar 25

Why It's Worth Seeing: It's the sequel to the surprise hit from many years ago that fans and critics liked because of its culture and humor.

What Could Go Wrong: This seems like an unnecessary sequel and possibly a lazy one and I think it will be really hard to capture the same lightning in a bottle as you did with the first one, especially when your opening weekend is against a Man of Steel and a Dark Knight. 

Must See (in order): 10 Cloverfield Lane, Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, Zootopia, London Has Fallen

On My Radar: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, The Divergent Series: Alegiant, Midnight Special

Predicted Duds: The Brothers Grimsby, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

The lines of blockbuster are beginning to blur, as we will see this March. Hopefully it's an exciting month with some memorable films and we'll have another big-ish month in April! As always, I'd be really appreciative if you came and followed me through Blogger at RATH'S REVIEWS and like me on Facebook HERE! I follow-for-follow 100%. Thanks again!!

Top 10 Academy Award Best Picture Winning Films: Part 2

Leonardo DiCaprio finally wins an Oscar and Spotlight wins Best Picture at the 88th Academy Awards. With yet another Academy Awards coming to a close, let's take a look back at the best of the Best Picture winning films, and if you missed it, click here for Part 1.

5: Ben-Hur

Clocking in at around three and a half hours, Ben-Hur is historical epic that follows the fictional character Ben-Hur on his journey that takes him through various historical events. From the incredible chariot race to seamlessly tying in Christ's resurrection into the film's plot, Ben-Hur truly is an epic in every sense of the word. Ben-Hur even won eleven Academy Awards, which is tied with Return of the King for the most all-time, so there is little doubt that Ben-Hur is one of the best?

4: Casablanca

My first exposure to Humphrey Bogart films, Casablanca is an undeniable classic of the romance genre. While it might not be Bogart's finest film, it is easily one of his many best. If you consider yourself a film fan and have not seen this classic, you are doing yourself a disservice. "Here's looking at you, kid."

3: The Bridge on the River Kwai

Based on the novel of similar name, The Bridge on the River Kwai deals with the psychological, opposed to physical, damage caused by the horrible tragedies that the Japanese put the Ally POWs through in World War II. Despite the heavy subject matter, the film is still very entertaining, largely thanks to Alec Guinness’ brilliant Oscar winning performance.

2: The Silence of the Lambs

As thrilling and it is disturbing, Silence of the Lambs blends a riveting mystery thriller with elements of horror. While the film is certainly not for the squeamish or faint of heart, the plot is brilliantly crafted from beginning to end. Thanks to exceptional performances from Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, the film's plot was elevated even further, with the Academy even rewarding it the much deserved Best Picture. However, despite my praise, The Silence of the Lambs is not exactly a film I want to watch again anytime soon, if ever, but it is an unforgettable watch for sure.

1: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

Could there be any other? The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King provides a fittingly epic and emotional conclusion to one of the greatest achievements in the film history. Despite being the first fantasy film to win Best Picture, the gateway to science fiction, comic book, and other fantasy films remains, unfortunately, closed in the minds of the Academy. Even though all of the LOTR films should have won Best Picture, since they all are equally amazing, The Return of the King more than deserved it the year it won. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, along with the other LOTR films, are the closest thing we have seen to a flawless masterpiece of film in the 21st Century, and while others have made a valiant effort, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy still reigns supreme.

Honorable Mentions: Dances with Wolves, The French Connection, The Godfather Part II, Patton, The Sting, Rocky, Unforgiven,

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

88th Academy Awards

88th Academy Awards are tonight on ABC! Well, this year's Oscars are not without its fair share of controversy. #OscarsSoWhite is a big deal this year, and others have written much better informed articles about the topic, so I'll just leave it at that. 

Personally, I have given up on the Oscars for quite a while now. However, this year did have two interesting films nominated for Best Picture, Mad Max: Fury Road and The Martian. Honestly, I'm still baffled by Mad Max's nomination. Sure, there is a lot of critical praise, but at the end of the day, it's purely an action flick, albeit an awesome one at that. I'm not saying it doesn't deserve a nomination, because it does. I'm saying that it's rather shocking that after so long, the Academy nominates a cool action flick. Who knows what that could mean for the future. Granted, Return of the King won Best Picture a decade ago and no other sci-fi or fantasy flick has come remotely close to matching that. And, of course, The Martian is easily my pick of the nominated films because it's just that good. 

The other category that interests me is Best Animated Feature Film. Inside Out will be the obvious winner since Pixar almost always wins, even when it does not deserve it. Sure, Inside Out is a great movie, one of Pixar's best, but it does not stand up to Studio Ghibli's latest, and possibly final film, When Marnie Was There. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it; it is one of the year’s best dramas. So, are you interested in the Oscars? Do you have thoughts? Please comment below and check back soon!

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Top 10 Academy Award Best Picture Winning Films: Part 1

With the Oscars on Sunday, there is no better time than the present to rank the Top 10 Best Picture winning films. Even though the Academy have gone with safe picks for most of the last ten years, they did actually give the award to quite a few films that deserved it in the past, and this list will rank my ten favorite. Of course, I have not seen ever Best Picture winning film, and these are my personal favorites, so please let me know what yours are in the comments.

10: Braveheart

While it not the most well liked film, Braveheart is a personal favorite of mine. Some of the appeal is that my ancestors fought on both sides of the real war that the film portrays, and even though the movie itself is grossly historically inaccurate, what matters in the end is that it is a great film. Mel Gibson both stars in and directs the film, and his performance as William Wallace is top notch. He manages to balance the stoic nature of the character, while still providing the human aspect. Plus, no one else could deliver such an epic speech other than Gibson! Braveheart might not be for everyone. However, Mel Gibson's historical (or rather fictional) epic is an inspiring tale of standing up against tyranny.

9: The Departed

Martin Scorsese's crime drama about undercover cops and corruption in Boston is a riveting tale. Despite the two and a half hour long run time, Scorsese's direction is crisp, briskly edited, and well paced with enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. Thanks to the exceptional performances by the insane all-star cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Martin Sheen, just to name a few, The Departed is a perfect example of excellent talent both in front and behind the camera.

8: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

Jack Nicholson's character, "Mac" McMurphy, enters a mental institution for evaluation. In the institution, the free-spirited Mac teaches the others in the institution to live a little and fight back against the institution's oppressive rules. However, the crux of the story are the relationships Mac builds with his fellow patients. There is humor, tragedy, and cheer worthy moments through the film, and Nicholson's performance pulls everything great about the movie together in brilliant fashion.

7: Lawrence of Arabia

Over three hours in length and featuring some of, if not, the best cinematography of the era, Lawrence of Arabia is the definition of a film epic. As the name implies, the film follows T. E. Lawrence, played brilliantly by Peter O'Toole, during World War I. The film captures the personal struggles of Lawrence and his fall into madness. 

6: The Godfather

Despite my expectations that The Godfather would be an overly hyped mess, it actually turned out to be one of the best crime films of all-time. While the film is not flawless, Marlon Brando's iconic performance and Francis Ford Coppola's direction more than makes The Godfather a classic of the medium. Considering that The Godfather is so highly regarded by critics, I recommend the movie to anyone old enough that considers themselves a film enthusiast.

What are some of your favorites? Please comment below and let me know!

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spoiler Discussion - Part 2

It's time for Part 2 of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Spoiler Discussion! And as the title suggests, massive spoilers are ahead, so if you haven't seen the movie, what the heck have you been doing with your life!? Go watch it now! Now, let's talk some spoilers!

Starkiller Base

It's the Death Star, again, but bigger. As far as criticisms go, Starkiller base essentially being a bigger Death Star is the most valid, and honestly the only one with much weight behind the argument. Should the central McGuffin been something other than a giant weapon that destroys starsystems? Yeah, probably. Is it as big a deal as some are making it out to be? Nope, it's still different enough, and can you honestly think of something better?

With that said, using Starkiller Base to destroy basically all the politics in the Star Wars galaxy is rather brilliant. Now one of the worst parts of the Prequel Trilogy is completely out of the picture! As it turns out, there were some deleted scenes that take place about the Senate on the planets that were destroyed, which might have added some weight to the moment where they are destroyed, albeit at the cost of pacing. However, we will have to wait until the Blu-Ray to see if the scene would have been worth keeping in the film. But as a whole, Starkiller Base is the one plot point that is a bit too similar to the previous films. 

Poe Dameron Sidelined and Originally Died?

Poe Dameron is hailed as one of the many highlights of The Force Awakens and for good reason. Oscar Isaac made the character instantly likable, and his chemistry with Finn made for an awesome Bromance in 5 minutes! However, according to sources, Poe was said to have died in the Tie-Fighter crash in the original script. Probably after seeing how great of a character the writers had, the script was changed and Poe merely went missing in the crash. Many reviews complained that Poe did not receive enough screen. While I agree to a point, his exclusion is one of the many brilliant decisions that the writers made to prevent the film from being cluttered and overstuffed, like many films are today. Of course, Poe should definitely play a major role in Episode VIII now that Han Solo has died. 

Luke Skywalker

Thanks to the brilliant marketing, no knew that Luke Skywalker would have almost no screen time and zero lines of dialogue! And while some may be disappointed by his lack of screen time, nothing about the marketing alluded that Luke would have much of a role in the film. In fact, not including Luke is a brilliant decision by the creators. The Force Awakens benefits for the limited number of central characters and saving Luke for the next film should prove to be a great asset to the film. While not many people seem to disagree, Luke exclusion from the film was excellently executed.

Millennium Falcon: "The garbage will do"

Easily one of, if not, the best scene in the film is when Rey and Finn are running from the First Order to find a ship, Finn says, "What about that ship?" and Rey shouts, "That one's garbage." The quad-jumper ship that they are running towards explodes, and Rey shouts again, "The garbage will do," as the camera pans towards the Millennium Falcon! First time watching the movie, I literally gasped loud enough for my brother to hear two seats away. Just wow! That is how you introduce the Millennium Falcon! The scene makes the Millennium Falcon an integral part of the story and doesn't just stop everything to have a moment. The Millennium Falcon is shown, only the audience thinks of it as anything special, and the plot continues in possibly the best starfighter chase of the franchise, or at least since Return of the Jedi. Everything about the scene is perfectly executed. It highlights one of the many strengths of the film in that it doesn't dwell on the past to get the audience nostalgic. All of the aspects from the Original Trilogy are incorporated into the story organically.  

Do you have any thoughts on these topics about Star Wars: The Force Awakens? Please comment below and check back soon for more spoiler discussions!

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.