Edge of Tomorrow is a very clever, very engrossing sci-fi action movie. It manages to make something original out of a plot that combines Groundhog Day and Starship Troopers. Tom Cruise shows that despite his age, he still has what it takes to lead an action movie, and do it incredibly well. After Emily Blunt dabbled with the genre in Looper, she owns it here. She is convincing as a bad-ass, tough-as-nails, soldier who anyone would be willing to follow into battle. I will admit the building love story between the male and female leads is overused. Here, however, it is handled in a very believable way. I like the role-swapping too. In any other movie, it would be Tom Cruise training Emily Blunt. Here, it’s the other way around. I have so much respect for Tom Cruise being as willing to do his own stunts as he is. It shows a lot of respect towards the audience and what they want to see. The effects are spectacular, especially considering the fact that it is the story and characters that drive the movie.
10 / 10
I really liked Rise of the Planet of the Apes. For me, it was a huge surprise in just how GOOD it was. For all intents and purposes, Dawn is even better. I like the similarities drawn between the humans and the apes in this movie. Caesar continues to evolve into one of the greatest characters ever. It was great to see how the apes thrived in their little area. I liked being able to see that they were evolving. The movie knew how to build tension. I also liked how the characters who were supposed to be antagonists had very understandable motivations. The other character I really liked seeing evolve was Caesar’s second-in-command, Koba. The pace can be slow at times which might turn some people off. The movie gives Koba a background that makes him a relatable villain. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes doesn’t try rehashing the plot of its predecessor. Instead, it continues the story of the first film, builds on it, and improves on it. I can’t wait to see where this story goes next.
10 / 10
John Wick is one of the biggest surprises ever. It is one of the last movies you really expect to like, especially when you see the advertisements. The movie does exactly what it needs to do. It shows that Keanu Reeves is as badass as ever. The supporting cast is all incredibly strong. Everyone from John Leguizamo to Willem Dafoe to Ian McShane is on top of their game with this movie. The film boasts what may be the best performance Keanu Reeves has given in years. One thing I will say is this, animal lovers watch at your own risk. The action sequences are fantastic and hold your attention. John Wick offers a fun action movie with a great story that harkens back to action movies of the 80s and 90s. It will most definitely please fans of the action genre, myself included. The film is well-written, making sure you understand the protagonist’s actions, as well as being expertly directed, creating this amazing world with some fresh ideas that no other action movie has given before, namely a hotel for hitmen. If there is anything John Wick proves, it is that we can still have original ideas with a lot of care and creativity put into them, and not have to constantly rely on sequels. Bring on a John Wick 2.
10 / 10
In many ways, The Dark World surpasses the first Thor. Yet again, Tom Hiddleston steals the show, despite a more limited screen time in this movie compared to Thor and The Avengers. The chemistry between Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston is excellent because it grows stronger as the movies go on. The technical aspects of the movie are amazing. The costumes, makeup, and sets are all memorable enough. Idris Elba gets a little more to do, but I do wish he had more screen time. The comic relief worked for me in this movie a lot better than in the first film. Characters feel a lot more fleshed out here. It’s nice to have the chance to explore the realms a lot more here, too. In terms of flaws, one stands out. The main villain in the movie is weak. Seeing Chris Eccelston’s flat, boring performance of an uninteresting villain is especially painful when it is compared to Tom Hiddleston, who is nothing but charm and charisma. All in all Thor 2 is still a really fun time with some fantastic action set pieces, and great chemistry between most of the actors in the movie, making for a good flick.
9 / 10
To this day, Poltergeist remains a staple of horror cinema. The visual effects were groundbreaking for their time, even if they haven’t aged particularly well. The first film stands above its sequels due to the idea of letting certain possibilities sink in. The actors are great in their roles, and give off the feeling of a genuine family that has no idea what is happening to them. Heather O’Rourke deserves the most praise here, which is incredibly rare for a child actor or actress to pull off. She feels like a natural little girl, and the creepiness doesn’t come off as forced. It helps that the movie was one of the ones that started several of the cliches that are seen today, so it feels a little more inspired and original than it would’ve had it come out ten years later. There’s an idea of the unknown here that few horror movies today grasp, but this one does it extremely well. The look and setting of the house works too. As opposed to the stereotypical look of the haunted house, this is an average looking house in a suburban area. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor.
10 / 10
A bizarre film from a bizarre director, The Grand Budapest Hotel proves to be one of the most intelligent, clever comedies in recent years. This movie is especially refreshing after the disastrous year 2013 was for comedy. (Movie 43, Scary Movie 5, InAPPropriate Comedy, just to name a few) Enter Wes Anderson’s hilarious film that ultimately feels like a callback to whodunit comedies of the ‘70s and ‘80s like Clue and Murder by Death. Ralph Fiennes is hilarious, and deserves some recognition for his work. One of the funniest scenes in the movie is one where two characters have a very touching reunion, and a group escaped convicts are seen in the background murdering a man, and stealing a bus. My only gripe is that it takes a while to get moving, and has a very confusing beginning. Once the laughs do start coming, they don’t stop.
9 / 10
Once again, Marvel proves the roll it’s been on since The Avengers. Guardians of the Galaxy is well-acted on all counts. I feel particular praise must be reserved for Bradley Cooper’s voice work. Cooper expertly steals every scene he’s in. Everything in this film just works. The effects are great, the make-up on Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista is incredible. The comedy in the film feels natural, as opposed to forced. The action sequences kept me glued to my seat, waiting for what comes next. Don’t even get me started on the incredible soundtrack. Many found the villain to be weak, and while I understand where those who say so are coming from, I disagree. Is he as awesome as Loki? No. But he’s far more memorable than the dark-elf from Thor 2. This movie also cements one thing for me, Josh Brolin is great as Thanos. My hope is that Guardians becomes Marvel’s very own Star Wars. I am incredibly excited to see where these worlds can be taken in future installments.
10 / 10
