The Wolfpack (2015)

Directed by Crystal Moselle
Starring the Angulo Family

Locked away from society in an apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Angulo brothers learn about the outside world through the films that they watch. Nicknamed, 'The Wolfpack,' the brothers spend their childhood reenacting their favorite films using elaborate homemade props and costumes. Their world is shaken up when one of the brothers escapes and everything changes.

Never in my life have I seen a documentary that told a story so open-mindedly, so detached from the usual "GOTCHA!" journalism and so honest as the one Crystal Moselle has told in this documentary. Even with a story that is so one-sided and obvious as to what's right and what's wrong, she reveals the opinion of everyone involved without cutting and splicing what they say to fit her agenda.

The true power of movies is revealed with this family-- a group of sons that have no reason to enjoy life, yet discover themselves in the films they watch. It was truly inspiring to see the excitement they have for life and the world which is still very new to them.

I expected to find nothing but heart break and darkness in the lives of these young men. But rather, I was shown how their bond pushed them past the obstacles they faced together and gave them hope. This is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible stories ever told.

My Rating: 10/10

Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

Written and Directed by Werner Herzog

Starring Klaus Kinski, Del Negro, Ruy Guerra and Peter Berling

In the 16th century, the ruthless and insane Don Lope de Aguirre leads a Spanish expedition in search of El Dorado.

A story of man's greed, both materialistic and spiritual, "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" is about more than just one man's selfishness. Through his acts of barbarianism and intimidation, the films protagonist also serves as a suitable antagonist, destroying anything and anyone that stands his way and crossing the line from the films opening.

In his first of a handful of collaborations with the infamous Klaus Kinski, Werner Herzog runs a production that is just as crazy and dangerous as the story of the films characters. Throughout the film, there is a sense of unease, hopelessness and aimlessness due to the way it was filmed. Whether it was intentional or unintentional, it certainly added to the suspense of a somewhat vacant plot.

As is the case with most, if not all of Werner Herzog's films, this is most certainly not for everyone. To the average movie goer, it could be seen as a long (despite an hour and a half running time) and boring story in which very little happens. But if you look at it with a slightly more studious eye, it is a brilliant allegory for the destruction Europeans brought on to the natives of the New World.

So if you do watch it, be sure to examine it and take it in for what it is. A Werner Herzog film.

My Rating: 8/10

Terminator Genisys (2015)

Directed by Alan Taylor
Written by Laeta Kalogridis and Patrick Lussier, based on characters by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd
Starring Arnold Schwartzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney and Jason Clarke

John Connor sends Kyle Reese back in time to protect Sarah Connor, but when he arrives in 1984, nothing is as he expected it to be.

While sitting in the theater, watching the story unfold, the same question kept repeating in my mind. How much better would this movie be if they didn't reveal one of the biggest plot points and surprises in the trailer? How much more emotionally invested would I be had I gone in not knowing that John Connor was turned into a cyborg, regenerative, terminator thing?

And that is possibly the biggest problem with this movie. Overall, it's a fun, action packed movie that is not as dark and brooding as the 2009 "Terminator Salvation". It doesn't take itself too seriously and is playful in it's action.

But seriously, how much better would it have been had I not known that the legend known as John Connor-- that little punk ass teenager in T2-- had I not known his fate because of a poorly planned marketing strategy, this movie could have been so much more.

It's the Terminator! You're not going to get any more butts in the seats why giving the whole plot away!  Not only that, but had the marketing team kept their mouths shut about that whole plot point, it could have blown people away and sold even more tickets due to word of mouth. It's a missed opportunity thanks to the new fad of showing the whole film in the trailer.

I'd turn evil too if I had to share screen time with Jai Courtney…

Despite, perhaps the worst marketing strategy known to mankind and terrible acting from everyone other than Jason Clarke and JK Simmons, "Terminator Genisys" turned out to be better than I expected.  While no match for T1 and T2 (obviously), it surpasses T3 and "Terminator Salvation". But it's no match to other action movies released this summer.

My Rating: 6/10

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
Written by Jesse Andrews, based on his novel
Starring Thomas Mann, Olivia Cooke, RJ Cyler and Jon Bernthal

High schooler Greg, who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl, finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate who has just been diagnosed with cancer.

A heartfelt and profound look into the mindset of a high school introvert and his interactions with his peers, the filmmaker takes a not so original concept and completely redesigns a genre with his style. The story unfolds with painfully honest performances from the young cast and the brilliantly unique cinematography.

I was transported back to my high school days through the similarities between the main characters life and my own. So perhaps the nostalgia I felt altered my opinion, but I'll be damned if this is not universally a great movie.

This is possible the first young adult/teenage drama that isn't overly melodramatic and sappy. The characters never sound off on pretentious rants of why they're smarter than the adults telling them to not do the things they should definitely not do and don't quote outdated philosophy or ideologies that don't make any sense (I'm looking at you "Paper Towns"!).

These teenage characters feel real. They feel as though they were written by someone who actually went to high school on planet Earth and aren't an alien posing as a human (John Green). And more importantly, the characters were likable (Unlike "The Fault in Our Stars"). I guess what I'm trying to say is that John Green could learn a thing or two from Jesse Andrews. Go see this movie!

My Rating: 10/10

Dope (2015)

Written and Directed by Rick Famuyiwa
Starring Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons and Blake Anderson

Life changes for Malcolm, a geek who's surviving life in a tough neighborhood, after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a Los Angeles adventure.

While thoroughly entertaining, funny and dope (I'm sorry), throughout most of the film I sat there wondering what, if anything the film was trying to say. I had heard that it was a "coming of age" movie unlike any other, but after an hour it still seemed like an average movie… But then they hit you with it.

Especially given the tragic events in South Carolina last week, this film seemed as if it had been made with the news in mind. Not only do they tackle racism between races, but also the stereotypes forced upon black people by others in their community.

Backed with an amazing soundtrack of 90s hip hop, modern hits, amazing originals and for some reason, Korn (not hat in', just saying'), the filmmaker knew exactly what he wanted to display and did so with flying colors. Presenting topical subjects and giving off a sense of nostalgia for people who grew up in the 90s, it's hard to really explain what makes this film great. Just check it out.

My Rating: 8/10

Inside Out (2015)

Directed by Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen
Written by Pete Docter, Ronaldo Del Carmen, Meg LeFauve and Josh Cooley
Starring Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling and Richard Kind

After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house and school.

Welp… Pixar has done it again! After being forced to make several sequels with entertaining, but less emotional stories with important life lessons, they created a film that is as beautiful as it is funny.

Perfectly casted and brilliantly performed, the five emotions of the protagonists mind blend so well together, you almost forget that they represent polar opposite feelings.

The animator/performers perfectly captured the mannerisms of Lewis Black and the exaggerated mannerisms of Phyllis Smith to the point that it was easy to forget that these were artistic computer renderings. In a world where cheap, quick and cartoony computer generated images are the norm, "Inside Out" felt so real.

There is so much I would like to say about this film, but that would involve spoilers. But one thing is absolutely certain and that is the fact that Pixar is finally back to creating original, heart warming, heart breaking, fun, emotional roller coaster movies. And that brings me nothing but excitement.

My Rating: 9/10

Love & Mercy (2014)

Directed by Bill Pohlad
Written by Oren Moverman and Michael A. Lerner, based on the life of Brian Wilson
Starring John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti

In the 1960s, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson struggles with emerging psychosis as he attempts to craft his avant-garde pop masterpiece. In the 1980s, he is a broken, confused man under the 24-hour watch of shady therapist Dr. Eugene Landy.

A film about a person I was unaware of from a band I don't particularly care for, yet somehow found myself deeply invested in his story. Being director Bill Pohlad's first film in the captain's chair since 1990, there was some obvious rust that he had to shake off, but did so all the while creating a heart wrenching story of a man trapped by his own illness.

With valiant performances from the entire cast, most notably Paul Dano and John Cusack, an unexpected problem arose. John Cusack is so impressive as the aging rock star that he distracts from the rest of the cast.

There was one scene in particular that was mostly shot over his shoulder to Elizabeth Banks. His reflection is scene out of focus just behind her, but I couldn't take my eyes off of his blurry face. His performance was so powerful that I was drawn to it, even when he was barely on screen.

Another thing that was obvious was Paul Dano's voice. He matched Brian Wilson's voice so well that I couldn't tell which scenes were Paul singing and which were the original recording.

The film, overall was decent. I had some issues with the editing, but most of you wouldn't even notice it if I pointed it out. The acting, of course was top notch and the story was beautifully tragic. I would definitely not call this one of the top ten movies of the year, but it is worth the watch.

My Rating: 7/10

Knights of Badassdom (2013)

Directed by Joe Lynch
Written by Kevin Dreyfuss and Matt Wall
Starring Ryan Kwanten, Steve Zahn, Peter Dinklage and Jimmi Simpson

Live-action role players conjure up a demon from Hell by mistake and they must deal with the consequences.

A comedy for proud nerds everywhere, "Knights of Badassdom" puts a group of LARPers…. LARPists? LARPephiles? People who like LARPing in a real life medieval magic scenario in which they are confronted with a violent succubus!

Falling somewhere between over-the-top and too-tame, this film fluctuates in entertainment. Some scenes are amazing and hilarious, while others are slow moving and boring. However, this is a movie that looks like the cast and crew had fun making, which gives it bonus points.

My Rating: 5.5/10

Black Dynamite (2009)

Directed by Scott Sanders
Written by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns and Scott Sanders
Starring Michael Jai White, Tommy Davidson, Dionne Gipson and Buddy Lewis

Black Dynamite is the greatest African-American action star of the 1970s. When his only brother is killed by The Man it's up to him to find justice.

Playing an obvious homage to Shaft and other Blaxploitation films, "Black Dynamite" is a hilarious movie made terribly on purpose. All of the mistakes made by the pictures that the filmmakers are tipping their hat to are present, only this time they are meticulously reenacted, giving a hilarious portrayal of low budget movies.

The writing, acting and directing are all terrible. But since it is purposefully terrible, I guess you could say it is brilliant! This is a movie made for cinephiles who can relive the B-movies of the 70s by witnessing this masterpiece.

There really isn't much to say about this movie that can accurately describe it's greatness. As much as I hate this saying, it is simply a movie you have to see to believe. You will not regret making that decision.

My Rating: 8/10

Jurassic World (2015)

Directed by Colin Trevorrow
Written by Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, based on characters by Michael Crichton
Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan and Jake Johnson

Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly.

I think the most apparent thing about this long awaited sequel is the CGI. Compared to the CGI effects in the original three, the creatures look more cartoony. Don't get me wrong, the CGI is top-notch, but without a plethora of practical animatronic effects, the entire film seems like a video game.

On top of that, the acting and writing from a good portion of the characters is sub par and at times, hard to watch. The performances are either over the top or seem forced.

Despite all of the flaws, "Jurassic World" succeeded in bringing the kid out in me. I watched in awe as dinosaurs and lab created monsters caused massive amounts of death and destruction. It was if I time traveled back to my 4-year-old self and re-watched the original for the first time.

Perhaps nostalgia played a big part in my opinion of this movie. If that is the case, I don't care. It was a fun, action packed movie that sets an example for what summer block-busters should be. With seeing the park open and fully functional, it added an extra dash of excitement seeing everyone's dream park realized.

And they also (briefly) explain why the dinosaurs don't have feathers in their park. Which they would if they were real.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Spy (2015)

Written and Directed by Paul Feig
Starring Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart and Jason Stathom

A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.

A brilliantly funny action comedy with the unlikeliest of heroes, "Spy" is Melissa McCarthy at her prime. With an honest performance as a CIA Agent that no one is rooting for, she brings a humor that is equal parts self-deprecating and ass-kicking.

It is rare in today's world that there is a comedy in which the scenes in the trailer are the least funny gags or lines in the movie. The trailer, for once, is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath there surface are so many laughs that I still cannot pinpoint what my favorite line or scene from the movie it. It is just a hilarious and fun ride.

I knew this film would be somewhat enjoyable. But I did not expect it to be so wildly entertaining and to keep me laughing the whole time. From director Paul Feig, who I admittedly rarely enjoy his work, has created quite possibly his best film yet. This is not a summer comedy you'll want to miss.

My Rating: 8/10

The Red Army (2014)

Written and Directed by Gabe Polsky
Featuring Viacheslav Fetisov, Alexei Kastonov, Anatoli Karpov and Vladislav Tretiak

The story of the Soviet Union's famed Red Army Hockey team through the eyes of it's players.

An eye opening and personal look behind the Iron Curtain from the unlikeliest of political influences. The Red Army hockey club was once the best hockey club in the world (Although they couldn't beat the Broad Street Bullies! GO FLYERS!). I knew that this was gonna be a great hockey documentary. But I didn't expect the intimate details of what it was like being a hero to your countries citizens and a prisoner to their government.

Gabe Polsky developed a brilliant take on the infamous team. Interviewing key members of their many medals and championships, he breaks down their lives starting from the front of being a soldier on a hockey team and digging little by little into their tightly controlled lives.

Through interviews, Polsky gets the aging athletes to not only discuss life in the Soviet Union, but to also show the emotional impact it had. The pride, fear, loathing and love and all other complex feelings about their homeland came pouring out. It helped me to understand a sense of pride for such a tyrannical system, even in the slightest regard.

On top of all that, it showed how the same game could be played in two completely different ways just by being divided by oceans and a military standoff. The grace in finesse of the Russians was overpowering to the brutal way of the Canadians and Americans (even though brutality is what makes hockey interesting). 

An informative and touching documentary on the world's greatest game, this is a movie for all hockey fans.

My Rating: 8/10

Sex Ed (2014)

Directed by Isaac Feder
Written by Bill Kennedy
Starring Haley Joel Osment, Glen Powell, Lorenza Izzo and Retta

Eddie lands his first teaching gig at an inner city middle school and finds his highly pubescent pupils are receiving no form of sexual education. Eddie isn't really equipped to teach them...he's not exactly experienced romantically.

This is a raunchy sex comedy that actually is important. Rather than creating humor from following ill-informed teens into their sexual ventures, this movie takes those teens, smacks them over the head and teaches them a thing or two.

Tackling the subject of school taught seal education, which for some reason is a controversial topic, Haley Joel Osment plays a sex ed teacher who just so happens to be a virgin. But rather than hinder him from teaching the kids, he takes a 100% scientific and honest approach to the subject, because his students' parents won't.

I wouldn't go so far to say that this movie is good. In fact, it's kind of bad. But the silver lining in this movie is Haley Joel Osment. With his career slowly taking off again, he still shows an understanding of all of his roles and great comedic timing and with a seemingly level head on his shoulders, it's great to see the former child star doing the things he loves without losing his mind. I'm rooting for him.

My Rating: 5/10

San Andreas (2015)

Directed by Brad Peyton
Written by Carlton Cuse based on the story by Andre Fabrizio and Jeremy Passmore
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario, Ioan Gruffudd and Paul Giamatti

In the aftermath of a massive earthquake in California, a rescue-chopper pilot makes a dangerous journey across the state in order to rescue his daughter.

Disaster movies. You either love them or hate them. And nine times out of ten, you'll know going into it. They're not meant to be jaw dropping, deeply thought out plots with well meaning messages. They exist so you can go sit in an air-conditioned theater and watch some buildings crumble, ideally with some comedic relief in between. "San Andreas" delivers on all counts.

There's nothing convoluted about it. It is exactly as it promises. And it is an extremely fun ride. Even if you are like me, a dark, evil person who laughs at hundred of thousands, if not millions of people dying, rather than the sane approach of empathy, you will enjoy this movie.

With the exception of a few scenes with terrible CGI, this is a high quality action movie with plenty of ridiculous destruction. And to top it all off, The Rock has some acting chops. So unless you go in expecting the next "Citizen Kane" (in which case I would immediately suggest you check yourself into a mental institution for further evaluation), you will have fun with this movie. It's a good time.

My Rating: 7/10

Danny Deckchair (2003)

Directed by Jeff Balsmeyer
Written by Jeff Balsmeyer, Lizzie Bryant and Tim Gooding
Starring Rhys Ifans, Miranda Otto, Justine Clarke and Rhys Muldoon

An under appreciated Australian man makes national news when he lifts off in his deck chair tied to balloons. Crash landing in a small town 120 miles North of his hometown Sydney, he finds himself surrounded by people who don't know him and sees it as an opportunity for a fresh start.

A fun, adventurous movie, "Danny Deckchair" is about more than just a man who finds himself stuck in the sky. It has a humanity to it that makes it incredibly easy to connect with and a humor that is surprisingly tame for the subject matter.

Rhys Ifans delivers a subtle performance in a role that could have been larger than life. You find yourself feeling his pain as his girlfriend and friends walk all over him in the beginning. It doesn't take long at all to connect with his character and see the world presented on screen through his eyes.

They is little to dislike about this movie. But that's not to say it doesn't have problems. As brilliantly entertaining as it is, it is very predictable. It takes the basic romantic comedy formula and unapologetically copies and pastes it. Regardless of that small problem, I thoroughly enjoyed this film.

My Rating: 7/10

Aloha (2015)

Written and Directed by Cameron Crowe

Starring Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams and John Krasinski

A celebrated military contractor returns to the site of his greatest career triumphs and re-connects with a long-ago love while unexpectedly falling for the hard-charging Air Force watchdog assigned to him.

Despite having a cast filled with A-list actors, most of which have won or been nominated for Oscar's, and a celebrated Academy Award winning director, this Hawaiian based romance is not without it's problems. The writing is up to par with Cameron Crowe's previous work and the acting is undoubtedly a showcase of the best. But the flow of the film is unbearably slow and often unfocused. 

It's hard to see exactly what Crowe was attempting to say with this convoluted and cluttered plot line. It swings between a romance, a Hawaiian ghost story and a struggle with war based morality and never really finds it's footing with either theme.

The romantic aspect is perhaps the strongest of the three. However, the connection between Cooper and Stone's characters never seemed right other than having two beautiful people romantically linked. The story seemed to play out just for the sake of playing out.

This film, while certainly not being the best in any participants career, is definitely not without it's merits. As I said before, the acting is up to par with everyone and it has a lot of funny moments. The story just had very poor flow and never kept a consistent pace.

My Rating: 5/10

Pride (2014)

Directed by Matthew Warchus
Written by Stephen Beresford
Starring Ben Schnitzer, George MacKay, Faye Marsay and Paddy Considine

U.K. gay activists work to help miners during their lengthy strike of the National Union of Mineworkers in the summer of 1984.

With themes of solidarity, human rights and equality for all, "Pride" is a remarkable and inspirational film that shows that the likeliest of people can come together for a common cause. But it's also an example of just how terrible people are.

Equally hilarious and frustrating, this film flips back and forth between showing the good in humanity and showing people who are the reason the "C" word was created. Of course, this is just the reality of the world, specifically when fighting for rights, whether it be for the gay community or workers. But damn… there are a lot of people in this movie that make you just want to punch your screen.

A huge part of the humor in this film comes from the reactions people have to being around gay people. Mind you this was in the mid 80s, when AIDS was on everyone's mind and homosexuals had one foot in the closet. Seeing all the different reactions from all of the different characters was quite entertaining.

Perhaps, the most compelling thing about this movie was it's message. Unfortunately, it is as equally prevalent today as it was during the events of this story. That message can be broken down into three simple things. You should never hide who you are. Always stand up for yourself. Love your fellow man. It's a shame that this is still something that needs to be said today.

Lead by a brilliant ensemble of characters, "Pride" proves to be one of the better films in recent memory. It takes an event that happened thirty years ago and compares it to the world today. It is beautifully written and honestly performed. Like the characters in the movie, gay, straight or "as yet undecided", I feel everyone could take something away from this picture.

My Rating: 8/10

The Mule (2014)

Directed by Tony Mahony and Angus Sampson
Written by Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson and Jaime Brown
Starring Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Hugo Weaving and Georgina Haig

A first time drug mule is caught by law enforcement and kept on a 7 day watch as he tries to hold his bowels.

A dark, yet hilarious take on the legalities of drug smuggling, this film includes some of the smartest "potty" humor I've seen. If there is such a thing. The ensemble of Aussies display a great chemistry with each other, creating a tightly performed story.

Despite having such names attached as Hugo Weaving, Angus Sampson. Leigh Whannell and John Noble, it was easy to believe all of the characters and their reaction to the scenarios they faced. That is often something that is lost with such a star-studded cast.

On top of this movie being funny as hell, it's also a really good story. It takes a overused topic of drug smuggling and makes it it's own. Not once during it did I feel I had seen the movie before. I continued to second guess what I thought would happen, which in today's world is almost impossible for me. It was refreshingly new and creative, and that is the best thing a movie can be.

My Rating: 8/10

Area 51 (2015)

Directed by Oren Peli
Written by Christopher Denham and Oren Peli
Starring Reid Warner, Darrin Bragg, Ben Rovner and Jelena Nik

Three young conspiracy theorists attempt to uncover the mysteries of Area 51, the government's secret location rumored to have hosted encounters with alien beings. What they find at this hidden facility exposes unimaginable secrets.

With a weak and cliched opening, the first twenty minutes felt like unnecessary character development that only hurt the movie. With the introduction of three "bros" who say "dude" way more than they should, you immediately begin to hate everything about these characters, thus rendering the next 70-80 minutes the most annoying 70-80 minutes in recent memory.

One of the characters just keeps complaining the whole time and when they finally ask him why he's there he doesn't give an answer. His character is entirely useless. The main character-- or the character who seems to be the most interested in the mission, makes really dumb choices, like refusing to leave a house they had broken into when the owner gets home. He seems to forget that THIS IS NOT A TIME SENSITIVE MATTER!!!

They come up with all of these security measures that Area 51 is apparently armed with, yet in one of the most secure bases in the country, they don't have security cameras and people watching those cameras? 7-11's have more security cameras than this depiction of Area 51 has.

Also, there security guards are only trained in seeing heat. Not human shaped objects.

Perhaps this films worst offense (next to being made) is how much it drags. It takes so long for anything to happen and it's not suspenseful. It's just three guys and occasional one woman being really annoying. That mixed with there terrible way it's filmed (it's the first movie to give me headaches, including other found footage films), create for an overall terrible 90 minute experience.

And this complaint is more about Area 51 conspiracy theorists than it is the movie. Who cares if they're lying? It has nothing to do with your life! You are obsessing over something that literally does not matter and the day that the government finally comes out and says "you were right", nothing will change. Except you might have an alien friend. Which is cool and all, but focus on what you have, not what you don't have, man! It makes for better movies.

My Rating: 3/10

Aloft (2014)

Written and Directed by Claudia Llosa
Starring Jennifer Connelly, Cillian Murphy, Mélanie Laurent and Peter McRobbie

A woman who struggled as a mother has her past come back to haunt her when she encounters the son she abandoned 20 years earlier.

In a film where I assume you are supposed to empathize with the mother and some how understand why she abandoned her son, it achieves the exact opposite. Perhaps it is Jennifer Connelly's portrayal of the single mother, or even the writing, but the character seems to be nothing more than a whiny, stubborn woman who makes poor choices regarding her children and obviously has a favorite.

Despite the frustrating stupidity of Connelly's character, the director, Claudia Llosa keeps it interesting with it's artsy feel and beautiful cinematography. But that's not enough to raise the overall quality of the film.

Even though Cillian Murphy acted phenomenally, even acting circles around Jennifer Connelly when they shared screen time, his character was just dumb. He made choices that made no sense (i.e. cheating on your wife while she's at home watching your kid, with no other reason to other than the fact the woman was French and attractive. It just didn't fit the character).

The entire film felt like it was made to show the harsh landscape of living just out side the arctic circle. The story made no sense. What needed to be explained, wasn't explained. No one learns anything. There isn't a single character arc throughout. It's just plain boring, with the exception of a single five minute scene.

My Rating: 5/10

Being There (1979)

Directed by Hal Ashby
Written by Jerzy Kosinski based on his novel and Robert C. Jones (Uncredited)
Starring Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas and Jack Warden

A simple, sheltered gardener becomes an unlikely trusted advisor to a powerful businessman and an insider in Washington politics. With his literal dissection of everything said to him, his innocent and honest answers are taken as wise musings of the economic climate.

An elegant and subtle comedy, "Being There" is touching, yet slightly terrifying. While I'm sure the situations of this film would never happen in real life, the idea of an illiterate man with no formal education taking the political and financial world by storm raises some serious questions (i.e. Are all Politicians stupid? Answer: Yes.)

Peter Sellers is brilliant as the quiet, simple man of few words. He brings a humanity to his character that is sadly lost even in today's depictions of people with mental illness. As usual, he is hilarious. But this character, despite having the mind of a child, had a maturity to it that truly shows Sellers' depth.

In a modern world where comedies are loud and in your face 99% of the time, it is refreshing to watch the classics that are so widely regarded, yet simple and understated. It is remarkable that a film about "the village idiot", as the trailer describes,  could have such deep, meaningful themes of life and death. It is a rare, beautiful comedy.

My Rating: 8/10

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by Aaron Sorkin, based on the book by George Crile
Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams

A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

The question of whether or not Charlie Wilson was a hero in real life is still up in the air. But we're not talking about real life here. We're talking about a movie. And regardless of how things happened in real life, in the film for all intents and purposes he is. And it is a brilliant depiction of the American political system and their views on helping other countries during war contrasted to their views on helping during reconstruction.

Tom Hanks shines as the foul mouthed, womanizing congressman who becomes the unlikeliest of diplomats in a covert operation. As usual, his comedic timing and charm are on point as he makes even the dirtiest of dirt balls likable.

With a Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor, Phillip Seymour Hoffman kills it as "the Zen Master" CIA agent that Charlie Wilson works with. It is a further example of the talent that was lost far too soon.

While, I guess you could technically call this film a "war movie", it is more a "behind the scenes" of a war, taking an in depth and interesting look into the politics that come with aiding another country fight. With amazing writing from the incomparable Aaron Sorkin, and outstanding performances by an amazing cast, "Charlie Wilson's War" is as entertaining as a movie where people just talk can get… You can take that however you like. But I personally enjoyed it.

My Rating: 7/10

Home (2015)

Directed by Tim Johnson
Written by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember, based on the book "The True Meaning of Smekday" by Adam Rex
Starring Jim Parsons, Rhianna, Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez and Matt Jones

When the Boove discover sanctuary on Earth from their enemy the Gorg, the abduct all humans and jam them into Australia, stealing everything else. But when an unpopular Boove named Oh jeopardizes his species' peace, he is hunted down. While on the run, he finds a lonely girl who escaped capture and helps her find her Mom.

In a time where many animation studios are staying a float by adding more things for the parents in their family movies, Dreamworks has stepped in and taken the reigns with the films directed towards younger audiences.

Unlike movies from Pixar and Disney Animation (two different entities that just happened to be owned by Disney), in which plots are often darker and have heavier content that is both kid friendly and holds the adults' attention, "Home" aims for an even younger audience and neglects to think about the parent's in attendance.

Their first mistake, in my mind, was casting both Rhianna and Jennifer Lopez. Perhaps it is the crowd I surround myself with, but I don't know many people over the age of 16 who listen to those artists religiously. Or at the very least, enough to be excited that they are in a movie. Not only was it meaningless from a marketing standpoint, but from the acting side, it just gave the movie lower quality voice performances.

With a soundtrack plagued by Rhianna  and Jennifer Lopez songs, the entire movie just felt like an advertisement for her. Sure, when a musician agrees to be in a movie, they usually lend a song for good measure. But the songs just did not fit the scenes they were in. The became a distraction rather than an enhancement.

The plot of the movie itself, although cliché, was an interesting enough start. They definitely had a foundation and enough jokes and gags to make a good movie. And the casting choices weren't an immediate deal breaker. I just can't pinpoint where the filmmakers went wrong. It's a decent movie, but I feel a lot of little mistakes cost them the quality of the movie after such a promising short film.

My Rating: 5/10

Wet Hot American Summer (2001)

Directed by David Wain
Written by Michael Showalter and David Wain
Starring Janeane Garofalo, David Hyde Pierce, Michael Showalter and Marguerite Moreau

Set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of 1981, a group of counselors try to complete their unfinished business before the day ends.

The comedic genius of David Wain and Michael Showalter is often lost on people. Their over the top jokes and gags could easily be perceived as forced. And that's because they are. But that's what makes them brilliant. They force their comedy. They don't try to hide the fact that they are attempting to make you laugh. They just go all in and do the most absurd thing they can think of.

I will admit, their comedy is not for everyone. But if you can come to understand it, you will love "Wet Hot American Summer". It is an in-your-face parody of such teenage based comedies as "Dazed and Confused", in which over sexed teenagers try to have sex. And being camp councilors, this sometimes leads them to neglecting the kids they've been put in charge of.

This movie is goofy and ridiculous. If you expect anything else, you will be disappointed. It is not a movie for the serious. I really can't say anything else. This type of comedy takes some serious guts and everyone involved just killed it.

My Rating: 7/10

They Came Together (2014)

Directed by David Wain
Written by Michael Showalter and David Wain
Starring Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler, Cobie Smulders, Bill Hader and Ellie Kemper

When a couple on a double date tells their friends the story of how they met, they realize the whole thing sounds like a corny romantic comedy movie… 'cause it is.

I don't understand how anyone could dislike this movie. Everywhere I look, I see poor ratings for it. It's as if people think making fun of cliched romantic comedies is a bad thing! This takes everything you hate about date movies, amplifies them and forces you to love them through laughter.

Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler nail the overplayed protagonist couple that need to overcome their difference to come together (OH SHIT! That's the name of the movie!). This is the kind of satirical comedy that has been missing from the Wayans' parody movies since "Scary Movie 2". And it is beautiful.

There were times during this movie that I laughed so hard, I was afraid I would wake up my neighbors. It is a clever movie with brilliant performances from actors who knew exactly what director David Wain was trying to accomplish. Everyone was one the same page throughout this movie. Even the brilliant cameo appearances were on point.

My Rating: 7/10