Bonus Trailer - Mad Max: Fury Road

Once again, Tuesday has failed me. I pride myself in the alliteration that is Trailer Tuesdays. However, it seems that all major film studios feel the same way, releasing trailers for upcoming blockbusters while giving out free tacos (probably), thus causing my trailer reviews released that very day to already be out of date.

But I say, "No more!". No longer will I be made a fool by showing last weeks trailers. I will stand up and say, "I'm mad as hell! And I'm not going to take it anymore!"

"Unless you have a job for me. In which case GIVE ME A JOB!"

When I saw yesterday's newly released second trailer for "Mad Max: Fury Road", I was excited. I believe whole heartedly that this will be a better, more fun movie than "Avengers 2". Yeah, I said it. What are you going to do about it?!

OH SHIT! DID YOU SEE THAT?!

Unlike "The Avengers: Age of Ultron" which is going the overplayed, dark and brooding root, this film is very obviously taking the we-don't-give-a-shit-and-just-want-to-have-fun-and-make-the-craziest-most-unbelievable-movie-you-ever-saw root. And I think they pulled it off.

This is not a face of someone who is having fun.

Filled with characters who's designs inspired an entire genre of movies, this movie is not afraid to go back to it's roots of the madness that is the apocalypse. Every character has a unique design and a crazy accessory on their costume.

Are those real teeth?

Including the gnarliest chastity belt that gives the medieval times a run for their money.

…. not worth it.

And a guy who totally can't see what he's shooting at.

Helen Keller is a better shot.

Seriously, take a look at these stills I grabbed from the trailer and tell me that this movie isn't going to make you lose your mind…

Wait… is that a guy playing guitar in the bottom left?

Yeah, I guess so...

OH, SHIT IT'S A FLAME THROWER!!!

This movie definitely does not care about reality. And that is what is going to make it great! It knows what it is and owns it to an extent where it goes above and beyond! I for one cannot wait for this movie. I think it has potential to be the best movie of the summer.

"Mad Max: Fury Road" opens on May 15th.

Movie Trailer Tuesdays - 3/31/15

Good Kill

Directed by Andrew Niccol

Starring Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Zoë Kravitz and Jake Abel

A family man begins to question the ethics of his job as a drone pilot.

Alright, Andrew Niccol, you have my attention. This definitely looks interesting. It's a different take on modern combat that we've seen briefly shown in movies and TV shows, but I personally have never seen a story focussed solely on a drone pilot. The few reviews I've read for this aren't Earth shattering, but they are mostly positive. We shall see on May 15th.

Maggie

Directed by Henry Hobson

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson and Laura Cayouette

A teenage girl in the Midwest becomes infected bu an outbreak of a disease that slowly turns the infected into cannibalistic zombies. During her transformation, her loving father stays by her side.

Damn, AHNULD! When did you become a single-tear actor? Damn, damn, DAMN! I cannot wait for this movie. Arnold Schwazenegger may not be the best actor, but he sure as hell makes fun movies. And he actually looks very good in this! I can't wait for this to come out May 8th.

True Story

Directed by Rupert Goold

Staring Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones and Ethan Suplee

The relationship between journalist Michael Finkel and Christian Longo, an FBI Most Wanted List murderer, who for years lived outside the U.S. under Finkel's name.

I saw this trailer a few months ago and I immediately became transfixed by it. Jonah Hill is proving himself to be a more versatile actor than anyone could have predicted and it is very exciting to watch his career grow. James Franco always seems to be at his best playing the darker roles and Felicity Jones is just icing on the cake. It's a great ensemble and it looks like an incredible story. "True Story" hits theaters April 17th.

Southpaw

Directed by Antoine Fuqua

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Rita Ora and Clare Foley

A boxer fights his way to the top, only to find that his life is falling apart around him.

First off, Jake Gyllenhaal looks terrifying in this. Second, there are a few issues with the plot (at least as shown in the trailer) that I can't look past. First, why is another person risking imprisonment to fire a gun at a boxer who is just in a fight with another boxer. Second, the court says that he needs to prove himself an able father, not an able boxer. So why is he trying so hard to become an able boxer? Perhaps these are better explained or make more sense in the full movie. Either way, I will be seeing this in theaters July 31st.

Spectre (007 Series)

Directed by Sam Mendes

Starring Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes and Monica Bellucci

A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

I would never call myself a Bond fan. In fact, up until the newest series with Daniel Craig, I always found them to be a bit campy. So when I say that I think Sam Mendes is the best director the 007 series ever had, know that I say that with little knowledge of the older Bond films and only say that as a personal preference. I think this looks great. In my mind, hero franchises such as this, Marvel and DC are and always have been about the villain. And Christoph Waltz was born to play villains. Bond is back at it on November 6th.

Tune in next Tuesday for more trailers! If you have any suggestions for movies or even trailers to cover in next weeks installment, comment or message me on Facebook at:

www.Facebook.com/MDCHicks

or follow me on twitter

@MichaelDCHicks

Grand Piano (2013)

Directed by Eugenio Mira
Written by Damien Chazelle
Starring Elijah Wood, John Cusack, Kerry Bishé and Alex Winter

When a disgraced pianist attempts to make a comeback at the memorial concert for his teacher and mentor, he receives a note in his sheet music-- "Play one wrong note and you die!".

Elijah Wood's career after "The Lord of the Rings" has been a strange one. Having been blackballed by Hollywood because of his famous character, he unfortunately hasn't had many options. But I feel he does alright, all things considered. He's become the go-to guy for psychological thrillers too different to get backed by a major studio. With films like "Maniac", "Open Windows", this and the TV series "Wilfred", it's as if he's had to start his career over completely. But it could be worse.

This movie has a familiar concept. Much like "Photo Booth", it's just another man-becomes-hostage-in-public story. It is interesting enough, but nothing really sticks out as a selling point. Some scenes are intense while others make you wonder you are supposed to feel. And there are many plot holes that in my mind are so hard to miss that I find it hard to believe the writer (Academy Award Nominee, Damien Chazelle) didn't notice.

I also find it hard to believe that Elijah Wood is his generations

greatest pianist, yet walked away from his career for one slip up.

Is this a bad movie? No. But it definitely is not good. As the countless majority of movies are, it's just extremely mediocre. Just another movie to watch to pass the time. If one thing does stand out from this movie, it is the beautifully unique cinematography. But it takes more than pretty pictures to make a great movie.

My Rating: 5.6/10

Rocky (1976)

Directed by John G. Avildsen
Written by Sylvester Stallone
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young and Carl Weathers

Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer gets a supremely rare chance to fight the heavy-weight champion, Apollo Creed, in a bout in which he strives to go the distance for his self-respect.

Yes, I have never seen the original "Rocky" until today. Shut up about it!

As resident of the Philadelphia area, I have no idea how I have never seen this movie. I've seen "Rocky IV", but none of the others. It's one of those movies that just slipped through the cracks, I guess. After watching it nearly 40 years later, I find that it still holds water. It is still an inspirational underdog story that paved the way for similar films after.

In 1977, this film won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. I haven't seen all of the nominees from that year, but I have seen "Taxi Driver" and "Network", both of which I believe could have beat out this film if the award was given out today. It has withstood the test of time, but in my opinion, as a whole it is not up to par with those other two great films.

It is without a doubt some of Sylvester Stallone's best acting and even writing. Granted, I feel that it was either a fluke or he just decided to make crazy action movies following this one. Either way, I don't think he regrets anything in his career. It is a storied one that is somewhat reflected in the screenplay for "Rocky". Rags to riches. Nobody to somebody. A true underdog story.

My Rating: 7/10

One Hour Photo (2002)

Written and Directed by Mark Romanek
Starring Robin Williams, Connie Nielsen, Dylan Smith and Eriq La Salle

A lonely employee of a one-hour photo lab becomes obsessed with a young suburban family and imagines himself a part of it. His obsession soon becomes dangerous as he learns his perfect imaginary family isn't so perfect.

Yet another example at the greatness of the late, great Robin Williams and the diversity of his talent, this film shows off the comedians dark side. His performance makes it so easy to relate and sympathize with his character, who is clearly not well. You find yourself condemning, yet understanding his actions from beginning to end.

The story is intriguing and enough to make the film worth the watch, but it is Williams' performance that pushes it from good to great. His focus and meticulousness in both the developing of photos and his obsessive behavior adds to create a character that is hard to forget.

Robin Williams took selfless before it was cool…

This movie reminded me why it was so hard to hear of Robin Williams' death. He wasn't just a comedian. He was a great actor who had a range of talent that is hard to find. While these roles are much darker than how people want to remember him, I believe they are essential to completing the picture of who he really was. His career is an image of all aspects of our lives put on display. He wasn't just the best parts. He was also the bad and brooding.

My Rating: 7/10

Rudderless (2014)

Directed by William H. Macy
Written by Casey Twenter, Jeff Robinson and William H. Macy
Starring Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin, Felicity Huffman and Laurence Fishburne

A grieving father in a downward spiral stumbles across a box of his recently deceased son' demo tapes and lyrics. Shocked by the discovery of his unknown talent, he forms a band in the hop of finding some catharsis.

I'm really struggling to find a way to write this review that doesn't contain any spoilers. There is so much I want to say about this film that needs context to explain, but said context would involve me giving away so much of the emotional impact of this movie. So if you watch this movie, please please PLEASE let me know so we can discuss it.

This is William H Macy's feature film directorial debut and he hit a home run. This movie has everything that makes a great movie. The acting, the writing and the social context all make for a intensely emotional film on both ends of the spectrum. Not only that, but it is topped off with incredible original songs that rival the world's most famous musician's and is actually performed by the cast!

There is still so much I want to tell you about, but I know it will only ruin you experience watching it if I do. Do yourself a favor. Watch it and come talk to me so we can discuss it! I'm dead serious! Since I can't say what I want to about this movie, I'll just leave you with one of the amazing songs in it.

My Rating: 9/10

Disney and It's Fall from Grace

The following statement might cause me to lose a lot of things. It will certainly cause me to lose some friends. It may cause me to lose my family. But it will not cause me to lose my dignity. When you have something to say, it is more harmful to keep it inside and regret never saying it than it is just to blurt it out and deal with the repercussions. So here it goes…

I don't love Disney.

OH, SHIT!

Hear me out, Flynn and Pascal!

I don't HATE Disney. They have made some fantastic movies-- Movies I grew up with! I will always love "The Lion King", "Beauty and the Beast", "Peter Pan" and many others. But I've grown skeptical of everything they make now. They used to be groundbreaking! They used to take risks! They used to make Hollywood better! But not anymore.

With the purchase of Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar and several other big-name companies in the film industry, it would be foolish to think that Disney doesn't run the majority of film making in the United States. Hell, they're the Alexander the Great of movie studios. It's only a matter of time before they own damn near everything.

But that's not why I've lost faith in them. I couldn't care less if they owned everything in Hollywood. My problem with them is that they've lost their creative touch. And very few people have noticed, because in their eyes, as long as there is still an over-crowded amusement park in two of the hottest, uncomfortable locations in the United States that they can walk around from ride to ride and wait in line for two hours for a two minute attraction and use the excuse that they're on vacation to completely forget their manners and be rude to one another, they don't care.

Not Pictured: Countless trampled bodies and a flood of children's tears.

When I say they have lost their creative touch, I mean that they have become too safe. They only care about films that will make money, rather than creating great content that will become classics. They're making a "Toy Story 4" for crepe's sake (yes, crepe was intentional)! IS NOTHING SACRED?!

Name the last, truly mind blowing movie that Disney has made. One that A) Was not a sequel or spin-off, and B) A movie you will not forget for years to come. If you said "Frozen", you're wrong and I will get to why later. If you answered "Up", you are correct!

"Up" was the last film Disney made to take risks. It tackled very sensitive topics such as love, infertility,  grief, death, aging, mortality, eviction and the sadness that comes with being forced into a retirement home. And that was just the first ten minutes!

Sure, 2009 really wasn't that long ago. But when you release as many films per year as Disney does, you have to wonder when they'll start making good ones again. They have become too soft. I thought they would redeem themselves with "Maleficent", but that just became another example of how they are too afraid to take risks anymore.

The riskiest moves they made in this movie were her cheek bones.

They took what is debatably, yet still widely considered Disney's best villain and made her into a hero! I get what they were trying to do with the whole change of perspective thing. But in "Sleeping Beauty", Maleficent was unequivocally evil. You essentially took a villain that people loved to loathe and made her into an allegory as to why we shouldn't be so quick to judge Hitler.

OK, I realize that's a bit of a stretch. But come on! You can make a movie about a villain and still humanize them! They did it with Hitler after all! I'm sorry I keep bringing up Hitler, but it's just so easy.

This was lazy, simple storytelling designed to look deep and thought provoking. But really, it's just showing kids that that guy who is offering them candy to get into their van may have just had his wings stolen by your Dad and just wants to get them back.

Speaking of films designed to seem like something their not:

"Frozen", the film that kids love and parents used to love but now hate. When it first came out, everyone talked about how empowering it was to women. How Elsa just wanted to be who she was and Anna, through terribly written lyrics found out she doesn't need a man to help her with anything…

Except she definitely does.

Anna was getting nowhere until Kristoff came by to save the day. Then Disney did what they do best, and had two people who barely know each other fall in love… AFTER THEY JUST MADE FUN OF THEMSELVES FOR ALWAYS DOING THAT A FEW MINUTES PRIOR!

How am I the only one to see the hypocrisy in that? They essentially promised us they were going to break from their normal plot formula and then proceeded to use their normal plot formula. HOW IS THIS NOT INFURIATING PEOPLE!? It's essentially calling out it's audience for being too dumb to realize what's going on. And apparently, they're right. So more power to them I guess.

Of course, this whole article is subjective. These are just the ramblings of someone who watches a lot of movies and is tired of seeing the same movie over and over again with different titles. But more than that, I'm upset that Disney has become too safe for their own good.

They used to have amazing, heart wrenching death scenes of major characters.

They used to talk about life.

They used to teach us important lessons.

And they used to give us hope.

I know it comes off as if I'm saying you can't love these movies and you can't blindly love Disney. If that makes you happy and these movies bring you joy, that's great. I only write these incoherent rantings because I have noticed a change in the way Disney makes movies.

Disney has straight up told Pixar they need to make more sequels than they do original, stand-alone films. I understand why they did it. But I just can't stand it. There was a time when Disney sequels were straight-to-DVD side projects. And I miss those days.

Since 2009,  there are only four worth while movies created by Disney. You'd think that almost one a year is great until I tell you that they have made 65 movies since then. Disney has really fallen from grace.

But that's just my opinion… Perhaps my memory of Disney as a child overshadows the reality of it's mediocrity.

I do have high hopes for "Inside Out", though!

The Salvation (2014)

Directed by Kristian Levring
Written by Anders Thomas Jensen and Kristian Levring
Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Eva Green, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Mikael Persbrandt

In 1870s America, a peaceful Danish settler kills his family's murderer which unleashes the fury of a notorious gang leader. With a bounty on his head, his cowardly fellow townspeople betray him, forcing him to hunt down the outlaws alone.

A story of revenge and justice, this is single handedly the best foreign Western film since Clint Eastwood's  "The Man With No Name" trilogy. It is a unique perspective on the old west told from a foreign settlers point of view, creating a stronger feeling of disgust with how he and his family were treated in their new home.

Mads Mikkelsen continues to prove himself as one of the elite actors of the world with a captivating performance as the vengeful Dane with nothing to lose. It is extremely easy to root for him as he kicks some ass and takes some names. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is intensely evil as the ruthless marauder.

If I had to nitpick, I would say this movies one flaw is it's formulaic plot. Regardless of it's unique, foreign settler perspective, it is a rather over-played story. Complete with a one-on-twelve shoot out and and intense standoff, it takes all of the aspects that makes westerns great. Yet, despite it's predictability, it is one of the best Western films in recent memory and revives a dying genre, if only for a while.

My Rating: 7/10

Get Hard (2015)

Directed by Etan Cohen
Written by Jay Martel, Ian Roberts,  Etan Cohen and Adam McKay
Starring Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Alison Brie and Craig T. Nelson

When millionaire James King is nailed for fraud and bound for San Quentin, he turns to Darnell Lewis to prep him to go behind bars. What is to follow is a chaotic, hard fought battle to learn how not to get raped while in a maximum security prison.

With the controversy that claims racial themes following this movie, I was curious to see what all the fuss was about. But what I found did not surprised me. Of course it's racist! It's supposed to be. It's a satire for how disillusioned and prejudice some rich white people are. Come one, guys! This isn't first grade!

This entire film is meant to show how ignorant and presumptuous Will Ferrell's character is when it comes to the working class of Hispanics and black people. It spells it out from the get-go, but apparently this country has become too politically correct to understand that satire is used for good, not evil!

Pictured: A cut scene from the acclaimed mini-series "Roots"

With many modern comedies, there is an epidemic of movie trailers showing all of the funny parts and leaving nothing for the movie. This has the opposite problem. For myself, at least, I saw advertisements for this movie so often, that the parts in the trailers became overplayed and unfunny. However, it is filled with several other humorous moments, but due to the over marketing, I left feeling the same way I would if the only funny parts were in the trailer… I realize, writing this out, that that may sound crazy, but I know what I'm trying to say… So, shut up!

How I probably sound to you.

Regardless of this fact, the comedic chemistry between Ferrell and Hart is wonderful and provides many hilarious scenes. The juxtaposition of the two clashing cultures creates an unlikely duo that learn to focus on their similarities rather than their differences. Despite what critics may say, it has a pretty good message if you choose to look at it like that. Or you can look at it like it's an attack on the culture of impoverished people and be angry. It's your choice.

My Rating: 6/10

The Station Agent (2003)

Written and Directed by Tom McCarthy
Starring Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson, Bobby Cannavale and Michelle Williams

When his only friend dies, a man born with dwarfism moves to rural New Jersey to live a life of solitude, only to meet a chatty hot dog vendor and a woman dealing with her own personal loss.

This quirky, independent comedy gives itself a unique voice straight from the get-go. The world of train hobbyists as well as the mockery and ridicule endured from the perspective of the main character for being different makes for an infuriating yet awkwardly comedic picture.

In my life, I don't think I have ever seen a movie filled with this many characters who were terrible at picking up on social cues. There were also an obscene amount of people who had no idea how rude and intrusive they were being to Dinklage's character. It's sad to think there are people in this world like that, who have no idea how to behave around people with dwarfism.

I can't be sure if it was a directing choice or Dinklage's personal choice, but I found his character to be very flat and uninteresting in the beginning. He grew into a more three-dimensional character as the film went on, however, I found the enthusiasm to which Bobby Cannavale's character had wanted to get to know him was forced. Perhaps with him being a New Yorker stuck in a small, lowly populated town was enough to make him want to speak with anyone, regardless of mutual interest.

Strangeness and eccentricities aside, this was a great movie about two lonely people who wanted friends and one lonely person who didn't know he needed friends. It is as heartwarming as it is quirky, making for an entertaining film.

My Rating: 7.5/10

JCVD (2008)

Directed by Mabrouk El Mechri
Written by Mabrouk El Mechri, Frédéric Benudis, Frédéric Taddï, Vincent Ravalec and Christophe Turpin
Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, François Damiens, Zinedine Soualem and Karim Belkhadra

While visiting his family at home in Belgium, Van Damme is caught in the middle of a robbery, and the cops think the aging star has snapped and pulled the job himself. Now, on top of dealing with financial problems, a nasty custody battle and a waning career, he has to make like a real-life action hero and find his way out of a very tense situation.

The muscles from Brussels finds himself in trouble as the hero becomes the victim in this movie. A more in depth than expected look at the consequences of fame and fortune, this movie is much more than an action movie. It has a lot to say about societies perception of celebrities.

You can really tell that this is a passion project of Van Damme's. This is by far his best and most relatable performance of his career. Topped with the single best soliloquy in the past ten years and an impressive delivery in said scene, I honestly would not have counted him out of any awards race in 2008. I couldn't believe what my eyes were seeing when he started rolling out that monologue.

You guys have no idea how freaking good it was.

This movie is fun, intense and brings an element of humanity you rarely see with action heroes. It was definitely a refreshing change from the formula's that other action movies follow. I highly recommend this film to anyone who want's to be blown away by how good Jean-Claude Van Damme actually is.

My Rating: 9/10

Alex Harmon is the biggest TF in the world.

Movie Trailer Tuesdays - 3/24/15

Welcome back to Movie Trailer Tuesdays! This week, we bring back memories of trying to get the high score at the arcade so you could make your initials "A-S-S", I talk about my confusion of the story choice for the third installment of "Insidious", and we look at just how ridiculous "Mission: Impossible 5" looks. Here we go!

Pixels

Directed by Chris Columbus

Starring Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage and Josh Gad

When aliens misinterpret video feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war, they attack Earth in the form of video games…

I'd be lying if I didn't say I think this looks awesome. It looks utterly ridiculous and filled with nostalgia. There is a 95% that this will be terrible, but screw it. I'll get excited for this one! I haven't been disappointed by a movie in a long time and I'm over due for one. "Pixels" hits theaters July 24th.

Man Up

Directed by Ben Palmer

Starring Lake Bell, Simon Pegg, Olivia Williams and Rory Kinnear

A woman who is mistaken for a stranger's blind date, goes along with the misunderstanding thinking it'd be harmless. But she finds herself caught up in the perfect relationship based on a lie.

If Simon Pegg made a movie in which he painted a room white with three coats over the span of an hour and a half, I would see it. He probably brings the most humanity to his style of comedy out of any actor I'm familiar with. So, I would see this for him alone. Lake Bell is just a plus. Even if she is doing a weird British accent (weird for her at least). "Man Up" will be at the Tribeca Film Festival on April 19th. No release date has been set for the U.S.

Insidious: Chapter 3

Directed by Leigh Whannell

Starring Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Angus Sampson and Leigh Whannell

A prequel set before the haunting go the Lambet family that reveals how gifted psychic, Elise Rainier, reluctantly agrees to use her ability to contact the dead, in order to help a teenage girl who has been targeted by a dangerous supernatural entity.

This looks cool and all, but what happened to the family at the end of the second one? Where Specs and Tucker visit that hispanic family, and Elise Rainier (as a ghost) sees something in the shadows of the corner? That is what really intrigued me about a third installation. But now, they;re going back to before the first movie? I wanted the story they teased at the end of the last one. Oh, well… Maybe that'll be Chapter 4. "Insidious: Chapter 3" hits theaters June 5th.

Broken Horses

Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra

Starring Anton Yelchin, Chris Marquette, Vincent D'Onofrio and María Valverde

The bonds of Brotherhood, the laws of loyalty, and the futility of violence in the shadows of the US-Mexico border gang wars.

This definitely looks intriguing, but I can't say I'm impressed with the trailer. It doesn't help that it opens with James Cameron telling us to go see the movie. and I also feel it tells too much. But who knows. Perhaps this is just the tip of the iceberg. "Broken Horses" hits theaters April 10th.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie

Starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg and Alec Baldwin

Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying IMF.

"Hey! I have an idea for a 'Mission: Impossible 5'"

"We can't make another, Tom! How are we gonna top having you swing from a rope on the Burj Khalifa? It's the tallest building in the world!"

"Well, what if I and holding onto a plane… while it's flying!"

That's how I imagine the pre-production meeting for this movie went. And I'm not mad. This movie looks fun as hell and I am looking forward to seeing it. "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" hits theaters July 31st.

Thanks for checking out this weeks trailers. Be sure to come back next week when we'll have more. In the mean time, check out some of my reviews. You might find a movie you have never heard of before.

Cuban Fury (2014)

Directed by James Griffiths
Written by Jon Brown and Nick Frost
Starring Nick Frost, Rashida Jones, Chris O'Dowd and Olivia Colman

When he was a child, Bruce Garret had a burning passion for one thing. Salsa dancing! He was on his way to becoming a great competitive dancer when a few bullies beat the passion out of him. Now, as an adult, Bruce is overweight and lacks the confidence he once had. But his heart hasn't changed. Now, one woman is about to reignite his Latin fire!

"Cuban Fury" is your typical "don't judge a book by it's cover" story. But it is backed with the greatness of Nick Frost and Chris O'Dowd and seasoned with the greatest dance fighting since "West Side Story". The fight is both hilarious and impressive.

The themes of being who you are regardless of what others think and not judging people are heavy in this movie and mean well, but with countless, seemingly never-ending fat jokes, you just want the guy to stick up for himself. And he never really does. Things just kind of happen for him while he's being walked on.

There is nothing terrifically special about this movie. But it is enjoyable. This is nothing more than a movie that you watch when you want something light and there is nothing else on. The most noteworthy part of this film is the spectacular choreography in the dance sequences. Really other than that, there is nothing else to say about this movie.

My Rating: 5.8/10

Fitzcarraldo (1982)

Written and Directed by Werner Herzog
Starring Klaus Kinski, Miguel Ángel Fuentes, Paul Hittscher and Huerequeque Enrique Bohorquez

An obsessive rubber baron, intent on building an opera house deep within the Peruvian jungle, he devises a plan to obtain a a region of forest thought to be inaccessible in order to raise money for his passion project. He finds he must move a steamboat over a mountain in order to achieve his goal.

There is a saying in the film industry in regards to post production and the editing of a film. "Cut what you love". This might seem like the rantings of a lunatic at first, but it's meaning is quite true. If a scene does not add to your movie, or slows down the pacing, or in anyway affects the focus of the audience, get rid of it. Leave it on the cutting room floor. This movie is a perfect example of why this phrase exists.

Before I continue with my criticisms of it, know that this movie is fantastic. It is a film that could truly only be directed by Werner Herzog and his crazy ways. His obsessive genius, as well as Klaus Kinski's talent are highlighted and showcased in this film. The sheer scale of this film is one to behold with amazement. As much of a cliché as the word is today, this film is the very definition of the word "epic".

That is due in part by how it was made. How do you make a film in which a 320-ton steamboat is moved over a mountain? Why, you move a 320-ton steamboat over a mountain, damn it! How do you make a film in which said steamboat and it's crew go through some of the most dangerous rapids in South America?

Well, that's tricky. You actually intentionally place the steamboat in some of the most dangerous rapids in South America and roll the camera's as it crashes into the rocks protruding on either side and the cast and crew get flung all over the boat.

Regardless of how awesome this film is, I do have a problem with it's length. That is coming from a man who loves long movies and would rather have had "The Hobbit" series be released as one 9-hour long movie instead of three separate ones. I love long movies. And while with a running time of 2-hours and 37-minutes, this movie isn't terribly long, it certainly feels like it is.

I feel Herzog could have cut certain scenes out and shortened some shots and cut the film down to two hours or less. Perhaps it was the hell he had put himself through creating these insanely captivating images that caused him to be unable to part ways with even a single frame. I could understand that. But I found it's length and pace distracting at times, which is extremely rare for me.

But it is definitely impressive.

That one criticism aside, this movie is a brilliant portrayal of what one man will do in order to obtain his dream. It is a overwhelming display of the enormity of the South American jungle and the human spirit. And yet another example of how German cinema is considered by some to be the best in the world.

My Rating: 8/10

Bad Milo! (2013)

Directed by Jacob Vaughan

Written by Benjamin Hayes and Jacob Vaughan

Starring Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs, Peter Stormare and Patrick Warburton

When an man's persistent stomach issues become too much to bare, he visits a doctor to find it is a stress related polyp in his intestines. But upon continuing issues, he learns that it wasn't a polyp at all! It was a large alien like creature... IN HIS ASS! And it has come to kill anyone that causes his human stress.

Ridiculously and disgustingly funny, this very, very, VERY low brow horror-comedy delicately walks the line between absurd and childish, and hits every single positive note that each description has to offer. The plot alone is childish enough to make any kid at heart giggle until there is a grin on their face.

Produced by the brotherly, man-children duo of Mark and Jay Duplass, it is exactly what you'd expect from them. Ludicrous, fun, immature and fantastic. If you decide to dive into the world that is ass-dwelling, stress killing monsters, you know exactly what you're getting into and have no excuse to not enjoy it due to it's subject matter. If you go in, not knowing what to expect, you only have yourself to blame.

That's one adorable ass-monster

"Bad Milo!" is what it is. A crazy, laugh-filled movie that is not meant to be taken seriously. You will laugh. You will grimace. You will be entertained.

My Rating: 7/10

Boy (2010)

Written and Directed by Taika Waititi
Starring James Rolleston, Te Aho Eketone-Whitu, Taika Waititi and Maerangi Tihore

Set on the east coast of New Zealand in the year 1984, Boy, an 11-year0old kid and devout Michael Jackson fan gets a chance to know his estranged father, who has returned to find a bag of money he buried years ago.

With the dry-humor that Taika Waititi is known for, this movie will keep a smile on your face for a while after the credits are done. Backed by some great acting by the kids and adults alike, the writing in this is some of the best I've heard in recent memory.

Perhaps it is the setting or time period, but this is one of the most unique coming of age stories I have even seen. Yet, it captures the very foundation of the experience of growing up and makes it universal, so everyone can relate.

Who hasn't dug for buried treasure with their father who

insists on wearing a military helmet and just got out of prison?

I might get a lot of flak for this, as I'm sure many will disagree. But in my opinion, this was a much better representation of childhood than "Boyhood". And much more enjoyable (Not that I didn't enjoy "Boyhood"). That is mostly due to one coherent storyline, rather than the mosaic of moments that created the Oscar nominated film. I highly recommend "Boy" to anyone. Especially those who like quirky films.

My Rating: 8/10

P.S. Sorry about the poor quality of this review. It's 6:30 AM, and it's past my bedtime. I'm quite exhausted.