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of why they're smarter than the adults telling them to not do the things they should definitely not do and don't quote outdated philosophy or ideologies that don't make any sense (I'm looking at you "Paper Towns"!).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