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

Get the Gringo (2012)

Directed by Adrian Grünberg
Written by Mel Gibson, Stacy Perskie and Adrian Grünberg
Starring Mel Gibson, Kevin Hernandez, Daniel Giménez Cacho and Dolores Heredia

An American with a lengthy criminal record gets picked up by Mexican authorities after crashing his car just across the U.S./Mexico border. Finding two-million dollars in the car, the corrupt Mexican officers throw him into a tough prison and keep the money for themselves. He must now learn to survive in this prison that is unlike any he has been in before.

A balanced mix of a modern take on old western movies and a prison break heist, this movie is entertaining. While I would find it hard to believe if I found out that the film makers didn't take any creative liberties in their depiction of Mexican prisons, it is certainly an interesting comparison to the prison movies Americans are used to.

Think what you will about Mel Gibson in his personal life, but it would be ignorant to say that he doesn't know how to make a good movie. His writing proves itself to be unique and slightly over the top and his performance shows that even at 56 (the age he was when this was made), he can still hold his own in an action movie.

He's really good at having everyone around him get shot and

coming out unscathed.

This is no "Lethal Weapon" (which I haven't seen, but there must be a reason people still talk about it). It doesn't match up to "Braveheart" or "The Patriot". But it is a fun movie that is worth the watch. And there are so many taco stands throughout, it will make you want taquitos.

My Rating: 6/10

Dom Hemingway (2013)

Written and Directed by Richard Shepard
Starring Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Emilia Clarke and Demian Bichir

A career criminal who was just released from prison returns to the boss whom he had been quiet about while in prison. The reward money the was given for doing so is stolen and Dom Hemingway's life begins to spiral out of control.

Neither a film about repentance or life change, "Dom Hemingway" is just about a criminal trying to get back his criminal life, yet attempting to regain the trust of his daughter. He never once apologizes for his actions and continues to break the law throughout.

While not a deep, meaningful story that we see so often in movies about gangsters, it is rather interesting. The character Jude law creates is so fun and eccentric that it is near impossible to turn away. With seemingly poetic threats and insults, he speaks his way through the film with such a force that it is difficult to dislike him.

Just look at this side burns!

"Dom Hemingway" has a lot of positives about it. It has great writing, acting and cinematography just to name a few. I enjoyed it. But this isn't a "must see" movie. Sure it was fun and comedic and I'm happy I watched it. It just wasn't mind-blowing or even heart-pounding.

My Rating: 5.5/10