BLEED FOR THIS REVIEW

Bleed For This stars Miles Teller, and Aaron Eckhart and its a film I was overall very curious about. I wasn't super excited but I did want to see it, because I love boxing movies and I love movies about not giving up and to keep on fighting and having hope. So is bleed for this good? Story here. 

Bleed for this is about how boxer Vinny Pazienza gets in such a severe car crash that is unkown if heal ever walk again.. Not only does he walk again he makes on of the sports history best comebacks. I really liked bleed for this a lot. It has great peformances all around, has a great score, and a decent story and decent editing. My problem with Bleed for this is that it took to long to where it needed to be but overall its a very good movie that I think people should see. 

                                                                     THE VERDICT

Bleed for this may be slow at times, but with its great performances and a great message about never giving up, it keeps you entertained until the end. I give bleed For this an A-. 

LOVING REVIEW

What makes a family?How do we define Marriage? Its amazing that we have been asking those questions for years. And it all started with the story of Richard and Mildred Loving way back in the late 1950's. And its highlighted in a brand new film. "Loving," stars Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, Nick Kroll, Marton Csokas, and Michael Shannon. It is directed and written  by Jeff Nichols who directed and wrote critically claimed movies like " Mud and Midnight Special." I was not super excited for "Loving," but very curious. Here's the story. 

"Loving," tells the journey Richard and Mildred go on just a few weeks after they drive to Washington D.C. (Where they could marry and live safely,) and marry, only to return to their native Virginia and get arrested. The next decade are basically spent sneaking into the state because they were told in order to avoid jail, they would need to leave Virginia for 25 years. Rather than continue to hide, they chose to fight. And it lead to the landmark Supreme Court case LOVING VERSES VIRGINIA.

 I really enjoyed "Loving," a lot. From its great performances to it cinematography, score, it is beautifully done. And it overall has a story that needed to be told. I only have one big complaint.  In some parts it feels like a TV movie. In some moments, the melodrama takes over, and it messes with the pacing a bit. But I came to realize, it was probably a lot worse for them in many ways. And so, in the end, I was all right with it. Both Edgerton and Negga really emphasize the pain and humiliation that two people suffered for just wanting to be together and start a family. Edgerton carries Richards guilt and fear in his face and shoulders. This man lived for years in fear his family could be imprisoned or killed.

This court case changed history. No longer would interracial couples have to hide, no matter where they were from. And while this pacing issue is real, its an important story to expose people too, and should be shown to governments students. It puts a human face on civil liberties. Makes you really see what was at stake. 

               

THE VERDICT

Overall, its a really good film with some spectacular performances, especially Joel Edgerton. its pacing problems exist, but all in all its a solid B+ film. 

AN INTERIVEW WITH ACTOR VINCENT D'ONOFRIO

I was fortunate to interview actor Vincent D'Onofrio, who has been in such films " Full Metal Jacket," "The Player," "Jurassic World," and the brand new western hit "Magnificent Seven." He has also been in great shows like Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and Daredevil. This is our full interview and I hope you enjoy it. 

First sir, let me thank you again. I am a huge fan of your work. #1 You play a tracker in the Magnificent 7. What did you learn about the men who were the trackers for the civil war? He certainly came off to me as a man who carried many wounds from that war. Was that intentional?

 Horne had some Demons from his past. When I play a character. All the interior is based on my life. Unless it's talked about in the story. I always use real pains & sorrows. Always use regrets & memories I can bring up in my minds eye. The same type of stuff you and the rest of us have in life. Joy as well. That's my favorite. I bring these types of thing up inside me and as I'm connecting to the other actors I speak the authors words. That's how I Carry my characters life around with me. It translates onto film and helps tell the story correctly.


#2 What Westerns do you love that you could see getting remade?

The question of what should be remade has always been A big one. I don't know really. I guess it comes down to an individual wanting to remake a certain cinematic story.
I think if someone is passionate about remaking something then they should try. The great films can't be remade. Different versions of an original can be of course .Only a great film stands alone. Forever.


#3 My uncle was influenced to join the Marines after seeing "Sand of Iwo Jima." which he told me was nothing like the Korean war he later fought in. I just saw "Hacksaw Ridge" and was very impressed with it, and what it says about war. Since you have been in one of arguably the best war films made, what responsibility do you think we have as film makers to not sugar coat war? Is it ok to take the viewer on that violent trip? or should we limit it for stories sake? Just so we don't think violence is all it is?

Don't think you can make a war film without violence of some kind. Whether it's an internal violence being experience by the soldiers or family of the soldiers at home. It is emotionally as violent as physically I believe. A war film by nature is violent in its title. WAR. The politics of war can also be so terrible and horrific I think it matches actual physical violence as well.
That of course all depends on the storytellers point of view. Personally to me it's obvious that there aren't a lot of war comedies because it's just not funny.
MASH & Catch 22 . Vonnegut's - Slaughter house 5. All very dark comedies. Hardly comic . But the irony of war can not be left out of the story. Those 3 films I just mentioned handle the irony and the emotional depth of War . They also all have very violent scenes here and there.


#4 Your Altman experience happened when you were much younger. Do you think that film making has changed that much or do you think its as political as it was in "The Player?"


 You mention THE PLAYER in your question. You have to understand that when THE PLAYER was made it was not the typical film experience .
Altman was on of the last film mavericks out there. Oliver stone ,Maybe Tarsem Danwhar is a the only Maverick left we'll see. Tarsem shoots like the old mavericks shot . So if it quacks like a duck. It's a duck. Mavericks are great to work for. It takes them forever to get a film made not because of the material or because they suck. In fact it's because they are so good but they do not give in to financial pressures. They are the boss. The buck stops with them. Literally sometimes.
It's debatable whether every filmmaker should be this way. I say that because of worked with great directors whom use a studio or a financier as part of the team. They make the film with them, include them. They also can be great filmmakers. I don't think the business really changes as far the actual productions go. Things get more expensive . Trends happen. New types of venues happen such as streaming . The biggest change is the modern studio is not a production house . The modern studio is a collector of content. They stack rights to everything they can. And farm them out. And that's when the fun starts us filmmakers and actors go to work

#5 As a HUGE fan of Daredevil, I think you were fantastic as "KingPin." Would you relish working with your friend Robert Downey Jr. in a couple of side episodes? Would you make an appearance on Luke Cage if asked?




 As far as working with Downey . I'd love to do whatever with him. He's always involved in cool stuff so it's pretty much a no brained. I don't ever think about me being with him in the context of a marvel show or film.
Marvel is a very smart company with a lot of decision makers and you just never know what's coming next. Yes if they ask me to do Luke cage I would. If I was free. I love that show.


#6 Do you think really good story telling is going to be more about huge arcs that you can have in something like a netflix show? I'm very impressed with the scope of what something like that can do. As an actor.. you are in, do your work, and get out for 6 months. IS that kind of work appealing to you?



 I think good storytelling is good no matter what the form. If its compelling and it is deep &/or entertaining in some way it's good. As n actor I prefer film. The writing has gotten great for tv but the productions are mostly still a little rough around the edges . They still don't spend enough money most of the time on the actual productions . After the first season or two they immediately try to start shaving the budgets. Us actors we get what we get and that doesn't get cut. They start cutting other stuff and it effects the production value that they end up delivering to the audience. A lot easier to budget most films.
One knows going in what the production value will be most of the time and that rarely changes. Film is as you know a collaboration of many arts. All of them need a budget. If you want to make a good production it costs. Of course there are exceptions for small intimate films . But most of the stuff that's on tv these days is hardly intimate . But still great.


#7 Seems to me that Westerns are making a bit of a comeback. Why did attracted you to accepting the part, and would do more? Do you like a good western?



 I love westerns . Yes I'd do more if asked . I will direct one this summer.
I can't really talk about yet but it's gonna be super cool. I wrote the story and will direct. Mag 7 was brought to me by Fuqua . I first heard about it through Hawke then Antione called me .i mean with that cast and Antione shooting I couldn't say no. The script was rough but Antione knows what he's doing so I put my trust in him. He let us build our characters ourselves and make them fit in the story. Antione had a lot of talented dudes on that film .


#8 Was it nice to get a repeat in working with Chris Pratt again?


Last but not least question 8. 
Chris Pratt is one of the kindest men I've ever met. His wife Anna is also super sweet. There Son is amazing. I'm sure Chris and I will work together again. Not sure what but I just feel like we will. He is so awesome to work with . He's a very responsible actor . Works super hard . Never complains and is just funny as hell I consider him a friend . So to actually have a friend like him or Hawke on set with me is just glorious There is no judgment no competition it's just about the work. And of course the friendship is at all times present so we take care of each other. So fricking cool. I'm very lucky.
I guess that's it. Thanks for the questions Jake. Glad I could do it for ya kiddo.
V.


Thanks sir! I hope to be a director and writer and producer when I graduate . When i do i hope to be as cool and awesome as your are!


U got it kiddo. Good luck to you!


:) 

AN INTERVIEW WITH ACTOR JAMES D'ARCY

I was fortunate to interview actor James D'Arcy of TV's "AGENT CARTER," and such films as "Master and Commander," and "Cloud Atlas." Presently he is working with Christopher Nolan on the WWI drama "Dunkirk." He is also a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, which happens to be my mothers Alma Mater. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

Question 1: On Agent Carter, You played the character Jarvis ( Which you did a fantastic job.As a fan, and since you were a character that up until then had been a voice,  He really felt like a real person. (You and Haley Atwell had great chemistry) If you hadn't done Agent Carter, what would be another Marvel Or DC character you would have liked to play as? Are you surprised that Marvel dropped it? (My mom and I are, as we were huge fans of the show, and think it really was a great show for young women especially.)

I’m probably not as familiar with the Marvel or DC world so that I could give a good answer to that question. I love to play a variety of roles, so something quite different from Jarvis I guess! That being said, I really loved the show, and it’s a great shame that they didn’t pick it up for a 3rd season. I thought there was more story to tell, especially around the creation of SHIELD.

Question 2: You recently were cast in Christopher Nolan's WW2 Dunkirk movie with Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, and Tom Hardy. As an actor that has to be a huge moment for you. The time where you were in Drama School was when Rylance and Branagh we exploding on the scene. Does it feel strange when actors you saw as a student are suddenly working with you? Besides the Wachowskis and Nolan, what are some other directors you'd like to work with?

I only worked with Kenneth Branagh, and he was delightful. And yes, working with Nolan is a dream… There are so many directors I admire, but I guess near the top of my wishlist are PT Anderson, Denis Villeneuve, Ang Lee and Spielberg.

Question 3: Master and Commander is one of my favorite films of all time. You did a great job in your role. I was wondering is there any book you'd like to see get made into a movie and would you like to star in it? ( Ps. still hoping for a Master and Commander sequel) And my mom says you were quite the sword fighter in college. do you enjoy films that have that aspect in them like M&C?

Love doing stuff that involves a degree of physicality, especially if it’s something new to me… They’ve actually just made a book I wanted to see as a movie, it’s called Billy Lynn. Don’t really think there was a role for me in that one though…. 

Question 4:  After doing Hitchcock,  If I were to do a biopic on you, who would you cast as yourself and what would it be about?

Am I still young enough to play myself??? I mean, I guess it would be about my life if it were a biopic!

Question 5: What is the easiest part of being an actor on a set and what is the hardest part? Since you got your start in theater, would you rather be doing theater, film, or TV?

Being an actor is a dream come true, I don’t find being on a set hard at all. I love it. If you’ve been unemployed for a while and you don’t have money, well I think that can be tough for actors. 

I’m crazy about the medium of film. Always have been. And I don’t really feel like I got a start in theatre… My first professional job was in TV. It’s just a bit misleading at drama school bc they focus very heavily on stage work…

Hope that helps Jake. Good luck!

My thanks to Mr. D'Arcy. Can't wait to see DUNKIRK. Going to be EPIC!!!!

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN REVIEW

 

                                     
                                             

"The Legend Of Tarzan," is a film I was really pumped to see.  Whats not to like? A terrific cast, an exotic location, and a great story, make up one incredible evening at the movies. But does it live up to the hype? Heres the story.

  

In the decade after the original Tarzan took place, we find Tarzan, now called John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, living in England and acting like a civilized human being with wife Jane. And while he gets along in the world, its quite clear, when he see's Jane teaching children about Africa, that he misses it deeply. Jane too. He finds her high up in a tree dreaming of going back and you know, he wants it too. When an opportunity comes up to travel back as a representative for the British government, he is hesitant, and we get a glimpse why. Before leaving, Tarzan was involved in a fight that had catastrophic consequences. He knows going back could put a price on his head.  This is where Christoph Waltz does his best to make sure Tarzan pays for that act. What Tarzan doesn't realize at first, is Waltz is acting for foregin powers. One that want to destroy Africa and everything that Jane and Tarzan love about it.  And Waltz will do anything.. including harm Jane to make it happen. 

I liked this film a lot. Skarsgard is perfect as Tarzan, and Margot Robbie looks and acts the part of the defiant heroine. Samuel L Jackson, plays George Washington Williams, a real life American historian of the African people, and good comedy in the company of Tarzan. For every exhausting run that Tarzan has, comes the panting but determined face of Williams, ready to offer Tarzan whatever back up he needs. Waltz is a good villian, but I fear he is pigeon holing himself into roles of "vaguely eastern european baddies" who have secret agendas. That being said, he plays that part very very well.  I was a little shocked by the big names they have in the film that do very little, such as Jim Broadbent, Ben Chaplin and Djimon Hounsou who together make up less than 15 minutes of film. Which leads me to believe their parts were most likely bigger and ended up on the cutting room floor. Which makes me want to read the original script by Craig Brewer and Adam Cozad. I have a feeling there was more to it. What is clear is that they were trying to go beyong the Tarzan story we all know and talk abbout the very real problems that plagued Africa during this time. I wish we'd gotten a little more of that. 

 The CGI is sometimes good, and sometimes it isn't, with some of it looking unrealistic. But the action is incredible. And your interested in the story from begining to end. I also really liked Skarsguard and Jackson's chemistry. They bring a good fun and lightness to the film. Its a fun film to take the kids to. I overall enjoyed it very much. 

THE VERDICT

The Legend Of Tarzan , despite some over used CGI, has a good story with great actors that keeps you entertained.  I give it a B+. 

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE REVIEW

"X-men: Apocalypse," Is finally here! I have been looking forward to another journey into the younger lives of the X-men, and after the first two, I have to admit, I had high expectations. Did the movie live up to the hype? Well.... for the most part.... Yes.

X-Men: Apocalypse takes place  in the 1980s and it is about how the very first mutant in the world comes back to life and  wants to destroy the world. So the X-Men have to stop him.  I like this movie but don't love it. The problems are : the movie is very slow in the beginning. Its 2 and half hours and it easily not only could have 20 min cut but  Some actors are wasted or over the top. Also Apocalypse as a character not Oscar Issacs performance but the way the  character is written is bad to me. Theres also a plot hole from the ending to the last movie that they don't address in this movie. And Rose Byrne really has no point to be in this movie. Lana Corder who plays the character of Jubilee easily could've taken her place. Jubilee was a good character and I would have loved to see more.   Jennifer Lawrence is just okay. She acts in some scenes, then talks bored in some. Now here are my pros. The cast that plays the young X-Men are all great! From Tye Sheridan to Sophie Turner to the rest of them. The action is very incredible and the story is interesting overall. Most of the original cast are all good as well. The new quicksilver scene is awesome, even better than the last one. Theres a cameo that I don't want to ruin thats so cool . Also the most stand out performance is Michael Fassbender, who plays the character of Magneto. He is conflicted and he shows it so greatly. Other than that

                                                                   THE VERDICT
X-MEN: Apocalypse might be the weakest out of the First Class trilogy, but its performances, and action keep you entertained. I give it a B.

NICE GUYS REVIEW

"The Nice Guys," was a movie I was really looking forward too. Mostly cause the trailer was terrific, and super funny. So did it live up to its hype?

"The Nice Guys," tells the story of two private investigators, played by Gosling and Crowe, hired to find the daughter of a high up U.S. Attorney. Over the coarse of the search, they encounter blue skinned assassins, porn stars, and crazy film makers, all the while learning that what each detective brings to the table can help the other in their quest.  Directed skillfully by Shane Black,  its cast also includes Matt Bomer, as a crazy assassin, (And by the way someone needs to give him a part in the "Justice League," franchise cause the man is an action star!) and  introducing Angourie Rice, as Goslings daughter, who in her need to keep her father going, also helps keep Crowe from completely becoming a heartless thug.  The film is pretty great. The best part is the chemistry between Crowe and Gosling. They are served well by a pretty good script, and Blacks direction for the most part keeps the action going in great directions. He cast it well for the most part. The exception being Kim Basinger as the attorney and Margaret Qualley as her near do well absent daughter. They just rang false and each time Basinger was on the screen I kept secretly comparing her to the character she played in "L.A. Confidential." There were a few parts that while serving the story were in need of a speed pick up, but other then that, it was a fun ride.

                                                                     THE VERDICT
"The Nice Guys," has some faults, but the chemistry with Crowe and Gosling and the story overall saves it. I give "The Nice Guys," a solid B+.
     

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR REVIEW

"Captain America: Civil War" was not only one of my most anticipated films of 2016, It was easily in the top 3 films i have waited for all year. The comic book is one of my favorites and I was very excited to see all these heroes clash. So is it as great as everyone says? Heres the story.

"Civil War," is about how the governments of the world, have decided that the Avengers must be handled by Rules and Regulations, and are prohibited rom going out and "Avenging" on their own. Ironman, guilty over the invention of Ultron, and his killing spree, feels it important that the Avengers have a check system that can prevent more senseless deaths. Captain America, sure that this is the wrong thing, (And sure because whats to prevent governments from getting too powerful? Cap has had to go up against governments before,) refuses to go along with it. Enter the Winter Solider, Bucky Barnes, who has stayed quietly hidden until now. Along with Daniel Bruhl, as the movies villain Zemo, sends the Avengers on a path to chosing sides. Team Cap, or Team Ironman? Which do you chose? This film is everything I wanted. From the soryline, to the acting to the action sequences. Everything is first rate. It also has the introduction of Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman, and a brand new Spiderman played by Tom Holland, who without a doubt, has reinvigorated that story in such incredible ways! I would say Boseman and Holland are welcome additions to the group.  We love all these characters and its very cool to see them reunite again but this time clash at each other. It amazes me how much fun it is. 

                                                                THE VERDICT

"Captain America: Civil War" is a thrill ride of a film, with a great story, terrific acting, and spectacular action. I give it an A+. 

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE REVIEW

Batman VS Superman is finally here!!!! After 3 years of waiting we finally have the movie we wanted. So its it good? Is it bad? Is it just okay? Well let me tell you about the story first.

"Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice," is about how Batman thinks that Superman is too powerful. He is witness to the fight between Superman and General Zog, (Scene in the previous Superman movie "Man of Steel") and the end result is Wayne Enterprises employees getting killed or maimed, and he feels justified in trying to stop him. While he preps for that, Superman deals with a severe backlash against him. Bad press and congressional hearings aside, he struggles and wonders, does the world need him? Are they really ready for him and all that he includes?  Lastly, a young Lex Luther comes into view, with a plan all his own. And needless to say, its not a good one.

I will be honest and say, while I didn't love the film, I didn't hate it. In fact I will go as far as to say, I liked it. BUT, I do have some cons.
1.) The film is too long. It can have easily 20 minutes cut from it. The Batman and Superman fight is not as exciting as you think it is. And literally goes on for about 5 minutes more than it should, and ends abruptly, which, after what you are just witness too, seems wrong.
2.)   Holly Hunter and Scoot McNairy, are just two actors who are wasted in the film. And their waste eats up about 20 minutes in the film, so... you know, back to reason 1.
3.) There are story line issues, and character points that made me nuts. For instance, the way they wrote Lois Lane in this movie makes her look like an idiot. She was better written in "Man Of Steel." Amy Adams does a fine job but her character is so dumb.  Also the way Batman and Superman become friends is bad because after forty five minutes of fighting, suddenly they are on the same side. Happened way too quick. Lastly, I defended Jessie Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, but man,  he does not work. He is more of a Riddler character than Lex Luthor. I blame it on lack of story and direction for him. And when I say lack of story, I mean they wrote him something so broad and crazy, it just was too cartoonish for the movie,

Now for the Pros, Ben Affleck proves they didn't make a mistake hiring him. He brings a layer to the performance that puts him next to Bale in the best performances of the character. Henry Cavill and Jeremy Irons turn in solid work.  I did like Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, and Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane also do great work.   The action is good, although their editor was a little choppy. And for the most point, and I was on the edge of my seat at times. It  has gotten me excited for "The Suicide Squad," and "Wonder Woman." And the thought that Affleck will be bringing his own directing talents to a stand alone "Batman," makes me think that this is going to be a terrific 10 years for the Justice League. Fair warning to parents though. Its pretty violent. Be warned, its not really for kids under 12.

THE VERDICT

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Might not be what we exactly wanted due to its over hype, and some of its screenplay, but it has a lot of  really great performances and action. I give it a B+. 

LONDON HAS FALLEN REVIEW

"London has Fallen," is the sequel to " Olympus has fallen." A crazy ride of a shoot movie that has Gerard Butler as  Mike Banning, the best secret service agent ever.  I enjoyed the first one so much, I decided I had to give the second one a try. Lets talk about the story first though. 

"London Has Fallen," is about how the British prime minster has died, and so all the heads of state of forty different countries, are about to descend onto London for his funeral.  So that means, President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart back in the role) and Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) go to London. This time however, Mike is getting ready for the birth of his first child, so he's a little distracted. The President lets him know though that he needs him to come along, and when he does, he does it in only the way he can. He makes sure he does things differently than expected, and when different heads of state are being murdered all over the city due to a terrorist plot, Mike looks like a genius, and starts taking actions to protect the President at all costs.

So first let me say, this film is no where as good as the first. The dialogue is not always good. There were a few out loud laughs, and not in that good way. And its the king of movie cameos. Melissa Leo, and Jackie Earle Haley are in it, and you could almost cut the  out completely and it wouldn't matter.

 Some of the action is quite good. Butler knows how to play these scenes well, and the President has become his partner in their survival. I enjoyed the Chemistry between the two of them. Its what made it a decent action film. 

                                                               THE VERDICT

"London has Fallen," has some decent action, and some elements to the story that work. It tends to over shadow the bad. So as a result, I am giving "London has fallen," a B-

GODS OF EGYPT REVIEW

Ah, Gods of Egypt. I actually had a little hope for this film. It looked silly, but fun. Is it as awful as everyone says it is? Ya it is, but there is something different to it. Lets talk about the story. 

Gods of Egypt stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Brenton Thwaites, Gerald Butler, Elodie Yung, Courtney Eaton, Rufus Sewell, and Geoffery Rush, and its about  a God/king  who is murdered by his brother, and how his son, also a god, with the help of a thief, go on a quest to stop the brother. This film, is, terrible. But in the best way possible. Its outrageous dialogue, crazy story line  made me laugh and laugh. And in that way, perhaps its the best, worst movie I have ever seen.   It's entertainingly awful. Nikolaj Coster- Waldau, Brenton Thwaites, Elodie Yung, and Courtney Eaton give decent performances in a horrific movie.  All others are over the top, and wasted. Gerard Butler better get a new agent. I have now seen him play the same part multiple times. 

                                                                    THE VERDICT

Gods Of Egypt is awful but entertaining at the same time, It may have 4 decent performances but that doesn't excuse this  awful movie it is. I give Gods Of Egypt an F+. The plus is for my laughter. 

EDDIE THE EAGLE REVIEW

"Eddie The Eagle!" One of my most anticipated films of the new year! Its got a good cast and great story possibilities. "How is it," you ask? Well let me tell you!

"Eddie the Eagle" tells the story of real life ski jumper Michael "Eddie" Edwards,  who made a name for himself in the Calgary Winter Olympics. It starts out with Eddie having issues with his knees as a child, and as a result, he spends much of his youth in a brace. Once he is freed from it, he longs to be an athlete and go to the Olympics, but  he shows little aptitude for it. He finally figures out that winter sports is where he can shine and becomes a down hill skier. Then when he finds out that the British Olympic team has no ski jumpers. He decides that's the sport for him. Along his practices he meets a man named Bronson Piery, an ex champion jumper,  who agrees to help him learn how to properly train to be a ski jumper.
I love this film! With its good small cast, ( Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman and 2 cameos I don't want to give away) it is funny, heartwarming, and entertaining. My only complaint is the villains are  sort of cliche villains. Big emotions spout out of them like they are in a cartoon. But other then that, its terrific. One of them, who is the head of the Olympic committee, looks as though at any moment, he might twirl his fake mustache. 

                                                           THE VERDICT

 "Eddie the Eagle" Is heart warming and entertaining. I put it in the top films I have seen so far this year. Well worth the trip, and a movie for the whole family! I give it an A -

DEADPOOL REVIEW

Deadpool!!!!!!! An anti hero comic book character I love.  I could not wait for this movie. The first R rated comic book movie I've seen in theaters! With a good cast and decent story is it great? Is it better than "X:Men Wolverine Orgins"? Well first I gotta tell you the story! 

"Deadpool," is about how a mercenary named Wade Wilson is diagnosed with terminal cancer. He is given a second chance by volunteering to be transformed into a mutant with special abilities.  The process deforms his face, and makes him resentful, and he loses his girlfriend in the process. His new mission becomes getting the guy who destroyed his life and stole his girl. The cast includes Ryan Reynolds, TJ Miller, and Ed Skrien. Miller especially gives a comedic turn. They need to use him more cause he understands how to play off a straight man very well. 

This was an entertaining ride from start to finish.  I was invested in all the characters with a first rate hysterical script, and great action and direction. Reynolds has totally made up for his first turn as this character in WOLVERINE ORGINS. 

THE VERDICT

Overall, its a terrific film and as an R rated comic book film, its everything you could want. I give it an A+

Top 10 BEST/WORST OF 2015

BEST:
 1. STAR WARS EPISODE 7: THE FORCE AWAKENS
 2. CREED
 3. THE MARTIAN
 4. STEVE JOBS
5. SPOTLIGHT
6. MAD MAX: FURY ROAD
7. THE HATEFUL EIGHT
8. KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
9. SPY
10. BLACK MASS


WORST:
1. JUPITER ASSCENDING
2. THE LOFT
3. THE TRANSPORTER REFULED
4. HOT PURSUIT
5. PIXELS
6. FANTASTIC FOUR
7. TERMINATOR: GENYSIS
8. CHAPPIE
9. THE GUNMAN
10. TAKEN 3          

KUN FU PANDA 3 REVIEW

I loved the Kung Fu Panda movies. From the goofy hero to the different villains, it tells a great story really. That the most unlikely of people can do great things. Now eight years after the first movie, we have the last in the trilogy. Whats it like? Well here's the story.

In "Kung Fu Panda 3,"  Po (Jack Black) is reunited with his biological Panda father,( played by Bryan Cranston) and spends time in the secret Panda Village, where he sees what he has missed in all the years away. Meanwhile an ancient warrior named Kai(played by JK Simmons,) comes from the spirit realm to take over the world by stealing the Chi from Master Oogway.This throws the world into danger, so it is up to Po, to train the Pandas in their ancient ways of defense, and help save the world and bring balance and peace back.  Of course with Po, such responsibility does not rest easy, so he has a lot of doubt. But with help from  Masters Tigress, Mantis, Monkey Viper, and Crane, they work together to defeat Kai.
Of course, all the regulars are back, and all the voice acting is very good. The action is all fun, and well done. My only complaints are, that the first 20 minutes is pretty slow, and while not necessarily what they wanted, the film has lost all the humor that might have attracted an adult, and is really just for children. Which, you know... is OK. But, what made KFP cross lines was that adults could love it too.  Its really not bad or anything. Its just missing that little zing that made everyone love it like the first two films.

 I really did enjoy myself though. It has a clever way about it, and its a decent end to the trilogy.

                                                            THE VERDICT
Kung Fu Panda 3 may be slow in the beginning, but as it progresses it gets better.  The actors serve the story, with great animation. I give it a B+

13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI REVIEW

Michael Bay has been a disappointment to me in many ways. He has stock shots he uses over and over again, and he can take a perfectly good idea, like a movie on Pearl Harbor, then dump a stupid romance in it and ruin it. In fact, "Transformers 4," was my worst film of 2014. But when I heard about, "13 Hours, the secret soldiers of Benghazi" I was intrigued. It was getting good reviews, and people weren't hating it. So I steeled myself, and went on to see it. And I was pleasantly surprised.

"13 Hours," stars John Krasinski and James Badge Dale, and tells the story of the taking of the American embassy in Benghazi, and the eventual death of its ambassador. 6 soldiers went to help rescue the embassy and its workers. It was a battle that lasted 13 hours, and ended with 4 dead,

The good news is, this is Bays best film in a long time. I only had a few issues. Bay likes to do stock shots. So as in Pearl Harbor, there is a scene of a mortar from the mortars point of view, as it sails through the sky, and then blows up a building. There is also a scene after the fight with an American flag floating in water. That's annoying. And one of the battle scenes seems to go on a little too long. Other than that. The performances are great, the action is some what good, and the story is decent, if not a sad one. These men fought when they did not have too.  Its a great tribute to the men who fought in this battle.

                                                                THE VERDICT
13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers Of Benghazi may not be great but has good performances and a amazing tribute  and a intense interesting story from start to finish. I give it a B.