Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2

          I was really looking forward to the “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” sequel.  The first one was a fantastic family film, with humor and a strong message about believing in one’s self.  And what makes it a classic is the cute/clever moments littered throughout the film that appeals to adults as well as children.  When I saw the trailer for part 2, I was immediately excited by the prospect of another adventure with Flint Lockwood and his friends, and with the added element of the foodimals on an island ala Jurassic Park: The Lost World.  And much like that sequel “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2” does not live up to unique quality of the original.

We pick up minutes after the last film, that’s even called out which was a good sign of that clever humor from the previous film.  Then as they say it was all downhill from there.  Gone is the originality, gone is the surprise laughs, and gone is the great story with fun characters.  What we’re left with is a carbon copy of a carbon copy.  You get glimpses of the familiar, but not much more, they try to introduce a new villain that while moves funny, does very little to make the story any more interesting. 

Enough of the bashing, as far as sequels go it was a noble effort, the little bits that are funny are littered throughout and the foodimals are cute and clever.  But having our hero Flint not growing after his first encounter with his out-of-control inventions seems out of place.  Kids will still enjoy the film, but it will not have the lasting re-watching power of the first “Cloudy”.  Even with shrimpanzees.

 

--Robert L. Castillo     

Don Jon

                                                                     

            Some people would say that with all of the social networks that are out there, there is less need for face to face interaction.  Staring at a screen and reading updates, or watching videos can seem less complicated. The negative part of not having that face time is that you start to lose the ability to relate to others. It also changes your expectations and may affect your relationships outside the online world. A great example of that is porn, something that is far from reality of what sex is like. Porn is also something rarely talked about, as is the place it has it some people’s lives.

            Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a typical guy. He is single and lives life the way he wants to. Jon only cares about a few things in life, His family, his car, his place, working out, church, his ladies, and his porn. Jon loves his porn; it is a place he can get away from all the hassles of life. The problem is, even though Jon can have any woman he wants; none of them give him what porn does. Jon’s life changes though when he lays eyes on Barbara (Scarlett Johansson), to him she is the perfect girl. Jon becomes a changed man for Barbara, well changed man if it doesn't evolve giving up his porn. Jon eventually must make a choice between fantasy and what is real and discover that relationships are not a one way street.

               Let’s face it there are not many more likable people out there than Joseph Gordon-Levitt. So he may be one of the few people who could do a film about a guy addicted to porn and get away with it. Not only did he star in this film as the ultimate douchebag, but this is his writing and directorial debut. It has to be fun to write a character like that, a guy you have seen if you have ever partake in any sort of night life. Both Gordon-Levitt and Johansson go all in on their characters and play them perfectly. As good as the two leads are though; the film is helped by the supporting roles. Tony Danza as Jon’s father, Brie Larson as his Sister, and Julianne Moore as a lady who teaches Jon a few things are all fantastic in their roles. As funny and clever as “Don Jon” is, I can see how it might not be for everyone. The movie is about a guy who loves porn, so there is plenty of imagery.  The problem is that if you choose to skip this movie you will be missing something that is good, and fresh, and not like something you see very often. Good movies are harder to find these days amongst the corporate studio world. So why not give “Don Jon” a chance, and enjoy a movie that will give you a good reason to talk about porn.

Brian Taylor  

Rush

                                                                       

                  Earlier this year “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” ran into a problem with its title. You see it was originally called just “The Butler” but there was another film from 1916 with the same name, hence the name change. I only bring this up because in 1991 a film starring Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh called “Rush” was released, and unlike with “The Butler” there was no outcry for a name change. Also lucky for us this “Rush” is a lot better than its previous namesake.

                 The title for this latest from Ron Howard happens to be a great verb for this film, because it is exactly what you will feel as you watch it. James Hunt (Chris Hensworth) likes to live fast, and more importantly he likes to drive fast. His goal is to be an F1 driver, but he must pay his dues in the lower circuits to get there. James is winning and enjoying life, but that changes when a new driver shows up named Niki Lauda (Daniel Bruhl). Niki buys his way to the big leagues and leaves James trying to find a way to get there as well. James does finally make it to the top and wants nothing more than to beat Niki and be the best. Where Niki is precise and calculated when it comes to his car and his driving, James is loose and just wants an equal car, claiming that is all he will need to beat Niki. Both men bring out the worst and the best in each other, as they both try to become the world champion.

             Based on the 1976 Formula One season, “Rush” is as good a sports movie as there is. Director Ron Howard and writer Peter Morgan do a great job of making you feel what these drivers felt as they raced around the track. Even though you may know the outcome from history, your eyes will still be glued to the screen as you await the outcome of every race.  Some “true” sports stories are given an extra dramatic turn to up the ante, but not “Rush” who instead relies on the real story to provide the dramatics. There is no sport like Formula One racing, because every time the drivers step foot on that track, it may be the last time, and that takes a special kind of person to face that. As good as the film is with its gripping story, and heart pumping action, what makes it memorable is Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruel, as the dueling racers. Chris Hemsworth has all the makings to being the next “it” guy and he shows it all off in this movie.  This is the first great movie of the fall and easily one of the better movies to hit theaters this year. You will enjoy every curb-turning second “Rush” takes you on the track. Formula One racing is one of the great spectator sports out there and “Rush” makes you feel like you are at the races. So grab your favorite movie snack, because this is one movie that will give you that well needed rush.  Without the crash…well, maybe.

 Brian Taylor

Metallica:Through the Never

                                                                 

                There is nothing like going to a concert and seeing your favorite band play live. It is a feeling that not many forms of entertainment can match. Music after all plays such an important part in our lives and our memories. Some artist have tried to show you how that magic is made with concert /documentaries films, where the artist will show you what their life is like on the road and you also get to see footage of them performing. Well Metallica decided to do it a little different, and they got it right.

           What is the perfect concert film you ask? Great music, maybe a little story that goes with the music, and to show it on a IMAX screen. If you are a fan of Metallica you will love this movie, but if you are not, you may become a fan of theirs quickly. You feel every note of their music and marvel at the band’s elaborate stage prop pieces. The film also has a little story that takes place during the concert. A young roadie named Trip (Dane DeHaan) is sent on an urgent mission for the band. While on the way his van is struck by another vehicle and it turns his simple mission to a survival match. Trip must retrieve what he has been sent for and survive a death dealing horseman.

         Now you may say to yourself, why would I want to try and follow a story when I just want to hear Metallica play “Master of Puppets”? Well I will tell you this, the point is not to try and follow the story, what you do is just sit back and live the movie. I have never seen a Metallica show before, live or at home, but I have enjoyed some of their music. After watching this movie, I really want to see a Metallica concert live, but I know I just saw the next best thing, because this movie is almost like being there. The movie is released twenty seven years after former bassist Cliff Burton’s death and gets its title for the song “Through the Never” from the Black album.  They used to be called albums in the 90s. Not downloads. I won’t say anything like go and see this and “rock out” to it (even though I just did). Instead I will say go and live this movie, and see how one of the great bands of the last 30 years puts on a show.

Brian Taylor

Insidious: Chapter 2

                                                                         

             When you are making a horror movie it always helps to have a few things around in the movie in order to help set the mood. Things like creaky old doors, a piano, and preferably an old and creepy looking house. Now these are not absolutes, but they can help for sure. Horror movies are not like other movies, because there are so many possibilities for sequels, just look at the “Friday the 13^th” series. In 2011 James Wan and Leigh Whannell brought us “Insidious”, a story about a family that had unwelcome visitors in their house.  The supernatural kind.

            That family, the Lamberts, have gotten away from their house and the experience they had in it. Josh (Patrick Wilson), Renai (Rose Byrne), and their three children are all safe and move in with Josh’s mom. At the beginning of the film you find out this is not Josh’s fist experience with a spirit  It seems Josh has a gift where he sees dead people and with the help from Elise (Lin Shaye) he forgets that gift, until he uses it again to save his son from a place the living shouldn't be. That place I imagine is the same place Carol Anne from “Poltergeist” was in as well, but instead of talking through a TV, a tin can phone is used to communicate to the other side. Renai senses something is not right about Josh, a sentiment that is shared by Josh’s mother as well. So with the help from a man named Carl (Steve Coulter) and two guys who provide the comic relief, they all set out to free Josh and his family from the evil that haunts them.

           The story picks up exactly where the first film ended, which makes the chapter 2 a perfect title. There are so many more possible chapters to this story, because let’s face it there are a lot of ghosts out there. “Insidious: Chapter 2” is part ghost story and part detective story, as we try to unravel what is following the Lamberts around. Lucky, unlike what he did with “Saw” we are still under the direction of James Wan and he keeps us on the same path as the first film. If you are going for jump out of your seat frights, then this is not the film for you. There are some moments that may make you jump a little, thanks to some good camera work, but this movie is more like “Seven” than say, “The Conjuring”. In a genre that seems to be getting everything right at the moment, “Insidious: Chapter 2” doesn't disappoint. The only thing that could improve, is to have a little less common sense moments, you know those moments where a character does the thing everyone knows they shouldn't  I think it is very fitting to release this film on Friday the 13^th, because like that franchise, you hope this one also has a long life making us afraid to sleep with the lights off.

Brian Taylor

                                                             

B.O.T.T.--Dallas Buyers Club

          Well if this movie isn’t screaming for some Oscar’s I don’t know what is.  McConaughey, doing his best Christian Bale imitation, and doing it very well indeed.  Jared Leto also looks like he’s going for Oscar gold as McConaughey’s cross-dressing partner.  With a dash of makeup-free Mrs. Affleck for good measure. And of course it has to be based on a true story.  Over all it looks really good and packed with humor and emotion.

Based on the trailer:  I’m looking forward to it.

--Robert L. Castillo 

B.O.T.T.-- The Art of the Steal

          Yeah it looks like an “Ocean’s Eleven” rip-off, but I can take it if it lives up to the promise of playing in the wacky-fun end of the pool.  And in all biased honesty I really miss Kurt Russell.  At least this Kurt Russell.  He hasn’t been seen on film since 2007’s “Death Proof”, which say what you will about the film, I thought his performance as Stuntman Mike was amazing.  And let’s not forget General Zod as his nemesis here, looking like he might steal every scene he’s in.  Matt Dillon, Jay Baruchel can be hit or miss, but I’m hopeful that this could be a fun heist movie.

Based on the trailer:  Russell in Elvis gear on a motorcycle?  Oh yeah.

--Robert L. Castillo

B.O.T.T.-- Robocop (2014)

          We’re going to start a new section on the Cine-Men blog.  A trailer review called B.O.T.T. (Based On The Trailer).  Where we will look at new trailers for up-coming movies and give our take on what we’re shown.

 

The first trailer is for “Robocop”, the remake of the 1987 Paul Verhoeven classic.  When it was announced that this was going to be the next in a long line of remakes there was an internet wide groan.  Now that this trailer has been released, the groans are confirmed, this looks terrible.  Okay, maybe a little harsh, it looks more ‘meh’.  I mean they have the cast, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jackie Earle Haley.  And it’s still a good story that can be retold.  But nothing here shows that they are using any of those strengths.  Also missing, is hints at the ultra-violent feel of the original, and the off-kilter humor that Verhoeven did so well.  The only x-factor, is director Jose Padilha a Brazilian director with a few critical hits under his belt.  But if Hollywood history has shown us anything, it’s that sometimes a good foreign director can have their creativity gutted by studios, ‘cough’ John Woo ‘cough’.  Now the final film may be different, but if the next trailer shows us more of the same, we may be in-store for a lame version of a great film.

So based on the trailer, I say:  If you’re not gonna use what made the original work, why bother.

Speaking of the original, now this is a trailer.

 

 

--Robert L. Castillo

Riddick

                                                           

          The science fiction genre is unique in the world of movies. The reason why this is so is because no other genre has fans that are so passionate about certain characters and their respective franchises. Think of the biggest followings out there for movies, with the exception of the comic book movies, are mostly science fiction. Love runs deep with these franchises, and there is little room for error when comes to the fan base. In 2000 “Pitch Black” was released and introduced us to Riddick and a new Sci-fi franchise, and I kind of have mixed feelings about that.

           While “Pitch Black” was new and fresh, with that hint of that old school sci-fi, it was everything that after that where the problem lies. “The Chronicles of Riddick” was more on the forgettable side and now we have “Riddick”, shorter title, but still the same results. Riddick (Vin Diesel) is in his own words “having one of those legendary bad days”. Still trying to get home, Riddick is left for dead on a planet that is unknown. Luckily for Riddick he is a survivor, or was a great Boy Scout at some point in his life, because he figures out how to live off the planet he is on. He does everything from fixing his broken leg, to taming the planets wildlife. For most of the first part of the movie, I thought I was watching a story about a boy and his dog. Riddick takes his new pet and finds a sort of “time share” place for bounty hunters when they are on the planet. He uses an emergency beacon to lure someone there, so that he can hitch a ride. Two different parties show up, and while they don’t get along at first, they realize if they want to live, they will need to team up to get Riddick. The problem is that there lies a bigger problem than Riddick, and everyone must work together if they are all going to get off this planet alive.

            Now I always like to root for the hero, but I don’t know if Riddick is the hero or the villain. Maybe anti-hero since he is an escape prisoner, so that should be a hint. Either way, I was not really rooting for Riddick to survive, because that could mean another sequel. Vin Diesel has a very limited range, he is a great voice actor (Iron Giant), and he can do the tough guy who is too cool (Fast & Furious), but that is about it. You will never have to worry about seeing Diesel in a David Mamet film, because he is a man of very little words. “Riddick” was written and directed by David Twohy who wrote and directed the previous two films. While surviving is pretty much the theme of the movie, you may wonder how you survived having to watch two hours of something that should have ended after ninety minutes, of the first film. Although Diesel has hit franchise gold with “Fast & Furious “, lighting in most cases does not strike twice. To me it is easy, this is one franchise everyone involved should let fade to pitch black.

Brian Taylor