ON-DEMAND REVIEW: Annie (2014)

ANNIE (2014)

RELEASED: December 19th, 2014 (Theaters), OUT NOW (DVD & ON DEMAND)

RATED: PG

RATING: ****/*****

PREMISE: (via IMDB) Academy Award® nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild) stars as Annie, a young, happy foster kid who's also tough enough to make her way on the streets of New York in 2014. Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they'd be back for her someday, it's been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). But everything's about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) - advised by his brilliant VP, Grace (Rose Byrne) and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor, Guy (Bobby Cannavale) - makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he's her guardian angel, but Annie's self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it's the other way around. 

THE PRO'S: Very, very faithful to the spirit of the original movie while doing its own thing. Well acted, cast, and sung. A surprisingly fun performance by Cameron Diaz who also shocks with a great singing voice. Very, very fun overall.

THE CON'S:  Could have done with a less-rushed ending.

THE REVIEW:

Annie has come with a lot of controversy, from the change of her race (handled in a very funny way at the beginning of the film), to the change of musical style. But I am here to say my gut instinct was right from the get-go: Annie is JUST as fun as the original, and lived up to every expectation I had.

The story of Annie has gone through some changes from the original. Annie Bennet is an abandoned child in the foster care system, in the care of bitter Miss Hannigan (portrayed as far less evil here). When prospective mayor of New York City, and Daddy Warbucks stand-in Will Stacks inadvertently saves her from being hit by a car, she creates a media sensation. Stacks, seeing an opportunity, takes Annie into his home for publicity, but what neither suspect is that a warm bond that begins to form between them both, as well as Stacks's vice president, Grace. 

Let's start with the obvious: how well did they modernize this movie and musical classic? In my opinion, they did a GREAT job! It definitely keeps the same spirit of the original, and tells the same story in a new way. Some story beats are the same, while others are changed, moved around, or omitted. But overall, everything that needs to be there, is there.

The most impressive is that they don't handle the foster home exactly like the orphanage. Sure, Hannigan is still overbearing and bitter. But they also acknowledge the state of foster care is very different than that of a depression-era orphanage. And those who worried they wouldn't can rest easy, because it is handled very well with this being put in mind.

The acting here is really great. The young actress who plays Annie,  Quvenzhané Wallis, is a little bundle of energy. By the looks of it, considering how well she did with this, and from what I've heard, Beasts of the Southern Wild, she has a long and lucrative career ahead of her. And wow! Whta a voice too! She has the potential to be a powerhouse when she's older. For that matter, big shout outs go to Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne, and Cameron Diaz, who all do exceptionally well. With Diaz surprising me with her excellent vocal talent from what little she gets to sing. 

Everyone's favorite tunes such as "Hard Knock Life", "I Think I'm Gonna Like it Here", and "Tomorrow" are all there. And, to my surprise, wonderfully modernized without ruining the originals in any way. The composer and songwriter both knocked it out of the park, doing a fantastic job of delivering a great blend of old and new styles. 

The only complaint I have with Annie is how quickly the ending is rushed into. Without spoiling it if you've never seen the original, a bit of history between characters is cut. And thus it comes off as sort of rushed, and is resolved very quickly. That said, the way it is resolved is clever, and thus, I could let it pass without it hurting the film too much.

So....

IN CONCLUSION:

Annie is a heart-warming, family-friendly, and enjoyable little film that is worth a look for fans new and old. It remains an inspirational and fantastic story, even though the times have changed. See this one with the kids too, as this has a great message every kids should hear.

4 OUT OF 5 STARS
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

REVIEW: Unfriended

UNFRIENDED

RELEASE: OUT NOW

RATED: R

RATING: ****/*****

PREMISE: (Via IMDB) While video chatting one night, six high school friends receive a Skype message from a classmate who killed herself exactly one year ago. At first they think it's a prank, but when the girl starts revealing the friends' darkest secrets, they realize they are dealing with something out of this world, something that wants them dead. Told entirely from a young girl's computer desktop, CYBERNATURAL redefines 'found footage' for a new generation of teens.

 

THE PRO'S: Chilling, well acted and written, VERY original, great use of suspense, great twists along the way.

 

THE CON'S: Underused character brings down the production for a short portion of the movie. The type of movie that is likely not to age well.

THE REVIEW:

Now this is a movie that surprised me a great deal. When I first heard of Unfriended, I honestly laughed at the premise and first trailer. It seemed so ridiculous to set an entire movie on a computer monitor, let alone a horror movie. Then the second trailer came out, and suddenly it was getting tons of reviews praising it, and my interest was piqued and I got excited.

It turned out, I had good reason to be.

Unfriended tells the story of Blaire, Mitch, Val, Adam, Ken, and Jess who on the one-year anniversary of a friend's suicide are in a video chat. While Blaire looks back on the online video, and cyber-bullying that lead to said-friend, Laura's suicide, an unknown user enters their video chat. Someone using Laura's account, someone who is determined to find out who put the video up, by any means necessary.

The original premise, and story are really the two best assets the movie ended up having. The movie is an unpredictable, chilling, roller coaster ride into the horrors of cyber bullying. And it's not one that lets you ever take a breath or feel safe either. Even though I had a small portion of the ending spoiled, everything that lead up to it, and took place was absolutely shocking. With every passing moment creating more tension not only for the characters, but for the audience as well.

The fact that the movie had great acting in it did help as well. Driven by a very well-written script that feels authentic, with very realistic dialogue and pacing, the actors do their job well. One of the actors, even though they were the weak link, and their character seemed so useless, was even able ot hold their own which said something. It's hard to really point out any "best" actor in this movie, but Shelly Hennig and Moses Jacob Storm, who play Blaire and Mitch both pull off excellent performances and are probably the main stand-outs of the movie.

Another fantastic thing about this movie is how generally unnerving the film is. Throughout the film, the villain is mostly unseen, creating a feeling of dread as to who goes next. As their numbers dwindle down, the atmosphere builds and builds and creates some of the best atmosphere in a found footage film in years. 

But what really stands out to me? Is the fact the story is told so perfectly. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, even knowing some spoilers, it would drag me in the opposite direction. It did a great job of presenting and pulling some fantastic twists and keeping you on your toes and guessing until the final credits at last rolled. Even so I suggest not reading anything going into this like I unfortunately did, even though it was still full of surprises there'll be even more insane moments if you don't.

That said, the main sad thing about this movie is that it isn't likely to age well. This is a very "modern" movie, and while it works well in the social media age there's no telling if this will be a thing in the future. Which is too bad because it's such a fantastic and well-crafted story. But even so, that's okay, it's here for now, and it's good enough that it doesn't really matter.

So....

IN CONCLUSION:

"Unfriended" is an exhilarating, and chilling roller-coaster ride. And while it probably won't stand the test of time, it is definitely worth checking out and watching now. If you only see one found footage piece this year, make sure this is the one you see! We need more horror films like this, It Follows, and The Babadook!

4 OUT OF 5 STARS

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

REVIEW: It Follows

IT FOLLOWS
RELEASED: OUT NOW

RATED: R

RATING: *****/*****

PREMISE: (Via IMDB) For nineteen-year-old Jay, Autumn should be about school, boys and week-ends out at the lake. But after a seemingly innocent sexual encounter, she finds herself plagued by strange visions and the inescapable sense that someone, something, is following her. Faced with this burden, Jay and her friends must find a way to escape the horrors that seem to be only a few steps behind. 

THE PRO'S: Absolutely terrifying. Great story, acting, writing, and suspense. Old-school, classic horror storytelling in a modern setting. AMAZING soundtrack.

THE CON'S: None really.

THE REVIEW:

It Follows is the kind of movie that will leave you looking over your shoulder as you walk out of the theater, and stay with you long after the end credits roll. There's a reason why this movie is getting so much hype, and that's simply because it is the most unique and well-done horror movie in at least a decade.

The story of It Follows follows Jay, who after having sex with a date, is given a dire, and disturbing warning. Through the intercourse, he has passed onto her an entity that only she and others like her can see. An entity that will follow her, and stop at nothing until she's either dead, or has passed the curse onto someone else. Pulling Jay, and her friends, into an unexpected fight for survival. 

To keep this review simple, this movie is a modern horror masterpiece in every way. I would like to praise the cast especially though, there was no weak link in the bunch to be found. None of them are big names, but if this movie is anything to come by, they all, especially Maika Monroe, who plays our heroine, Jay, have very bright futures ahead of them. It's very rare you see acting of this caliber in a horror movie, but this is one of the few times it truly is excellent in recent years.

But that's not the only thing that makes It Follows a great horror movie. The score and suspense are both amazing, with the former harkening back to the glory days of such horror movies as Halloween and Jaws. I don't think I've ever dreaded hearing a soundtrack in a horror movie this much since the first time I heard either of those themes. 

To add onto this, the movie is just flat-out terrifying. Every time that "It" shows up, I found myself gripping the seat extremely tight. And furthermore, just walking out of the theater, I genuinely looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was following me. This is the type of movie, like I said, that will keep you on edge long after the credits roll. And in my opinion will do for teenage sex what Scream did for caller ID if it gets any more popular. 

And for those who really don't like gore or constant nudity/sex, you're definitely in for a treat here. I was impressed that the movie gets by with very little gore and sex at all. The sex is only used when it furthers the plot, and despite one or two gory scenes at the beginning and endings of the film, it's relatively blood-free. The whole thing is handled very old school, and relies more on its scares then on constantly shocking the audience by how much gore and cleavage it can show in one movie.

 

So with all of this said....

IN CONCLUSION:

 

It Follows is the best horror movie of this past decade. Very original, terrifying, and suspenseful, this is a must-see for ANY horror fan. With a haunting soundtrack, excellent acting, and a great suspenseful story, this is going to make waves in the horror industry. And I desperately hope we will see more movies like it in the future.

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

MY HIGHEST RECCOMENDATIONS

REVIEW: Cinderella (2015)

CINDERELLA (2015)
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

RATED: PG
RATING: *****/*****

PREMISE: (Via IMDB) When her father unexpectedly passes away, young Ella finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and her daughters. Never one to give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing stranger.

THE PRO'S: Pure, Disney magic at its finest. Amazing writing, casting, directing, acting, and visual effects. A near-perfect movie.

THE CON'S: Hard to find any. So I'll just say I wanted more of the Fairy Godmother.

THE REVIEW:

I will be the first to admit that when I first heard about this movie, I had NO desire to see it. On paper, the ideas they had didn't seem to be good, and the initial promotional campaigns for the film were, by all accounts weak. So it is to my great delight, and pleasure to tell you this ended up being my favorite Disney film in years (surpassing even my love of Frozen).

Though I'm sure most people will know, Cinderella tells the story of a fair young maiden known as Ella, who works as a servant for her rich, spoiled stepmother and her two step-sisters.  Fortune soon turns around after an unknowing encounter with one "Kit", who she is unaware is "Prince Charming" and an invitation to a gallant ball being thrown in the prince's honor. Could this finally be the ticket out of her horrific life? It all comes down to a little bit of magic, and a single, glass slipper.

I think what makes Cinderella excel beyond other recent Disney movies is  that it gets what makes Disney magic, well, magic. It doesn't rely on gimics or an extremely popular, catchy tune. What it relies on is a lot of heart, a wonderful cast, and a heartwarming message that still connects with people today. There are a lot of new story beats here that add to this fact, without giving much away, and work to even enhance the story and keep it on-level with Walt Disney's classic.

And when I say "the wonderful cast" I mean it. It's really hard to point out just one amazing performance here. Lily James is PERFECTION as Cinderella, they could never have cast someone more suited for her, she's fabulous. With the same going to Richard Marsden (who plays The Prince), Cate Blanchett (The Wicked Stepmother), Helena Bonham Carter (The Fairy Godmother), as well as Holiday Granger and Sophie Mcshera as Drizella and Anastasia respectively. They could not have had their roles down pat any more if the characters themselves had been plucked off the screen to act in the remake. There are a lot of new characters as well, all of whom absolutely stand-out and are well crafted, as well as acted brilliantly. My favorite, by far, being Captain! (In fact, my only complaint is that I wanted more time with the fun Fairy Godmother character)

Of course, I'll leave a shout-out here to the cutest characters in the movie: THE MICE! Jauq and Gus-Gus have as much a presence here (this time as "real" mice) as they did in the original. And they are adorable to watch. So much character is brought to her little mice friends, that you just can't help but love them. And good thing too, I know I loved Gus-Gus as much as I did as a child. 

The effects, scenery, and costuming in this movie are another high point of the film. From the transformation for the ball, to the world around Cinderella it's BEAUTIFUL to look at. I especially love how they did the palace ball sequences, which are just mesmerizing. I felt like I was taken to a whole other world while watching this movie, as it should be.

The story is well-handled as well. It doesn't exactly bring anything new to the table, but does expand the story we know and love from the Disney classic quite well. Every addition is done with great care as to not detract from the story or message, and overall all the classic scenes are there in some shape or form. As a result, I feel it will please both old fans of the original, and newer little fans who are just discovering this timeless story.

I can go on and on, but instead I'll just say.

IN CONCLUSION: 

If you love the original? See it. If you love  fairy tales? See it. If you still believe in Disney magic? DEFINITELY see it. Cinderella is a modern day masterpiece, no question about it. Definitely proof Disney has not forgotten its roots, and hopefully will continue to honor Walt in much the same way in their other upcoming remakes. (Beauty and the Beast is set for 2016!)

5 OUT OF 5 STARS

MY HIGHEST RECCOMENDATIONS

REVIEW: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: SECRET OF THE TOMB

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

RATED: PG

RATING: ****/*****

PREMISE: (From IMDB) Larry spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. 

THE PRO'S: Very funny, great new characters and the old ones are great as ever, a well done finale, great script this time around, Robin Williams final performance really hits home.

THE CON'S: Could have been a little longer, underuse of Ben Kingsley (who is hysterical)

THE REVIEW:

I will make no secret of this, I LOVE these movies. I enjoyed all three in their own way, but I can definitely say "Secret of the Tomb" is by far my favorite out of the three. It's funny, clever, and an excellent conclusion to what has been a really fun trilogy. 

The sequel picks up a while after the second, with the museum now open for a widely successful "night program", which Larry Daley funds and runs. Things go horribly wrong, however, when the tablet begins to rust over, and turn the museum's exhibits insane. Realizing the magic is running out, Larry and the others rush to England in order to find Ahkmenra's parents, and save the tablet before time runs out.

It's a journey that is absolutely one of the most fun times I've spent at the movies this past year. First of all, as I felt the others were, the movie is outrageously funny. Without giving much away, I can honestly say that this one may have the best joke deliveries. The characters are all on point, with Ben Stiller's new character "Laa" being especially funny, and Lancelot being a real treat. And all the actors really give this one their all, especially at the climax. And a few surprising cameos only add to the fun. And of course, Octavius and Jedidiah are big highlights, being probably my favorite characters once again.

While I'm on this subject, I must say I got emotional at Robin Willams's last performance. He really has one of his best performances here.  He's funny, and dramatic all at once, and especially at the end, he gave it his all. One thing of note is that one speech Teddy gives (without spoilers) feels very fitting given it was the last film he made. So overall, bravo Robin, you gave a performance worthy of your amazing career, and may you rest in peace. 

Other highlights really come from Ahkmenra's parents played by Ben Kingsley and Ajanli Jay. Both are absolutely hilarious, and their line delivery is spot-on. But at the same time, I really feel more could have been done with Kingsley. His character practically steals the show in every scene he is in, but he is unfortunately criminally underused. A fact which I felt was an "oops" on the part of the filmmakers. 

The only other problem I had with the movie is the length. It is a rather short entry in the series, and the journey, while a ton of fun, goes by fast. I felt that overall the story should have extended further, especially as it was the final journey. But overall, it's not enough to hinder the movie too badly, I just felt we could have spent a little more time without the movie dragging.

That being said, I applaud the filmmakers for so awesomely bringing the story to the end. At the end, I felt a real sense of completion, and overall, felt satisfied with the trilogy. There is room left open for a sequel, but I truly hope there is not, despite all the potential left. It was a great story that I think capped off this trilogy all too well. 

So....

IN CONCLUSION: 

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb is a fantastic ending to an exceptional trilogy. It's funny, well thought out, and really, really good overall. Despite its length, and underuse of Ben Kingsley, this was one night that stands out above the rest. 

4/5 STARS

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

REVIEW: Unbroken

UNBROKEN

RELEASE DATE:OUT NOW

RATED: PG-13

RATING: *****/*****

THE PREMISE: (From IMDB) The life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who joined the armed forces during the second world war. Only to be captured by the Japanese navy after an almost fatal plane crash in the Pacific. After the Japanese have him, they send him to a refugee camp, only to face daring challenges head on. 

 

THE PRO'S: Masterful storytelling, excellent acting, an incredible story of an incredible man, great writing

 

THE CON'S: Not a movie for everyone, very intense and hard to get through, and therefore not for the faint of heart.

 

THE REVIEW:

So wow, this was EASILY my favorite movie of 2014, and I want to start my review by saying that. It is the most poignant, well-acted, thought-provoking film of the year. So I can't exactly say there will be a lot of negativity in my review. Because it's a movie that doesn't deserve it, at least to me.

The movie tells the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner enlisted in World War II. During his time in the army, he survives an extended fight for his life while stranded in the middle of the ocean (following a plane crash). Only to eventually be found, and captured, by the Japanese, who put him into a prisoner-of-war camp, where his true struggle to survive begins.

Now where to begin? I think I should start with the acting in this movie. Namely I want to single Jack O'Connel who plays Louis, and Takamasa Ishihara who plays the movies villain, best known as "The Bird". O'Connel is easily one of the best young actors I have seen on-screen, bringing so much to the role that he really made for him. While in contrast, Ishihara is an exceptionally hate-able, vile villain who really gets under your skin, and ultimately gets you to really, really hate him. A quality every great villain needs and truly comes off well here. 

And if that was not enough, their chemistry, which drives most of the movie is incredible. They truly come off as their characters (and the people they are based on), and not for a moment did I feel like that was unbelievable. And on the talk of chemistry, there is also a ton of great chemistry between him, and his two fellow castaways, played by Finn Wittrock and Doomhall Gleeson, is incredible as well. With their plight at sea being intense, and well balanced in a way that really just stands out.

This is my first Angelina Jolie directed feature, and let me tell you, she is a hell of a filmmaker. The cinematography is an exceptional treat, with the visual aspects playing well to the film. It's a dark movie, but in this case, the sometimes gritty feel of the movie absolutely plays out outstandingly. It really makes me want to check out her last movie, as well as any movie she may make in the foreseeable future.

But all of this is only second-hand to the absolutely incredible story. Zamperini is a hell of a man, and in my opinion, probably the original "badass" in my eyes. I was completely engrossed in his tale, and how he got through this incredibly heart-wrenching and intense situation. I was in awe, not only at his courage, but his sheer will to survive. And this was only added onto each and every time a new obstacle came his way.

 

That said, I would warn this is not an easy movie to get through. It's a brutal journey through World War II, and those that are faint of heart may find it hard to take many scenes in the prison camp, as one in my own party did. But if you can get through it, let me tell you, I feel that the journey is well worth those moments. 

So to say the least...

IN CONCLUSION:

I could go on all day about how truly incredible "Unbroken" is. It's an incredible, even uplifting story of human courage, as well as the courage of an incredible man. It may easily be one of my favorite movies ever made. So to say the least, I cannot recommend it enough.

5/5 STARS

MY PICK FOR MOVIE OF THE YEAR

 

REVIEW: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1

RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW

RATED: PG-13

RUNNING TIME: 123 MINUTES

SCORE: ****/*****

 

THE PREMISE: (VIA IMDB) With the Games now destroyed and in pieces, Katniss Everdeen, along with Gale, Finnick and Beetee, now end up in the so thought "destroyed" District 13. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her friends, Katniss becomes the "Mockingjay" and the symbol of rebellion for the people. 

 

THE PRO'S: Great storytelling, fantastic performances, great use of tension, a very faithful adaptation of the source material, great additions to the story through SHOWING the rebellion.

 

THE CON'S: Drags along at parts.

 

THE REVIEW:

 

Let me start by saying that I am in the minority in this series. Going by the books, I liked Catching Fire the least, and Mockingjay the best. Something which is usually the opposite, of course. And though Catching Fire as a MOVIE was great, I still have not changed my stance as far as books go. And here, I still believe that Mockingjay - Part 1 is by far the strongest of the three movies so far.

 

So, if you're seeing this movie, you probably know a bit about the story. But just in case, here's teh rundown. After the devastating, and shocking events at the end of Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen finds herself in long-thought destroyed District 13 in the midst of a revolution. Driven to save Peeta, but with very little choice, she is unwillingly drawn into the conflict as a catalyst known as the "Mockingjay". A role that will help her start a revolution that is steadily beginning around Panem.

Mockingjay is a departure from the last two movies, and the first two books in many ways. We are finally not restricted to the arena, and rather the story moves into the revolution that has been stirring against the Capitol. And for the movie, this works to amazing lengths not even the book reached. Whereas in the book, we only saw it from Katniss's point-of-view, it excellently handles showing us what is going on beyond just this one point of view. 

And that's where some of Mockingjay's strongest scenes come from: the revolution. Scenes of bloodshed and revolt are difficult, with tons of intensity in this one. But without a doubt, it works well to hammer the point they are trying to make in: this is a very real war, and revolution. Rather than skip around the harder points of it, Mockingjay shows just how horrifying and intense things have become, and that's what makes it so strong.

As always in this franchise, the acting is superb. Jeniffer Lawrence is especially great, nailing many emotionally jarring scenes perfectly. Her rendition of the "If we burn, you burn with us!" scene was even met with a fierce applause from the entire audience. (I won't say the context for those who have not read the books, but it's definitely an amazing scene) While other stand-outs come from Julianne Moore, Josh Hutcherson, and Donald Sutherland who all simply own every scene they're in.

But someone who truly brings some great things to this adaptation is Effie. She was absent for almost all of the book, but here, she really brings her spark and charm into it. Her presence is greatly noticed, and her character is slowly beginning an interesting and well-written transformation. One which I am very interested, and dare I say it, excited to see play out on screen. Especially given my love for the character.

 

But while this movie is action-packed, and fun, I will admit its fault is that it can drag sometimes. It's a very faithful adaptation, and it was great to see some scenes expanded. But other expanded scenes could have been kept shorter, and as a result there are times I really wish they had had their focus elsewhere. Though it doesn't detract from the movie much, it is highly noticable, and hurt this one just a little bit.

 

But none of this matters, because in the general scheme of things, I can definitely say that...

 

IN CONCLUSION

 

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is a fantastic adaptation of the first half of the last book. Its expansion of the storyline, and great performances drive it towards what I'm sure will be an awesome conclusion. It's definitely a movie to check out, especially if you're a fan of either the movies or the books.

 

4/5 STARS

HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED