The Huntsman: Winter's War


Long before the evil Queen Ravenna (Theron) was thought vanquished by Snow White’s blade, she watched silently as her sister, Freya (Blunt), suffered a heartbreaking betrayal and fled their kingdom. With Freya’s ability to freeze any enemy, the young ice queen has spent decades in a remote wintry palace raising a legion of deadly huntsmen—including Eric (Hemsworth) and warrior Sara (Chastain)—only to find that her prized two defied her one demand: Forever harden your hearts to love.  When Freya learns of her sister’s demise, she summons her remaining soldiers to bring the Magic Mirror home to the only sorceress left who can harness its power. But once she discovers Ravenna can be resurrected from its golden depths, the wicked sisters threaten this enchanted land with twice the darkest force it’s ever seen. Now, their amassing army shall prove undefeatable…unless the banished huntsmen who broke their queen’s cardinal rule can fight their way back to one another.

This movie was all pomp and circumstance with no substance.  Lots of over the top effects, scenery and costumes but not much else.  Considering the quality of the actors and actresses in the film, this was really disappointing.  There really isn't even anything else to say regarding this movie.   

I wouldn't recommend any wasting their time with this.  It really is nothing more than a huge waste.

Midnight Special


The sci-fi project, set in present day, follows a father and son who are forced into going on the run when the eight-year-old boy develops some kind of extraordinary power.

I really enjoyed this movie.  It just had an awesome feel about it.  It jumped right in without any explanation about why the boy is special or why they are on the run but you dont care.  Its filmed in a way that you are totally hooked without all the development and what not.  Loved that.  Its that kind of feel that made me fall in love with movies in the first place.  It takes you on a ride and you fully enjoy it even though you cant put your finger on why.  Add to that how simple it was for what is pretty much a sci fi movie with no special effects and that just makes me appreciate this film more.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this movie out.  It is a very great watch with such a natural hook due to storytelling simplicity that most movies massively miss the target on.

Criminal


The story of the right man in the wrong body. In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s memories, secrets and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate in hopes the he will complete the operative’s mission.

This ended up being a pretty good movie.  The problem is that it took way too long to get there.  Kevin Costner was actually pretty good playing a character that he tends not to. The story was good enough.  The pacing was just atrocious with a lot of unnecessary character development for the first 45 minutes to an hour if the movie.  

I would somewhat recommend people checking this movie out.  Its not a must see by any means.  Its a decent watch but does take a while to get there.

Hardcore Henry


Strap in. Hardcore Henry is one of the most unflinchingly original wild-rides to hit the big screen in a long time: You remember nothing. Mainly because you’ve just been brought back from the dead by your wife (Haley Bennett). She tells you that your name is Henry. Five minutes later, you are being shot at, your wife has been kidnapped, and you should probably go get her back. Who’s got her? His name’s Akan (Danila Kozlovsky); he’s a powerful warlord with an army of mercenaries, and a plan for world domination. You’re also in an unfamiliar city of Moscow, and everyone wants you dead. Everyone except for a mysterious British fellow called Jimmy (Sharlto Copley.) He may be on your side, but you aren’t sure. If you can survive the insanity, and solve the mystery, you might just discover your purpose and the truth behind your identity. Good luck, Henry. You’re likely going to need it…

I get the premise of the movie since Point Of View games are so huge.  But that's really all this was - a clever premise.  The movie was off the wall absurd with everything that went on.    The action being first person ended up making it all too choppy.  The fight scenes ended up looking silly and annoying.  The movie was pretty much crap.

I wouldn't recommend anyone wasting their time with this choppy garbage.  Stick to just playing the video games instead of watching movie versions of them.

The Jungle Book


Directed by Jon Favreau, based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, The Jungle Book is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire.

The animated version of The Jungle Book was one of my favorite movies growing up.  I would watch it all the time, so I was a little bit skeptical about a "live action" version of this movie.  I'm happy to say that I was wrong because this turned out to be great.  They pretty much stuck to the story and didn't make any massive tweaks or changes.  They even worked in some of the classic songs from the original.  The CGI on the animals was incredible and really made several scenes amazing to watch.  The only problem with this movie is that with the animals looking so lifelike that a lot of the scenes where they are aggressive are going to be absolutely terrifying for younger viewers.  

The Jungle Book was a great watch with amazing effects.  It did a great job of translating from the animated version.  Just be careful bringing young ones to see this because they will be scared several times throughout.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2


My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, the long-awaited follow-up to the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time featuring Nia Vardalos, who stars alongside the entire returning cast of favorites, the film reveals a Portokalos family secret that will bring the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding. 

I thought the original movie was pretty damn funny.  But that was like fifteen years ago and I really didn't remotely see the need for this sequel.  That being said, it was pretty damn funny and had some huge laughs.  But in all honesty - it was really just a redo of the first one and adding another generation to the family.  

If you liked the original, you will certainly enjoy this one too.  It's got plenty of laughs and family comedy.  If you never saw the original, you should . . . . And then wait like 15 years and watch this one and laugh all over again.

The Boss


Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, The Heat) headlines The Boss as a titan of industry who is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.

I find Melissa McCarthy absolutely hysterical.  I have always been a huge fan of hers and have never walked away disappointed in anything she did except Tammy, the last movie that her and her husband wrote and he directed.  That was the only reason I was a little worried about this movie.  Those worries were obliterated about five minutes in when I had already laughed more than allof Tammy.  I thought this movie was hysterical.  McCarthy had great chemistry with Kristen Bell and her interactions with the children had me dying.  

I would absolutely recommend people check this movie out.  Its totally formula but still filled with laughs.  If you like Melissa McCarthy there is no way you won't like this movie.



Miracles From Heaven


Miracles from Heaven is based on the incredible true story of the Beam family. When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.  

Wow!!!  This was quite the heart string pulling movie.  I have never been someone that could be accused of being a man of faith.  I believe in certain things but don't really believe in too much and definitely don't wear it on my sleeve or keep it at the forefront of my brain.  I thought that this would be one of those bible thumping type of movies.  Not that I am dissing those but just that they are not usually my cup of tea.   But I decided to check this one out and I'm actually glad I did.  It was a very good movie that didn't overly rely on the faith thing to the point of being a church infomercial.  It was a good movie, with good acting - especially by Jennifer Garner.  And you couldn't help but get choked up at several points during the movie.

Didn't think I would say this but I would definitely recommend that people check this movie out.  It was a very enjoyable watch and lights even the smallest of flames in people with little belief in faith like myself.