Simply Put...THE Best Movie of 2014! "Guardians Of The Galaxy"

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

PG-13

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper,

Written and Directed by James Gunn

The Story:

Marvel Studios heads into space with a tale of a band of ne'er do-wells led by Star-Lord (Pratt) who teams with Gamora (Saldana) Drax (Bautista) Groot (Diesel) and Rocket (Cooper) in an attempt to save the very universe that considers them to be outlaws.  But heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and these Guardians of the Galaxy are about to prove to be every bit as worthy as The Avengers.

Borrowed from my synopsis that I wrote for the movie review when I saw it in theaters.

It was impressive then.

It was a trip into space for Marvel that basically brought the thrill of Star Wars to a generation that grew up on it when it first came out, and it made us kids again.

The acting was superb.

James Gunn is fantastic (and if you want a lot of fun, follow him on Facebook!) and as enthusiastic of an ambassador to the Marvel Universe as you're going to get.

If you don't like science fiction...
If you don't like comic book movies...

I ask that you give this one a try.

Your opinion might change on both fronts.

I've yet to meet anyone out there that saw it and didn't like it.

I'm sure they exist, but I'm not sure I want to know that person.

They are probably dead on the inside.

:)

Final Grade: A+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: One of the only things I wanted for Christmas, it will be enjoyed often over the next few years. 

Everything You Thought You Knew Was A Lie... "Maleficent"

Maleficent (2014)

PG

Starring Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley

Directed by Robert Stromberg

The Story:

Maleficent (Jolie) is a fairy from the land of monsters, nymphs and all the cool myths and legends. Stephan (Copley) is the young man who woos her and may be able to bridge the worlds of man and myths. However, when he spurns her love and commits the ultimate betrayal, Maleficent is devastated. One day, Stefan has remarried and  has a daughter, Aurora (Fanning). Maleficent puts a curse on the babe that one day she will prick her finger on a spindle...
You know how it's supposed to end.

This tale offers up Maleficent's side of the story, and by the end of the story, perhaps she's not as evil as we were led to believe.

I totally expected to hate this movie.

Turn it off midway through, walk out on it, roll my eyes and ignore it while surfing Facebook... all of the above.

But no...

I stayed, glued to the screen, impressed with the story that was unfolding before me.

Maleficent is given a great back story that invites us in, and slowly we forget all about the Disney adaptation that we all grew up on.

Which considering this movie is from Disney, I guess the retcon is allowable. :)

This is the first of many Disney live-action remakes.

What originally seemed like a pathetic cash-grab, now seems like it could be the start of something impressive.

I will tread forward with optimism, but so far, so good!

Final Grade: B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I wouldn't mind watching or owning this one in the future.

It's "Tammy" and Lousie. Sort Of.

Tammy (2014)

R

Starring Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates,

Directed by Ben Falcone

The Story:

Tammy (McCarthy) has just been fired, finds her husband cheating on her, so she decides to go on a road trip. Except her car is shot also. Her mom (Bates) refuses to allow her to use the car. So she borrows Grandma (Sarandon), her money and her car, and the duo head to Niagara Falls.

Hilarity ensues.

Unless you find it to be more tedious than humorous.

Then you would be me.

Added to Identity Thief and Heat, this is the third movie starring Melissa McCarthy that I found to be "average".

She is funny.

I do not hate her.

Strange that a critic needs to mention that, but I have nothing against her personally or her weight.

I have something against comedies that aren't funny.

Like her previous movies, there were chuckles and a few genuine laughs to be found. The problem? They existed in a 90 minute movie where the other 75 minutes were drawn out and less than funny.

Great cast. Less than great script.

When the writers are the star and the director...

Well, there's your problem.

For the record, while I never reviewed Bridesmaids (McCarthy's big screen break), I found it to be a C+ range of a film where the critics gushed that finally the girls had an R rated comedy they could call their own.

As I've said before, if you're going for R, the jokes simply need to be consistently funny.

We'll see what happens when I see the Ghostbusters revamp.


Final Grade: C-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Not a chance. I had almost forgotten I had even watched this one, so consider the grade a generous one.

Pretty Cute Flick... "Earth To Echo"

Earth To Echo (2014)

PG

Starring Teo Halm, Astro, Reese Hartwig, Ella Wahlestedt

Directed by Dave Green

The Story:

Some teenagers are facing their last few nights in their homes as they are forced to move due a development tearing up the neighborhood. However, when they receive some encrypted messages on their phones. The kids head out to discover what's behind the message, but they never expected to discover an alien that needs help getting back home.

Yes, it sounds like a mashup of E.T. meets The Goonies.

I think that was intentional on the filmmakers part.

As a child of the 80s, I also have no problem with this decision.

However, the movie does play along the lines of a found footage film, and that's too bad, because those usually stink.

:)

This one has one of the kids that loves to film, so he's following his buddies, as usual, with the camera. Plus they'll all use their cellphones to film the adventures with their alien pal.

That said, as found footage films go, this one is actually pretty good. Not too jittery, not too forced.

You will believe a bunch of preteen/teen kids would/could have this adventure.

Aside from the whole alien thing.

:)

I had a good time though, and quite enjoyed the film.

Final Grade: B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I enjoyed it and would be willing to watch it again. Not on the must buy list, but maybe someday.

If You Smelllllll...What The Rock's Cousin...Is Cooking... "Royal Rumble 2015"

Royal Rumble

WWE Network

Only $ 9.99!

So another year has come and gone, and the greatest PPV of the year is now over.

However this year's Rumble felt a little... flat.

I expect more carnage and mayhem and fun in the Rumble, and I can't help but think the WWE Universe was short-changed just a bit.

The matches leading up to the main events were fine.

The World Heavyweight Championship between Rollins, Cena and Lesnar was a classic for the ages, and at the end of the night, the decision to let Brock retain the gold for WrestleMania is the right one, especially if you're going to build up a new star.

Which leads us to the Rumble.

A few returns from some names of Superstars past was fun. It was also nice to see Zack Ryder back in action from his injury.

But Bray Wyatt throwing everyone out early left the first third of the Rumble kind of boring.

It didn't fill with people and mayhem until almost the final third of the match, and by then it's almost too little, too late.

Eliminating fan favorite Daniel Bryan early this year caused them to lose the Philly crowd for almost the rest of the night.

Even Kofi Kingston's usual survival antics were telegraphed and really short-lived. :(

Note to WWE Executives: When you book a PPV or Raw in a Heel Town, expect the crowd to cheer the bad guys and Daniel Bryan.

Don't be shocked when they turn on whatever other decisions you have planned.

When Dolph Ziggler came out at the #30 and final spot, you began to think they are really going to push Ziggler as the David and Goliath story against Lesnar.

Nope.

It's all about Roman Reigns.

The beast from LAST year's Rumble gets his win, and moves on to WrestleMania to face Brock Lesnar.

Even an appearance from his cousin, The Rock, could barely turn the crowd back in Reigns favor as the crowd wanted, well, pretty much anyone other than the obvious choice.

Then the PPV ended with over 20 minutes to go in the usual running time...

Sorry WWE, that's not Best for Business.

Even at just $9.99.

Final Grade: B  And considering I normally give this show an A/A-, you can feel my Philly heat!

:)

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I might watch parts again on the WWE Network, otherwise, see you next year for the 29th installment of my favorite PPV!

They Are At It Again..."The Purge: Anarchy"

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Rated R

Starring Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, Zach Gilford, Kiele Sanchez, Zoe Soul,

Written and Directed by James DeMonaco

The Story:

The annual Purge is upon us. That one night of the year where all crime is permissible, even murder!

Well, as I promised after watching the first installment, I would be back for the sequel.

To be honest, I found this one much better than the first installment.

I actually enjoyed the first movie, my main complaint was the majority of the film being too dark and shadowy for a suspense thriller.

DeMonaco rectifies all of that, and then some this go round.

Instead of a family, we get three separate stories that all converge together and bring some people together, out on the streets, after the Purge has begun.

Grillo is a great choice and has the chops and charisma to be a solid leading man in these budget thrillers.

Gone is the claustrophobic darkness from the first one, and it's opened up into the streets and buildings around town as this group attempts to survive the night.

I hate to say I enjoyed it, but I did.

If DeMonaco keeps this up, I'll be back for a third installment!

Final Grade: B/B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: While I said once was enough for the first installment, I could actually watch this one again with little problem.

Time For A Little Baseball in January... "Million Dollar Arm"

Million Dollar Arm (2014)

PG

Starring Jon Hamm, Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal

Directed by Craig Gillespie

The Story:

JB (Hamm) is a sports agent who is being outspent and out hustled by the bigger agents in town. So he concocts a try-out for players of cricket in India to be the next big thing in Major League Baseball. When the tryout doesn't go as planned, JB isn't quite sure what to do.

That's when he decides to be a better person.

Awwww...

Did I mention this was based on a true story?

No, I didn't.

But it is.

And it's not a bad story...

But boy is it LOOOOOONG.

Clocking in at over 2 hours, it feels every bit of it, and a bit more even.

: /

Disney needs to learn how to shave a bit of the time off these true-life dramas and get to the point a bit quicker.

Naturally, you can guess how the story ends, so I won't say they make a professional team because that would be a major spoiler.

Oops again.

: )

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I'll have to go with once was enough on this one. Not every baseball movie is a surefire hit.

This Week's Dystopian Future Flick: "The Giver"

The Giver (2014)

PG-13

Starring Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Brenton Thwaites

Directed by Phillip Noyce

The Story:

In the future, society is naturally perfect. As the latest wave of children graduate to take on their role in society, one boy, Jonas (Thwaites) is selected by the Chief Elder (Streep) to become the "Receiver of the Memories". He learns from The Giver (Bridges) all of the secrets of society that the people no longer remember. As he begins to learn, he begins to realize that all of society is a lie...

The book that has been around forever is now a major motion picture!

And really, it's not that bad.

However, when you finally come along after The Hunger Games, Divergent and a million other "this is the future and society is different now and you are the special chosen one..."

Well, they all begin to blur together after awhile, and it's a lot of been there, done that.

That said, this one is rather interesting in the passing of memories from The Giver to the Receiver.

There are some uncomfortable truths that are offered in here that show how cruel society can become.

How Jonas chooses to handle what he learns and decide what is best for society is what makes the story work.

Plus, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt since the book has been around for over 30 years.

Had this been filmed first, all bets would be off, and those other films would be compared to this one.

:)

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: It was one of the better dystopian future movies of late, but once was enough.

Third Time's The...Yawn... "The Expendables 3"

The Expendables 3 (2014)

Rated PG-13

Starring Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Wesley Snipes, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, Jet Li, Terry Crews, Dolph Lundgren, Harrison Ford, Antonio Banderas

Directed by Patrick Hughes

The Story:

Barney (Stallone) is on a mission with the team when he runs across his old partner-in-crime, Stonebanks (Gibson). They founded the Expendables together, and Barney thought he was dead. Instead, it's Stonebanks who is going to try and kill Barney and his all new team that he has assembled. So naturally it's up to the old gang to help save the day and stop the bad guy.

Piece of cake!

I'm not sure how I feel about this entry in the franchise.

One, everything changes.

Gone is Bruce Willis, replaced by Harrison Ford. Meh... I guess that works.

Mel Gibson is given prime crazy time to chew scenery and play the bad guy, and he does that well. You know there will be a straight up fight at the end that will leave someone dead.

Only this time, Gibson plays the Gary Busey role!

:)

Then there is Wesley Snipes who gets out of prison, and winds up right back on the big screen. He seems to get quite a bit of screen time which throws off the chemistry of the main characters a bit, in my opinion.

In fact, that's the biggest problem with the film, look at that poster. There isn't enough time to have much character interaction because there are just too many characters.

Don't even get me started on how shortchanged Banderas' part is. : /

So naturally, of the 3, this is my least favorite of the franchise.

If it was the end, so be it. It was a fun ride. The first one was good, the second one was a hoot.

This one was a suitable bookmark.

Audiences seemed to have finally had enough, but really, it was more of the same.

I guess in reality though, we've gone through just about every action start out there.

Except Steven Seagal.

Or Michael Dudikoff.

There's hope for 4 yet!

Final Grade: C+

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Maybe...no hurry though.

Seriously? "Doomsday Preppers"

Doomsday Preppers (2011)

TV-PG

The Story:

In the Doomsday Prepper world, the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important groups. The people who prepare for the disasters, and the people who have nothing better to do than watch them.

These are their stories.

Bum bum.

You name the scenario, EMP, market collapse, zombie apocalypse, plague of frogs, and there is some nutjob...I mean, well prepared and intentioned individual or family who is ready for it.

They stockpile food, ammunition, medicine, ammunition, probably more ammunition...

It's entertaining enough, but definitely not one that you'll want to marathon through.

Unless you're a prepper... then you're probably collecting tips!

:)
 

For every cool idea or two, there are about 15 that make you shake your head and go... "maybe not".

And naturally, at the end of every episode, there is the voice of... The Man... reassuring us that experts agree that whatever thing that Prepper was afraid of, is likely to not happen.

Hmmmm...

Maybe I better watch for a few more ideas!

Available to stream on Netflix as of this writing. 

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Not one I need to own, or really watch again. Just pacing myself through the seasons available on Netflix. 

It's About Time...Travel... "X-Men: Days of Future Past"

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

Rated PG-13

Starring Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence

Directed by Bryan Singer

The Story:

The X-Men are being wiped out by the Sentinel program. To save themselves, Professor Xavier (Stewart) and Magneto (McKellan) join forces with the remaining X-Men, they run a risky gambit of sending Wolverine (Jackman) back in time to find Professor X (McAvoy) and Magneto (Fassbender) to try and stop Mystique (Lawrence) from making a huge mistake that will cause the creation of the Sentinels.

Confused?

Don't be.

It will all make sense before the whole thing is over.

And in the process, they build on the great work from X-Men: First Class and bring the entire X-Men franchise back to relevance and in direct competition with Marvel Studios.

Nothing like a bit of friendly competition.

If Marvel can't get their franchises all back under one roof (boooo), then I'd like to at least see them be successful and well made.

I was never really thrilled with any of the Wolverine or X-Men movies until First Class came along.

Now, with Days of Future Past, Fox resets the entire franchise and is able to go forward (or backward) and do anything they want.

Bravo, well played.


Fox better enjoy this while they can, because it is just about time for them to begin recasting all of the roles once again.

I'm not sure how many more turns in the claws Jackman has, but he's leaving some really big shoes to fill.

Good luck.

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Enjoyed it, bought it. One of the 10 Best of 2014. Looking forward to the next installment.

Time To Go Back In Time... "Mr. Peabody and Sherman"

Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)

PG

Starring Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert, Patrick Warburton

Directed by Rob Minkoff

The Story:

Mr. Peabody (Burrell) is a very smart talking dog who adopts a boy named Sherman (Charles). Among Peabody's many accomplishments is the WABAC machine which allows them to travel back in time and visit with luminaries in history. When Sherman violates a time travel rule, it's up to Peabody to try and set history right, before he loses everything, including his boy!

Did you ever think the Mr. Peabody shorts from Rocky and Bullwinkle would become a feature length movie?

Yeah, me neither.

However they did it, and it worked pretty well.

To be honest, I never really was a fan of Peabody and Sherman back in the Bullwinkle series. I found that to be the weak link, but it was short and over before you knew it, so no biggie.

This film, from Dreamworks Animation, was an enjoyable experience that provided more laughs than dry stretches of "who cares", and that's important in any animated film.

As usual, Dreamworks spares no expense making a lush looking film that is just gorgeous to watch. Then a stellar voice cast that brings the characters to life.

The writing is clever enough, but throws in enough eye-rolling puns to keep in the spirit of the original.

I was expecting the worst, and I was happily disappointed.

:)



Final Grade: B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Wound up under the tree for the kids for Christmas. Won't be opposed to watching it again in the future. Or the past!

The Undercover Brothers Like No Others! "22 Jump Street"

22 Jump Street (2014)

Rated R

Starring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube,

Directed by Phil Lord

The Story:

Schmidt (Hill) and Jenko (Tatum) are going back undercover to college this time, instead of high school. In basically the exact same movie as the last one we saw!

Their words, not mine.

But the joke is indeed, that this film is pretty much a note for note remake of 21 Jump Street.

Which is fine, because 21 Jump Street was one of those surprise hits from a few years back.

Tatum showed he has a great sense of humor, Hill showed off that he could be an action hero.

Mostly.

:)

Again, it would have been a bit better had this go-round been not entirely a retread of the first one.

The buddy cop saga does grow a bit between the two leads, and that makes for about the only real growth in the movie as the two realize that their brotherhood is real, and that's a nice development.

When the funniest part of the film is the extended credits for each of the subsequent numbered Jump Street sequels, then perhaps there is no future for the franchise.

Somehow, I'm sure we'll see 23 Jump Street at least.

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Once was probably enough for me on this one.

Stand-Up Sunday: "The Fluffy Movie"

The Fluffy Movie (2014)

PG-13

Starring Gabriel Iglesias

Directed by Manny Rodriguez

The Story:

Gabriel Iglesias returns to the stage, and this time he brings his material to the big screen!

There are some skits in the movie that highlight his life and some important moments in the creation of who he is and why he chooses to entertain us.

Ultimately though, it's a very personal account of one man's journey to success, and the realization that he must make some changes if he wants to be around to enjoy that success.

Very funny.

Very sweet.

A little inspirational.

Hard to beat that.


Final Grade: B

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I don't own much stand-up. Iglesias' material is good enough to revisit down the road though.

The Rock Is "Hercules". Talk About Typecasting!

Hercules (2014)

Rated PG-13

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane, John Hurt, Rufus Sewell,

Directed by Brett Ratner

The Story:

Hercules (Johnson) is much more man than the legends would have you believe. However, he travels with his companions to earn their wages and set up for an eventual retirement. When he is approached to help Lord Cotys (Hurt) train an army to defend themselves, Hercules and his companions may have finally reached the end of their legend.

I think the biggest knock against this one, aside from Brett Ratner directing, was that it didn't play up the actual legend of Hercules.

On the contrary, it actually made sense out of how a legend of Hercules could have grown without him being the actual son of Zeus.

If he indeed was not the son of Zeus.

McShane and Sewell provide great support to The Rock as his compatriots.  The whole ensemble works, and makes the most of their screen time together building camaraderie amongst the group.
Naturally, Dwayne Johnson is his usually charismatic self and plays the part of Hercules with his usual wink and smile delivery, but enough remorse and regret because of his troubled past.

It may not be the greatest adaptation of the legendary warrior, but I enjoyed it.

Come to think of it, I'd be hard-pressed to come up with a better version anyway.

So there!

:)

Final Grade: B-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I enjoyed it enough, and was pleased to see a copy under the tree for Christmas. :)

Time For The First Review Of The Year. Sorry, That's "As Good As It Gets"

As Good As It Gets (1997)

PG-13

Starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear

Directed by James L. Brooks

The Story:

Melvin Udall (Nicholson) is a cranky, bigoted writer who suffers from OCD. He enjoys picking on his gay neighbor, Simon (Kinnear) and gives the local waitress, Carol (Hunt) constant grief at work. However, when tragedy strikes Simon, Melvin's world turns upside-down and he is thrust into a situation where he winds up going on on a road trip together.  Will he be civil to Simon? And will his true feelings for Carol bubble to the surface?

This is one of those deceptively enjoyable films.

There isn't a whole lot to it, just a lot of character interaction between the three main actors.

Kinnear holds his own against Nicholson, and the two sparkle in their debates and encounters with each other throughout the movie.

The love story between Melvin and Carol is a bit more troubling. Perhaps it is the age difference?

At nearly 30 years her senior, it seems odd that Carol would fall for Melvin, no matter how kind he is to her and her son.

Just a minor quibble, and not enough to derail the movie.

Just something that always seemed a bit off when I've watched it.

Final Grade: A-

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I do own it, and this was the first time I've watched it in about a decade. Holds up pretty decently after all these years.