The "Knight Of Cups" Was A Pretentious Bore

Knight of Cups (2015)

Rated R

Starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Brian Dennehy, Antonio Banderas, Imogen Poots,

Written and Directed by Terence Malick

The Story:

A writer (Bale) goes on a journey of discovery in Los Angeles through Las Vegas. These are his tales.

The movie opens with narration by Bale as the camera pans around and around to various scenery and other scenes that may or may not have anything to do with what is happening on screen.

I know I normally give movies 20 minutes, but I was ready to bail by the 10th minute, and I think I let if play into the first full chapter break at around the 13 minute mark.

I had no interest in the character, or whatever story was going to take place at this point.

If that means I have no appreciation for art-house films, so be it.

I come to see a movie to be entertained.

I don't mind thinking when I watch a film.

What I don't want to be thinking, is,  "why am I wasting my time watching this?"

There's a difference.

Final Grade: F

Kinda Fast...Sorta Furious... "Need For Speed"

Need For Speed (2014)

Rated PG-13

Starring Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots, Scott Mescudi, Rami Malek, Ramon Rodriguez

Directed by Scott Waugh

The Story:

Tobey (Paul) and his buddies at the garage take on a job fixing a Shelby Mustang for former Indy driver Dino Brewster  (Cooper) because Toby needs the money.  Rivals on and off the streets, Tobey and Dino have a race for money which ends in tragedy.  When Tobey is paroled, he sets out to join a famous street race to get revenge on the man who killed his friend and left him to rot in jail.

Easily the best movie about street racing since the Fast and the Furious.  Probably the best one based on a video game racer as well.

:)

Not hard to be the best when there isn't any competition.

Hard to complain too much about anything in this film.  Of course there's plot holes the size of Ferraris, but that's okay, the stunts and driving scenes make up for most of those.

On top of that, most of the supporting cast is pretty fun and adds some layers that would otherwise leave the film really boring and really predictable.

Aaron Paul spends most of his time growling, scowling and grimacing his way through the movie.

If Ben Affleck hadn't been hired, I would assume he's auditioning to be the next Batman. ;)

However, every once in a while he lets out a joke or a smile or a whiff of personality, and he's not half bad in the lead role.

Overall, a silly little bit of fluff that doesn't harm the Need For Speed name at all..

Final Grade: B-/C+ range

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: Good harmless fun with almost enough charm to own.  Time will tell.