X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

Directed by: Bryan Singer

Written by: Simon Kinberg, Bryan Singer, Michael Dougherty, & Dan Harris

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, & Jennifer Lawrence






So this film is good; it wasn't amazing or anything, but overall entertaining enough.

The plot line is cohesive and clear.  The first mutant, En Sabah Nur/Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), wakes up from a long sleep to see that the world is ruled by humans rather than mutants.  Enraged, he finds four mutants who he can make into the four horsemen of the apocalypse: War, Death, Famine, and Pestilence.  (Although it's unclear which is which.)  In an effort to connect to the world and control all the mutants, they kidnap Professor Charles Xavier (McAvoy).  The X-Men get together to save the Professor as well as the world.  Yadda, yadda, yadda...

It's basically the same as the other films just a different problem to overcome and fight.  I don't know if it is me, or the stupid people talking behind me, but I just thought the film was okay.  Like I said, it wasn't amazing or blew me away or anything.

I did like though the new characters that they put in.  Well maybe not new new, but you know, like Jean Gray (Sophie Turner), Scott Summers/Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), Orono Munroe/Storm (Alexandra Shipp), and Kurt Wagner/Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee).  It was interesting to see how they all came together and the romantic tensions that arise between Scott and Jean as well as with Raven/Mystique (Lawrence) and Hank McCoy/Beast (Nicholas Hoult).

Of course the action is amazing with the explosions, destroying of buildings, the powers, etc...  The acting is well enough as well.  I didn't notice any technical mistakes.  But it just seems like this film isn't as good as the previous two.  Plus it's starting to get annoying with the continuity problems such as with Angel, Nightcrawler, and more.

Is this the end for X-Men?  Probably not.   I read this article that has a good point of what they can do with the franchise from now on.  You can see it here.  Anyway, it's going to be 3 popcorns.  It is good, but not as good as Days of Future Past and First Class, which in my opinion are 4 popcorns each.

Oh, and of course, stay till the end of the credits.  If you have a question about the end, leave a comment or you can Google it.

Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)

Directed by: James Bobin

Written by: Linda Woolverton & Lewis Carroll (books)

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, & Sacha Baron Cohen







This sequel is surprisingly good.  Maybe even a little bit better than the first.

In the beginning, the Mad Hatter (Depp) finds the first hat he has ever made.  With that, he gets the belief that his family is still alive, but no one believes him and with each disbelief, he dies a little each time.  Meanwhile Alice (Wasikowska) is having her own problems with her family and views of society on independent women.  As she steps through the looking glass, she finds herself immersed in Wonderland and on a mission to cure the Hatter.

Let's start with the positives.

I loved how they incorporated time travel into the film.  Alice needs to go back in time to save the Hatter's family and she goes back to different time periods rather than just one.  In addition, the way it is incorporated is very creative.

Also, the character of Time (Cohen) is well played.  At first I thought, oh great he's a fool, but his foolishness makes sense since it coordinates with his time aspect.  He has no time to waste so he predicts answers before others say what they want to say.

I also loved the backstory of the Queen of Hearts/Red Queen (Carter).  They explain why her head is so big.  Plus they give the backstory to the Hatter and how he came to make hats.

There is even one portion of the movie where they bring up a scene in the 1951 version.  Let me know if you catch it.  If not, I'll fill you in.

Okay the negatives.

First, Anne Hathaway's acting at the beginning of the film seemed ridiculous to me.  I don't remember her being like a fool in the first one, but this time she seemed really ditzy.  But after the climax, the acting improved.  Maybe it's just me.

And secondly/lastly, the plot seemed too predictable.  Not necessarily for the explanation of the Queen's big head or what was happening in the real world, but just the plot line with what happened to the Hatter's family and Alice's actions to save him.  Perhaps it's because I watch too many films and just can sense what is going to happen or maybe the writer wanted it to be predictable.

Let me know what you think.  4 popcorns.

Angry Birds (2016)

Directed by: Clay Kaytis & Fergal Reilly

Written by: John Cohen (story), Mikael Hed (story), Mikko Polla (story), & Jon Vitti

Starring: Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, & Danny McBride







I used to play this game a few years ago when it was hot and whatnot, but I sucked, so I gave it up.  But of course, I had to see the film because of that.

Red (Sudeikis) hates life.  He hates the other birds, but at the same time he tries to stay calm.  After ruining a birthday party, he is subjected to anger management and of course, he hates it.  While in anger management, a ship comes to Bird Island and out comes two pigs, Leonard and Ross.  The birds try to be friendly with the pigs, but once the pigs start stealing their eggs, it's time for the birds to get angry.

The animation is great technical wise, but the plot is not amazing.  It does coordinate well with the game though; in the sense that the birds shoot themselves to destroy the pigs and their buildings.

Also I liked the variety of characters that they had along with their personalities.  It kept the story interesting with how all the birds get along.  Also interesting is that there are different types of birds and not just the same one, but a different color.  For example, Chuck (Gad) is a woodpecker while Red is, I'm guessing, a red robin.

It's good for a children's movie, but otherwise not really Oscar worthy.  Great to rent if you want something to watch without too much concentration and a couple of laughs.  3 popcorns.

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (2016)

Directed by: Nicholas Stoller

Written by: Andrew J. Cohen, Brendan O'Brien, Nicholas Stoller, Seth Rogen, & Evan Goldberg

Starring: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, & Zac Efron







Taking place a few years after the first Neighbors, Mac (Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Byrne) are finally able to sell their house.  The fraternity has since graduated and the house is now empty.  Unfortunately, Shelby (Chloe Grace Moretz), Beth (Kiersey Clemons), and Nora (Beanie Feidstein), new freshmen, decide to open up their own sorority right next door after finding out that sororities on campus cannot throw parties like the fraternities can.  In desperation, Mac and Kelly devise several plans as to get rid of the sorority and make sure that the new owners of their house never see the girls.  Meanwhile Teddy Sanders (Efron) has yet to move on from college, especially since he cannot find a job due to his record that the Radners' caused.  In an interest to the sorority, he decides to help the girls in making sure that they are not shut down as well as get revenge on their neighbors.

I thought this film was hilarious.  I was cracking up through the whole thing especially since in addition to physical humor, there is also sexist, racist, and ageist jokes.  But at the same time there are a few morals brought to light about the injustice in college with relevance to sororities and fraternities.  Other than that, it's pretty similar to the first one, but with new ways to sabotage.

I was too engrossed in the plot to notice any technical errors.  The acting was great, especially Efron's during a specific running scene.  It was unexpected, but loved it all the same.  If you see it, you'll get what I mean.  4 popcorns.

Money Monster (2016)

Directed by: Jodie Foster

Written by: Jamie Linden, Alan DiFlore, & Jim Kouf

Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, & Jack O'Connell








I love Jack O'Connell!  Mostly because he was in Skins.  If you haven't seen that show.  Go watch it!  It's my favorite show.

So of course, I had to see this film because he's in it.

But also in it is Clooney and Roberts so...that too.  Plus Jodie Foster directs it.  Who doesn't love Foster?

Lee Gates (Clooney) is the star of the show Money Monster.  He gives investment advice and talks about stock.  Patty Fenn (Roberts) is his director.  While doing their daily show, Kyle Budwell (O'Connell), an investor,  comes onto the stage and starts shooting.  In a panic, everyone on set becomes compliant to his demands.  But all Kyle wants is answers as to why Ibis lost 8 million dollars in one day.

I will admit that even though I love O'Connell and everything he does, this film drags a little.  Mostly at the beginning when everyone is trying to figure out how to save the hostages.  It makes sense though.  It's a typical hostage situation, but instead of someone stealing money or something valuable, all Kyle wants is an answer of why his money, that he invested in Ibis, is gone.

What I like about this movie is that even though at the beginning it's "Everyone, take out Budwell," it twists to where Budwell becomes the victim.  And it is pretty evident when that happens.  Poor guy.

The acting is pretty good.  I was a little confused as to why O'Connell was holding back.  In Skins, he plays James Cook, who is pretty all over the place and can get angry really quickly.  So my point is, he seems to be holding back on getting angry, but as the story continues, it makes sense why.

Julia Roberts' character seems too calm.  But she's the director, so maybe she was supposed to be.  I wish there was more indication with action to show how she was really feeling.  They show it once, but I think maybe one or two more times would have been sufficient.

Clooney is great.  He is angry, funny, and trying to stay calm when he is the main hostage.  He played it perfectly, I think.

Overall it's great.  It's a thinking type film and I think it goes well with how much trust is put into the stock market these days.  4 popcorns.

The Darkness (2016)

Directed by: Greg McLean

Written by: Shayne Armstrong, Shane Krause, & Greg McLean

Starring: Kevin Bacon, Radha Mitchell, & David Mazouz







So surprisingly this film is actually good.

I'm not much into horror or thriller films, mostly because they resemble each other and I don't find them scary.  Sometimes I start laughing when a scary part comes on, which may be a defensive mechanism.  Who knows?

Anyway, the Taylor family heads to the Grand Canyon for vacation.  While there, their autistic son, Michael (Mazouz), falls into a hole in the mountains and discovers these ancient rocks with strange symbols on them. He puts them all in his backpack.  I think you can get the rest from that right?  Let's just say it was a bad idea to bring them home.

The acting is interesting.  They seem like a typical happy family in photos, on paper, etc... But the directing or writing, whichever, assisted in showing their flaws with subtle looks, actions, and more.  That I really appreciated.

In addition, instead of just having a random spirit haunting the family, there is an explanation as to who and what the spirit is.  In other words, the spirit has it's own backstory, which completes the plot.

This film, though, original, did seem to replicate parts in other horror films, such as The Conjuring, The Poltergeist, etc... But since there are so many horror films out there, how is this not possible these days.

Even though I liked it, it isn't scary.  So if you are interested in a mystery thriller, then yes, go see it.  If you want to be scared, you'll be disappointed.  4 popcorns.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Directed by: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo

Written by: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Mark Millar (comic book), Joe Simon (characters), & Jack Kirby (characters)

Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., & Scarlett Johansson






Finally a Captain American film I like.  The truth is, I don't really like Captain America, but I always watched his films because if you miss one, in the next one you're like "who the hell is that?"  And you're practically lost for the first half of the film as they try to catch you up.

This happened to me when I watched Avengers: Age of Ultron.  I had yet to watch Captain America: Winter Soldier and I was looking around the theater feeling lost.

Anyway, I wish that these films had a "Previously on..." so that way I could remember what happened in the previous film.  During the beginning of this one, I was trying to remember and while the writers do give you subtle hints as to what happened, I wish it was more prominent.

Nevertheless, about twenty minutes into the movie I remembered.  The only reason I could, was because the beginning drags a little.  I was bored and confused as to what was going on.  Sure, there are fighting and action sequences that kept my attention, but I didn't understand why they were fighting.

Eventually it comes together and the plot as a whole is cohesive.

Despite my critiques above, I really liked it.  I thought the new Spiderman and Black Panther were amazing.  Talk about favorite new characters!  Plus the two fight scenes of Captain America versus Iron Man are awesome. I was leaning forward in my seat.  I'm Team Iron Man if you didn't know.  (Sorry Captain America fans.)  I just like Iron Man more for his unapologetic nature.  I don't know.  He just seems more real.

So overall this film is amazing.  Make sure to stay after the credits.  And by that I mean after the fancy ones and the regular ones.  There are two scenes.  4 popcorns.

Mother's Day (2016)

Directed by: Garry Marshall

Written by: Tom Hines, Lily Hollander, Anya Kochoff, & Matthew Walker

Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, & Jason Sudeikis






Just like Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, Mother's Day focuses on four separate stories on the week of Mother's Day.

This film is a feel good movie.  You feel like hugging your mom right after you come out of the theater, especially since there is at least one story that you can connect with...maybe.

The four stories include a divorce, adoption, widower, and the smothering mom you keep secrets from.  You all know at least one and if you don't, that mom is probably yours.

Hence forth, the film is very relatable.  Plus like all of Marshall films there is no cursing, sex, etc... and it is a whole good family film.

The reason for the 3 popcorns is that it isn't amazing.  I mean, it isn't award winning or anything.  It's a nice good movie.  I definitely though recommend you seeing it with your mom so you can get all the feels and then appreciate your mom right after, hopefully on Mother's Day. 3 popcorns.

Keanu (2016)

Directed by: Peter Atencio

Written by: Jordan Peele & Alex Rubens

Starring: Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, & Tiffany Haddish







Adorable Keanu, the kitten, is jumping from owner to owner.  When two out of town killers kill his owner, he is able to escape and find his way to Rell (Peele), a lonely weed smoker.  Unfortunately, one day Keanu is stolen and Rell can't move on without him.  Him and his cousin, Clarence (Key), track down Keanu and have to pretend to be thugs in order to get their cat back.

Despite the adorableness of the cat, this movie is not interesting.  I wanted to leave while watching it; I was that bored.  Most of the time I really was just looking for the cat.  But since he is kidnapped (catnapped?), he isn't there with the two main protagonists: Rell and Clarence.

The story is flat and there are some sub plots to provoke the story more, but it's unsuccessful.  Plus seeing Peele and Key as thugs isn't believable.  It is also not believable that people would actually believe that they are thugs.  1 popcorn, unfortunately.