Cast: Ansel Elgort, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Lily James,
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R
Time: 112 mins.
Fasten your seat belt because you're in for a wild ride! Needless to say but Edgar Wright's Baby Driver is one of the hottest films to come out this summer. With it's jam-packed score, uber hot cast, and breathtaking action sequences, this is the kind of adrenaline rush you can't get enough of! After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver named Baby, finds himself taking part in a heist that is doomed to fail.
Edgar Wright has been consistently making outrageously breathtaking films with his singularly iconic vision since day one. We all know his work from Hot Fuzz and The World's End (review) but he takes Baby Driver to a whole different level, one that taps into all our senses to have us tingling from head to toe by the end of the film, especially the heart. I've never felt so emotionally and physically energized and drained after watching a film but that's what Baby Driver will do to you! It's a spectacular feat that is drenched in intense details, fully formed characters, and a banger of a soundtrack. All hail Edgar Wright for making another outrageously grandiose film that gives other car films a run for its money.
This trailer for Atomic Blonde almost slipped through my radar and I'm so glad I caught it because it's one of the most badass things I've seen yet! Charlie Theron can do anything in my book. She was an incredible villain in the latest installment of the Fast and the Furious series, Fast 8, and now as a top-level spy for MI6, she can do no wrong! It's no wonder why this film looks and feels like John Wick considering it's by the same director, David Leitch! Theron kicks some serious ass and is definitely taking names come July 28th!
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Riccardo Scamarcio, Laurence Fishburne, Ruby Rose, Common
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: R
Time: 122 Min.
John Wick is baaaacck and he is not messing around. As much as I was elated to hear that Keanu Reeves was reprising his role as Wick, all I could do was wonder "Why is he back?!" in John Wick: Chapter 2. Turns out for Wick to be able to quit the hitman game, he had to ask a favor from an Italian drug lord. And because of a marker aka a "blood oath", Wick has to now pay him back. Can't John Wick just live in peace?
It's no surprise why director Chad Stahelski was able to craft such an adrenaline-pumped and innovative action film as he was a stuntman for more than 20 years before he got a chance to release his directorial debut feature, John Wick. I went a little bonkers when I saw the trailer and for good reasons because there was a mini Matrix reunion and you know how much I love The Matrix! John Wick: Chapter 2 was one hell of a good time with a star-studded cast, ultra-violence and expansive look at the hitman culture! I can't wait to see what the third film has in store for us!
Sal from Crome Yellow and I got to witness one of the most beautiful films of this year at Beyond Fest which is Hou Hsiao-Hsien's The Assassin. In ninth-century China, an exiled assassin must choose between love and her duty when she is ordered to kill a man from her past. This is unlike any other martial arts film you have ever seen! The film showcases the most stunning and breathtaking cinematography that will transport you through time and space to witness a story truly visionary and masterful. Any fan of Hou knows the steady pace he utilizes and to some it may be too slow, but with these kind of rich visuals, who cares!
The Assassin is China's official entry to the Oscars for Best Foreign Language film. It might have some serious competition with Deniz Gamze Ergüven's Mustang from France but regardless, you should experience these two singularly powerful films for themselves. I had a chance to go to a q&a with Hou a day after where he went over his filmography and filmmaking style. All I can say is that he is such a wacky cat! I need to definitely to check out his previous works because if they are anything like The Assassin, I am in for a real treat!
Writer: T.S. Nowlin (Screenplay) & James Dashner (Novel)
Cinematographer: Gyula Pados
Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Ki Hong Lee, Kaya Scodelario, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Dexter Darden, Jacob Lofland, Rosa Salazar, Giancarlo Esposito, Patricia Clarkson
Country of Origin: USA
Rating: PG-13
Time: 132 min.
Arshad and I are back and this time we review the sequel to The Maze Runner (see review) called The Scorch Trials. The whole gang are still together and the maze was literally the beginning of their long-winded and dangerous escape from WICKED, the evil corporation behind the maze. While there were still some unanswered questions in The Scorch Trials like there were in the previous film, this film is undoubtedly a more action-packed and sensational film! The gang return with a few fresh faces that round the cast to a solid and diverse bundle of survivors.
Under the hands of Ball, The Scorch Trials is a better sequel with palpable wall-to-wall action sequences, emotional character arcs, and picturesque cinematography that is swoon-worthy. Never have I felt so stressed watching another young adult post-apocalyptic film. The Maze Runner series is slowly becoming my favorite YA franchise right under the reigning champion, The Hunger Games. Let's just hope with the next film, The Death Cure, that they start to explain what the hell is going on with WICKED more in-depth. I was a little hesitant on the series where it just seems like all they are doing is runner away from the enemy, I am relieved and ecstatic to return to see what Ball has in store for us next!
Writer: Chris Morgan & Cary Scott Thompson (Characters)
Cinematographer: Marc Spicer & Stephen F. Windon
Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson, Kurt Russell, Nathalie Emmanuel
Country of Origin: USA/Japan
Rating: PG-13
Time: 137 min.
James Wan takes over Justin Lin as director of the Fast & the Furious franchise and with Furious 7, he does the series some serious justice. There may have been skepticism for Wan as he makes a huge transition from Horror to Action films but he utilized what he learned from Death Sentence and basic rules of storytelling to bring Furious 7 another level of emotional weight that haven't been seen in the previous films. With Wan's taste for theatrics, the emotions, the stunts, and camera movement are bigger and badder than ever before! And with very little CGI, it's incredible see these stunts come alive, really shoved in yo face!
As you know Paul Walker passed away during the production and I'm so glad that Wan decided to turn Furious 7 into a heart-felt tribute instead of killing him off like how most vicious Hollywood heads would've done. It was done in a very tasteful and poignant way that preserves Walkers legacy in the franchise. I couldn't help but bawl at the very end when Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth's song "See You Again" came on which didn't leave a dry eye in the audience! It kind of sucks to know that they won't leave the Fast franchise as is considering how much money they made and probably will consider creating a spin-off of sorts. And as much as I'm part of the problem, I am forever dedicated to the series so bring it!
It's BBBAAACCCKKKKK! The Fast & the Furious films are by far one of my favorite franchise/series, hands down! How can you deny it's unrealistic action sequences and heart-felt message about friendship and family?! This is a film 14 years in the making and I am incredibly sad that it will end. But at least, it's for sure that they will go off in a HUGE BANG! The whole gang is back (R.I.P. Han) and this time, someone else is out for their blood. And that person is none other than Jason Statham, who is thirsty for revenge against Dominic Toretto and his crew for the death of his brother Owen Shaw (see Fast & Furious 6).
James Wan is embarking on new genres outside of his usual Horror realms so it'll be real interesting to see what he brings to the table. This will be Paul Walker's last film and I just can't help but be sadden by the tragedy of his death but I'm hoping the film honors his immortal presence in the film to give him a well-deserved farewell! Check out my trailer reaction as I borderline go apeshit. I honestly was shivering throughout the whole trailer reaction as even my body could not contain its excitement! Furious 7comes out April 3rd! Are you ready?! (Hurry up April!)
Really lovin' this minimal yet straightforward poster!
The Raid 2: Berandal is one of my most anticipated films of 2014 and it did not let me down at all! I am overwhelmed with joy and ecstasy by Gareth Evan's masterpiece. The first film was incredible and this time, he hits us harder, faster, gorier, and just generally more badass!
Backstory to Hammer Girl & Bro:
Apparently when they were younger they were abused by their father and he would toss a coin and see which one would be his victim for the night. Until eventually, Hammer Girl & bro teamed up and killed him!
From the guy who brought us La Femme Nikita and Leon: The Professional is back once again with another crime/mob dramedy starring Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron, and John D'Leo. The premise is quite simple (no joke) as it is about a mob family who is put under witness protection after Giovanni (De Niro) rats out his friends and on the run from them (& that's it). The film takes on an Addams family approach with its black comedy but of course mob style with violence being their main language. Tonally, the film doesn't know what it wants to be but the performances and characters are so delightfully naughty and barbaric, it will surely make you burp wild cackles. This is one dysfunctional family I would love to be a part of.B-
I really loved the first Kick-Ass film by Matthew Vaughn so when I found out that for its sequel, Jeff Wadlow was going to be directing it, I was incredibly disappointed. How could they pass along this diamond in the rough film to a filmmaker who has had less than 30% on Rotten Tomatoes consecutively? It doesn't make sense! Regardless, this is a fun film to watch that won't necessarily quench your thirst for gritty action but it's decent.
Seven Psychopaths has three main key points that make up a terrific comedy: a versatile cast, witty one-liners, and a very "meta" story. But instead of executing a perfectly humorous picture, the lackluster story tries to cover up it's faults by making us laugh till we forget. Marty (Colin Farrell), an alcoholic writer is having a hard time writing his screenplay Seven Psychopaths (how meta). He has a couples of ideas and characters in mind about a vietnamese buddhist monk and ruthless quaker killer who's seeking redemption, but other than that, he's got squat. His tip-top loopy friend, Billy (Sam Rockwell) has his hands full dognapping with Hans (Christopher Walken) in hopes of receiving a reward when the dog is returned. But one day, when Billy kidnaps the wrong dog owned by high ranking gangster boss, Charlie (Woody Harrelson), their seemingly normal lives get flipped upside down.
The idea of a crime story about psychopaths based solely on the incidence of a wrong dognapping sounds outlandish and ridiculous. But with a vomit of absurdity spilling from these acutely pitched personalities especially Sam Rockwell, the descending storyline doesn't seem so bad. Rockwell steals the show as the bouncy, borderline psychotic, wacky friend that's crazy enough to write dognapping in his resume. He's like Flubber without the green jello, his words and actions bounce from wall to wall, which makes it strenuous to keep up with him. But it is his unnatural energy that pulls the rug from under you so you can bow down to his glory, making him the star of this film. Christopher Walken never ceases to please whether he is playing an amiable and compassionate man or a merciless assassin. Either way, he doesn't have to do much to keep us entertained but be his old offbeat self. On the other hand, Colin Farrell has a lot to prove after this year's remake of Total Recall (how could you do this to me?). At first he didn't seem credible as a "Hollywood screenwriter", but as the film progressed his one dimensional trait of being an alcoholic because it's in his Irish blood was the only thing that helped him stay relevant in the story.
The 'story within a story' stories can be interesting if presented in the right manner. Marty desires to write a story about psychopaths but have the ending not be about the violence but about peace. As Billy points out that, that is the most unappealing basis of a psychpath film and I couldn't agree more. But what Marty wanted to express in his story is that revenge and redemption is a cyclical movement that cannot suddenly be resolved even with time. His story about the quaker killer which was shown as a montage came off as too comical to be considered seriously. But his second story about a Vietnamese monk who once was a vietcong, out seeking revenge against the U.S. Army after his family got slaughter at My Lai, was one of the highlights to the film. That and Sam Rockwell. Billy takes a crack at helping Marty elaborate on the story which foreshadows the films ending. And like Marty, McDonough seems like he's still trying to find the best way to end this film even half way through it. A lot of people enjoyed the humor and the thrills that came with it, but it just did not resonant with me as much as I wanted it to. I mean, the opening scene had Michael Pitt (surprise!) so, I thought it would be good. The blunt sexism and racism wasn't even what threw me over the edge but the unsatisfactory unending. Regardless of what I say, go see it and have a good time because I'm sure you will. Plus, the Shih Tzu is super cute. B-
Looper is an ultra sleek, sophisticated tale of time-traveling that unravels with such complexity and wit that it undoubtedly gives the sci-fi genre a run for it's money. It is riddled with mind-bending time-travel story-lines that will make you replay the events over and over again in your head with the complements of eye-squinting and head rubbing. Director and writer Rian Johnson has proved once again that he is one of the the most innovative filmmaker of today and here to stay. He debuted his first film starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 2005's Sundance favorite, Brick, showcasing his talent and ability as a promising filmmaker. And once again reunited for Looper, Johnson solidifies his talent as a true visionary that can entertain as well as intellectually feed the creatively famished beings that we are.
The year is 2044 and Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is employed as a looper, a profession that requires killing people from the future. Time travel will be invented thirty years later in 2074 and immediately banned, only to be used in secret by big-time organized criminals who send their targets back in time and have loopers wipe them out without a trace. In the lopping profession, it is mandated that one day, they would have to "close their loop" which means that the loopers will be unknowingly assigned to kill the future version of themselves hence the name, loopers. They are paid handsomely and let go to live the last thirty years of their lives however they please.
In stylistic fashion, Looper is shot with striking visual presence that is carefully mapped out with surgeon like precision that it seems effortless. The world Johnson creates is like the hipster version of dystopia, that is only if you are wealthy in means of prostituting or looping, other than that, you are included in the 99% of homeless people. Joe lives in a fragmented world with his fellow looper Seth (Paul Dano, played to perfection) and night club dancer aka a prostitute, Susie (Piper Perabo,Coyote Ugly girl) with the continuous accommodation of a new drug via eye drops. His lavish lifestyle is not fated to last especially when one by one his comrade loopers are assigned to close their loop and he knows he could be next. Cautiously he waits at his destination to kill and instantly sees the older version of himself (Bruce Willis) and hesitates. Older Joe flees which causes irrevocable damage to Joe's reputation and relationship with looper head boss, Abe (Jeff Daniels) by "letting your loop run." As the younger and older version of Joe are now on the run from each other and other loopers, the tension in my neck pressed on as I stressed of the impending and dooming climax.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt disappears into his role as the younger version of Bruce Willis, that I rarely see a trace of Gordon-Levitt at all. His conviction to hunt down Willis and make amends with Abe is undeniable, claiming that Willis already lived his life so he should be able to too. I will watch almost anything Willis makes these days ( I mean I even watched Cop Out, eek!) and by far, his role in Looper brought a whole level of depth to his acting ability. There was a piercing conviction in his eyes when he tried to rationalize with younger Joe to help him carry out his mission. Although there was a hint of eeriness as the version of the two sat in front of each other trying to make the sense of the situation. Old Joe slips young Joe an address in which to meet at where then he comes across Sara, (Emily Blunt) the badass owner of the farm. The story is more complicated than I had expected and it was uncertain how they will end such a grand spectacle like this especially considering the film is not reminiscent of any other film and is truly original in every form. But it is his precise thought and vision that allows Johnson to make a full circle while making our head spin twice over and wraps everything up in a neat bow. A
It seems like Dredd 3D came out of nowhere. Maybe it's because I stream all my tv shows instead of watching them on tv, but I haven't seen a single trailer of Dredd till i youtubed it myself. Although I haven't seen the first forgettable Dredd (Judge Dredd) movie starring Stallone, I was quite excited about this revision of the film starring Karl Urban ( i was like who? ) and none other than Olivia Thirlby (why did they make her blond?!). It's an instant cult classic that is very Robocop (1987) meets The Raid: Redemption (2011). I kind of regret not seeing it in 3D because there were some intense visceral action going on in the film esp during the drug intake sequences (talk about being high). It was boiling with gore and action, the kind of action that I've been CRAVING for these days. Even though, they fought with mostly guns, it was a notch up from this year's Safe (2012) (see my review here). Urban did not have much choice considering most of his acting comprised of his jaw and his batman-like voice which surprisingly works here. Olivia Thrilby was immensely enjoyable as the psychic rookie on her first day out in "training". If it was a few bucks less, I would see it again in 3D! B-
David Ayer has written (Training Day, S.W.A.T) and directed (Harsh Times, Street Kings) numerous films related to the drama of the law enforcement and still it seems like he isn't tired of the same old story-lines. To make his third film, End of Watch have a new breath of seemingly fresh air, he used found-footage film to amplify the reality. By handing the camera over to Jake Gyllenhaal's Officer Taylor and Michael Pena's Officer Zavala ("Z"), Ayer gambles on the validity of the reality he desperately wanted to maintain through this medium. In the end, it pays off and even overwhelms the little faults to be dismissed as passable.
After confiscating a small amount of money and firearms from a member of dangerous cartel on a routine traffic stop, Two LAPD officers are aimed for death.
The problem with making a film entirely of "found footage" is that the character needs a reason to film everything. And while in Chronicle it worked as an outlet for Andrew's isolation, Officer Taylor's excuse was that he was filming for school credit which is not plausible enough to jeopardize his career. Instead of mixing found footage and standard shots, the film carries on in this fashion and at moments there is an ominous-like mystery figure holding the camera which causes the audience to become aware of itself by ruining the immersion. The camera technique works for the most part but for future reference, it's better used as a technique rather than part of the story-line. The "Blair Witch" camera movements does it's job by creating a claustrophobic atmosphere within their everyday life-threatening encounter.
Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena has mad chemistry as the "we ride, we die together" kind of LAPD partners. Their characters truly shine like rhinestones on a .45 gun in the private moments of patrolling the streets of south central. They giggle and chuckle like little girls as they joke and mimic each other in their respective ethnic accent is not only for comic purposes but shows the depths of their friendship. You know people like this and they speak the gritty truth about their backgrounds, relationships, and ambitions. Seeing Pena doing an "white" person's accent was priceless and hearing the audience burst into hollers brought a new level of reality to the story. It was the first instance I've witnessed on film where a character addresses another character especially of "white" decent to become aware of his ethnicity and privileges. The film put more emphasis on the iron strong bond between the two officers which is always a heartbreaking formula for disaster. Officer Taylor's immature eagerness to become the hero becomes the driving force to the story as he tries to investigate the wrong people. Their encounters with gangsters fuel their own will to become like them as well as being the hero which eventually serves as a plateau to their success and their fall. At the end of the day and the movie, even through it's formulaic story, it is the brotherhood relationship that makes this adrenaline-inducing film bearable. B-
Naturally after the news was released that there would be a remake of Paul Verhoeven's Total Recall (1990), a vomit-inducing amount of inquiries came to mind: "Could Colin Ferrell really be better than the one and only Arnold?", "Will the three-breasted mutant and Kuato make an appearance?", "Will Melinda be black?", (love me some ethnic girls) and last but not least, "How did Jessica Biel even get this role?" With dizzying questions running miles around my head, a cool calmness enveloped me and gave me a little more hope after seeing the trailer and Kate Beckinsale kicking some serious ass.
Douglas Quaid (Colin Ferrell) is a factory worker who married his high school sweetheart Lori (Kate Beckinsale) and lives day to day wondering if there is more to his life than just being an average person. The planet has been decimated by nuclear warfare and the only two places to live is the ultra-posh United Federation of Britain or the uninhabitable The Colony. Quaid longs for more to his life and one day goes to Rekall, when things go astray.
What could've been an excellent revision of one of the most classic science fiction films, turned out to be a quick shuttle ride from enthrallment to entrapment. A tasteless, bland, and snooze-fest that seemed a little too long for its own good dragged everyone who dared to enter the theatre straight downhill. Although there were minor details that weren't included in the remake, it was those miniature detail that made the film falter at the most pivotal moments. The film's core flaws are masked by breath-taking fight scenes and set decorations that stall your true emotions The tag line "What is Reality?" should be the main focus but instead the audience knows exactly where Quaid stands and where he will end. It's a a decently thrilling take on the classic that doesn't quite capture the true essence of the unforgettable original. But if you love remakes or mindless dialogue with action-packed cat and mouse chases, this ain't sooooo bad. C+
