Ex Machina

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Programmer Caleb Smith wins a one week trip to his eccentric billionaire bosses house. Shortly after his arrival, he agrees to take part in a Turing test on an android to determine if she has artificial intelligence.

This film was directed and written by Alex Garland. What I really enjoyed about this film is that its a thriller by using intelligent script writing instead of the typical chase. It relies more on its mind tricks than on its effects or action. The robotic design was great to watch on screen. What little animation was used only added to the film. The nature backdrop gave the film an eerie peaceful feeling. There isn't much violence, but there is a lot of sexuality. Domhnall Gleeson played the role of Caleb. He was great in his emotional and intelligent role. Oscar Isaac played the role of Nathan. He was great at opposing Glesson in every way. Alicia Vikander played the role of Ava. She was great in her supporting role. She created an alluring and frightening image.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great science-fiction thriller that makes you wonder about our future as the human race.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actress Shannyn Sossamon, Sinister 2, stared in the television show Sleepy Hollow.

Que: What other film has actor Oscar Isaac starred in?

Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens

The Martian

Sicario

The Assassin

Sinister 2 (Sinister II)

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This film is a sequel to the film Sinister. Deputy So and So has lost his job because of the incidents that happened to the Oswalt family. He's spent years following the demon, Bughuul, and trying to stop him by burning down previous homes where families were brutally murdered. He comes to another house to discover a mother and her two sons (the Collins) living there. Deputy So and So decides to aid this family and learns more about Bughuul.

This film was directed by Ciaran Foy. There are many elements of this film that'll remind audiences of the original. However, this film is told mostly from the perspective of the children. This perspective change, as it turns out, causes a huge change in how the tale is told. Sadly, it does feel like this film disliked the previous films unhappy ending, and instead made a happier ending. The video deaths were a lot more gruesome and intricate. As frightening as they were, they were unbelievable. Yes, there is a lot of gore. James Ransone played the role of Ex-Deputy So and So. It was strange watching the unlikable Deputy in this film, but made sense. Robert Sloan (Robert Daniel Sloan) played the role of Dylan Collins. He was great in creating an emotional character to follow, but he does remain too childlike. Dartanian Sloan played the role of Zach Collins. He was great at opposing D. Collins. I was surprised to find myself hating this child so much. Shannyn Sossamon played the role of Courtney Collins. She was good motherly figure for this film.

This film can be seen on DVD.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It is a decent horror film on its own, but it fails as a sequel to the first film.

Answer to last blog: Director Tim Story directed the 2005 Fantastic Four film.

Que: What television series as actress Shannyn Sossamon stared in?

The Vampire Diaries

Supernatural
The Mentalist
Sleepy Hollow

Fantastic Four (2015)

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This film is based off the Marvel comic's character from a superteam, with the same name. This is also a remake of the previous Fantastic Four film. Reed Richards spends his life working on a teleporter device to discover a new world. After it works, Richards, Ben Grimm, Victor Doom, and Johnny Storm secretly use it. They each, along with Sue Storm, mutate and generate a new ability.

This film was directed by Josh Trank. Okay, this film was worse than the previous take on this franchise. This film's story only takes small elements from the original source material, and forces them to work. For some strange reason, a group of young teenagers were pulled into being scientists. The adoption element makes the least amount of sense. In many ways, it appears that this film attempts to take various cliches from popular superhero films and forces them to work together. It also felt like this story didn't have a focused emotion. It attempted to be dark and comedic at the same time. However, the computer animation worked well for this film. The backdrop for the alien planet was interesting to look at. There might be a sequel with the same cast to maintain company rights, but it is questionable. The lifeless acting that comes from the main cast only further hurts this film. Miles Teller played the role of Reed Richards. His very lifeless acting truly ruined the film. It hurt more, because he was the central character. Toby Kebbell played the role of Victor Von Doom. It is unfortunate that his mutated form was uninteresting. His general performance was also lackluster. Michael B. Jordan played the role of Johnny Storm. He had the most life of the entire cast, but not enough. Kate Mara played the role of Sue Storm. She was great for supporting Teller and Kebbell, and not much else. Jamie Bell played the role of Ben Grimm/The Thing. The animation for his character was great. He also brought some life to the film, but was hardly on screen.

I give this film 1 out of 5 stars! It was a very lackluster film that felt uninspiring.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Director Richard C. Sarafian directed the film Man in the Wilderness.

Que: Who directed the 2005 Fantastic Four film?

Francis Lawrence

Tim Story

Nora Ephron

Martin Campbell

The Revenant (2015)

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This film is a semi-autobiographical film about Hugh Glass loosely based off Michael Punke's novel, The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge. In the 1820's, Hugh Glass is a frontiersman on a fur trading expedition. After being mauled by a bear and the death of his son, Glass decides to seek revenge.

This film was directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. I can't say how true it was historically, or to its source material. What could've been an standard revenge story becomes a dark heart wrenching tale, because of the performances of the actors and the cinematography choices. The survival story of Glass was as amazing to watch as it was disturbing. If you know the director, you'll be used to the film style. If not, then it might take some getting used to. What makes it great is that it offers a personal feeling to being an observer. The nature scenes are beautiful, and a little overplayed. Before you ask, yes there is violence. Leonardo DiCaprio played the role of Hugh Glass. DiCaprio's physical and emotional performance really makes this film great. The camera only adds to his performance. Tom Hardy played the role of John Fitzgerald. I'll be honest, I could not recognize him in this film. He was a great actor to oppose DiCaprio.

This film can be seen in theaters.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! Even if it is dark and grisly, it is a great film about survival and revenge.

Answer to last blog: Director Ryan Cooglar and actor Michael B. Jordan, Fruitvale Station, worked together on the film Creed.

Que: Who directed the film Man in the Wilderness (loosely based on the Hugh Glass story)?

George Sherman

Richard C. Sarafian

Gordon Parks

John Schlesinger

Fruitvale Station

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This film is based off the events that led to the death of Oscar Grant III in Oakland, California. On New Year's Day of 2009, 22 year old Oscar is a Bay Area resident who meets with family, friends, and strangers before his death.

This film was written and directed by Ryan Coogler. This film works to put a face, and an image, of the man who was murdered by a police officer. It does keep to the positive aspects of the main character, and make the police appear as a distant enemy. The cinematography, and the script, work wonderfully together by not being overly glamorized; which gives it a more realistic feel. In many ways, knowing the ending just gives this film an eerie vibe. The film does remain respectful to those who've lost someone they loved, and delivers its message about police violence. Michael B. Jordan played the role of Oscar Grant III. He was great at showing the character's kindness under a tough exterior. In many ways, he gave the film its cry for forgiveness. Melonie Diaz played the role of Sophina. She was a great supporting actress for Jordan.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great film that commemorates the life of Oscar Grant III.

Answer to last blog: Actor Ariel Levy, The Green Inferno, starred in the film Aftershock

Que: What other film has director Ryan Cooglar and actor Michael B. Jordan worked together on?

A Perfect Guy

Vanishing Pearls

Dope

Creed

The Green Inferno

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Justine travels with a group of social activists to protect the rainforest natives from a logging company. After their protest achieves some success, their plane crashes. Their troubles change when the cannibal natives kidnap the survivors.

This film was directed by Eli Roth. Anyone who knows Eli Roth, and his style, will know what they're getting into with this film. Much of it was inspired from classic cannibal films (i. e. Cannibal Holocaust). The plot is fairly straightforward, people trying to survive and escape from enraged natives. However, the commentary it makes on social activists is unique. There are several moments when the film tries to create humor to balance out the tension, but it only cheapens the experience. There are several unnerving moments though. There is plenty of violence, and some gore. A lot of the true horror is suggested. There was some controversy form actual activists who claimed that it was making natives look dangerous. Yes, there is a sequel planned. Lorenza Izzo played the role of Justine. She was good at portraying the general survival victim. Ariel Levy played the role of Alejandro. He was brilliant at creating the most hated character in this film.

This film can be seen on DVD.

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! Its a great film for fans of Eli Roth, or general gore fans. However, it also has its faults.

Answer to last blog: Director Antione Fuqua, King Arthur, directed the film Southpaw.

Que: What other film has actor Ariel Levy stared in?

V/H/S

Aftershock

The Bay

Excision

King Arthur

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This film is a re-telling of the classic King Arthur legends that attempts to incorporate some history into the legend.

This film was directed by Antione Fuqua. This film has been marketed has being a more historically accurate portrayal of the King Arthur legend, but it took so many artistic licenses that it isn't very accurate. In having done so, it was also claimed to have been plagiarized from the non-fictional novel The Last Legion.  All that tossed aside, the plot is familiar to the genre; a man fights for the freedom of the natives against tyranny. Even though it is unclear who their true enemy is, because there appears to be many. Although there are some things that remain unexplained, and only hinted at, the overall story is good. This film also has a great ending battle sequence. Sadly, there were not of unnecessary marketing attempts to make this film more marketable and all those attempts failed. There is a director's cut that adds in more gore and a deeper love triangle. What really saves this film is the performances given by the cast. Clive Owen played the role of Arthur. His performance gave the film its heart and motivation. Ioan Gruffudd played the role of Lancelot. This film does offer some confusion as to whom the main character is. Gruffudd's performance was great for supporting Owen; however, the most of the story follows him and he is the narrator. But, he too easily overshadowed. Keira Knightly played the role of Guinevere. She was a great supporting actress in a familiar role.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! There are a few saving graces, but overall the film wasn't highly entertaining.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Actress Cassidy Gifford, The Gallows, starred in the film God's Not Dead.

Que: What other film has director Antione Fuqua directed?

Sicario

Dope

Straight Outta Compton

Southpaw

The Gallows

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20 years, there was a school accident during the stage production of The Gallows. Now, to honor the anniversary of the tragedy the school has decided to produce it again. Three friends break into the school theater at night, and quickly realize that something is amiss.

This dilm was written and directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing. This is another found footage film with a ghost monster. In many ways, it feels too much like its trying to set-up for a sequel. The plot remains very simple and predictable. The only thing new this film has to offer is that there was limited use of computer animation, and the actors performing their own stunt work. There are a few jump scares, but nothing really creepy or violent. The monster wasn't very frightening, and felt too inorganic. The very non-dimensional characters didn't help either. Reese Mishler played the role of Reese Houser. There wasn't much to make his character stand out. Pfeifer Brown played the role of Pfeifer Ross. She was easily forgotten. Ryan Shoos played the role of Ryan Shoos. His character begins as the most irritating idiot, and ends on the same note. Cassidy Gifford played the role of Cassidy Spilker. She felt like one of the most useless characters in the film. 

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It is another found footage ghost film that fails to deliver any real scares.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Actor Richard Gere, Shall We Dance?, starred in the film Pretty Woman.

Que: What film has actress Cassidy Gifford stared in?

Son of God

God's Not Dead

Heaven is for Real

Calvary

Shall We Dance? (2004)

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This film is a remake of a 1996 Japanese film, with the same title. John Clark is a bored and overworked estate lawyer. On his way home, he see's a beautiful instructor, Paulina, standing in an open window. The sight of her encourages him to take ballroom dancing classes. There he begins to rediscover his lost passion for life.

This film was directed by Peter Chelsom. I haven't seen the original version to be able to compare the two. However, this romantic comedy did surprise me. It balanced humor and quirkiness with some drama. When you think its beginning to droll on, or follow a familiar plot, it changes course enough to keep it interesting. The story is easier for an older audience to enjoy. The subtle humor was great, and the romance was believable. It was also pleasant to watch a more classical version of dance on screen. Richard Gere played the role of John Clark. He was great for his role. He gave this character enough depth to make him relatable. Jennifer Lopez played the role of Paulina. Her presence, on screen, was enough to fill in for her lack of words. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It is a sweet romantic comedy that'll make you curious about dancing.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Actor Matthew Goode, Leap Year, starred in the film The Imitation Game.

Que: What popular film did actor Richard Gere star in?

Ghost

Goodfellas

Darkman

Pretty Woman

Leap Year

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Anna Brady, feeling desperate, decides to travel to Dublin, Ireland to propose to her long time boyfriend (as is tradition). Anna finds her quickly facing several unforeseen obstacles. She adds another, when she asks Declan O'Callaghan to drive her to Dublin.

This film was directed by Anand Tucker. This romantic comedy follows a very familiar rom-com plot. It also ends on a very predictable note. However, this film doesn't offer anything new, or exciting, to the genre so the film just kind of meanders on. There were some complaints that the film doesn't represent the Irish people in a good light. However, the backdrop of Ireland was stunning to watch. Amy Adams played the role of Anna Brady. Her familiar cute nature comes through in this film. Even though her performance keeps this film entertaining, there isn't anything great it either. Matthew Goode played the role of Declan O'Callaghan. Unfortunately, there wasn't much excitement to his character. During the course of the film, he just feels like he's annoyed to be there.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! A decent actress wasn't enough to make this film great.

This film can be seen on Netflix Instant Que.

Answer to last blog: Actor Michael B. Jordan, Creed, starred in the film Fruitvale Station.

Que: What other film has Matthew Goode stared in?

The Theory of Everything
Foxcatcher
The Imitation Game
Rush

Creed

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This film is the seventh installment of the Rocky franchise, and acts as both a spin-off and a sequel. Adonis Johnson decides to quite his job to become a professional boxer like deceased father Apollo Creed. Adonis travels to Philadelphia in hopes of getting his fathers' old friend and rival, Rocky Balboa, to train him. 

This film was directed by Ryan Coogler. Okay, this film follows pretty much the same story pattern of the original Rocky film. Fortunately, it followed the same with enough small changes to keep it interesting. This formula also works for these types of films in a great way. I enjoyed the return to the hard gritty roots where wealth was limited. The action in this film was great. It worked with the film instead of hindering it. Yes, there will be another sequel to this film. Michael B. Jordan played the role of Adonis Johnson. He was perfect for this role. Not only did he accomplish the physical aspect, but he also hit all emotional moments with ease. Sylvester Stallone returned to the role of Rocky Balboa. It was unique watching him returning to his familiar, but not being the main focus. He was a great supporting actor for Jordan. Tess Thompson played the role of Bianca. She was a great supporting actress for Jordan, and looked great on screen.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a great way to keep the Rocky franchise from ending.

This film can be seen in theaters for a limited time.

Answer to last blog: Director Brad Bird, Tomorrowland, directed the film The Incredibles. 

Que: What other film has actor Michael B. Jordan stared in?

Iron Man 3

Fast and Furious 8

World War Z

Fruitvale Station

Tomorrowland

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A scientifically curious teenager, Casey Newton, and a former boy genius, Frank Walker, are brought together by a robot, Athena. Together they go to a strange community that is locked someplace within time and space to change an apocalyptic future. 

This film was directed by Brad Bird. Okay this film is an advertisement for Disneyland parks mixed with the basic premise of Atlas Shrugged. At the heart of all this is mission to deliver a message: you create your own future, so work hard to improve it. In the beginning of the story, there is some excitement with the mystery and growing curiosity about this new world. However, as more layers a revealed the story loses its audiences interest. Unfortunately, the big emotional ending came off feeling unimportant. In many, it would appear that this film became to ambitious with its message and stunning visuals. As much as I enjoyed the classic Disney throwbacks, it quickly became way too much. I will say though, it was impressive to watch women in stronger and intelligent roles. Britt Laurie played the role of Casey Newton. Her performance was typical for the teenage rebel with a kind heart. She did offer enough emotion to make the film's story sincere. George Clooney played the role of Frank Walker. His performance was good, for a supporting actor, but not great. Raffey Cassidy played the role of Athena. She was adorable to watch on screen. But her character's lack of emotion made her forgettable.

I give this film 2 out of 5 stars! It has a lot of ambition, but it fails to deliver.

This film can be seen on DVD.

Answer to last blog: Samuel L. Jackson has been in 6 Quentin Tarantino films.

Que: What Pixar film has director Brad Bird directed?

Up

The Incredibles

Toy Story 3

Inside Out

The Hateful Eight (The H8ful Eight)

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To avoid a gruesome storm in Wyoming, a bounty hunter (John Ruth and his prisoner (Daisy Domergue) seek refugee in Minnie's Haberdashery with their traveling companions and other nefarious characters.

This film was written and directed by Quentin Tarantino. This film is an whodunnit mystery without much mystery. Even though the plot may be undefined and unfulfilling, its treasure lies with the character development and character interactions. I enjoyed the focus they kept on the characters by keeping the special effects simple with a simple backdrop. Naturally, it a Tarantino film in that there is plenty of violence. There was a different, slightly longer, version of this film previously released. There was also a police boycott on this film, because of certain comments made by the director. 

Fortunately, each of the wide range of characters were unique enough to stand out and keep the film interesting. Samuel L. Jackson played the role of Major Marquis Warren. He played a very familiar variation of his standard performance, but it was still enjoyable to watch on screen. Walton Goggins played the role of Sheriff Chris Mannix. His role offered some comedy to the film, and worked great as opposition for Jackson's character. Kurt Russell played the role of John Ruth. His performance was powerful and entertaining to watch. Jennifer Jason Leigh played the role of Daisy Domergue. It was impressive how she was able to create this distasteful character. Bruce Dern played the role of General Sandy Smithers. He was great in this very sentimental character. Tim Roth played the role of Oswaldo Mobray (hangman). He was perfect for this outlandish character. Demain Bichir played the role of Bob. He offered a lot of unexpected comedy to this film. Michael Madsen played the role of Joe Gage. Even though his role was small and mostly silent, he still had enough on screen presence to stand out amongst the cast.

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! It is a very entertaining film even if it isn't Tarantino's best film.

This film can be seen in theaters.

Answer to last blog: Director Eli Roth and actress Lorenza Izzo, Knock Knock, worked together on the film The Green Inferno.

Que: How many Quentin Tarantino films has actor Samuel L. Jackson stared in?

6 films

4 films

10 films

17 films