Category Archives: Movies

2016 Movie Reviews

‘London Has Fallen’ sucks as much as the first one

I see a lot of movies, so you have to understand it can be really easy to confuse them, or sometimes forget them altogether. I remembered “Olympus Has Fallen” having existed but I always confused it for the one with Channing Tatum (“White House Down”, released the same year).

Gerard Butler and Aaron Eckhart take a moment to figure out why they agreed to make this movie. (Photo: Focus Features)
Gerard Butler and Aaron Eckhart take a moment to figure out why they agreed to make this movie. (Photo: Focus Features)

Early in the year, I don’t expect much out of theatrical releases. So, when “London Has Fallen” comes stumbling around the corner, it’s like that old high school classmate. You recognize them, you don’t wanna be rude, so you’re like ‘okay, let’s hang out’. How bad can it be?

That’s about when my son taps me on the shoulder and says, ‘I can’t believe you want to see this…you hated the last one”. (He was right, per my review).

And then Gerard Butler came on screen. And started talking. And it all came flooding back. Like traumatic flashbacks from a time I’ve long since tried to forget….but it was too late —

Full LONDON HAS FALLEN movie review

Rarting: 4/10

Directed by: Babak Najafi

Written by: Creighton Rothenberger, Katrin Benedikt,Christian Gudegast and Chad St. John

Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Angela Bassett, and Morgan Freeman

MPAA rating: R for strong violence and language throughout

Running time: 1 hour 40 mins.

 

Academy Awards, Movies

2016 Academy Awards: Leo finally gets his Oscar

This has been one hell of an awards season. I voting member of the Kansas City Film Critics Circle for the third year, the Critics Choice Awards (as a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association) — and I attended that show, for the first time ever, back in January.

But now, the 2016 Academy Awards have come and gone, signaling the end of awards season. The show, much like the awards themselves was fairly predictable. Obviously, everyone is going to be talking about either Chris Rock absolutely killing it as host, or Leonardo DiCaprio finally winning that elusive Oscar.

Leonardo DiCaprio accepts the award for best actor in a leading role for “The Revenant” at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Leonardo DiCaprio accepts the award for best actor in a leading role for “The Revenant” at the Oscars on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

Does anyone think this dude is way too young to be acting like Leo FINALLY won an Oscar? I’m sure he will have plenty of chances to add to his collection. But — it was pretty fantastic to finally see him up there getting his trophy. I think “The Revenant” is a bit over rated as a film. I thought it was an amazing performance by Leo (he worked his ass off and earned this) and the film looked incredible. But I’m so glad it didn’t win Best Picture. That award went to “Spotlight”.

For me though, the star of the show was Chris Rock. As one of the most influential modern day comedians, Rock had the challenge of hosting an awards show that has been blasted for its ignorance and lack of diversity, not just among nominees but in Hollywood in general.

Chris Rock did a masterful job of diffusing the tension during the opening monologue for the 2016 Academy Awards. (Getty Images)
Chris Rock did a masterful job of diffusing the tension during the opening monologue for the 2016 Academy Awards. (Getty Images)

As expected, Rock knocked it out of the park, coming out swinging in his opening monologue. He joked about the controversy, made fun of Will and Jada for boycotting a ceremony they technically weren’t “invited” to, and helped act as a calming voice to help ease any uncomfortable tensions.

But, Rock made it clear that racism exists in Hollywood and it’s nothing new. Laughing at it isn’t going to make it right or make it go away or make anyone forget about how bad it is.

And this just isn’t about African American actors — it’s Asians, Native Americans, Indian actors, filmmakers. It’s women and the LGBT community.

Rock put Hollywood on notice. Will it stick? Will anyone really do anything about it? Will we get a black 007? Or a female directing an “Avengers” movie? Only time will tell.

Full Oscars 2016 winners and recap

2016 Movie Reviews

‘Eddie the Eagle’ nails sports movie formula

The reason we likes movies like “Rocky” is because they make us feel good. But, yeah. There’s definitely a formula to these. But like making cookies, it’s easy to do it right, but just as easy to screw it up.

“Eddie the Eagle” nails that formula and it makes for a tasty little, mindless treat about real-life British downhill skier, Eddie Edwards.

eddieIs it good? Does it matter? It’s fun to watch. It has all the feel-good moments, and the cast is great.

Hugh Jackman is always good. No question the dude has talent, but it’s nice to see him playing a lighter role. Jackman plays an alcoholic former American Olympian who trains Eddie. But it’s Taron Egerton who steals the show.

I thought he was great in “Kingsmen”, and his director on that one (who served as producer here) thinks he should play young Han Solo — but Egerton has some fun range. It should be fun to see where his career goes from here.

Either way, enjoy this one.

Full EDDIE THE EAGLE movie review at Examiner.com

Release date: February 26, 2016

Directed by: Dexter Fletcher

Written by: Sean Macaulay and Simon Kelton

Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Jim Broadbent, and Christopher Walken

Running time: 1 hour 45 mins

MPAA rating: Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, partial nudity and smoking