Trainwreck (Quick Review)

Casting is key when it comes to Trainwreck’s effectiveness.

The Good Dinosaur (Film Review)

A title can say lots, or little, about a film.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay—Part 2 (Film Review)

What a great series.

Riley's First Date? (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Josh Cooley

Date Released: 2015

Released Alongside: Inside Out* (Home Media)

That ACDC scene is really awkward to watch…

Inside Out (Film Review)

It’s taken quite some time to finally review Inside Out, and it’s not because I missed it in theaters.  I saw it, and was going to review it, but was stopped by the little fear emotion inside my mind.  See, I don’t hate Inside Out, in fact, I really enjoy it—but I don’t love it, at least not to the extent of so many viewers and critics.  I enjoy Inside Out, which to me is a critic's worst nightmare: finding a critically acclaimed film considered a masterpiece to merely be “very good”.  At least when I hate a beloved film, there’s passion within my words (Boyhood, Sicario, etc…)—a way to expressively release anger and disgust against the majority’s decision.  But how does one go about praising a critically acclaimed film while making clear they don’t adore it?

Krampus (Quick Review)

You better believe in the Christmas spirit…or he’ll be coming for you.

99 Homes (Film Review)

99 Homes is an absolutely captivating film that engages, thrills, and delivers two first class performances from Andrew Garfield and Michael Shannon.  Shannon, in particular, deserves special recognition for another spectacular role—his third since 2008’s Revolutionary Road (a masterpiece which gets better with each viewing) and 2011’s Take Shelter (his finest leading role to date, in one of 2011’s best films).  Here Shannon delivers a powerfully compelling performance, commanding attention in every scene with nothing but the highest quality of acting—confirming once more that, when placed under the right direction, Shannon is one of the decade’s best actors.  Even without Shannon’s performance, 99 Homes remains a strong film—delivering a thoroughly engaging plot and solid performances, including Andrew Garfield’s most emotionally satisfying role.

Sicario (Film Review)

This film is like watching kittens drown for two hours straight.

The Peanuts Movie (Film Review)

Despite being sweet and occasionally funny, The Peanuts Movie relies too heavily on unnecessary nostalgia and slapstick to support its affectionately straightforward plot.  The film can be summarized as 30 minutes of main plot (enough for a TV special) and 60 minutes of filler (enough to qualify for the usual theatrical release).  The film’s plot is deceptively simplistic: Charlie Brown wishes to appear exceptional to the little redhead girl, yet continuously “screws up” every goal set.  Meanwhile, Snoopy gets into various antics (mostly involving the Red Baron) while the other Peanuts get their share of appearances, gags and slapstick.

Lava (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): James Ford Murphy

Date Released: 2014

Theatrically Released Alongside: Inside Out in 2015

The Blue Umbrella (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Saschka Unseld

Date Released: 2013

Theatrically Released Alongside: Monster’s University

La Luna (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Enrico Casarosa

Date Released: 2011

Theatrically Released Alongside: Brave in 2012

La Luna is a truly beautiful short.

Day and Night (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Teddy Newton

Date Released: 2010

Theatrically Released Alongside: Toy Story 3

Partly Cloudy (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Peter Sohn

Date Released: 2009

Theatrically Released Alongside: Up

“Sweet” is the one-word descriptor I’d use to describe this short.

Presto (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Doug Sweetland

Date Released: 2008

Theatrically Released Alongside: WALL-E

Lifted (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Gary Rydstrom

Date Released: 2006

Theatrically Released Alongside: Ratatouille in 2007

One Man Band (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Andrew Jimenez and Mark Andrews

Date Released: 2005

Theatrically Released Alongside: Cars in 2006

That girl is diabolical.

Boundin' (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Bud Luckey and Roger L. Gould

Date Released: 2003

Theatrically Released Alongside: The Incredibles in 2004

For the Birds (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): Ralph Eggleston

Date Released: 2000

Theatrically Released Alongside: Monsters, Inc. in 2001

Geri's Game (A "̶S̶h̶o̶r̶t̶"̶ Review/Film Analysis)

Director(s): Jan Pinkava

Date Released: 1997

Theatrically Released Alongside: A Bug’s Life

A miniature masterpiece.

Knick Knack (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): John Lasseter

Date Released: 1989

Theatrically Released Alongside: Finding Nemo* (re-issued in 2003)

Tin Toy (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): John Lasseter

Date Released: 1988

Released Alongside: Toy Story* (re-issued with its VHS release in 2000)

Just when I thought the creepy looking clown from Red’s Dream couldn’t be topped…

Red's Dream (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): John Lasseter

Date Released: 1987

Theatrically Released Alongside: Nothing

Well, that was sad.

Luxo Jr. (A "Short" Review)

Director(s): John Lasseter

Date Released: 1986

Theatrically Released Alongside: Toy Story 2* (re-issued in 1999)

“In 1986 Pixar Animation Studios produced its first film.  This is why we have a hopping lamp in our logo.”
-Pixar

The Adventures of André and Wally B. (A "Short" Review)

Welcome to A Short Review!  A new series where I review short films in under 300 words (or more if I feel like it :p).  I figured with Pixar releasing two films this year, now would be the perfect time to begin such series with the Pixar shorts—one each day from November 9^th to the 24^th (counting down the days until The Good Dinosaur is released).  I’ll begin with Pixar’s (then called The Graphics Group) first film ever made—The Adventures of André and Wally B.

Crimson Peak (Quick Review)

Where Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak lacks in originality, it makes up for with entertaining characters, solid performances, and an exquisite set piece.

Goosebumps (Film Review)

As a kid I rarely read the Goosebumps books—frankly because their covers scared the crap out of me!  The only one I recall reading is The Scarecrow Walks at Midnight, which both terrified and gave me nightmares.  I have seen several episodes of the Canadian television show however (which the film subtly references), enough to predict nostalgic fans’ being pleased with the film’s overall result.  For unfamiliar viewers such as I, Goosebumps is passable entertainment primarily for two reasons—the imaginative monsters and Jack Black.  Without them, Goosebumps would be an unbearably plain film—with stock characters in a surprisingly ordinary story.  In fact the first 15 minutes (noticeably lacking both Black and monsters) had me staring vacantly at the screen, waiting for something interesting to occur—but I’m getting ahead of myself here.

Bridge of Spies (Film Review)

It’s amazing how after five decades of directing, Steven Spielberg can still create great entertainment.  Perhaps even more amazing is how he can take an obscure Cold War incident—which could likely be found as a passing history lesson students sleep through—and turn it into an engaging blockbuster drama.  Such talent is a gift which truly keeps giving, with Bridge of Spies another success in Spielberg’s quest (alongside some witty dialogue by the Coen Brothers) to make history entertaining AND informative for everyone.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Controversial (Film Analysis/Minority Opinion)

The date is February 26, 2012—the academy awards are celebrating their 84^th ceremony with the theoretical best films of 2011.  The best picture nominees contain several popular and/or critically acclaimed films, yet also several controversial picks—The Artist finds detractors shocked at its primarily silent format, while The Tree of Life gains disdain for its incredibly unconventional style.  Yet at the controversial peak is Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, a polarized film some believe the worst best picture nominee ever.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (Quick Review)

I like Paul Blart: Mall Cop.  The film’s enjoyably goofy, satirically funny, and surprisingly sweet thanks to its very likable protagonist Paul Blart (played by the loveable Kevin James).  Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 is the opposite—it’s boring, remarkably trite, and unexpectedly dark despite its PG rating.  In the first two minutes Mall Cop 2 harshly divorces Blart from the previous film’s love interest (after only six days married), then brutally kills his mother with a milk truck!  It’s an incredibly dark and depressing way to begin a supposed family film.  Mall Cop 2 then hits the sequel reset button (which I despise in stories), repeating the near exact premise in a different setting—making Mall Cop 2 remarkably comparable to Die Hard 2 (following the pattern of Mall Cop being a parody to Die Hard).  Similar to how Die Hard 2 fails as an action film (I’ll make a mental note to review why I hate Die Hard 2), so does Mall Cop 2 fail as a comedy.

Hotel Transylvania 2 (Film Review)

2015’s been a surprisingly positive year for Adam Sandler—first there was his enjoyable video game comedy Pixels, and now comes Hotel Transylvania 2, the superior sequel to the passably “meh” 2012 Hotel Transylvania.  It’s livelier, wittier, better animated, and noticeably more thoughtful in plot.  Hotel Transylvania 2 begins with Dracula’s (Adam Sandler) daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) getting married to Johnny (Andy Samberg) at the hotel—humans and ghouls alike invited to the celebration.  The film then appreciatively goes through various stages leading to the main plot—Mavis taking her dad to fly before revealing she’s pregnant, Drac excitingly preparing for his grandson’s arrival, the birth of his half-human, half-vampire grandson Dennis (Asher Blinkoff), Dennis’ first birthday, his first words, etc. (A lovely way to handle such scenario rather than directly skipping to his near-fifth birthday).

The Martian (Film Review)

The Martian (like this review) jumps immediately into the story—NASA astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) is part of the Ares III space exploration on Mars (presumably set in the near future) when an unexpected dust storm hits, forcing the crew to evacuate their artificial shelter and leave the planet.  While evacuating Mark is struck by a blown off satellite dish, knocking him unconscious; due to misinformation Mark is presumed dead and abandoned by his dismayed crew.  An injured Mark awakes the next day, alive and alone on the barren planet for (what he presumes) at least three years before the next shuttle arrives.  If the oxygen tank breaks he’ll suffocate, if the water tank breaks he’ll die from dehydration, if there’s a tent breach he’ll implode—the food supply is limited and eventually Mark will starve.  Fortunately Mark’s a botanist, and with a combination of potato rations, Martian dirt and his own feces, begins cultivating a garden using the shelter’s artificial habitat.

The Visit (Film Review)

The Visit is a film theaters haven’t shown in a long while—a GOOD M. Night Shyamalan film!  And not just any good film, but one which is spoopy, scary fun!

Black Mass (Film Review)

Black Mass is a blend of 70s, 80s, 90s and occasional 00s mob tropes balanced into one surprisingly effective film.  Black Mass takes a lot from previous gangster films: complex alliances, morbid humor, a rise and fall story, villain protagonists, snitches and persistent paranoia, rivaling businesses, clashing ethnicities, and of course brutal, unapologetic violence…violence done right I might add.  The major difference between Black Mass and its previous mob influences is its grim and gritty violence; there’s some dark s%!t happening in Black Mass, with no effort to lighten the impact (making its film title all the more appropriate).  The violence is given no bright and colorful cinematography, catchy soundtrack, or witty dark humor—when it happens, Black Mass is blunt, bleak and highly effective. 

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (Film Review)

Sometimes low expectations can have wonderful results.

Attack on Titan (Film Review)

Shingeki no Kyojin, otherwise known as Attack on Titan has become one of the biggest anime sensations in the past decade.  In just six years the manga has sold over 50 million copies, boosted immensely by its anime which increased series hype to the point where people unaware what “anime” was knew about Attack on Titan.  With such massive popularity it was inevitable an Attack on Titan movie would be made, and while there’s been talk of a U.S. release, Japan has fittingly struck first in a two-part film series—this review covering part one.

SET PUBLISHING DATES!!!+Changes to the Quick Review/Film Review Format (Format Changes)

A chief goal since Film Reviewer Jr.’s beginning has been to release at least one film post per week—and aside from the rare occasion (November 2013 being a good example, where student teaching plus college studies ate up my free time), I’ve kept good to such promise.  Yet while one can (practically) expect a post each week, the release day has varied between the seven available.  I’ve never given release days for readers to follow, frankly because I didn’t want to follow said dates; a whole week to work, finalize, and release a post is less stressful than a set date per week, especially with reality throwing those predictably unpredictable curveballs.  Such vagueness can be potentially frustrating for you the reader, being unaware which day(s) I’ll be publishing (will I publish Monday, or wait till the week’s end?)—as such I’ve created a solution too hopefully satisfy both concerns.

2015 Mid-Year's Top Ten Films (Film List)

Let’s skip the formalities and get right to the meat.

The End of the Tour (Film Review)

The End of the Tour is a wonderful film directed by James Ponsoldt and written by Donald Margulies.  Ponsoldt’s last film The Spectacular Now is also a wonderful film, but hits several road bumps around its last third—there are no such bumps within The End of the Tour.  The film moves with exceptional pacing from start to finish, engaging the audience without a moment of tediousness.  The End of the Tour’s appeal is remarkable—here’s a drama which engages far better than any 2015 summer blockbuster (excluding Mad Max: Fury Road).  Props for such exquisite storytelling goes to the writer, director and two stars Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel. 

Shaun the Sheep (Quick Review)

In my recent Home review, I wrote how the film is undoubtedly aimed for kids—well the same applies for Shaun the Sheep Movie, a stop-motion film based on the British TV series Shaun the Sheep (which I have never seen).  However, where Home is a bad children’s film, Shaun the Sheep Movie is the opposite—a fun, kindhearted story about the bond between a farmer and his animals.  Shaun the Sheep…Movie (which I will from this point on refer to as Shaun the Sheep) is aimed primarily for children rather than families; the jokes are nothing original, and an adult is most likely to have seen them time and time before (though there is one “prison themed” running gag which continuously had me laughing).  Same applies to the predictable plot events, such as when Bitzer the dog disguises himself as a doctor (what adult didn’t predict the mistaken head surgeon gag) or when the sinister animal control worker Trumper (Omid Djalili) is seemingly defeated early in the finale (of course he was simply hiding in wait).  The film’s plot and humor will be better appreciated by younger audiences unfamiliar with such tropes, making Shaun the Sheep more ideal for their viewing.

Spy (Film Review)

 Spy is one of the funniest espionage films made, plus an incredibly refreshing one—throwing the staling spy satire for a loop with new ideas both hilarious and unique.  This is Melissa McCarthy’s best comedy performance to date (St. Vincent wins for her best dramatic role); McCarthy plays desk bound CIA agent Susan Cooper, whose job is to guide fellow field agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law) throughout his dangerous missions.  The concept is hysterically unique, combining Susan’s casual (and occasionally not so casual) office workplace with Fine’s intense mission.  When every field agent’s identity is compromised however, Susan is sent instead to observe and report on a dangerous mission—as one might expect from a spy comedy, thing’s go array, and Susan becomes fully involved in a mission to prevent nuclear destruction.

Paper Towns (Film Review)

I’m impressed.

Home (Quick Review)

DreamWorks’ Home is undoubtedly for kids, and one of their weakest animated films to date.

Pixels (Quick Review)

There are three prime reasons someone would want to see Pixels—either they’re a Happy Madison Productions fan, a retro video game enthusiast, or a fan of both.  I went for the second reason (though I can be a Sandler fan pending on the film), the same reason Wreck-It Ralph intrigued me—the trailer showcased video games and I bought the bait.  I didn’t expect much, yet to my unexpected delight Pixels proved itself an enjoyably entertaining film.  The comedy was amusing, the references entertaining, and the characters surprisingly likable.

Ant-Man (Film Review)

There’s only been one Marvel Cinematic Universe (or MCU) film I’ve disliked, Iron Man 2—Ant-Man will NOT be joining Iron Man 2 in the losers’ circle, though it does find itself alongside my least favorite MCU films (alongside Thor: Dark World and Guardians of the Galaxy).  Ant-Man makes some stupid mistakes, and is held back by severe letdowns and a bland, forgettable villain—yet it also possesses likable protagonists, entertaining heist elements, the MCU’s signature brand of lovable humor, and several refreshing features…and some not-so-refreshing features, but I’m getting ahead of the review.

Tangerine (Quick Review)

Tangerine is the indiest of indie films I’ve ever seen!

Paddington (Quick Review)

Paddington is a good family film, one both adults and children can enjoy for different, yet similar ways. Quality live-action family films have become a rarity in modern cinema; at some point during the mid-2000s, family films became primarily associated with animation made by the likes of DreamWorks and Pixar.  Live-action became split between adult, teen, and gimmicky kid’s films (the ones which engage 7 year olds while torturing their adult guardians).  Paddington proves the genre’s far from dead however, along with being a good reminder of what families have been missing.  It’s a well-made film full of funny moments, sad moments, and most importantly, touching moments.

Minions (Quick Review)

The Despicable Me franchise can be summed up overall as, “ehh”.  More precisely, if I were giving out star ratings, each film would receive 2 ½ stars out of 4—the typical rating for a sub-par film containing decent content, yet not worth recommending as a “must see” for theatrical viewing.  Minions is no exception, being a decently entertaining, yet unremarkable film about some very cute creatures.  The story is incredibly straight forward: the Minions have been around since the dawn of time, existing solely to serve the most villainous master around.  They continuously move from boss to boss, as the film informs us, “Finding a master was easy, keeping one is where things got tricky”.  After failing their latest boss Napoleon, the Minions escape and take refuge in Antarctica—they soon fall into a deep depression after being master-less for so long, prompting one courageous Minion Kevin (Pierre Coffin) to go out in search of a great villain to follow.  Alongside Kevin comes the rebellious Minion Stewart and adorable Minion Bob (both also voiced by Pierre Coffin).

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Film Review)

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a high-school coming-of-age film which deeply admires artistic cinema—using unconventional methods while maintaining enough traditional elements to work with both mainstream and art-house audiences…in other words it’s a really good film. 

Ted 2 (Film Review)

My thoughts on Ted 2 are essentially the same for the first film; it’s a high quality, very funny episode of Family Guy.  The film’s humor is crude, politically incorrect, and entirely unapologetic—similar to what Pitch Perfect 2 aimed to accomplish, expect here it’s funny and lacking mean-spiritedness.  Ted 2 shares with Family Guy a love for isolated cutaway gags, 1980s film references, and several musical numbers; unlike most modern Family Guy episodes however, the film’s humor is effective, its jokes plentiful, and its characters entertainingly likable. 

Mad Max: Fury Road (Film Review)

Holy s#%t this film is amazing.

Jurassic World (Film Review)

I decided to write Jurassic World’s review different than usual—rather than a straight forward review, I’ve created a two-part list split between Jurassic World’s positive aspects, and it’s far more numerous problems.  To be a fair sport, I’ll start with the positives: (BTW this entire review is RIDDLED WITH SPOILERS, so think twice about reading if you haven’t seen Jurassic World).

10 Aspects, Areas, and Scenes I enjoyed throughout Jurassic World: