King Arthur: Legend of the Sword | Movie Review

 This was an outstanding film by one of my favorite directors, Guy Richie.  If you are unfamiliar with his work, he is the director of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch and the two Sherlock Holmes films w/ Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law.  

In this film, Guy brings back Jude Law and has a great cast lead by Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy & Pacific Rim).  This is was Guy attempt at period pieces and he placed his own flair as usual on to it.  With great dialog and cinematography, Guy brings on what I call, another masterpiece.  

Charlie Hunnam does a great job portraying King Arthur as he tries hard to take on his destiny welding the mighty Excalibur and leading a small band to take over the thrown.  Jude Law was also great as he did a good job making me not like him.  Not as comedic as his precious roles, but a nice performance nonetheless. I also give a nod to Aidan Gillen, Eric Bana and Djimon Hounsou.  Great supporting cast.  

Scores (out of 4)

Charlie Hunnam: 3.5

Jude Law: 3.2

Djimon Hounsou: 3.4

Aiden Gillen: 3.3

Eric Bana: 2.7

Writing: 3.7

Cinematography: 3.9

Production: 3.5

Soundtrack: 3.8

Direction: 3.3

Overall: 3.4 (B+)

Little Boxes | Movie Review

 Grade: B-

So we stumbled in to this film late on Monday night on Netflix as it recommended it based on my wife's interest.  It stars Melanie Lynskey (Two and a Half Men), Nielsen Ellis (True Blood), Janeane Garofalo and introducing Armani Jackson.  

A family up roots themselves from Brooklyn, NY and moves to Rome, Washington for a job at a university.  They encounter some new things in this new small town and experience in a sense corruptions that changes them in a drastic way.  

There are some senses of racism, but not in an evil way and the folks of the small town are way more welcoming than expected.  Adjustment in a new house while waiting on their product from the movers prove to be very difficult how they fair by the end of the movie?  Well you will have to check it out and see. 

A was a very intriguing film.  Definitely not very predictable at all.  The performance was subtle by the main cast and the supporting cast showed some eye opening moments.   Especially this young lady who befriends Clark.  

Check it out if you like.  Pretty good film to stumble on to. 

And yes.  They do play the song.  

Don't Breathe | Movie Review

So um yeah.  

The makers of "The Evil Dead" brings a unique and very suspenseful thriller called, "Don't Breathe".  This movie in a nutshell puts a group of young thieves in the hunt for a major cash flow in a house occupied by a old, blind, ex-military man.   They go in thinking it will be a piece of cake, but things take a major turn and discoveries make it more and more difficult to finish the task at hand.  The ending will make probably leave you with mixed feelings.   

To be honest with you I was not sure about this one until I saw a trailer that made me say, "Oh man!  I think I need to see this one."  My partner in crime of Twist Cone was not sure at first, but she changed her mind very, surprisingly quickly.  It turned in to an incredible film that constantly made us ask, "Where the hell are they now?!"  I definitely kept our attention from start to end.  I feel the best performance was from Stephen Lang who played The Blind Man.  

Highly recommended this film in which ever way you please.  

Grade: 8/10

Make Your Mark

Per the request of a friend, we decided to see the movie, The Good Dinosaur.   I will admit I was not sure if I wanted to see this movie even though I never miss a Pixar film, but I am a bit cautious when Pixar decides to release 2 films in one year.   The same with The Marvel Cinematic Universe.  So with a slightly closed mind I prepared to see this movie.  

The movie starts off with a hypothetical asking what if 65 million years ago, the asteroid didn't hit the Earth killing the dinosaurs.  Even though I do not enjoy speculation,  I do love hypothetical movies.  Millions of years later it shows how life on Earth could be if that happens.  It was kind of nice, showing the birth of a new family and those in the family learning their way I life.  

It was to me, pretty much predictable until the young dinosaur starts on his challenging journey.  In a nutshell, he suffers a loss, meets some new people, learns some life lessons and makes a friend from an enemy.

This movie had to grow on me and it did.  As it progressed, it just got better, to me.   The two folks who went with me weren't too impressed (including the one why suggested it), but I ended up thoroughly pleased with it.   

One of them said it was really good from a kids prospective, but I rate all movies mostly the same.  This movie was very good.   Like Inside Out, it was pretty thought provoking and could challenge your way of thinking only if you open your mind to the hypothetical.  

Check it out if ya like.  I would see it again with my nieces and nephews.  

Score: 7/10

Fri, Sat. and Sunday Fall '15 Premiere Reviews Part Two

ABC - Grade 6/10

Ken Jeong is back in television and is now in a staring role showing off his past profession in a comedic way.  He does have a very funny supporting cast including Dave Foley (Kids in the Hall and News Radio), Suzy Nakamura (Curb Your Enthusiasm and Ten Things I The About You), Albert Tsai (Trophy Wife and Fresh of the Boat) and Tisha Campbell-Martin (Martin & House Party).  This show is a nice watered down comedy show that ABC produces with a slight edge without offending anyone (kind of).  It's is worth checking out.




NBC - Grade: 8/10

The folks are back and they are ready to mess with and offend.  The premiere season host was Miley Cyrus and I must say that I am still curious on why there is so much extreme hatred for this woman.  She is being herself.  This pattern of her becoming the person she is now is not that shocking.  At least not to me.  Now is she really pushing it too far?  Probably, but that is a matter of perspective.  Like I said, this now that shocking, I kind saw this transition happening since Hanna Montana.  You people need to change your focus.  Moving on.  I felt Miley did great, the skit Hillary Clinton was in was fun, Weekend Update was, as usual, a blast to see and the rest of the cast did a great job in this premiere.  I look forward to a great season.




CBS - Grade: 8.5/10

Patricia Arquette is kicking it strong like she did on the past hit NBC show, Medium.  The last remaining Crime Scene Investigation show enters it's second season.  Now this is the first CSI show that I actually started on season one.  Correction, the second CSI show.  I also tried out CSI NY starring Gary Sinise, but tapered off after season two because of interest and mostly time.  I am enjoying Cyber though I find the cast kind of questionable, including Shad Moss (formerly rapper Bow Wow) and new member, Ted Danson (Cheers and the original CSI series).  I don't think transistioning Danson from CSI: Las Vegas to Cyber in D.C. was a bad idea, just unsure how it will turn out.  We shall see I guess.  I must also add that I am not happy that Peter MacNicol is no longer on the show.  Not sure why he is gone.  They used the story of him being promoted, so maybe he will have a re-occurring role?  Who knows?  He might have a new big project on the horizon.  That's usually how it works.  I like him on Cyber although I rather see him in comedic roles like in Ally McBeal (BTW, curious about Calista Flockhart in Supergirl).  Last, but not least, Mr. James Van Der Beek  I have enjoyed a lot of his work since Dawson's Creek, which I have never seen, but was curious how he would be after that and he (along with Joshua Jackson) are doing great!!!  The ladies  of the Creek, Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams, not so much, but I love you guys, too.  Van Der Beek turns into an ultimate bad ass character both in braun and brain as now only does he shows his awesome skills as a detective/investigator he also shows the techs in the show what he knows in their field as well.   Very impressive, Elijah!  If you haven't checked out this series, try it out.  If you were a fan of the CSIs you may also like this one.  This show can turn into the long survivor for the CSI franchise like Special Victims Unit is for Law & Order.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Official Trailer - Review

THAT! JUST! HAPPENED!

The Official Trailer has released!  Ticket sales in the US have sold out pretty much for the weekend release.  Maybe for the entire week up to Christmas.  This trailer.............Ok I was going to rant on that word, but I am going to leave that for future blog entry. This trailer was very impressive and epic.  You can definitely tell that this movie is being done by J.J. Abrams.  Very ominous and looks action packed.  I can see it being as deep or dark like the Star Trek movies he directed.

The X-Wings look great, the Tie Fighters look great and my favorite, Millennium Falcon, looked outstanding.  I wish it would stopped being chased by the empire.  FIGHT BACK!!!!

I didn't jizz like most of the Sci-Fi fandom world, but I am more excited about this film.  Our marathon will begin in a couple weeks.  One movie each week.  I wish I can go through the Clone Wars series, but I don't own it. 

I hope you all will have fun with your own marathons (I Know You Are Having Marathons!).  Also, enjoy Episode VII.

Later.................

West Covina, CA

CW

Alright.  This is an absolutely new concept.  Well actually it a recycled concept that was used in the '90s by a show called Cop Rock.  Somewhat serious show with a bit of a musical format placed in it.  Starts off with an genius idiot young lawyer who never got over her boyfriend of 2 months, then after running into him over 10 years later makes a very stupid decision.  Now she must figure things out with this guy and in the adventure, she makes some unusual and hilarious allies.  Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a hilarious addition to the CW.  It is what I call an expansion of the concept from Jane The Virgin.  Check it out!

Status: Keep     Grade: 7.5/10

Thursday Fall '15 Premiere Reviews Part Two

FOX

So after taking out Molock and Henry (Horseman of War) and the loss of Katrina and Irving, Ichabod and Abby separate and reunite after 9 months.  Even though they have removed a powerful foe and new one has emerged with her box.  This new being is so powerful that she took out Abraham (Horseman of Death).  Ichabod and Abby along with sister, Jenny jump into a new mission as the new enemy had unleashed a familiar creature from Crane's past.  I was happily surprised to see Shannyn Sossamon (Wayward Pines, Sinister 2 and Mistresses) has joined the cast.
Status: Keep     Grade: 8/10






NBC

So Elizabeth and Raymond are on the run after assassinating the Attorney General of the United States.  The FBI is have a difficult time finding them, but is Reddington and Keen as almost every ally they have starts to screw them.  Keen makes one desperate more to help herself, but now is it going to actually help her or make thing more rough?  Sorry that is all I have for this premiere episode because it was all chasing activity.  Should turn out to be a great episode.
Status: Keep     Grade: 8/10

Wednesday Fall '15 Premiere Reviews Part Two

CBS

A new attempt for a CBS medical drama that is staged to be one of the most intense ones ever made.  Code Black is a status in a hospital ER when the number of patients out number the recourses.  A new batch of residents come to Angel Memorial to get through their first three years only to find they entered a crazy world of hurt.  Starring Marcia Gay Harden, Raza Jaffrey and Luis Guzman.  These three experienced professionals will attempt to guide them.  Looks promising, but I think they maybe trying a bit too hard at times.  We shall see.
Status: Curious     Grade 6/10

P.S.  I have been wanting to check out

 

 AND

 

But I never started them when they premiered and now I cannot find previous season. 

 

Disappointed NBC and Dick Wolf!  Very Disappointed!

 

Sunday Fall '15 Premiere Reviews Part One

FOX
The search for a new captain is on.  While the Nine-Nine is preparing to meet their new captain, Captain Holt has moved on to his new assignment working very close to the deputy chief.  Public Affairs is his new domain and it turns out to be much more mundane that he thought.  He is now faced with the dicission of continuing this new assignment or just high tailing it out.  Bill Hader guest stars in a funny premiere that IMO, was not that much funnier that any other episode.  Still a keeper though.  BTW, Andy Samburg did a great job as host of the 2015 Emmy Awards.  Bravo!!!!
Status: Keep     Grade: 7/10



FOX

So Phil and Carol has escaped Tuscon, AZ and is kind of living it up around the nation, again, except this time together.  It looks like they are having a blast, but later they felt something was missing.  No guest stars on this premiere and the episode was pretty funny for the sophomore season.  We shall see what helps them find out what was missing and if they will meet any new people in this new world. 
Status: Keep     Grade 7/10







ABC

I know this show is known for it dark sides, but this season premiere is shown a one of the most darkest so far as Swan struggles with her new decision of becoming The New Dark One.  We also learn of a new twist that hopefully explain the origins of the blade that controls The Dark One.  Everyone runs to try to same Swan from her new role, but of course, something bad has to happen.  Hell it's the season premiere, something bad has to happen.  Geez!  Like every season, I am looking forward to seeing how this one turns out.  Everyone is back along with a few others.  Oh and Regina was able to out smart someone for a change.
Status: Keep     Grade: 9/10



FOX

The fam is back and a new adventure has started.  Quagmire and Peter take on a long lost dream of Glenn's that at first was a great idea, but of course Peter had to do something that made it go oh so wrong.  In the meantime, Stewie and Brian took on an extra special trip that turned out to not be a fun one.  The season starts off with a blast and was very entertaining.  I can't see any reason why this show would be ever cancelled, unless the public becomes intolerant again.
Status: Keep     Grade: 8/10



ABC

Talk about something new!  This show, IMO, comes out of left field and takes on a new scenario in a region of the United States that is usually not touched on a TV show.  A young ambitious couple takes a community investment and heads north to head up a huge business and promise a big return to them.  Things don't go a planned and they had to make small detours to make end meet.  Eventually a huge opportunity knocks and they go in head first.  Starring some acting legends including Delroy Lindo and Don Johnson.   This show seems like a reincarnation of the great hit show, Dallas.  Too bad it's reboot or continuation didn't do so well.
Status: Keep/Curious    Grade 7/10



ABC

Talk about very, very complex.  You would have thought that Shonda Rhimes had something to do with it, but nope she has not.  This show is brought to you by Joshua Safran who helped produced Smash and Gossip Girl.  A huge handful of new possible agents enter the FBI training camp at Quantico.   Things start out very well until a huge disaster happen in a major city and one of the leading agent students is placed with the task to find out who of her class could have committed this terrorist act.  Some insane parts and intense moments made this premiere very intriguing, IMO.  Check it out if you haven't already.
Status: Keep     Grade: 8/10

Movie Review: Scortch Trials

So yeah!  I am watching the new book to film franchises!  So what of it.  I did it before with:

So now I have moved on to franchises including:

 

 

 

I know you would say, "but Wil.  These are series for the teenagers.  There is no reason you should show any interest in them!".  True, but I do show interest.  I will admit that I was very resistant in checking them out, but later I did and I found them intriguing.  So, judge all you want!  This is where I am and that's that!  Yeah!!

 

And with that I have pick up a new franchise:

 

Like the previous trifecta of series, my wife was into the initial films especially after reading the books and then after seeing the trailers for their sequels, I became interested.  That happened again with The Maze Runner.  My whole deal with movies is that the trailer/preview must sell me.  It must show interesting to me, not give away too much and the casting must make sense.  With Maze Runner, it just didn't sell.  The premise was a bit too obvious and silly to me.  I know there is usually more, a lot more to this, but the job of the trailer is to sell the movie, right?  So, I said nay to the movie, but then after seeing the trailer for the sequel, The Scorch Trials, I was very interested.  So we rent the initial film and later checked out the sequel.

 

 

Now on to the review of the sequel.  This movie in some way showed some predictability, but not too much.  The kids move on from their rescue and brave the scorch on their way to try to find answers about the maze trail, WCKD and the virus.  They didn't exactly have a goal.  Like teenagers, they were completely impulsive.  They did learn a lot through their journey and reached a new destination.  Now something has happen that makes then need to return what they were running from.  Very Star Wars like.  I was happy to see Giancarlo Esposito and Lily Taylor in the movie.  I am looking to the next installment to see how this finishes out.

Owner: Maybe     Grade: 7/10

Thursday Fall '15 Premieres Part One

NBC

I will admit I started this show with major reservations.  The previews about the show weren't completely selling to me, even though one of my favorite celebrities, Wesley Snipes, is in it.  Ok.  A former FBI agent turn security consultant is placed on assignment to do his job when he realized there was way more going on than he first though including a new faction that new everything that was going on and when the next thing was going to happen.  Now I know, "If they are so powerful and resourceful , why don't they just handle it themselves?".  Well they needed one more factor that will help them achieve their goals, the player.  So this faction, called The House, so far only has 2 people; The Pit Boss (Wesley Snipes) and the Dealer (Charity Wakefield).  They only need one key person to handle the field called The Player.  Alex Kane (Philip Winchester) is the former agent who ends up forcibly auditioning for the role by doing everything The House tells him.  While he is doing that, bets are made by whales (Rich Gamblers) around the world bet on the outcome.  The action ensues and things get very dicey.  Not is he working hard to solve or prevent a crime, he has to deal with the local police.  In my opinion, this show turned out to be very entertaining and keep me glued to the screen.  I was worried it was going to turn out like Fastlane (Bill Bellamy, Peter Facinelli and Tiffany Thiessen), which turn into trying to be more sexy than interesting.  No, it turn out to be interesting for sure.  I am not sure how far it will go, but I will keep watching until then.  Update on this by the end of fall season.
Status: Keep     Grade: 6.5/10



NBC
So it is back.  Like The Player, I have major reservations about this show, especially it's return.  Before it was a major phenomenon, but like most phenomenon (Lost, Alias, X-Files, etc.) they tend to fade out quickly because they start to run out of story to keep it going or interesting.  The premiere episode was good.  Noah Bennett (Jack Coleman), of course, is the major force in the storyline, trying to find and figure out everything that is going on.  More of what they call, evos are springing up everywhere and as usual, they are being hunted.  Like the previous show, there are a few that are being showcased and we, for sure, will be following their stories.  It is slow at times with some action here and there and the vagueness is still running strong.  I am a little worried, but hopeful.  I loved this series before and hope they do better to keep it running longer than before.  If you have reservations, just check out the premiere and them make your decision there.  Enjoy.
Status: Keep     Grade 7/10

 And

 

Will Be On A Late Review Blog Entry.

Frank Martin 2.0

Luc Besson decide to take his masterpiece and reboot it.  I was not very happy when he decided to do this, but as I then saw trailers and TV clips I was sold and was willing to check out how this new Frank Martin will do.  Ed Skrein, a fairly new actor since 2012, accepted the paton from Statham and be came The Transporter. 

The Transporter Refueled was a film that you had to go in with an open mind and be prepared for something different, but not to far from the same.  Ed's gruffness fulfilled the role as Martin very well.  Joining him was Ray Stevenson (Beowolf, Thor & Divergent Series), who played Frank Martin, Sr.  He also did a great job playing a charismatic old playboy who for some reason always get caught up.  The driving skills in the film was very impressive and the fight scenes were just as amazing as with Statham.  My mind was changed and fulfilled.  This film was amazing and I recommend all who are a fan of the Transporter series and/or a fan of Luc Besson.

Owner: Yes!!     Grade: 8.5/10

I would have graded higher, but I was disappointed by a lack of something.  No spoilers.  I will see if you can figure it out.

Hulk Smash

4 Stars

So we went out to see The Incredible Hulk this past Tuesday and I must say it was great. It was great to see Ed Norton in an intense film again. The last great film I enjoyed him in was American History X.

Tim Roth was another big surprise, too. He did a great as a skillful soldier with a great lust for power.

Liv Tyler was okay, but a bit annoying as Elizabeth Ross, love interest of Banner. She seem like she was reliving Aewen (I could never spell that right).

Overall the film was well done. Still don't know if it was a sequel or not, but definitely better then the first.

Later......