The Wolf of Wall Street is distasteful and disgusting but wildly entertaining.

8.5 out of 10

 

 

I walked in to the theater thinking I was going to see a movie about the corruption of the finance world. Within 30 seconds, I knew I was getting something else entirely. Wild debauchery and constant bad behavior poured onto the screen and continued for 3 hours. Meet Jordon Belfort, a young man with big ambitions. At the age of 22, he begins his journey by working as a stock broker. He soon learns the business and starts his own with the help of his friends. The movie follows his climb to the top and his fall to the bottom. It is distasteful and vulgar but is interesting all the same. Make no mistake, this movie should not be written off. It is directed by Martin Scorsese so it has to be good right? Well...

 

What could have been a cautionary tale of Wall Street corruption was instead a showcase of bad behavior. It was almost like someone sat down and said, "Let's make a very inappropriate movie! We can make the characters do A LOT of drugs and feature constant nudity and sexual content. And why not throw in every bad word under the sun!" Indeed, I often felt I was drowning in questionable content. I read that the F-word was said 414 times in this movie... and trust me, that is the least of your concerns. The movie seems to lose its way in all the partying. The woman who sat behind me agreed. At one point I heard her say, "Oh this is disgusting." Indeed, she was correct. I doubt she liked the movie very much. As soon as the credits rolled I turned to my father (I saw the movie with him) and said, "Well, that was interesting!" He turned to me and said, "You cannot blog about this." "Why not?" I asked. He looked me right in the eyes and said, "Because they will arrest me if they knew I took you to this movie." I can assure you my movie attendance was entirely legal but he had a point. I have no idea how this movie was not NC-17. The debauchery is tolerable, even entertaining, in the fist hour but by hour 3 it had lost its sparkle.

 

All that aside, I did enjoy myself. All 3 hours I was never bored. I always had a smile on my face... even if I was simultaneously rolling my eyes at the screen. With 3 hour movies, problems with pacing are common... not here. Sure they may have wasted time with party scenes but it didn't really affect the pacing. It was shot beautifully and the writing is very well done. The story itself was interesting, albeit predictable. The performances, wonderful. Leonardo DiCaprio was great and very funny. Jonah Hill was very funny. Everybody was funny! The movie was funny! I truly did enjoy it. My only major complaint is the constant explicit content.

 

It is not for young kids. It is not something you will want to enjoy as a family movie. It is not for the faint of heart. However, The Wolf of Wall Street may satisfy you... just know what you're signing up for.

 

The Wolf of Wall Street is rated R for sequences of strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language throughout, and for some violence. 

http://media2.firstshowing.net/firstshowing/img7/WolfofWallStreetNewposterNovrlsfull1.jpg

Tags: comedy, drama, R, recommended, the wolf of wall street, wall street, the wolf,

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is hilarious but often feels like it tries too hard.

7.5 out of 10

 

 

9 long years after the first, we are finally blessed with a sequel from the Channel 4 news team. This sequel finds Ron and Veronica married with a child and the news team disbanded. When Ron is fired from his job, he is offered a job at a 24-hour news station. The movie is a 2 hour nonsense trip. It is a joy to see the team and everyone is as funny as ever. Ron continues to blurt out racist and inappropriate nonsense and is as much a man-child as ever. Champ Kind is grossly underused and after his introduction, fades into the background. Brian Fontana is somewhat underused as well but he is still prevalent. Audience's wanted more Brick Tamland and they got it. Brick is around constantly and is always hilarious. He also has a romantic subplot with Kristen Wigg which is perfect.

 

Yes, Anchorman 2 is hilarious but immediately it felt like it was trying too hard. It takes the ridiculousness to a whole new level. The things that come out of the character's mouths are outlandish and silly but still manage to be hilarious. The sequel was not nearly as quotable as the first but still succeeds. Many of the jokes from the first movie are reused but they are still entertaining. However, in its conclusion, the movie becomes utterly ridiculous. Can someone explain to me why the ghost of Stonewall Jackson and the Minotaur are running around New York? Explosions and werewolves run amok and the movie begins to feel completely crazy. Is it worth watching? Absolutely! Just know what you are signing up for. Overall, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is very funny despite its flaws.

 

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, drug use, language and comic violence.

http://latino-review.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Anchorman2_Poster.jpg

tags: comedy, anchorman, anchorman 2, anchorman: the legend continues, anchorman 2: the legend continues, anchorman 2 the legend continues, anchorman the legend continues, PG-13, pg13,

 

Glee starts strong but soon becomes awful.

5 out of 10

 

 

When the pilot of Glee came on as a "sneak preview", I was unconvinced. It was about a high school Spanish teacher who wants to reboot the school's glee club. He assembles a diverse group of singers to compete in show choir competitions and together they overcome many obstacles from bullying to the evil cheerleading coach. Basically, it is a teenage soap opera with music. When I sat down to watch the second episode, I was hooked. I am unsure what about the second episode I found so attractive but it was good. From then on, one night a week, everyone had to take a vow of silence because Glee was on. It soon became a family affair and I was lost in the bliss of Glee.

The first and second seasons were awesome! The show was edgy, but still not over the top. Characters were interesting and Sue, the evil cheerleading coach, was hilarious and a joy to watch. The plotlines were twisty and follow the teens as they jump from one romantic partner to the other. The cast of characters is extremely diverse and had a "feel good" message. However, the greatest aspect of Glee was the music. Glee took new actors and made them superstars, expertly showcasing their talents. The musical numbers were very well done, featuring a wide variety of songs. Glee was great... until it wasn't.

 

Until season 3, I had never missed an episode of Glee. However, somewhere in the middle of season 3, I lost interest. What was once fresh and edgy was now dull and tired. The show focused too much on stupid romantic interests and the result was disappointing. I occasionally tuned in to an episode but never really liked it. Everyone just felt annoying. Glee is now a prime example of a show that refuses to give up even though it is time. It no longer feels genuine and is frankly a waste of time. Last week a Glee clip caught my eye on Youtube. Turns out it was a performance of "What Does the Fox Say?" done by the cast also holding puppets. It saddens me that Glee has fallen to such a level. Overall, Glee starts out fresh and engaging but fails in its later seasons.

 

Glee is rated TV-14

 

http://stuffpoint.com/glee/image/64878-glee-glee-poster.jpg

Tags:comedy, drama, musical, FOX, tv, television, tv14, TV-14, Glee

 

Closer is magnetic, heart-wrenching, and explicit.

9 out of 10

 

 

Closer is difficult to explain. It is a movie based on a play and centers on 4 adults in London. Life throws them together in a series of chance encounters and a story unfolds; a story of sex, betrayal, and revenge. But in the end, Closer is a story of relationships and the fickle nature of love. Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen star. Jude Law is the weakest link and often feels boring. He calmly explains his actions at times when I expected raw emotion. Julia Roberts has the same problem but to a lesser extent. It is more appropriate due to the fact that her character is a "depressive". Clive Owen is very good, successfully portraying the slimy character he is and I often felt his pain. He is a wounded man who seeks revenge and (in my opinion) ends up the most unlikable character. However, Natalie Portman steals the show as Alice. She expertly conveys Alice's naïvety and is a joy to watch. Her character is so complex and she tackles it with ease. All the movie's characters are magnificently complex and make for a strange but enjoyable experience. The movie itself is sexually-charged and occasionally uncomfortable. However, the explicit nature of the film serves a purpose. Through frank discussion and heated arguments, the topic of sex is explored and allows for a raw and affecting product. The movie is basically a play with about 10 scenes and the timeframe can be a little confusing so be sure to pay attention! The movie may not appeal to everyone, especially anyone who may be sensitive to the explicit content. However, if you can handle it, Closer may turn out to be a rewarding and affecting movie. Overall, Closer is beautiful but not for the faint of heart.

 

 

Closer is rated R for sequences of graphic sexual dialogue, nudity/sexuality and language.

http://www.impawards.com/2004/posters/closer.jpg

Tags: drama, recommended, R, Closer,

25th post celebration: 5 theme songs of comfort

 

Another milestone, another celebration. Today, I posted my 25th review. If you haven't read them all, feel free to take a gander at all the different movies I have reviewed. But we all know it wouldn't be a SkyScreening celebration without videos!

 

Today, I have assembled 5 theme songs that mean comfort. When I sit down to watch one of my favorite shows and it has an awesome theme song, I immediately feel comfort and relaxation wash over me. It is like knowing I am home. So these are 5 of the theme songs that give me this feeling. I urge you to listen and enjoy. Then perhaps, sit down for an episode of your favorite show and see if you feel the same way.

 

 

5) Weeds:

 

4) The Newsroom: 

 

3) Skins: 



 

2) Sex and the City: 

 

1) Friends: 

 

 

You now know all the theme songs are great... but what about the show itself? I have reviewed all 5 of these shows. Just type the title into the blog's search bar and it should come up! 

 

Thank you for visiting SkyScreening. The next celebrations will be when I have reached 1,000 views! Stay tuned! And remember, always check back for new material as it is being added often.

Skins (U.K) starts out edgy and addictive but becomes dark, weird, and semi-ridiculous.

7 out of 10

 

 

Note that this review applies to the U.K version. There is an American version of Skins, it's just terrible. Because the show is from England, it is uncensored. Skins follows a group of British teenagers as they navigate life and find strength in their friendships. Each episode centers on a different character but everyone's lives are largely intertwined.

 

When I began the first season, I was immediately hooked. It all felt so fresh and new. Perhaps it was the fact that everyone had an accent but it was a whole new experience for me. The show expertly deals with heavy and relevant issues among teens such as eating disorders, drug addiction, depression, and so much more. It would seem like the show would be a downer but it isn't! Instead, it mixes complex topics with humor. It should be noted that this show is largely aimed at teens due to the fact that the characters themselves are teens and behave in extremely questionable ways. The whole first season was fantastic. The show was funny yet dramatic (at times) and never failed to entertain.

 

Season 2 centers around the same characters but is a somewhat different. The show is considerably darker. For example, one episode centers on a stalker who stalks one of the regular characters. Throughout the season, she does some pretty crazy (and disturbing) stuff. The show is less humorous, instead opting for a more dramatic script. It succeeds in being heart-wrenching but sometimes takes it too far and becomes downright depressing. That is not to say it isn't enjoyable. The more dramatic side of the show was a great and refreshing aspect to add. The end of season 2 is particularly interesting and left with a cliffhanger. I often found myself marveling at the honesty of the show and found it incredibly enjoyable. After season 2, the show says goodbye to the characters and picks up a new cast in season 3 (every 2 seasons there is a new cast).

 

Season 3 has an all new cast and is (once again) different from its previous season. The show once more opts for a more humorous side and the result is somewhat off-putting. Where the show was once clever, it is now crass. One of the new characters, Cook, is a disgusting human being and made the show uncomfortable. Aside from him, the other characters are still good. The story is still occasionally heart-wrenching and beautiful but is sometimes ridiculous (putting Ecstasy in brownies and feeding them to a mother? Come on). The result (sometimes) feels more like a sitcom than the raw and honest show it once was. It is still fun... enough to make me sit for a 4th season.

 

Season 4 was the darkest and craziest yet. The show now feels entirely different but remains engrossing. The season starts out with a suicide which sets it up for the dark product it was. Some parts were good and enjoyable but towards the end, things get strange. It almost felt like the show's writers were sitting in a room thinking of ways to throw "curveballs to viewers". The show feels a little ridiculous but I tolerated it. After all, how much worse could it get. The answer was a lot worse. The season 4 conclusion was appalling. It completely shocked me, in a very bad way. After it was over, I immediately swore off Skins. I also began to notice a pattern that the show follows every 2 seasons. Season 4 was less than perfect.

 

After season 4, Skins was no longer released in the US (apparently they have different DVD players in England) but all 7 seasons are available on Netflix. I plan to continue watching the show and will add to this review once I finish watching. Overall, Skins is an addicting show but is inconsistent.

 

Skins is rated TV-MA

http://static.rookiemag.com/2012/01/1326966179skins-season-1-2007.jpg

Tags: comedy, drama, skins, TV-MA, tvma, TV, television



Awkward manages to entertain despite inconsistency

7.5 out of 10

 

 

 

Awkward is a scripted show on MTV centering on a girl named Jenna. One summer, she begins a causal relationship with the school hottie, Matty McKibben. She returns home to find a letter addressed to her. Inside is a list of reasons why Jenna sucks signed by "A friend." A freak accident follows that looks a lot like a suicide attempt and changes her from "invisible girl" to "that girl".

 

 Season one follows Jenna and her friends as they begin a climb up the social ladder and as she struggles to maintain the attention of Matty, all the while trying to find out who wrote her the letter. The result is utterly engrossing. Sure, it is stupid but it is also raw, honest and often funny. The show itself is utterly ridiculous as illustrated by fast talking and word-inventing Tamara and the completely inappropriate guidance counselor, Ms. Marks. Plenty of other character are interesting such as Jenna's parents and school bully, Sadie Saxton. Jenna is a character I could really root for as she generally had the best of intentions and was a victim of circumstance. All the actors and actresses are fantastic all the way through. They are funny and generally authentic. The mystery of the letter also adds a unique dynamic to the show. A sort of whodunit part left me wanting more and contributed to a successful first season.

 

With the drama of season 1 behind her and the mystery of the letter solved, season 2 find Jenna back but changed. She is now considered popular and has a new set of problems. Jenna is considerably more annoying, always complaining about her life. She often fights for the man she wants, changes her mind, changes it again... so on and so forth. Jenna, who was once the adorable underdog, now comes off as a floozy. I frequently found myself screaming at the TV, "PICK A MAN JENNA! STOP MAKING OUT WITH EVERYONE AND PICK A MAN!" And so I came to regard season 2 as the show's darker days, as it was ultimately less inspired. Let me be clear, the show still has some redeeming qualities, such as humorous scenes and a memorable heart wrenching moment, but mostly just feels like a cheesy teen soap.

 

Season 3 part 1 finds Jenna finally settled on a man... until she meets a new one. And just like that, all certainty goes out the window. Immediately, it veers into some darker territory by killing off one of the supporting characters. The characters then begin to try to piece together the death and determine the cause all throughout the first part of the season. This seems to be an attempt to recapture the "mystery" aspect of the show but ultimately fails. The show seemed more humorous than its previous season but still managed to frustrate. Jenna's promiscuous nature was really getting on my nerves and I wasn't sure if I could handle the inconsistency any longer.

 

When season 3 part 2 came around, I was skeptical. I sat down and once again found myself pulled in. It is a completely different product than the first season but still manages to be entertaining. Jenna is still confused about what she wants and in this season makes some terrible choices, which was an utter joy to watch. For once, she finally seems sorry for her infidelity and shares a lot of teary-eyed, heart-wrenching moments. The show finally is able to balance its humor with emotion and never feels sappy. Dialogue is poignant and affecting. I once again felt satisfied when the credits rolled and find it a joy to finally see scraps of a deeper, emotional component of this show. I am certainly glad I stuck with the show because this season is what I was waiting for. Awkward is almost done airing its 3rd season. Overall, Awkward is fun but very inconsistent.

 

Awkward is rated TV-14

http://www.sonotstraight.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/awkward-girl.jpg

Tags: MTV, comedy, drama, television, tv, TV-14, tv14, awkward, awkward.,

Friends is a television rarity that is utterly hilarious.

9.5 out of 10

 

How many sitcoms are about attractive young adults living in NYC? Countless. How many times do you see those young adults complain about lack of money while living in an impossibly large apartment? Too many. Well, Friends is one of those shows, but there is something more that makes this show such a success. The show follows a group of six friends that navigate life as adults in NYC. Such a loose and simple premise allows for plenty of freedom when it comes to keeping the show fresh.

 What allows the show to be so impressive is the characters and the actors that played them. Ross is an awkward science nerd that works in a museum. He begins to develop a crush on the newcomer Rachel. Rachel is a spoiled "daddy's girl" who has decided to live independent from her father. She is attractive (played by Jennifer Aniston) and naïve and relies on her new friends to navigate the concrete jungle. Monica is Ross' sister and is loud, crazy, and very OCD. She is a chef that is obsessed with cleaning and is always searching for "true love" and her future. Chandler is the "funny guy" of the group, always using humor as a way of defense. Joey is an aspiring actor. He loves to eat and is not the sharpest tool in the shed. Lastly, there is Phoebe (my personal favorite). She is a fan of the alternative lifestyle. Extremely spacy and always hilarious, she manages to be a hilarious addition to the show. Together, the Friends create a fantastic dynamic that is an utter joy to watch.

Another thing that need be noted is the writing. It takes great finesse to create 10 seasons of a show that never feels stale. Every new episode brings new surprises and adventures. The quick and clever dialogue is immensely satisfying. In its earlier seasons, Friends seems to opt for a more sentimental feeling. Every episode has heartfelt moments followed by laughs to break the tension. The show seems to cut out the heartfelt portion rather quickly which I see as a very good move. In the show's later seasons, the show becomes all about the laughs and the plotlines take a back seat. Instead of an overarching plotline, each episode functions almost entirely independent of the others which allows for a less affecting but goofier experience.

 The show ran for 10 seasons, all of which were spectacular. Overall, Friends is a TV gem absolutely worth watching.

 

Friends is rated TV-14

http://www.panicposters.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/f63dc5ec28f3175f8a7f615bd217eb71/p/p/pp31558-friends-poster.jpg

 Tags: Comedy, TV, TV-14, tv14, friends, recommended,

Piranha 3DD is disturbing, offensive, and an utter atrocity.

0 out of 10

 

 

I should have known... anything named Piranha 3DD was bound to be terrible. Seduced by the fun of the first movie, I sat down for what turned out to be a impossibly difficult viewing experience. After the events of the first film, the piranhas continue their path of terror and stumble upon a newly opened water park. They break into the pipes and appear in the pools and on water slides, tormenting and eating anyone they see. Can anyone stop these monstrous fish?

So clearly the plot makes no sense. This movie is also more sexualized than the first, bringing it to a disturbing level. The combination of graphic sexual content, horrific violence, and unfunny dark humor is enough to make almost anyone cringe. There are few (if any) redeeming qualities of this film. At one part, the characters hop from deck to deck trying to avoid the snapping jaws of a giant piranha. I think that was the only scrap of fun I experienced while watching this movie. Let the record show, I couldn't even finish this movie. It is very rare that I get offended while watching movies. I was very uncomfortable throughout the whole film but 30-45 minutes in I began to see things that shocked me to my core. I am talking about things so disgusting and lowbrow I was stunned and can't even talk about. I shut my eyes and stumbled up to my DVD player to shut it off, in complete and utter shock of what I had just seen. I can assure you, it made no sense but it was shocking all the same. I struggle to think of anyone who would enjoy this movie. I myself am completely ashamed to say I wasted my time with it. However, if you are insistent on seeing it... you have been warned. Overall, Piranha 3DD is disgusting, stupid, and should be skipped by everyone.

 

 

Piranha 3DD is rated R for sequences of strong bloody horror violence and gore, graphic nudity, sexual content, language and some drug use. 

http://www.impawards.com/2012/posters/piranha_3dd_ver4_xlg.jpg

 

Tags: horror, comedy, piranha, piranha 2, piranha 3DD, 

500th view celebration: 5 trailers that are better than the movie

 

Today SkyScreening passed the 500 view mark. In celebration, I put together a special post.

 

 

Movie trailers are great! They are what help us decide if a movie is worth our time. There are good trailers and bad trailers. Good movies and bad movies. However, there is a rare case where the trailer is better than the movie but the movie is still good! Sure, you can make a trailer that is better than a terrible movie but making a trailer better than a good movie is rare. I have put together 5 trailers that are better than the movies themselves. Please note, these movies are still good... the trailers are just better.

 



1) Spring Breakers:

 

2) Crazy, Stupid, Love: 

 

3) The Lifeguard: 

 

4) The Spectacular Now: 

 

5) Like Crazy: 

 

 

Thank you all for supporting me and my blog! Keep visiting as new reviews are being uploaded often. Here at SkyScreening, your loyalty is just a number!

Piranha (2010) is a showcase of over-the-top violence that manages to entertain.

6.5 out of 10

 

 

This movie is a remake of the 1978 satire of Jaws which was also named Piranha. Welcome to Lake Victoria, a quiet town that will soon be flooded with wild teens on their spring break. Nothing can stop their good time splashing in the water... except maybe some killer fish. A recent earthquake has opened up an underwater canyon that leads to a second lake, buried under the first one. In that second lake, a species of vicious prehistoric piranhas have survived by eating each other, but now they are hungry for more. Sheriff Julie Forester tries to keep the rowdy teens out of the water, but no one listens... not even her son who goes out on a boat to help shoot an adult film. Everybody soon learns that there is indeed "something in the water." The film is brimming with partying, nudity and horrifying violence and gore. The movie is a satire of the horror genre that seems to put sex and violence together and serve it up to moviegoers. Spring breakers are frequently seen topless and behaving inappropriately. The sexual content and nudity are constant and would be a major problem, if it were not overshadowed by the violence. This movie may share the same plot as Jaws but it is not the same. The level of violence in Piranha makes Jaws look like a children's movie. The beginning of the movie is relatively tame, focusing more on the "setup". About halfway through, there is a sequence where the horde of piranhas reach the populated shores of spring break and the results are terrible. Gallons of blood flow as teens are massacred by these tiny fish and the results are stomach-churning. I saw things that one should never see. I don't want to go into detail but believe me, it is over-the-top and horrific. It is absolutely not for the faint of heart. However, horror fans who can handle excessive blood and gore may find this film entertaining and laugh at the absolute ridiculous nature of the film. As far as character development goes, there is none. Each character serves a single purpose and most are killed off without second thought. If you are looking for a movie with a complex and plausible plot, keep looking. You certainly won't find it here. In spite of all the gore and violence, Piranha somehow manages to entertain, providing a brainless and fun horror movie. Overall, Piranha is stupid and utterly disgusting but may provide horror fans with a fun time.


Piranha is rated R for sequences of strong bloody horror violence and gore, graphic nudity, sexual content, language and some drug use.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfFedGniFI_zwmZ5wB7zGq-jxmDxsNo07YV3_SaK8mgzXOKOA32W7LTaBUyf4RNUM6P5fi-Oc0tXJWKlQG63WK8VtMrYBXi7z3r8fy240BRaSOykrpTZzYykrT-fLaS7UeG4Tg5ZVvOGc/s1600/PIRANHA+2010.jpg

Tags: R, horror, comedy, piranha,

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is a thrilling installment to the franchise, greatly improving upon its predecessor.

9 out of 10

 

Let's be honest, we can say we loved The Hunger Games movie but we all know it was somewhat disappointing. The movie failed to connect fully with the book. Catching Fire does not make the same mistake. Katniss and Peeta have returned from the 74th Hunger Games. When she is visited by President Snow, it is clear something is wrong. While on her victory tour, she soon learns that the fight for survival is far from over. The events that unfold are thrilling and engrossing. Where the first movie strayed from the book, Catching Fire remains close, trusting the strength of its work. This movie does a better job of creating the world of Panem and making it come to life. During her victory tour, Katniss visits all 12 districts. This allows you to really understand the diversity of the world. The pain of the people comes to life and tugs on one's heart. The brutality of the government is horrifying and the emotion makes for a deeply affecting and occasionally overwhelming experience. The pacing of the movie is similar, 90 minutes of setup before the action but this movie never feels boring. Each moment is filled with tension, fueled by the hate for the President. What in the first movie felt like a useless fashion show is now mocked, more easily illustrating the foolishness of the ritual. Everything about this movie feels different, reinvigorated. The Capitol is much more interesting in this film. The characters spend more time there which allows the movie to illustrate the stark difference in lifestyle between The Capitol and The Districts. The material is more affecting and dives into the deeper meaning of the text. The action in this film is also exceptional. Danger lurks around every corner and the action sequences are thrilling and pulse pounding. The special effects are stunning and create a very attractive and pleasant viewing experience. The violence is never graphic but still brutal, retaining the films decency. The acting in this film is one of its highlights and allows for moments of pure emotion. Katniss has grown as a character. No longer is she a scared girl but instead a symbol of strength and hope. Jennifer Lawrence seems much more comfortable in her role and is able to shine. She remains one of the most impressive young actresses and expertly conveys emotion, allowing one to empathize with her (note: Jennifer Lawrence may be the ugliest crier in all of Hollywood.). Peeta is as much as a sweetheart as ever and Josh Hutcherson is pretty good. Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket is as entertaining as ever and provides much needed comic relief. Johanna Mason is a very interesting character and the actress does an amazing job. Everyone in this movie is spectacular and succeeds in making the world of Panem come to life. Overall, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is an emotionally gripping and impressive installment to the series.

 

 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language. 

http://latino-review.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/thehungergams-catchingfire-ukposter.jpg

Tags: action, recommended, the hunger games, the hunger games: catching fire, the hunger games catching fire, catching fire, PG-13, pg13,

The Carrie Diaries is fun but may not appeal to fans of the Sex and the City.

7 out of 10

 

I was told this was what I would get instead of a 3rd movie. In preparation, I read the entire book series that the show is based on. The show follows a young Carrie Bradshaw living in Castleberry, Connecticut. After her mother's death, she falls in love with New York City and gets an internship. At home, she falls for the mysterious Sebastian and has to navigate family, high school, and all the other challenges of being a teen. The show does a pretty good job recreating the 80's... lots of neon... but something about the show is missing. It fails to capture the spirit of its base material. The Carrie Diaries often feels over sweet and stereotypical, kinda like an afterschool special. Characters are not very complex, just confused. Confusion and complexity are entirely different things and the show would do well to remember that. The characters act like stupid teens and then sit around and cry about it. That said, some fans of Sex and the City may be interested in Carrie's roots. Sex and the City never talked about the character's family so as to not lessen their independence. Seeing where Carrie came from is cool... only one problem: the show has no connection to Sex and the City. If the main character was not named Carrie Bradshaw, this show could function completely independent from Sex and the City. However, if you can remember that the main character is Carrie Bradshaw, you may find the show fascinating. Due to its high school setting and problems, I doubt this show will appeal to the older and more mature Sex and the City fans. The show is airing its second season on CW. Overall, The Carrie Diaries is occasionally fun but often cliché.


The Carrie Diaries is rated TV-PG

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/43/The_Carrie_Diaries_Season_1_Promotional_Poster.jpg

Tags: tv, television, tvpg, TV-PG, CW, Sex and the City, Sex, city, Sex in the City, the Carrie diaries, Carrie, diaries

Sex and the City 2 makes some major errors but may still thrill fans.

6 out of 10

 

Honestly, I enjoyed this movie very much but gave it a non-stellar rating because the majority of people will not enjoy it. Carrie is in a stable relationship but struggles to keep things interesting. Samantha is approaching menopause. Charlotte is struggling with life at home. Miranda is as busy as ever and struggles to balance work and family. Together, the girls agree to take a trip to Abu Dhabi and experience the Middle East but find drama follows them wherever they go. The girls are just as good as ever but the problem lies with the writing. The plot is tired and incredibly uneventful. The movie is quite literally 2.5 hours of rich, white women complaining. The plot twists are insignificant and boring. That said, hardcore fans may still be pleased with any opportunity to spend more time with the girls. It was a major mistake to take Sex and the City out of the city. New York City was just as much of a character in the show as any of the girls. Did this movie deserve all the hate it received? No! I think this movie got trashed because of the clear downgrade in quality over time. Overall, Sex and the City 2 may please hardcore fans of the series but will annoy anyone else.

 

 

Sex and the City 2 is rated R for some strong sexual content and language. 

http://www.blogcdn.com/main.stylelist.com/media/2010/05/sex-and-the-city-2-240ls050310.jpg

Tags: R, Sex and the City, Sex, city, Sex in the City, sex and the city 2, sex in the city 2

Sex and the City: The Movie will thrill fans of the show but is ultimately less inspired.
7.75 out of 10

 Hardcore fans of the series were ecstatic to see Carrie put on her Manolo Blahniks once more. It provides a fun experience to satisfy fans of the show. Carrie has chosen her man and remains in relationship purgatory for 6 years but searches for the perfect apartment for them to share. Miranda is living in Brooklyn. Charlotte is now happily living her dream on 5th Avenue. Samantha is working in LA. Drama begins and what unfolds is the same stuff the viewers loved about the show. The only problem is the run time: 2.5 hours! It is basically a mini season of the show! Sometimes, it feels like it is dragging and needed help with pacing. The girls are as fantastic as ever and the writing is still good (not quite as good as the show). Overall, if you were a fan of the show, you will probably like the movie.

 

Sex and the City: The Movie is rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language. 

http://www.moviegoods.com/Assets/product_images/1010/417593.1010.A.jpg

Tags: R, recommended, Sex and the City, Sex, city, Sex in the City, sex and the city: the movie, sex in the city: the movie, sex and the city the movie, sex in the city the movie

Kick-Ass 2 is lame and overly violent.

3 out of 10

 

Kick-Ass 2 is a darker and less entertaining "real life" super hero movie. After the events of the first movie, Dave has given up crime fighting but feels as if there is something missing. Mindy continues to fight crime and protect the city. Dave considers donning his costume once more when a group of super villains begins to torment the city. Gone is the movie's satirical edge and what is left is a blood-soaked and sorry excuse for a movie. What made the first movie so fresh and exciting is missing here and the excess violence seems unjustified. This movie is also much darker than its predecessor. Perhaps it is the fact that the movie simply isn't funny. Without the humor, the slicing of limbs fails to make me smile. One of the more disturbing parts featured a teen yelling about his hatred for his mother and his desire to see her dead. She enters a tanning bed and the boy begins to kick it out of anger. The tanning bed shorts out and kills the mother. While watching, I found myself frequently asking, "Why are these people so mean?" The characters are often selfish, asking others to continue fighting crime when it gets too dangerous while they retire their cape. Such cowardice made everyone seem like hypocrites. This movie's action also features much more hand to hand combat which gives it a heightened sense of brutality. Jim Carrey was added to the cast and was very disappointing. His character was simply bland and unimportant. Every other performance was entirely unremarkable except for Chloë Grace Moretz. She plays Mindy and Hit-Girl, the most brutal and foul-mouthed of the entire cast. She was and still is the most enjoyable part of the film. The films best moments feature Mindy. Because Mindy grew up fighting crime, she never had a real childhood. The movie puts her in a high school setting and forces her to face her suppressed desires to fit in and her budding sexuality. Both topics are extremely interesting and would have been fantastic, had the movie not immediately aborted them. By doing so, the movie missed out on a very promising avenue. The parts in which Mindy was in high school were the shining moments. That said, the movie did have some decent action sequences, all of which had Mindy as the main fighter. Her acrobatic abilities make her the ultimate badass and a joy to watch. The movie also has an entirely different feel to it. Where the first movie felt more realistic and dealt with organized crime, this feels more like a comic due to the addition of super villains. Overall, Kick-Ass 2 is too dark and flawed to be considered a success.

 

 

Kick-Ass 2 is rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and brief nudity

http://cdn.bloody-disgusting.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Kick_Ass_2_Poster_7_12_13.jpg

Tags: kick ass, kick ass 2, kick-ass, kick-ass 2, action, comedy, R, dark

Sex and the City is a fun and heartfelt look into sex and relationships in the 21st century.

9.75 out of 10

 

Sex and the City is a fun and fantastic story 4 women as they attempt to navigate love, sex, and relationships in modern NYC. Carrie is sex columnist. It is her job to observe and write about sexual trends in NYC, but her analytical tendencies start to conflict with her budding relationship with the mysterious Mr. Big. She narrates the story and acts as the main character. Samantha is a loose and highly sexual woman and believes that women are just as strong as men. She is an independent woman who feels no need to conform to society's norms. Miranda is the definition of a jaded New Yorker. Often cynical and frigid, she serves as the anchor of the group by providing the hard truth. Charlotte is a preppy optimist. A believer in true love, she constantly searches for the man to settle down with and start a family. Together, they team up to conquer the NYC social scene. Sex and the City was such a smash for the simple reason that it's amazing. Each character adds a new dimension to the group and allows any topic to receive a complex analysis. It was a bold show, able to speak candidly about sex. The writing team was able to accomplish something amazing: making the characters feel real. Through witty and occasionally poignant dialogue, each scene feels full and satisfying. Each episode features a "coffee table scene" in which the girls process the events in their life. Each one is complex and hilarious with characters never missing a beat. The show demonstrates a certain finesse by being able to talk about sex but not feel over the top. The girls are strong, independent and ultimately admirable. Sure, they may make questionable decisions... but who doesn't? They are realistic characters who the viewers are able to become very attached. In the first 2 seasons, the show is somewhat rough. During each episode, a topic will be mentioned and then multiple people will be consulted for their opinions. This provides more of an analytical feeling, which is fine but doesn't help viewer attach to the character. The show finds firmer footing in its 3rd season by cutting out confessionals. By creating solid narrative, the show was able to evolve and ultimately become stronger. The show ran 6 seasons, all strong and magnificent. Never once does the show feel stale; each new boyfriend brings something new. Even the returning boyfriends never feel stale. The show was followed by 2 movies and inspired a prequel spin-off. Overall, Sex and the City is a blissful television experience.

 

 

Sex and the City is rated TV-MA

http://amymcculloch.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/sex_and_the_city_poster.jpg

Tags: tv, television, tvma, TV-MA, HBO, recommended, Sex and the City, Sex, city, Sex in the City

House of Cards is a dark and satisfying political drama

8.5 out of 10

 

House of Cards is a new Netflix show aired entirely on the internet. Dark and slick, it serves up good, albeit slow moving drama. Frank Underwood (Spacey) is a congressman who thinks he is going to get the Secretary of State nomination but the president elect screws him over. Hungry for revenge, he embarks on a twisted quest to destroy the presidential administration from the inside. Frank himself is a very interesting character; an intriguing anti-hero. The young reporter he manipulates, Zoe, is even more interesting and makes one question the price of ambition. Lighting is dark and sets a dreary and daunting tone to the show. Music creates a very tense atmosphere and manages to keep you on your toes. Characters are complex and have their own ambitions and personalities which makes the show as interesting as it is. Wonderfully directed and skillfully acted, it makes you question the need for cable. If a show this good can be made in the internet, why should I pay for cable? One thing I must note is that the show is very political and talky. To be honest it is the definition of no action show. However, if you can stick with it, you may be greatly rewarded. It has one season available on Netflix and the second season is set to air in 2014. Overall, House of Cards is a slow but intriguing political drama worth considering.

 

House of Cards is rated TV-MA

http://www.impawards.com/tv/posters/house_of_cards_ver2_xlg.jpg

Tags: drama, tv, television, TV-MA, tv, tvma, recommended, House of Cards, cards, political

Game of Thrones is a television triumph

9 out of 10

 

 

Game of Thrones is an absolute gem. Utterly engrossing and addicting, it is the definition of quality television. Welcome to the land of Westeros where summer can last for years, and winter even longer. Noble houses rule the land all united under a single king, protector of the realm. Lord Stark of Winterfell knows that winter is coming. He begins a journey up the political ladder. Complex plotlines and interesting plot twists follow and he learns that in the game of thrones, you either win... or you die. There is no question, Game of Thrones is worth the hype. It may start out slow but it achieves great success and provides great reward for those who can stick with it. Game of Thrones is the definition of excess; excess violence, sex, and money. Make no mistake, it may look like Lord of the Rings, but this is an entirely different ballgame. The violence is gratuitous and occasionally cringe inducing. Anyone who doesn't handle violence well will most likely not find comfort in this show. Sex is also extremely prevalent in this show, which I do not have a problem with except it doesn't always service the story. Occasionally, graphic sexual content is thrown in just for the sake of it and can lead to some very uncomfortable moments. I understand the show is on HBO and is allowed freedoms but those freedoms do not need to be used constantly. This show also has a very large budget, and it is used very well. A whole new world is created filled with lush scenery and interesting sets. Each landscape and city offers a new and interesting setting. The characters and actors are stunning. The characters are complex and never fail to entertain. There is a healthy balance of characters I love and characters I love to hate. Multidimensional characters allow for a more complex and dynamic viewing experience. The plot is also amazing with betrayal and intrigue around every corner. The show certainly does a great job mixing it up as it will kill off a major character without a blink of an eye. It has aired 3 seasons and has been renewed for a fourth. Overall, Game of Thrones is a very mature and complex fantasy absolutely worth checking out.

 

 

Game of Thrones is rated TV-MA

http://www.pagepulp.com/wp-content/gotseas1.jpg

Tags: Game of Thrones, Throne, Thrones, Game, HBO, TV, television, drama, action, fantasy, tvma, TV-MA, recommended, 

Smash starts out fresh and fails in its second season.

7.5 out of 10

I stumbled onto Smash accidentally. Shortly after I abandoned the sinking ship called Glee, I saw a large amount of promos for Steven Spielberg's new musical. I sat down and watched the pilot and was immediately hooked. It centers around a group of New Yorker's who are trying to create a Broadway musical about Marilyn Monroe. Julia and Tom are the writers and the struggle to figure out what they want their show to look like. Ivy wants the starring role and believes she deserves the part. She has served her year in the ensemble (and is a close friend of Tom). Karen is the new girl from the south who appears suddenly and is graced with a chance at the part of her lifetime. And so enter other great characters into the web of lies and betrayal that is Broadway. Season one was amazing. The show brilliantly captured the tension and stress and created a lot of drama while never being too cliché. The characters all weaved together very nicely and the product was rich and elegant. One very interesting thing about Smash is that every single character is unlikable in some way, yet I stay attached. Such characters demonstrate a certain finesse. After season one, I was left waiting for more. I was overjoyed when I sat down for the 2 hour start of season 2. About halfway through, I remained unconvinced that season 2 would be any good. I shook it off and thought the new season just needs to regain its footing. It never did. Season 2 was a huge and insulting downgrade. New characters were not only unlikable, but annoying. Old characters became stale. The whole show was just a mess of tangled plot and bad writing. To its credit, season 2 featured some great music but the predictable story was problematic. About halfway through, it was switched from its primetime spot on Tuesday to Saturday... a death sentence. Sure enough the show was canceled... but not before the writing was degraded to sitcom antics. Overall, season 1 is a stunning showcase of betrayal on Broadway but season 2 is a less inspired mess.

Smash is rated TV-14

http://cdn.smallscreenscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/smash.jpeg

Tags:smash, NBC, TV, television, tv14, TV-14, drama, musical, recommended

Stranger than Fiction is charming and unique.

8.75 out of 10

 

Stranger than Fiction is unlike anything I have ever seen and is remarkable. It centers around a mundane tax collector named Harold Crick (Will Ferrell). His life is calculated down to a science. One day, he hears a voice narrating his life. Convinced he is not crazy, he sets out to find answers. He finds that he is a character in a book but the question then becomes, "Am I in a comedy or a tragedy?" Clearly, it is a strange movie. However, it works well. The movie finds Will Ferrell in a very interesting role (he isn't a man-child!). The rest of the cast is amazing as well. I struggle to figured out if the movie was a comedy. I decided it was not. In fact, it is genuinely heartbreaking at times. I was very impressed with how the movie was able to handle heavy themes while still creating a lighthearted atmosphere. Overall, Stranger than Fiction is a original and amazing movie absolutely worth seeing.

 

 

Stranger than Fiction is rated PG-13 for some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity

http://www.sfsite.com/gra/0612/sflg.jpg

Tags: stranger than fiction, comedy, drama, recommended, PG-13, pg13

Weeds is fun but its plotlines get repetitive in its middle seasons.

8.25 out of 10

 

Weeds is brimming with colorful and interesting characters and some very interesting plot twists. There is no way around it, Weeds is a highly addictive series. Well, at least it starts out that way. Nancy Botwin is your average soccer mom from California. Recently widowed, she is forced to start selling weed to maintain her lifestyle and support her family. The show follows her struggle to balance work and family as well as manage the dangers of being a drug dealer. Nancy turns out to be the  ultimate badass. Mary Louise Parker is absolutely hilarious and does an excellent job with the character. Her supporting characters are what really make the show shine. Each character has their own personality that makes them likeable in their own way. Weeds has an excellent first 3 seasons. In fact, I watched the first 3 seasons in 1 week (season 2 and 3 on one weekend). Weeds first 3 seasons were edgy and fun. They had raunchy humor but also a lot of emotion which made it very easy to feel attached to the characters. In season 4, the show seems to become less inspired. After some major changes at the end of the 3rd season, it almost feels like an entirely different show. Season 4 is by no means bad, just different. Season 5 is similar but season 6 caused me issues. It felt less anchored. Again, it is not bad, just not nearly as good as the first 3 seasons. Season 7 is able to stabilize the show and bring is to a satisfying (albeit strange) conclusion in its 8th season. Weeds is the perfect show to binge watch and its easy accessibility on Instant Netflix make it that much more enticing. Overall, Weeds is a highly addictive show definitely worth watching.

 

 

Weeds is rated TV-MA

http://www.tvposter.net/posters/weeds_2005_247_poster.jpg

Tags: Weeds, TV, television, comedy, drama, tvma, TV-MA, recommended

Girls provides a darker and genius look into growing up in a modern world.

9 out of 10

 

Many compare this new HBO show to Sex and the City. There are similarities but ultimately it is an entirely different product. Girls is an experience unlike anything I have seen before. Brimming with cynicism, Girls is an explicit and often hilarious look into the lives of 4 women. Hannah is in her 20's and lives in New York City. The pilot finds her being cut off from the financial support of her parents. As a writer, she struggles to find a way to make money while figuring out who she is and who she wants to become. She doesn't stumble along the way, she falls flat on her face and her journey is truly something to behold. Her best friend Marine seems to have it all figured out. She has a committed boyfriend and a successful job, but is she happy? Jessa, their English friend, appears once more having just returned from her latest trip. She is a flaky and loose girl who has traveled the world and doesn't really have a set plan in her life. And Shoshanna, Jessa's cousin, is a virginal college student that doesn't know how to shut up. Together, they embark on a journey of self discovery that the show describes as, "Living the dream. One mistake at a time." Writer/director/star,  Lena Dunham (plays Hannah), is simply amazing. Her characters come to life in an extremely realistic way. I found it incredibly easy to relate to them. However, due to their realistic nature, they make mistakes. Some of these mistakes are very obvious and thus create a feeling of annoyance but in the end, they are still awesome. Girls is one of the most mature shows I have ever seen. Some scenes are very sexually explicit and made me uncomfortable (no easy feat). If you do decide to watch Girls, know what you are signing up for. That said, the show is not all twisted sexuality. There are moments of genuine joy that set this show apart from the rest. One of which is a dance party Hannah has after receiving some distressing news. Such displays of innocence are a joy to watch. Season 2 further refines the show, toning the sexual content down (not by much! It is still very explicit). Is it perfect? No. However, it does provide a very interesting look into one of the most whiny and self-indulgent generations. Overall, Girls is a fun and explicit look into maturing in today's world. It is absolutely worth checking out, if you can handle it.

 

Girls is rated TV-MA

 

http://pics.filmaffinity.com/Girls_TV_Series-683166605-large.jpg

Tags: Girls, HBO, recommended, television, tv, TV-MA, tvma,

The Great Gatsby is a feast for the eyes but leftovers for the soul.

7 out of 10

 

 

This update is visually stunning! I am a fan of the 1920's and seeing it come to life was wonderful. The story follows newbie Nick Carraway who has come to NYC to trade in the stock market. He meets the super rich and super mysterious Jay Gatsby. A story of love and betrayal unfolds, with some awesome party scenes. One of the movie's great disadvantages was its run time. Halfway through, I couldn't help feel antsy. However, the biggest problem with this movie is the soundtrack. Visually, I feel like I'm in the 20's... then JZ plays. Pretty sure he wasn't popular back then. It killed the mood. It succeeded in being hip and modern but sacrificed some of its authenticity. It is in no way a bad movie and many of the performances are swell but it felt like something was missing and the visuals were the cover-up. Overall, The Great Gatsby is worth watching, just make sure you have the time and patience for it!

 

 

The Great Gatsby is rated PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content, smoking, partying and brief language. 

 

http://e.movie.as/p/115276.jpg

Tags: drama, Gatsby, great, great Gatsby, PG-13, pg13, The Great Gatsby

Movie 43 is absolutely terrible.

0.5 out of 10

 

Movie 43 is a complete and utter mess not worthy of screen time. The star studded cast is wasted (as is the usual with an ensemble cast), but this takes horrid to an all new extreme. Ensemble cast movies generally have a loose plot but this movie is different. It has no plot.  Its trailer is pretty funny which led me into the theaters. A waste of my life. Distasteful and just plain awful, Movie 43 should be skipped by everyone.

 

Movie 43 is rated R for strong pervasive crude and sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity, language and some violence

 

http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2012/11/09/Movie-43_510x756.jpg

 Tags: comedy, Movie 43, R