The Fault in Our Stars is well-made but struck a nerve with me.

5.5 out of 10 

 

In his review of the film, Bill Goodykoontz of the Arizona Republic said, "If you don't cry or snort or at least tear up a little at some point during Josh Boone's film version of the popular young-adult novel by John Green, you're a pretty cold fish."

 

Well Mr. Goodykoontz, I suppose I am the coldest of fish.

 

Check out the trailer here:

And as I re-watch the trailer, I want to love this movie... but I simply do not. Believe me, there is nothing I love more than being emotionally destroyed by a movie but this one came nowhere close.

 

As far as movies go, this one is well made. The director clearly knew what he was doing and the way text messages and emails are incorporated into the movie is very cute. Acting wise, I have no major complaints. Both leads were great and did a solid job bringing the characters to life.

 

I did read the book. In fact, I binge read it in a 24 hour, insomnia ridden period. I walked into school the following day and voiced my discontent with the book. I had found myself getting very annoyed with the characters, but attributed that to my lack of sleep. But, by the end of the book, I felt nothing and I frankly felt like a jerk. I still had every intention of seeing the movie and hoped that actually seeing the story unfold would help bring the emotion to life. It did, in a very miniscule way. However, as soon as I walked out of the theater, I made eye contact with one of my friends, smiled, and said, "I hated it." She did too. I find something about this movie very off-putting, so much so that I considered getting up and walking out thrice.

 

Rotten Tomatoes, my movie review bible, gives this movie an 82% and calls it, "Wise, funny, and heartbreaking."

 

Let's start there!

 

Is it funny? Not really. It tries to lighten the mood but I didn't really laugh once. I was further frustrated when the theater was filled with giggles when characters stared at each other. I kid you not, every time the characters stared at each other for more than 2 seconds, the audience would giggle! Because I find the characters so unfunny, every joke they make seemed distasteful, which made me think the characters were mean, even though they clearly weren't trying to be. To the movie's credit, making jokes about dying of cancer as a teen is a difficult job. However, "cancer perks", certain perks kids with cancer receive, are not funny.

 

If its goal was to make teenage girls cry, it succeeded. The last half hour of the movie could barely be heard over the sea of sniffles and sobs that surrounded me. However, I wasn't heartbroken. I mean, I saw the tragedy coming a mile away.  We all did! When it finally comes, it's "whatever". One of my friends expertly stated something along the lines of, "The tragedy isn't in their love but rather the fact they are dying at such a young age." In that case, I suppose I understand a little more.

 

As for wisdom, it has more than most of the movies marketed at teenagers. The part I found most intriguing about this movie was the idea of family life continuing after losing a child to cancer. The idea of death is a heavy one to handle and this movie does a pretty good job with it. It doesn't really discuss anything particularly insightful but was thought-provoking, in that I caught myself starting off into space and thinking more than once. So while the movie doesn't really provide any great wisdom, it may make you think a little more than most movies.

 

One of my biggest problems was with the "ultra-dreamy" Augustus Waters, the leading man. One of my friends described him as "too perfect." Indeed. He walks around annoyingly and impossibly happy. He says ridiculous things like, "It would be a pleasure to have my heart broken by you, Hazel Grace." And don't even get me started on his cigarette metaphor. The one thing I like about him is his obsession with leaving his mark on the world. A concept that was glossed over, much to my despair.

 

Is it terrible? Absolutely not. Is it overhyped? Absolutely. If you think you'll enjoy it, I recommend you see it. You'll probably enjoy it! I just had some issues with the material itself. Don't judge me for that! Okay?

 

Okay.

 

The Fault in Our Stars is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some sexuality and brief strong language. 

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Tags: drama, comedy, PG-13, pg13, the fault in our stars, fault, stars, romance



Godzilla (2014) is a visually stunning and thrilling disaster movie.

8 out of 10

 

I wanted to hate it... I wanted to claim it was an empty remake... It was just too good.

 

We all know the story, Tokyo's least favorite radioactive lizard is back for another go at destroying cities. See the trailer here:

As far as the story goes, it was nothing special but it does what it needs to. It certainly takes its time, building characters and explaining past events that lead up to the film. As I'm sure you heard, Godzilla doesn't make many appearances, the movie is largely lizard free but it isn't a negative. If someone were to complain that you don't see the shark enough in Jaws you would call them ignorant. Same deal here. By not showing Godzilla, it builds anticipation rather than just throwing visual effects at you like a Transformers movie. But when the visual effects are there, they are beyond stunning. The carnage is incredible and really should be enjoyed on the big screen. We finally have the technology to make Godzilla an awe inspiring and terrifying creature. Note: the tone is this movie is unlike that of previous films. This is nothing like its campy and fun predecessors. Very few jokes will be made:

 

 A feeling of doom and terror hangs in the air from the moment the opening credits begin. The score is amazing and certainly helps in setting the tone. Make no mistake, this movie is no joke. The destruction is real and Godzilla's roar is blood curdling. It's awesome.

 

The performances were... fine. Let's be honest, do you really care? I was impressed, the humans were good, but the giant monsters steal the screen. Humans are boring.

 

Overall, this movie is an awe inspiring creature feature with some killer special effects and perfectly adequate everything else. Enjoy it on the big screen.

 

Godzilla is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of destruction, mayhem and creature violence. 

http://cdn.screenrant.com/wp-content/uploads/Godzilla-2014-Teaser-Trailer-Poster.jpg

 

Tags: Godzilla, action, PG-13, pg13, recommended,



The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is entertaining despite flaws.

7 out of 10

 

 

See the sequel to the reboot series nobody really needed! We find Spiderman back with Gwen Stacy, his true love... and his on and off girlfriend. Join them on a journey that shows that despite superpowers, Gwen and Peter are just manic depressive teens that cannot stay together for 20 minutes. All joking aside, Peter is back with Gwen but he is haunted by the events of the previous film. Peter has to learn to balance the life of Spiderman and Peter while new villains arise and pose dire threats to the public.

 

Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone return as Peter and Gwen, the star crossed teenage lovers. May I just say, they are absolutely fantastic. As a real life couple, their chemistry translates seamlessly to screen. Seeing these two love birds canoodling cannot help but bring a smile to your face. Andrew Garfield succeeds as Spiderman. Even better than Tobey Maguire! Sorry Tobey...

Jamie Foxx plays Max Dillon/Electro, a mentally disturbed man put on the screen to be laughed at and ridiculed by impossibly mean people. His coworkers bully him like nothing I have ever seen. I am cynical but I refuse to believe grown men and women behave like that. Max Dillon starts out as a joke, obsessed with Spiderman and clearly mentally ill. When a horrible accident occurs, he is transformed into some electric entity? I'm not really sure. The whole thing is kind of glossed over... but it's a superhero movie so it's okay! Call me crazy but I found him unremarkable and underdeveloped. His actions are rash and unexplained. The Green Goblin was better, menacing at least, and I understood his motive which was good... I just wished he didn't come in so late.

 

I must say, I didn't expect the movie to be so witty. Numerous one liners. Not only is Peter Parker good looking, smart, and a hero... he has quite a sense of humor as well. I was kind of annoyed with the pacing. By the movie's end, I felt that not much had happened. By the time the villains had gotten their act together, the movie was basically over. I found myself wishing for more... which is good... but I was left somewhat unsatisfied.

 

Visually, the movie is absolutely stunning. Special effects are here and they look beyond amazing. The action sequences are fully engaging and I felt like a kid in a candy shop, completely in awe. It did have a "comic book feel" unlike the Dark Knight which opted for a more "realistic" interpretation. It must say, it is a lot of fun.

 

By no means is the movie bad, it succeeds in many ways. I enjoyed myself and any Spiderman fan will be thrilled. It is hard to not have fun during this movie, just don't expect anything too deep. It's a fun summer blockbuster. I am just so thankful it didn't include any dance scenes... unlike some previous Spiderman movies...

Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is a summer blockbuster arguably lacking substance, but what it lacks in substance it makes up for in visual splendor.

 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action/violence.

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Tags:spiderman, amazing spider man, amazing spider man 2, spiderman 2, action, PG-13, pg13,



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.

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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,

 

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. 

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

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

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

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. 

 

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