Breaking Bad

Breaking Bad is unremarkable.

6 out of 10

 

I'll start by saying that my opinion will not be a popular one. Walter White has audiences and critics swooning. For the life of me, I cannot figure out why.

 

The show follows the life of Walter White, an underachieving chemist who is diagnosed with cancer and begins to cook meth with his former student, and drug addict, Jesse Pinkman. Turns out, their product is the purest ever and the two begin a dark journey to keep their business a secret and their loved ones safe.

 

Long ago I sat down to watch the first 2 episodes. I was not impressed. "Keep watching," they insisted. I was frequently told that it gets good later. It was actually quite comical, people even gave me the exact episode that changed their opinion. For example: "season 2, episode 8 is where it gets good." I can assure you the episode was nothing special.

 

The acting is inconsistent, ranging from riveting to barely passable (I think Aaron Paul was told to throw the words "b***h" and "yo" into his character's dialogue, a power he abuses.). Characters are also inconsistent, acting and behaving completely normal one episode and insane the next. I get that facing your own death and being in high pressure situations is stressful but it just gets exhausting. For example, Walt is fine and then the next episode he is completely insane, chasing a fly around his lab for the full 45 min (season 3, episode 10 aka one of the worst episodes of TV ever). Then the next episode, he is completely fine again!

 

Direction is adequate, occasionally pretentious. The whole black and white extended foreshadowing in season 2 was stupid, especially considering the event it leads up to which makes the whole thing feel like a waste of time. Breaking Bad is at its best when it remains modest.

 

Breaking Bad assumes that it is tense viewing. Many scenes have intense music and it assumes I am on the edge of my seat. It is wrong. I only felt any sort of tension thrice throughout the whole series (yes, I kept track). Perhaps, that was due to my lack of attachment to the characters but it didn't do much for me.

 

So what is it about Breaking Bad that makes it so widely loved? If I had to guess, I'd say it was the edge. This show is more edgy and gritty than some of the other shows on television (especially in its early seasons). However, it isn't too edgy in that most teens are able to tolerate it. Thus, it has become a rite of passage, of sorts.

 

It isn't bad, it just isn't that good. I know what you're thinking, who am I to disagree with all of your friends and every critic out there? I'm Skylar, and I write the purest reviews this side of the Mississippi. Remember my name.

 

Breaking Bad is rated TV-MA

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Tags: Breaking Bad, Bad, Breaking, TV-MA, tvma, drama, amc, television, 

22 Jump Street is very funny but occasionally overwhelms with idiocy.

7.75 out of 10

 

The sequel to the reboot of the television show (that you didn't even know existed) has hit theaters! Check out the trailer here:

Let's get it out of the way. Acting is fine. Direction is adequate. Who cares? The only thing that matters is the humor. Is it funny? Absolutely! The movie had me in stitches... at times. At other times, the jokes made me roll my eyes so hard I was unsure if they would ever return to their normal position... but in the best way possible. The movie blends three types of humor, all of which are featured in the trailer.

 

Type 1: Slapstick idiocy

This is a type of humor I have little respect for and causes the majority of my eye-rolling. This was expertly illustrated by the attack of the octopus and Jonah Hill screaming, "IT'S INKING IN MY MOUTH!" Can it illicit a chuckle? Perhaps, but it doesn't quite belong in this comic palace.

 

Type 2: Raunchy humor

It's not that raunchy humor is any more complicated than slapstick idiocy... I just think it is funnier. When the guy in prison starts screaming, "I'm Eric's b***h... THIS A*S IS YOURS!" it is kinda funny... but it doesn't compare to type 3.

 

Type 3: Self-satire

The movie is at its best when it laughs at itself. I absolutely love it! "Ladies, nobody cared about the Jump Street reboot... but you got lucky. So now this department has invested A LOT of money to make sure Jump Street keeps going." The movie is filled with clever jokes, poking fun at the shortcomings of sequels and then succeeding wildly.

 

With enough comedy and action to satisfy most audience members, 22 Jump Street is a satisfying sequel and is worth the price of admission.

 

22 Jump Street is rated R for language throughout, sexual content, drug material, brief nudity and some violence. 

http://collider.com/wp-content/uploads/22-jump-street-poster1.jpg

Tags: 22 jump street, comedy, action, r

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. 

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



Her is a tender look into what it means to be a human.

9 out of 10

 

 

Last night, I sat down to watch Spike Jonze's new film, Her, an unconventional love story set in the not so distant future. See the trailer here:

I had very high expectations going into this movie and they were all met and surpassed. This movie gave me the "feels". Samantha (the Siri like machine/lover) wants to experience all life has to offer as she learns about emotions and feelings. Her desires are simple but as a character, she is very complex and interesting. The movie is 2 hours and I enjoyed every single minute of it. It was perfect, the movie felt long and rich but never bloated.

 

Performance wise, this movie was astonishing. Joaquin Phoenix expertly portrays a sweet, possibly creepy man. I felt his sadness and could really relate to him as a character. Scarlett Johansson gives an absolutely fantastic performance as Samantha, the Operating System. Her voice is warm and inviting, you can't help but love her. Together, as the go around experiencing life and you cannot help but feel with them. Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde, and Rooney Mara are great supporting actors.

 

I know what your thinking, this movie seems so odd. How could someone fall in love with Siri? I will not deny you that the movie is odd, but Scarlett Johansson does such a fantastic job bringing Samantha to life that it doesn't feel that awkward. Their chemistry is palpable. I may have even fallen in love with Samantha a little bit!

 

Something about this movie really spoke to me. It truly is a sweet movie and an emotional rollercoaster. It is fresh and exciting. And be honest, is the premise really THAT unrealistic? Think about it. As a society, how far are we from falling in love with out gadgets? Food for thought.

 

Overall, Her is a wonderful and refreshing love story that may be odd but is definitely worth watching.

 

Her is rated R for language, sexual content and brief graphic nudity.

http://www.impawards.com/2013/posters/her_xlg.jpg

 

Tags: her, comedy, romance, drama, R, recommended,

Skyscreening has a small favor to ask of you!

 

Here at SkyScreening, it is all about the movies. A picture is worth a thousand words but a movie is worth a million. However, the essay written by my friend is worth 3 movies... you do the math!

 

He has submitted it for a scholarship but now needs people to read it and then click the green button on the bottom to "recommend it". You do need to set up an account but if you have a twitter account, it is beyond easy (medium is a safe site, great for writers!). It is a truly stellar essay and I give it a rave review. It's a story I think we can all relate to. I strongly encourage you to read it and hit the recommend button. It will take a few seconds and it is an entirely enjoyable read. Below is the link to his essay:

https://medium.com/extra-credit/59e4077ff2e1

I thank you kindly for your continued support and keep returning for more reviews!

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,