Director: Joon-ho Bong
Writers: Joon-ho Bong (screenplay), Kelly Masterson (screenplay)
Stars: Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jamie Bell, John Hurt, Ed Harris

Synopsis: In a future where a failed global-warming experiment kills off most life on the planet, a class system evolves aboard the Snowpiercer, a train that travels around the globe via a perpetual-motion engine.

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DIRECTION
Joon-ho Bong does a good job of throwing us into the dystopian environment where a train is the only resemblance of any life left on Earth. Bong introduces different aesthetics throughout the film which keeps things fresh and interesting. The back of the train features the slums, where every night is a fight for survival, while one car is a a gorgeous aquarium, one is a classroom for children, another a sushi bar and we even see one car as a nightclub. Bong creates a tone that is somber throughout most of the film, yet still a hopeful tease as you understand our characters’ motives. The action sequences are well shot and pretty engaging. I didn’t think much of the film to start, but was surprised by the end.

Grade: B+

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SCRIPT
Snowpiercer takes place in the future where a global warming experience goes wrong and creates the next ice age. Only one person, Wilford (Ed Harris) saw the events coming and engineered a train to withstand the cold temperatures and help sustain some sort of life. The story centers around Curtis (Chris Evans), who is poor and living in the last car of the train, where tyranny takes place and people are slaughtered for population control. Curtis then gathers a group and decides that revolution must take place and they must get to the front of the train to take control from Wilford. With support from many followers, they begin to make their way, fighting police offers and engaging in some well shot battles. While the story is formulaic in some ways, the story has more depth than you’d think. No one character is safe and the mold starts to break slowly as the film proceeds. There a twist in the third act that doesn’t quite pack the punch it was hoping for but it does add a genuine touch to the film that makes you feel for our characters. And as the film crystalizes, it’s not pretty but still offers a slight sliver of hope. Sure, the film is a “be warned, take care of the environment” story but it’s unique and does offer a little more in the third act that separates itself a little bit.

Grade: B+

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RELATED: Divergent Review

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PERFORMANCES
Captain America does a good job and while this character is more subtle overall, Evans does bring some of that Steve Rogers spunk to the role. You believe him through the whole ride and has some nice character moments. John Hurt’s performance is really solid and is a crucial piece to the story, should you buy into the narrative pieces in the third act. Ed Harris’ role is short but very good as is the same with Tilda Swinton. Swinton is an abrasive women who has some compelling characteristics and in the end, well she learns she should of been more compassionate. Jamie Bell and Octavia Spencer are two smaller roles but both have some very heavy scenes that help elevate this movie as well.

Grade: A-

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SCORE
Marco Beltrami offers a score here that is serviceable but is mostly forgetabble. This is far from Beltrami’s best work and while it’s mostly average it’s never distracting or bad. It’s just there, which is kind of disappointing for Beltrami.

Grade: B-

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FINAL THOUGHTS
Snowpiercer is not a bad film by any means and while many elements have been played before, this is a unique take at the subject matter and you feel for the characters in this film. The different cars were intriguing and made you wonder what you would build if you engineered this train. Chris Evans steps away from the shield for this one and does a good job. The film takes some interesting turns and you’re never really quite sure where it’s going to go. And not to mention some pretty cool action sequences.

Overall Grade: B+

Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus (screenplay), Stephen McFeely (screenplay)
Stars: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford

Synopsis: Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from old history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier.

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DIRECTION
I’m not sure what qualified Anthony and Joe Russo to direct Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but what they did was nothing short of remarkable. The tone of the film was perfectly blended with intense dramatic elements yet lifted with perfectly timed humor. I mean, after all this is a Marvel film we’re talking about. The scale for this film is huge and it’s a gamechanger in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Russo’s created the perfect aesthetic for the Winter Soldier character that was just phenomenal, creating perhaps the most menacing character we’ve seen yet in a Marvel film and he hardly says two sentences in the film. Outside of the amazing action sequences, the characterization was well handled and we see new developments that was pretty shocking. The CGI was stellar again as you could imagine and the camera work was mostly solid, if you can get past some shaky cam at times. Overall, this is arguably the best Marvel movie yet.

Grade: A

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SCRIPT
I don’t even know where to begin. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is full of twists and turns at every corner and has some major impacts that changes the game entirely for Marvel and it’s wonderful characters. The film picks up sometime after the events in New York as Steve Rogers is still adapting to the 21st Century lifestyle. Nick Fury introduces Rogers to some more Helicarriers that are being built by S.H.I.E.L.D. for “policing” purposes. Not long after that, we soon find Fury in some trouble and from there chaos breaks out. Hunting certain S.H.I.E.L.D. assets is the Winter Soldier, an assassin built by the Soviets and is considered a ghost by many. However, for those comic book fans out there, you’ll know who he is and the reveal of that is nothing short of fantastic. It’ll hit home for both fans of the comic and non-fans as well. Alongside Rogers, we are introduced to Falcon, a former military man who becomes Captain America’s wingman and sidekick throughout, which was a pretty compelling character. And what really makes this script so great is the not only are the main characters explored more thoroughly but there are many nods to past Marvel films here that are just a ton of fun. And they’re never distracting or out of place. However there are a few weaknesses. The main plot twists is a HUGE gamechanger and if you’re not on board, you’ll struggle with this film. And while the twist works for most characters, there are a few that felt forced and out of place. Robert Redford’s character lacked depth as well and when everything crystallizes at the end, it doesn’t quite hit as hard as it could. Overall though, this is still a great story, with amazing action scenes and it’s some of the most fun you’ll have all year at the movies.

Grade: A-

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RELATED: Noah Movie Review

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PERFORMANCES
Chris Evans epitomizes Captain America so well that I don’t want to see him leave that character. Steve Rogers is a character that not only is struggling to keep up but is now the leader of a team responsible for keeping earth safe from enemies both in the cosmos and at home. Evans encompasses all of those characteristics amazingly well. He’s subtle when he needs to be but dangerous when you start to push him. His action sequences are amazing, along with Sebastian Stan, who played the Winter Soldier. Stan was menacing as this character, which is impressive given he has very little dialogue. The facial expressions and body language sell it, as well as the aesthetic of the character, which was perfect. Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury was at it again and brings it as you’d expect. Scarlett Johansson has more to do here than we’ve seen before and there’s some more insight into Black Widow, which I though Johansson embellished really well. Robert Redford was good but wasn’t great and even seemed a little lost at times. It’s hard to explain without spoilers but while it fits the bill, it’s not his best work. The rest of the supporting cast is great though and everyone does their job in that Marvel fashion we’ve come to expect.

Grade: A-

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SCORE
Henry Jackman has become a composer that I’ve really fallen in love with. His score for this film was solid and enhanced the action scenes incredibly well. He was also subtle in many parts and the score was almost more thriller-ish than action hero, which is was the tone I think the Russo’s was going for. Because of that however, the score isn’t as fun to listen to outside of the film, but within the context of the movie, it’s very, very good.

Grade: A

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FINAL THOUGHTS
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is arguably the best Marvel film yet and it can only get bigger and better from here. The character of Winter Soldier is perhaps the best villain we’ve seen too, which was just riveting from the moment we see him. The film is not only great with the action set pieces, but with characterization and moving things forward in big ways. While those plot points won’t appeal to everyone, if you get on board, it’s going to be one heck of a ride. I was grinning ear to ear the whole time.

Another fun note; if you look closely at the end, there’s a small connection with Sam Jackson and Pulp Fiction, which was very cool.

Overall Grade: A

Director: David Ayer
Writers: Skip Woods, David Ayer (with additions by)
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard

Synopsis: Members of an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one by one after they rob a drug cartel safe house.

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INTRO
Hands tied up, blood rushing down her face, she screams for John…gunshot…she’s dead and Sabotage begins.

DIRECTION
Prior to viewing this film, I had it on my worst list for the month of March because just like Need for Speed, the plot seemed predictable and I was not too thrilled on the casting. Sabotage poorly deals what happens when money and greed comes between friends and teaches you that you always shouldn’t trust a mastery Halo player. Beyond the action scenes we hardly have anything to be excited about as the movie itself gives away small clues as to who is Sabotaging the group and as soon as I saw the trailer I already had an idea of who it was and I was right. I am surprised that this film was as bad as it was because director David Ayer, did an awesome job with End of Watch. End of Watch, just like most police movies are very hard to expand on its scope because you are limited by what you can do and he was still able to craft a great and emotional movie. Sabotage has too many characters and they all come and go very quickly like an argument that you have no time to care about any of the characters besides John Wharton. Ayer stuck with the same logic that Need for Speed did, where you throw a bunch of things together and hope that one thing makes it worth the audience’s time. For Need for Speed it was the nice cars and for Sabotage, it was the sheer violence and the blood bath. I do not like mystery movies because it is always very easy to figure things out and the way this film reveals who it is comes with no buildup what so ever, basically wasting everyone’s time. Once it is revealed why the money was stolen and by whom, it is a huge letdown.

Grade: C

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SCRIPT
Right after the grueling opening scene we witness the only strength of this film: The action scenes. The scenes are not for the faint of heart as there is enough blood in this movie that can feed vampires for over 100 years. Who else better to lead the blood rayne than Arnold Schwarzenegger. Schwarzenegger plays John “Breacher” Wharton, the commander of an elite squad of DEA operatives. His team consists of a Nav’I, a stripper, a basketball coach turned b-boy coach, a Jaeger pilot and of course an Iron Patriot. This group of DEA operatives, during a mission, steal 10 million dollars from a Mexican drug cartel. Mission is over…Money is missing… and soon members of the group are taking out and the Scooby Doo mystery begins.

Grade: D+

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RELATED: Noah Movie Review

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PERFORMANCES
I want to talk about the performances if I can because Olivia Williams was great in this film as Investigator Caroline Brentwood. Williams had great onscreen presence and was able to carry the entire film along with Schwarzenegger. Williams was able to breathe life in the scenes with the other operatives because she cared about her role in the film. She also had brief but excellent scenes with fellow detective Jackson (Harold Perrineau). The other female character Lizzy (Mireille Enos) is the latest member in the girls kicking butt in movies club. There has been a huge trend lately in women being strong characters in females and I think it is about time we see this change. Lizzy is tougher than I will ever be and makes Lara Croft look like a poodle. This type of movie is right up Schwarzenegger’s alley and he played Breacher in a way only the Terminator can—tough as nails. Schwarzenegger role was refreshing because his last role as an officer in The Last Stand was a nightmare that I do not want to discuss.

Grade: B

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SCORE
David Sardy chooses drafts a perfect score for this film as it is dark and has that underground style to it that is suited for this type of film. The musical elements ring loud in all the best ways and service the movie really well.

Grade: A

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FINAL THOUGHTS
If you just enjoy senseless killing and rivers of blood than this is the film for you, but I just wished that they would have spent some of the money they stole into some editing because since it is not told in chronological order some so parts it’s hard to see what’s going on. The best example of this is a montage when Breacher and Caroline try to reach Tripod (Kevin Vance) and his assailants kill him.

Overall Grade: C

Director: Darren Aronofsky
Writers: Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel
Stars: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins

Synopsis: A man is chosen by God to undertake a momentous mission of rescue before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world.

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DIRECTION
Darren Aronofsky is known for his creative worlds, strange sequences and bleak stories that on the surface made Noah seem like a good fit for him. While the story of Noah is famous from the Christian Bible, the world that Aronofsky creates here is almost from another planet. If you’re to enjoy this movie, you must be willing to submit to that as this world is more mystical, fantastical and almost Harry Potter-esque. Aronofsky is very careful about not using that word that seems to scare and offend many, “God”, so instead we are introduced to “The Creator”, again keeping you on another world. The landscapes are dry and baron, creating the desperate feeling of change the world needed. Most of the camerawork was solid but there were a few shots that felt off course and some of the CGI felt lazy. However, as with all Aronofsky films, there are several dream sequences that are well shot and crafted to elevate this story and world we’re introduced to, which was easily some of the brightest spots of the film. Overall, purists will vomit over this version of Noah, but if you’re willing to lay down expectations, you can believe what Aronofsky is doing, at least from a direction standpoint.

Grade: A-

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SCRIPT
Aronofsky, as the writer, is quite a different story. Again, Aronofsky’s films are known for their bleakness, yet also wonderfully portrayed characters that have many layers to them. The story starts out with an opening sequence laying out the backstory of creation, the Garden of Eden, Cain and Able and the downfall of mankind. We see how sin and corruption has taken over the world, from Adam all the way through Noah’s generation. It’s also not long before we are introduced to fall angels, who have become rock-like creatures (they explain why in exposition later) that roam the Earth to try to help mankind. Think of them like the Tree Creatures in The Lord of the Rings. In a dream, The Creator, tells Noah he’s destroying the Earth for the sins of man and Noah interprets the dream as an extermination of man-kind. Noah takes his family on a journey to meet their grandfather, Methusela (Anthony Hopkins), who helps Noah interpret his next steps. Soon Noah and his family start building the ark, with the help of these rock-like creatures, and we see the birds, the snakes and all kinds of animals make their way to the boat. After the animals arrive, we meet Tubal-cain (Ray Winstone), the representative of the fall of man, whom appears out of nowhere with no explanation or backstory. And now he wants Noah’s boat. The biggest problem with the script is Noah himself. The story of Noah is one full of hope and new beginnings all while dealing with death and destruction. There are many layers to Noah that make him compelling, however, Aronofsky contrives ridiculous family melodrama that wasn’t necessary and took away from the natural attractiveness to the character. His inner transformation is kind of interesting though, but isn’t enough to save from a muddled script.

Grade: C

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RELATED: The Grand Budapest Hotel Movie Review

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PERFORMANCES
Russell Crowe and Emma Watson are out of this world good in Noah. Crowe brings this character to life and captures the struggle of what would of been going on in Noah’s mind. He makes you love him, makes you hate him and brings you back to him again. A better script and this could of been one of the best Biblical characters we’ve ever seen in film. Watson doesn’t have as much to do until the third act, but man she delivers. She’s powerful, moving and brings her A-game. Jennifer Connelly and Anthony Hopkins are also solid in their roles as well.

Grade: A

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SCORE
Clint Mansell brings a solid score for the film, but ultimately a forgettable one. It moves quietly throughout most of the film, other than a few big moving shots Aronofsky has throughout. The music is beautiful though and does raise some scenes well. In the end though, there’s not much to really grab your attention, but it serves well.

Grade: B+

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FINAL THOUGHTS
Noah is a film that both believer and non-believers can enjoy if you’re able to submit to Aronofsky’s world. His mystic elements is not the problem. The problem is a muddled script with unnecessary contrived plot elements that take away the heart of the story. Noah is compelling without having forcing it. He understood that death and destruction was coming but that ultimately it would bring a new beginning. Aronofsky lost sight of that in his script and blew up the natural rythms that could of made this film great. For me, it’s a disappointment.

Overall Grade: C+

Director: James Bobin
Writers: James Bobin, Nicholas Stoller
Stars: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey

Synopsis: While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

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DIRECTION
James Bobin is back in the director’s chair once again for Muppets Most Wanted, his follow-up to The Muppets back in 2011. The first thing you’ll notice is that Bobin and his crew pick up right where they left off in 2011, where our beloved muppets are back together and trying to find their feet. Bobin once again reigns in nostalgia and brings us all the goofiness and silliness you’d expect from a Muppets movie. The musical numbers were riveting and well shot, which elevated many of the film’s bright spots. Bobin’s big win, however, had to have been the addition of Constantine, the world’s most dangerous frog and #1 criminal in the world. As a representation of the 80’s Russian bad-guy, Constantine was fun and used extremely well. If you peel back the layers, you’ll find references to Muppets Lore and the movie industry that creates more intrigue, but this is more of a film where you can shut off for a few hours and just have a little fun.

Grade: A-

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SCRIPT
The story picks up right after the events of The Muppets, when a camera is left behind after filming the last movie, thus revealing that there is a sequel to be made. It’s at this point, we hear our first song, We’re Doing A Sequel, which is quite possibly the most brilliant thing I’ve ever heard. The song itself is catchy, but the writing is beyond glorious taking jabs at the film industry and even Americans’ behavior to watching film. It’s not long before we’re introduced to Constantine, who escapes from The Gulag, one of Russia’s toughest prisons, finds Kermit and frame. The muppets then meet up with Dominic Badguy, posing as a tour manager but is really Constantine’s #2 and thus our plot is set in motion. As the muppets tour, Constantine and Dominic have their plans of stealing and finding a bigger treasure. In the middle of all that, Interpol and CIA agents, Jean Pierre Napoleon (Ty Burrell) and Sam Eagle (Eric Jacobson) have teamed up to investigate these acts of thievery, which include some of the most ridiculousness we’ve seen in a muppets movie. While many of the musical elements shine, the narrative is formulaic, predictable and dry at times. The elements surrounding Kermit in The Gulag are hit or miss, especially the character of Nadya, which is contrived at times. Despite some of these flaws, it’s still a very good time and the musical elements more than make up for any narrative issues.

Grade: B+

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RELATED: Divergent Review

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PERFORMANCES
Ricky Gervais shows stellar comedic timing and helps create an enthralling dynamic with Constantine, voiced by the great Matt Vogel, who was marvelous. Vogel not only voiced Constantine, but several other characters, as did Steve Whitmire, Eric Jacobson, Dave Goelz, Bill Barretta and David Rudman, whom all did a fantastic job with our fun muppet characters. While Tina Fey’s character could of been written better, she delivers a fun performance, Russian accent and all. As with all Muppets films, there are many cameos or small roles, which include Sean Combs, Lady Gaga, Zach Galifianakis, Salma Hayek, Josh Groban, Tom Hiddleston, Frank Langella, James McAvoy, Ray Liotta, Chloe Grace Moretz, Usher, Danny Trejo, Celine Dion, Christoph Waltz, Stanley Tucci and the list goes on.

Grade: A

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SCORE
While the musical numbers will overshadow the score in a big way here, Christophe Beck’s score isn’t terrible by any means, although it’s nothing special at the same time. In this case, not recognizing the score isn’t a terrible thing, given the nature of what this film is and the kind elements it has. Beck’s score is more than serviceable but will ultimately won’t be the main attraction.

Grade: B

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FINAL THOUGHTS
Muppets Most Wanted is a strong piece of work in many ways, especially the musical pieces and the nostolgia it dives into, but suffers from a formulaic plot and gags that are either hit or miss. Kids will most likely have a ball with this film and if you’re a parent, that’s really all you can ask for. Some of the writing is magnificent, especially towards the beginning, but it fizzles in the 2nd half and doesn’t quite live up to Bobin’s first take at these beloved muppet characters. Still worth a watch though.

Overall Grade: B+