jeudi 30 juillet 2015

Southpaw — A touching drama that will leave you stunned — 10*/10

  • Scenario: A solid drama centered on family, with the boxing almost taking second stage. Realistic, riveting and touching. You won't be left cold, if not by the sentiments, then by the action. Close to a masterpiece.
  • Known actorsJake Gyllenhaal (another superb performance for him), Rachel McAdams (just perfect), Oona Laurence (excellent as the daughter), Forest Whitaker (one of his best performance) and 50 Cent.
  • Visual & sound: Astounding, visually and musically.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798684/
  • Who is it for? Anyone looking for a great drama who doesn't mind violence, anyone looking for action who doesn't mind drama, and Gyllenhaal, McAdams or Whitaker fans.


mardi 28 juillet 2015

Pixels — Sci-fi action and silly fun in boatloads — 8*/10

  • Scenario: The story is extremely simple, it's basically what you saw in the previews. That being said, the basic concept is genius and the whole production is hilarious, especially if you know anything about the 80's, more so if at the time you used to go to arcades. My only gripe is the Lady Lisa side story, except for the epilog, I think it was an badly handled, she should have stayed pixelated. Nonetheless, the action is superb, in a nerdy way, the silliness is all over the place and the entertainment value is really high.
  • Known actors: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Jane Krakowski, Dan Aykroyd, Jackie Sandler, Serena Williams (she didn't do too bad and looked like a goddess in her evening gown) and Martha Stewart.
  • Visual & sound: Great, you can't expect much better visually. Musically, any reason was a good reason to play an 80's classic.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt2120120/
  • Who is it for? Those looking for a silly sci-fi with lots of action, and any Sandler, James, Dinklage or Gad fan because they all shine pretty brightly.


dimanche 26 juillet 2015

TRON: Legacy — A thing of dreams a crucible of imagination — 10*/10

  • Scenario: Picking up over twenty years after the original TRON (read my review here), it's still a movie to make anyone dream. The intro is a bit jarring, I'll give you that and it takes a little while to get used the son character, but the rest is extremely imaginative, the story captivating with luscious details, the action intense with a solid ending.
  • Known actorsJeff Bridges (great performance, better than the first one), Olivia Wilde (touching in a strong performance to say the least), Garrett Hedlund (a bit of over acting, but still appreciable), Beau GarrettMichael Sheen (just amazing) and Daft Punk (great cameo).
  • Visual & sound: Absolutely astounding on both counts, especially if you saw it in IMAX 3D with full bass. The experience is so good, it's difficult to describe. The only flaw I'd point out is the face of CLU or the younger Kevin Flynn which is far from perfect and at times can be distracting.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1104001/
  • Who is it for? Those seeking action in a great fictional world, any geek or sci-fi fan.

I'm really happy, in a geeky way, that they rectified the command line mistake of the original.

TRON — The original life inside a computer story — 7*/10

  • Scenario: Set in the golden age of arcades and personal computers with command line interface, it takes us into their micro systems showing us the virtual lives of programs. Originally, it was a hit because of its imagery, novelty and the way it can stir the imagination. Back then, beyond the usual suspension of belief required for any sci-fi, the only reproach one could have directed towards it was the fact that no command line interface ever required full sentence command, like they're showing. Over three decades later, it's still entertaining if you're ready for its antiquity.
  • Known actors: A young Jeff Bridges.
  • Visual & sound: In its day, the visuals were spectaculars, but they now show their age, painfully so. The only glory they have left is the creativity they showed back then. They have more sentimental value for those who remember seeing it then than anything else.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084827/
  • Who is it for? The nostalgic fans, or anyone curious enough to see what the original was like. Those new to this movie should keep very low expectations or suffer the consequences.

Stay tuned, tomorrow, I review its long awaited sequel!

vendredi 24 juillet 2015

Rapture-Palooza — Low budget goofy comedy for light entertainment — 6*/10

  • Scenario: Crazy. The intro was particularly hilarious and the end was really funny with lots of goofy things in between. Even if the story itself was particularly light, the entertainment value was still there.
  • Known actors: Anna Kendrick (she did what she could with what she had, but she has shown that she can be much better), Craig Robinson (they gave him a lot of crass things to say and it gets annoying after a while), Rob CorddryAna GasteyerJohn Michael Higgins (the little screen time he had was hilarious!), Thomas Lennon and Ken Jeong.
  • Visual & sound: Very low budget and it showed a lot visually, even in the makeup.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1879032/
  • Who is it for? Those looking for some end of the world goofy flick. Just don't take anything seriously or expect too much.


jeudi 23 juillet 2015

Ant-Man — As solid super-hero action flick — 7*/10

  • Scenario: This is your standard super-hero flick. Even though the story doesn't bring anything new to the table, the humor is quite good, as is the action and the entertainment value.
  • Known actors: Paul Rudd (a solid performance), Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Peña (an incredibly funny performance), Corey Stoll, Judy Greer, Anthony Mackie, Bobby Cannavale and John Slattery.
  • Visual & sound: Excellent.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478970/
  • Who is it for? Those wanting a nice action flick with solid humor or super-hero fans.


Trainwreck — It's hilarious but it could have been more imaginative — 6*/10

  • Scenario: It's hilarious at times, mainly because the situations are so outrageous and the humor irreverent. However, the message it sends is still straight out of the good old mold, nothing new there, and it didn't try to come up with anything new. That being said, I will salute the final grand gesture which I thought was really cute. It's unfortunate that the film didn't follow the unconventional road it took in the first half, it would have been great.
  • Known actors: Bill Hader, Brie Larson, LeBron James, Daniel Radcliffe, Marisa Tomei, Tim Meadows, Amar'e Stoudemire and Matthew Broderick.
  • Visual & sound: Nice.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt3152624/
  • Who is it for? Anyone looking for something silly with a bit a romance.


mercredi 22 juillet 2015

The Shawshank Redemption — Something nobody should miss — 10*/10

  • Scenario: It's a slow developing story that captures your attention very quickly and builds an entrancing narrative. You won't be able to turn away as the plot irremediably thickens, one forlorn step at a time. There's never a dull moment, because it will make you think almost at every turn. Even speckled with its few bits of stark realistic violence, it's a masterpiece.
  • Known actorsTim Robbins (his best performance ever), Morgan Freeman (that performance was only bested by the one he gave in Se7en) and Bob Gunton.
  • Visual & sound: Perfect mood and ambiance.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111161/
  • Who is it for? Those who don't mind a slow movie with a solid intellectual, psychological and philosophical streak.


mardi 21 juillet 2015

Mr. Holmes — That's a side of the coin that was really worth exploring — 8*/10

  • Scenario: Very interesting, captivating in some regards, and human. This is not about crime solving and certainly not an action ride, it's really about relationships. It's slow mix of sweet, touching, sad, and funny.
  • Known actorsIan McKellen (almost perfect as Holmes) and Laura Linney (who you can't deny has an incredibly solid grip on her role with masterful subtlety).
  • Visual & sound: Soft and embracing. Great sets full of details.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt3168230/
  • Who is it for? Anyone not looking for high octane, but in need of quality screen time.


lundi 20 juillet 2015

Patch Adams — Good but with a number flaws easily disregarded — 7*/10

  • Scenario: Overall, it's interesting and captivating, but like all movies based on real people, certain events are polished, embellished or peppered with details that are not always homogenous. The result makes the experience less than it could be. However, don't let that deter you from seeing it, because it's good.
  • Known actorsRobin Williams (who gives a solid prestation), Philip Seymour Hoffman and Bob Gunton (who was better in The Shawshank Redemption).
  • Visual & sound: Pretty good.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0129290/
  • Who is it for? Williams fans or those looking for a biography with more laughters than tears.


samedi 18 juillet 2015

Prometheus — Great prequel to the first Alien — 8*/10

  • Scenario: Very interesting story, especially if you're a fan of the Alien series, since it's a prequel to the first one (read my review of it here). The scenario is sprinkled with lots of recalls of the original, the tension is nice and tight with some well spaced out action scenes. Even though the characters lack enough depth for us to really get them, the whole package is just superb entertainment by Ridley Scott.
  • Known actorsNoomi Rapace and Charlize Theron.
  • Visual & sounds: Lots of details with great technology, superb special effects and solid soundtrack.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446714/
  • Who is it for? Sci-fi or action fans with a taste for thrills. If you're an Alien or Ridley Scott aficionado, you shouldn't miss this.


jeudi 16 juillet 2015

Minions — Silly and easily enjoyable by all — 7*/10

  • Scenario: It's silly and as a spinoff of the popular Despicable Me (read my review here) it's actually good. There are a few nice surprises, but the preview reels give us too much of the content. Turn off your brain and enjoy.
  • Dialogs: Very few understandable ones, but well done.
  • Characters: Very simple.
  • Actors: Voices include Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Steve Coogan, Geoffrey Rush and Steve Carell.
  • Photography: Very colorful.
  • Sound: Nice music and score.
  • Special effects: Nice style of animation.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt2293640/
  • Who is it for? Anyone who likes silly animation. A must for the fans of the series.


mardi 14 juillet 2015

Self/less — Nice but extremely predictable entertainment — 6*/10

  • Scenario: I've seen better sci-fi thriller than this, but if you really must have you fix, then it might do the trick. It's so predictable that it becomes boring, but it's a nice story. The main idea of the movie was better exploited in a german movie called Transfer (read my review here).
  • Dialogs: Okay.
  • Characters: Simple and not that interesting.
  • Actors: Just acceptable work for most. Cast members include Ryan Reynolds, Matthew Goode, Ben Kingsley and Victor Garber.
  • Photography: Okay.
  • Sound: Nice music and score.
  • Special effects: None.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt2140379/
  • Who is it for? Those in desperate need of a sci-fi thriller fix.


lundi 13 juillet 2015

Confessions of a Shopaholic — Nice light romantic comedy — 6*/10

  • Scenario: Simple, follows the standard model for a romantic comedy, including some very embarrassing moments. As its peers, what really makes the flick are the jokes and details. So, comparatively speaking this one is above average and provides some nice light entertainment. What's notable about this film is that it doesn't have any big flaws and doesn't go overboard.
  • Dialogs: Funny.
  • Characters: Very simple.
  • Actors: Isla Fisher (who is the real reason why this movie is any good), Krysten Ritter, Joan Cusack, John Goodman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Leslie Bibb, Julie Hagerty, John Lithgow and Fred Armisen.
  • Photography: Nice.
  • Sound: Nice music and score.
  • Special effects: None.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1093908/
  • Who is it for? Those looking for some light entertainment.


samedi 11 juillet 2015

Iron Man — An incredible start for this great super hero franchise — 8*/10

  • Scenario: This first chapter of the franchise was a big success and understandably so. Not only does it have great action, an almost roller coaster succession of fights, but everything around those was close to perfection. The only exception and my only regret is that I found the story a little light. It did give us a nice version of the birth of Iron Man and its successive improvements, but the last third of the movie was somewhat stark. That being said, do not let this deter you from seeing it, because it ranks amongst the best super hero flicks out there, and, please, do not miss the third chapter (read my review here), it's amazing.
  • Dialogs: Great, fast paced, loads of details.
  • Characters: An even better development than in the comics. I loved how they made characters out of the robots, just hilarious.
  • Actors: Robert Downey Jr. is the perfect Tony Stark, showing all its qualities and flaws in a beautiful rendition. The rest of the cast did a good job too. Cast members include Gwyneth Paltrow (just right for the role), Jeff Bridges (excellent performance on his part in a surprising role), Leslie Bibb, Paul Bettany (now, I can't imagine Jarvis with any other voice), Terrence Howard, Clark Gregg and Jon Favreau (who also did an amazing job as director).
  • Photography: Great.
  • Sound: Electrifying music and score.
  • Special effects: Perfect.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/
  • Who is it for? Any super hero or Downey fans.


vendredi 10 juillet 2015

Starsky & Hutch — A decent and pretty funny little movie — 6*/10

A nice parody of the TV series. Don't expect too much of it and you'll be happy.

Cast includes Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Snoop Dogg, Amy Smart, Carmen Electra, Juliette Lewis, Vince Vaughn, Fred Williamson, Will Ferrell, Jason Bateman, Terry Crews and Chris Penn.

mercredi 8 juillet 2015

Magic Mike XXL — Sexy movie perfect for the ladies — 7*/10

  • Scenario: The story is very interesting, you learn about the various character and the group slowly and its peppered with juicy scenes. The ladies will love it. Sexy male bodies everywhere dancing sensuously to please the most demanding queen. I was floored by their moves, just incredible, but there was one part I thought the scenario was getting lost a little bit. That being said, the rest is just great, especially the ending which was perfect. I think it was better than the first one (read my review here).
  • Dialogs: Simple, but interesting and well made.
  • Characters: Simple. Some are better developed than others.
  • Actors: Good work on the part of everyone. Cast members include Channing Tatum (he,s still the incredible dancer), Andie MacDowell (who was amazing in such a little role), Elizabeth Banks and Amber Heard.
  • Photography: Stunning.
  • Sound: Excellent music and score.
  • Special effects: None.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt2268016/
  • Who is it for? Any one who loves dancing and doesn't mind the male form in all its glory.


mardi 7 juillet 2015

Terminator Genisys — A good fix for you action sci-fi needs — 7*/10

  • Scenario: This fifth and latest instalment of the series doesn't disappoint, especially if you still have in mind the third chapter. Many great recalls of the original (read my review here) and the second one (review here), but not as good. It is, however, on a par with the fourth one (here). Good action, nice innovations, a plot that makes sense if not without flaws, and overall excellent entertainment.
  • Dialogs: A bit too simple, sometimes funny.
  • Characters: Simple with nice twists for the T-800.
  • Actors: Acceptable work for the most part. Cast members include Emilia Clarke, Arnold Schwarzenegger and J.K. Simmons.
  • Photography: Nice.
  • Sound: Solid music and score that follows in the footstep of its predecessor, but just cannot beat the second one.
  • Special effects: Excellent.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt1340138/
  • Who is it for? Those wanting a good action sci-fi or any fans of the series.


vendredi 3 juillet 2015

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End — A great conclusion to the trilogy — 8*/10

  • Scenario: I was disappointed in the second chapter of the series (read its review here), because the original was so great (read its review here). However, this recent conclusion makes up for it, up to a point. It doesn't have as lousy an ending as its predecessor, but it doesn't have the luster of the first one, mainly due to a few scenario mishaps including a weird insanity scene. That being said, the entertainment value is excellent, the action and fight scenes are stupendous, making you forget everything else and the story is engrossing.
  • Dialogs: Funny and well crafted.
  • Characters: Simple, but well done.
  • Actors: Very good work overall. Cast members include Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Bill Nighy and Stellan Skarsgård.
  • Photography: The sets and decors are magnificently breathtaking. They are the best of the series without a doubt.
  • Sound: The music and score are incredible, they just take you right into the action and keep you there.
  • Special effects: Astounding.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0449088/
  • Who is it for? Those looking for a good action flick. A must for the fans of the series.


jeudi 2 juillet 2015

The Overnight — A realistically awkward night for couples in a new place — 9*/10

  • Scenario: Even though the situation is unusual, the actual way it is portrayed has a solid realistic feeling to it. There are multiple incidents and surprises throughout the evening and night that specifically break the fantasy or perfection of the moment giving it more credibility. Usually, I don't like when the ending comes back to tie loose ends, but here, it seems to really accentuate the realism. Had it cut at the fade to black, we could have imagined a more perfect ending, which makes it a bit sad. The movie is not a masterpiece, but it's damned great and very entertaining.
  • Dialogs: Smooth, easy to relate to.
  • Characters: Well defined, but simple.
  • Actors: Excellent work on the part of everyone, couldn't have picked a better ensemble. Cast members include Taylor Schilling, Adam Scott, Sarah DeVincentis and Jason Schwartzman.
  • Photography: Great camera work with nice sets and decors.
  • Sound: Good music and score.
  • Special effects: None.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt3844362/
  • Who is it for? Those with an open mind looking for a nice sexy, romantic and silly meeting of the mind of two couples.


Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest — A very worthy sequel — 8*/10

  • Scenario: Even if the novelty of it all has worn off after the first chapter (read its review here) it is still an amazingly entertaining flick. Tons of action and great fun. The end is a bit of a let down, though, they could have worked more on tying in the next one. That being said, this film is totally worth the time.
  • Dialogs: Witty and funny.
  • Characters: Simple, but well done and captivating.
  • Actors: Good work for the most part. Cast members include Keira Knightley, Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Bill Nighy, Jonathan Pryce, Jack Davenport and Stellan Skarsgård.
  • Photography: Gorgeous sets and decors, even more impressive than the first one.
  • Sound: The music and score are lively and commanding.
  • Special effects: Great, near perfection. There's just one bit that's not so good, but it doesn't ruin anything.
  • Synopsis & informationhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0383574/
  • Who is it for? Anyone in need of some lively action. A must for the fans of the first one.