Saturday, July 30, 2016

Jason Bourne - Review

   A franchise that began way back in 2002 has returned with the creative minds and lead behind what made the original trilogy so great. A slight misstep in 2012, the Bourne franchise always delivered thrilling action and a storyline worthy of continuing in the correct way and that’s exactly what Jason Bourne (and the inevitable future entries) intends to do. In a summer filled with disappointing blockbusters, will Bourne redeem it?

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Nerve - Review

   The age of the social media lifestyle has quickly grown to overtake Hollywood with the slight thriller that is Nerve. The film is rather simplistic with a slight undertone on our society’s love of being loved. The fictional game seems like the pipe dream that some TV or app producer has to capitalize on those who live through a screen rather than actual living. Nerve has an interesting premise for the digital age and it executes it…for the most part.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Star Trek Beyond - Review


   Very rarely does a rebooted series take off and find such financial and critical success that the new Star Trek series has. Back in 2009, J.J. Abrams laid a great foundation for a new world (and a new timeline) where anything could happen to the crew of the Enterprise. The third installment sees the crew finally take to deep space and as the voyages now show no signs of stopping, as it appears Star Trek is here to stay.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Lights Out - Review

   In a genre that feeds on using darkness for their scaring needs, it’s a wonder how horror films have never truly utilized darkness as the true horror itself. Lights Out does exactly that and reminds everyone why they kept those night-lights on or ran down a dimly lit hallway when they were younger, feasting on that fear and turning it into a feature length, and quite effective, film.

Friday, July 15, 2016

Ghostbusters (2016) - Review

   Never has a film received so much scrutiny, and some hatred, before the actual film has been released than the newest Hollywood reboot, Ghostbusters. Ultimately, the outrage isn’t shocking in the age of so many lackluster reboots recently, and the horrible marketing campaign certainly didn’t help, but the logic behind the hate was faulty through and through. Now that the newest entry in the comedy franchise is out, what’s the final verdict?

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates - Review

   The raunchy comedy is a frequent endeavor for Hollywood these days, placing characters into any awkward situation they can conjure up.  They have a very small window to succeed without crossing the line into eye-rolling territory and ultimately becoming unfunny. While Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates features a large number of comedic and truly funny moments, it toes that line of raunchy comedies.

Friday, July 8, 2016

The Secret Life of Pets - Review

   The fifth feature film from Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures comes to the world in the form of The Secret Life of Pets. With about a fifty percent success rate, Illumination looks to venture out of the Despicable Me world into the realm of talking animals. The approach, not unlike their other films, aims at the younger aged demographic whole-heartedly rather than leave some clever moments for the adults like other animation studios. The attempt is valiant by the young animation studio, but does the film reach it's potential for greatness?

Saturday, July 2, 2016

The Legend of Tarzan - Review

  Tarzan of the Apes is one of the longest running heroes in books and film, making his debut back in 1914. There have been so many different portrayals of the character of the years including a Disney animated film, so it’s highly unlikely that someone doesn’t know Tarzan in some form or another. But the story this time around goes beyond the classic tale, to Tarzan’s years after the jungle and his time going by John Clayton. Though it may be another Tarzan iteration, it’s with a different perspective for a new era.

Friday, July 1, 2016

The Purge: Election Year - Review

   If anyone would’ve said that a concept such as The Purge would make it to three films back when the original came out, no one would’ve believed you. Yet here we are at the third entry in the franchise, and they’ll likely be more as the years go by. The first two differed so much in tone, but the third follows in the second’s footsteps, following the on-street tension throughout the runtime.

The BFG - Review

   Very rarely are there directors that produce a consistent line of products like Steven Spielberg has over the years. Covering everything from aliens to dinosaurs to sharks, the 69-year-old director has graced the screen with classics big and small. It should come as no surprise that whenever his name is attached to a film, the anticipation skyrockets. This film was no different, as a beloved children’s book set in a magical world in his hands sounds like the recipe for success.