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The Fault In Our Stars (Extended) [HD] Directed by Josh Boone

2014-09-18T00:07:00.000+07:00

The Fault In Our Stars (Extended) [HD] Directed by Josh Boone

The Fault In Our Stars

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Product Details

Released on: 2014-08-26
Rating: Unrated
Subtitled in: English
Running time: 133 minutes

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104 of 110 people found the following review helpful. A bittersweet celebration of love and life... By M. Bullions
There’s a critic’s quote on the back of my copy of “The Fault in Our Stars,” by John Green, which I really felt captured the book’s essence and how it felt to read it. “This is a book that will break your heart – not by wearing it down, but by making it bigger and bigger until it bursts.” This is true. But, don’t be mistaken. This is an emotionally exhausting story. All a movie of a beloved book can hope to accomplish is to do justice to the book’s essence, and to give the viewer the same feeling they had when reading it as a novel. “The Fault in Our Stars” does this, and then some.

“Stars” follows Hazel (Shailene Woodley), who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of thirteen. A clinical trial gave her a few good years, but she has never been really anything but terminal. Her behavior leads her parents (Laura Dern and Sam Trammel) to believe she’s depressed, and force her to attend an insufferable cancer support group, where she meets who turns out to be the love of her life, Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort).

So first, I’ll calm the book readers down a bit. Woodley, who proved in 2011’s “The Descendants,” that she is a dynamic actress, and could helm YA-novel adaptations without being compared to Kristen Stewart, makes for a dynamic Hazel, giving a sublime and beautiful performance that could (and should) earn her some Academy attention this winter. Elgort is brooding, romantic and infectiously charismatic – a pitch perfect Augustus. And best yet, these two young actors have a chemistry that is electric, and should hit non-fans just as hard as it does those familiar with the source material.

Amy Jellicoe, I mean, Laura Dern is lovely as Hazel’s martyr mother. Dern played Amy Jellicoe in one of my favorite television series of all time, HBO’s cancelled-too-soon “Enlightened,” and she plays exactly the character from the book, and doesn’t change much. Sam Trammel (HBO’s “True Blood”) does nice work too. In the novel, Hazel’s father broke out crying almost every time she was in his presence, which Trammel doesn’t do. I guess that’s a good thing.

When the end-of-second-act plot twist hits, you will likely be in tears the entire third act of the movie, like I was. The book’s tone reminded me of Showtime’s series “The Big C.” It’s about a morbid subject – cancer, but treats its subject with lightness and finds a way to convey the humor in a terrible situation. “The Fault in Our Stars” is like the book in that way – it is at times grim and morbid in its detail about disease. But the characters manage to crack jokes about their awful predicament, which makes the third-act punch hurt a little less.

The film only makes a few slight changes in story from the book. Hazel’s friend Kaitlyn is written out completely, which actually works. Hazel is better portrayed as someone who was lonely and friendless until the great love of her life came around. Kaitlyn was an afterthought in the book anyway. The backstory of Augustus’s previous girlfriend Caroline is also written out, which is not such a good choice. But a book fan is always going to find things to nitpick.

In the end, Josh Boone made a superb adaptation of a beloved novel, which captured what it felt like to read the book. Not only that, but it captures the unmistakable feeling of being in love for the first time. The film itself is heartbreaking (you will cry…no way around it,) hopeful, wise, and acerbic in its wit. It will remind you not to live every day like it’s your last – but to just live.

Grade: A

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful. The movie stayed fairly true to the book. By toobusyreading
There has been a lot of hype around both the book and this movie. Enough hype to convince me to finally read the book and then go see the movie on opening day.

I thought The Fault in Our Stars was cast perfectly. I had seen a movie poster prior to reading the book so that could have significantly influenced me. The movie stayed fairly true to the book. Of course things had to be cut and changed to make this movie work but overall I think the adaptations they made worked well.

While reading I pictured the characters much sicker than they appeared on the screen, however, I understand that no one really wants to watch a 2 hour movie with sickly looking dying people. There aren’t many movies that I watch more than once but I would like to see this one again.

Content: There is some moderate language sprinkled throughout and one use of the F word. If you have read the book you know there is a sex scene. The scene cuts after Hazel removes her bra (seen only from the back) and picks back up with them sleeping entwined in each others arms. I am going to take my 14 year old to see this. Once again there is a little more content than I am comfortable with her seeing. (I wish the sex scene had cut a little earlier and that there was a little less language). However it is a movie she really wants to see and I’m going to let her see it.

My recommendation – If you are going to see it read the book first. They did a great job adapting this from a book to a movie but there is much that had to be left out and as is usually the case the book is better than the movie.

44 of 55 people found the following review helpful. You Will Cry and Want To Hate-Tweet John Green For Writing Such an Emotionally Draining Story By Morgsborgs
There are two stories that have captured the essence of life and death as a millennial today. One is a great spiritual fiction Now and at the Hour of Our Death. The other will make you want to hate tweet John Green for writing such an emotionally tormenting story

First off you will probably cry at this film more than you ever have at a movie. You will probably ugly cry. Just warning you! The film of The Fault in Our Stars is a great adaption of a beautiful and wonderfully-written novel. It's sort of perfect.

I think they picked the perfect actors to play the roles so many have come to appreciate through the book and the film follows along the story well, being true to Green's excellente novel. When it's brought to life, there's actually more emotion and feeling than I felt with the book, which is saying alot. I love when Agustus Waters compliments Hazel Grace with her canula draped under her nose and over her ears. I couldn't stop bawling and my heart kinda flutters now every time I hear someone say "okay".

The acting is good and maintains the believability of the characters and the story, which is important because while these are everyday teens living in an everyday town, their fight with a horrible disease and the unusual things it makes people do is tough to pull off if you're not a good actor. Shailene and Ansel certainly are.

There are two stories out there that capture the essence of life. They've made an amazing film out of this one.

Godzilla (2-Disc Special Edition) (DVD+UltraViolet) (2014) Directed by Gareth Edwards

2014-09-18T00:01:00.000+07:00

Godzilla (2-Disc Special Edition) (DVD+UltraViolet) (2014) Directed by Gareth Edwards

Godzilla

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In this gritty, realistic sci-fi action epic, Godzilla returns to its roots as one of the world's most recognized monsters. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring an all-star international cast, this spectacular adventure pits Godzilla against malevolent creatures that, bolstered by humanity's scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #42 in DVD
Released on: 2014-09-16
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 2
Formats: Multiple Formats, Ultraviolet, NTSC
Original language: English
Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
Dimensions: .20 pounds
Running time: 123 minutes

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317 of 369 people found the following review helpful. Loved the movie, don't understand all the hate By robert furlano
After seeing it in theaters with friends and a cheering crowd on opening night, i came home to see what the rest of the world thought and was confused by some of the rage people were haveing about it. The film was great but that is coming from a lifelong Goji fan. Don't believe what you hear the acting was good and Godzilla and the mutos are in the film for a collective 41 minutes. the music is perfect for the scenes really sets the mood. But some people just wanted a simple action movie with no characters or a subtle deep plot that some movies have.

77 of 87 people found the following review helpful. A Godzilla movie made for Toho fans not the summer blockbuster crowd By Ansgar Odinson
This movie was simply perfect. It follows the Godzilla format perfectly while telling a unique and original Godzilla story. Many staples from the Godzilla franchise are all over this movie and plenty of fan service for the old school crowd. The director really captured the heart and soul of the Godzilla franchise. I get the idea that a lot of the hate you hear for this movie is coming from people who aren't old school Godzilla fans. Whether you are a fan of the Shôwa series, Heisei series or Millennium Series there is definitely something in this movie for you. I cant say too much more without spoilers.

On the other hand if you have never seen a classic Japanese Godzilla movie then this likely isn't for you. Like it's predecessors the story focuses on the human characters and the philosophical question of how much control does man have over nature. While there are some great monster on monster brawls if you strap yourself in for that reason alone you will be greatly disappointed. The best way to describe Godzilla is the love child of an art film and a disaster film. This movie was made for the existing fan base, not for the summer blockbuster crowd.

134 of 164 people found the following review helpful. Simply Breathtaking By Patti Wiseman
Every time he arrived I got the chill down my spine not knowing what was going to happen next. Every time they showed him all I could do was smile. It might not have been for long but when he did come... Oh boy was it worth it. People don't understand the concept of it! You show Godzilla too little and people complain... You show Godzilla too much and people will still complain! How Mr Edwards made the film was spot on. Well done Mr Edwards well done

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Special Edition) (DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack) Directed by Peter Jackson

2014-09-17T23:57:00.001+07:00

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Special Edition) (DVD + UltraViolet Combo Pack) Directed by Peter Jackson

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

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Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #271 in DVD
Released on: 2014-04-08
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
Number of discs: 2
Formats: Multiple Formats, Ultraviolet, Color, NTSC, Special Edition, Widescreen
Original language: English, French
Subtitled in: English
Dimensions: 10.00" h x 6.00" w x 8.00" l, .31 pounds
Running time: 161 minutes

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2031 of 2206 people found the following review helpful. The Desolation of Smaug: One Tolkienian's Perspective By Anthony L.
I have read absolutely everything that JRR Tolkien has ever written, and consider myself a Tolkien fanatic. This is my perspective on The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug. Please stick with me to the end, and I'll try not to lose you. Let's begin. So...if The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey was Peter Jackson giving the purists their dues with a relatively straightforward and book-faithful film, then THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG is Peter Jackson saying: "You've had your fun. Now stand back and watch what I can do."

And the ride he takes us on is absolutely exhilarating. SMAUG is darker, moodier, and more mature than any Middle Earth film we've seen thus far. Evil hangs over our heroes like a black pall (literally). Beset on all sides by revenge-seeking orcs, wargs, terrifying spiders, pale creepy-crawlies, double-crossing elves, treacherous humans, a growing Evil in a ruined Elvish citadel, and a huge, vain, fire-breathing dragon...both the heroes and the audience are plunged into a terrifyingly new world. And there's a lot of new stuff to feast your eyes on along the way.

Castwise, Tauriel is a welcome female addition to the gang, played with charisma and spunk by Evangeline Lilly. Lee Pace's regal and scheming elf-king Thranduil is absolutely astounding, delivering a tour-de-force in a few minutes of screentime. Luke Evans could not be better as Bard, simultaneously grim and noble. But of course, the real draw here is Benedict Cumberbatch, wearing two very villainous hats. The first is as the Necromancer, who, in addition to manifesting himself as an inkblot, is really quite scary. And the second...is the reason that you came here in the first place: Smaug. The Terrible. Smaug just so happens to be the greatest dragon ever! He is everything I wanted him to be and more: vain, seductive, manipulative, terrifying, and of course, absolutely huge. I'd just like to congratulate Cumberbatch and the conceptual crew on his tremendous design.

Our returning cast is also fantastic. Richard Armitage's Thorin Oakenshield is electrifying, with gravitas and stage presence enough for a character twice his stature. His grave eyes and deep voice tell of a lifetime of war and sorrow, and every line he speaks could be delivered by a king. Martin Freeman continues to be perfect as Bilbo, and Ian McKellen's Gandalf is just as crusty and warm as you remember him. Oh, and Legolas? Legolas is awesome. Like, web-swinging, spider-slaying, arrow-shooting, orc-killing awesome!

Speaking of orc-killing, The Desolation of Smaug has, in THIS Tolkienian's perspective, the best action scene of the year: the barrels. The breathless, crazy, confusing, insane three-way-battle sequence (don't tease me for it) had me LITERALLY crying with sheer unadulterated glee! The rest of the action, including a hard-hitting spider attack, and a sprawling, rather one-sided battle between 10 dwarves, a hobbit, and a dragon shows that Jackson has absolutely outdone himself!

Well, now for the cons. If Desolation of Smaug has a con, it's that it really, really wants to keep moving to newer, darker territories, so whenever it slows down it feels, well...like an intermission between set-pieces. And the ending will divide the audience: you'll either love the breathless cliffhanger, or hate that you have to wait another year to find out what happens! And as a Tolkien purist, I have to address the fact of accuracy. SMAUG really isn't that accurate to the books. But you know what - I actually like that! I enjoy having absolutely NO IDEA what Peter Jackson has cooked up next. God knows what he's got cooked up for Part Three!

So in conclusion, The Desolation of Smaug is a terrific ride. Filled with amazing action, excellent performances, and the requisite gorgeous New Zealand landscape shots and Howard Shore score, SMAUG is everything I hoped for and more. My rating? Five Kings Under the Mountain - an absolute must-see! I hope you've enjoyed my (completely subjective) perspective on the film. Drop a line in the comments to tell me what you thought.

P.S. Remember that the like/dislike buttons are not for saying whether or not you disagreed with the reviewer, but for whether the review was helpful in your decision to purchase the film. If this review was helpful to you, please give it a like. Cheers!

378 of 432 people found the following review helpful. Tremendous fun, and a great expansion of the world of Middle-earth! By Blue Canary
First off, I have no trouble admitting this movie is not perfect: I think the editing could have been tighter; I would have preferred a bit more focus on Bilbo's part of the story; and the filmmakers' determination to ignore all laws of physics, (especially in the 'molten gold' sequence), is truly impressive.

So, now that that's out of the way: I ADORED this film! Flaws and all, I loved it, and after watching three times in theater, found I only loved it more.

Yes, it strays from the book, and embellishes the story left and right; the thing is, those embellishments come from Jackson and co.'s deep love of the material, and their desire to spend just as long in Middle-earth as they possibly can. They LOVE this world, and it shows. They want to show us everything, and bring to life details the books only hinted at. Even when they make choices I wouldn't have made, I'm grateful to them for bringing this world to life so richly.

The cast is uniformly stellar. Martin Freeman, in particular, IS Bilbo Baggins, and every moment he's onscreen is a joy. I was one of those who initially doubted Richard Armitage could pull off Thorin, (so much older in the books), but he has won me over completely. I've really come to love all the dwarves, in fact, and to appreciate them as individual characters, which is frankly something the book never actually managed. (Special shout-out here for James Nesbitt, who's charm as Bofur never fails to make me grin!)

And then there's Tauriel, played be Evangeline Lilly. Her character was controversial, but why? No, Tauriel was not in the book. But as Tolkien never once said, "and all of the elves were men," and as there wasn't a single named female character in the book at all, Tauriel's presence is both justified and necessary. [For the record, I saw the similarly controversial "romance" between Tauriel and Kili as no romance at all: just a very clearly one-sided puppy love from Kili, and a warm fondness and protective instinct from Tauriel. Very sweet, and really not over-the-top.]

Much as I loved The Hobbit: AUJ, this one's better. The pacing is improved, the story-telling is tighter, and the action feels more plot-relevant. I could easily write on and on about my favorite scenes, and how many great moments have lodged permanently in my memory, but better to let folks watch this for themselves.

I do just want to add, regarding those reviews that gave one star expressly because this is not the extended edition: Getting two cuts to chose from is a good thing, folks. No one is forcing anyone to buy the movie twice. Me, I actually WILL buy both, because I know from experience that when I re-watch these films, I'm sometimes in the mood for the longest possible visit to Middle-earth, (extended edition), and sometimes I just want to cut to the chase (theatrical). But no one's making me do that, and it's awesome that we do have a choice!

284 of 342 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Installment 2 Illustrates Old Adage By L. Elgin
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug is an excellent, fast paced, action packed film that was absolutely fabulous eye candy in IMAX 3D; and yet Peter Jackson still takes time to deliver excellent character development and back story, which was well appreciated by this viewer even if some of the story line is original to Jackson's movie. This installment is also more reminiscent of Jackson's LOTR trilogy with the welcome return of the elves as a major part of the story line. I can highly recommend the second film to anyone who appreciates Jackson's deferential approach to Tolkien. However after reading perhaps the hundredth review from fellow readers who still appear not to have noticed, I feel compelled also to point out that all movies based on books are highly abridged versions of the original literary work.

The old adage "a picture is worth a thousand words" should be instantly apparent as the reason for this difference before the opening credits are finished rolling. As vastly different art forms books and movies are by necessity presented in a way that will best connect with their particular audience; so why incessantly complain that there are differences between them? In the Desolation of Smaug the art of effective movie making is once again aptly illustrated by Jackson and underscored by Philipa's skillful transformation of the book into a screen play that can still do J.R.R. Tolkien's vision justice.

And when a few frames of a movie can chew through twenty or more pages of a book, deviations from the original source material are to be expected in order to maintain pacing and give certain characters enough dialogue to cast leading actors of the caliber required for such an epic film. Not to mention that some readers protests seem oddly out of place in reference to the Desolation of Smaug when the first installment, An Unexpected Journey, was as widely criticized for being too slow paced.

The second part of the trilogy is anything but plodding. The extended versions are often the best compromise the movies can offer to the book. I for one can hardly wait for the Bluray, 3D extended version of The Desolation of Smaug to be delivered to my door (while equally glad that I am not required to sit for six hours to watch the complete movie version of The Hobbit--unless I want to at home!)

Ghostbusters / Ghostbusters II (4K-Mastered + Included Digibook) [Blu-ray] From Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

2014-09-17T23:52:00.000+07:00

Ghostbusters II (4K-Mastered + Included Digibook) [Blu-ray] From Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Ghostbusters II

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The classic supernatural comedies that defined a generation: Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2, together in this special collector's edition Blu-ray set. Celebrate 30 years of the Ghostbusters franchise with remastered high-def picture & sound for both movies, plus all-new and never-before-seen special features. Plus, explore the history of the films with this deluxe collector’s edition, loaded with production notes, character sketches, insider info and more. Bring home these spooktacularly successful films that captured the imagination of audiences around the world—and redefined the action-comedy genre in the process. Who you gonna call?

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #44 in DVD
Released on: 2014-09-16
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Number of discs: 2
Formats: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, Subtitled
Subtitled in: Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish
Dubbed in: German
Running time: 213 minutes

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90 of 100 people found the following review helpful. Cheap as heck and the transfer is upgraded! By D. Marvin
Well, this isn't packed with special features, but it's sure worth more than two stars. After all, what do you expect for a double-feature (each film is in its own thin-pak case) plus episodes of the cartoon (which it will be great to reminisce while watching, by the way) and a scrapbook at such a low price?

The real treat that home theater enthusiasts and most people with eyes will appreciate is that the transfers have been remastered and are marvelous-looking. That alone makes this a good companion to the old discs (KEEP THE OLD RELEASES because the video commentary from the first Ghostbusters DVD isn't on this new one and the neither are theatrical trailers). e-mail me for a link to comparison pics of the transfer upgrades! Worth an upgrade for home theater enthusiasts and fans of the cartoon (and fans of cool gimmick packaging, too, I guess!).

72 of 79 people found the following review helpful. Widescreen/Fullscreen box misprint By A. Murray
The outside box does say that GB is in fullscreen and GB2 is in widescreen. However, that is a misprint. Originally they did intend to release it this way, but the backlash was so severe that they reversed this (stupid) decision. I guess the box artwork was already printed by this point. Rest assured that the actual movies are BOTH in widescreen and there is not even a fullscreen option. The inside boxes do both indicate widescreen.

356 of 412 people found the following review helpful. Good DVD and a better story. By I hate society.
I received the DVD a few days earlier than expected, and in an unexpected way.

There was a knock on the door, it was maybe 2 in the morning. I don't really remember. I slowly got out of bed and peeked through the doorhole to see who it could possibly be.

It was Bill effing Murray. Dressed up as a ghostbuster. When I opened the door, he clicked a remote to turn on a stereo boombox he had with him. Ghostbusters theme blaring, he starts dancing. 70's disco style.

After "WHO YOU GONNA CALL," he held the DVD case up to my face and paused the song. I was silent, he lowered the case and put it in my face again.

"Ghostbusters?" I asked.

He started the music again, put the dvd down on my doormat, took the boombox and danced away.

I opened up the DVD case when I got back inside, and on the INSIDE of the SHRINK WRAPPED DVD CASE, I kid you not there was a note that read

"No one will ever believe you. No one buys DVDs anymore."

I got noise complaints from other people in the apartment the next day. I told them I was sorry and wouldn't play my music so loud. Let's face it. No one would believe otherwise.

Excellent DVD. High quality video and audio, and the extras are AWESOME.

The Amazing Spider-Man (Three-Disc Combo: Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) Directed by Marc Webb

2014-09-17T18:33:00.003+07:00

The Amazing Spider-Man (Three-Disc Combo: Blu-ray / DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy) Directed by Marc Webb

The Amazing Spider-Man

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The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents' disappearance - leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father's former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors' alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #510 in DVD
Color: color
Brand: Columbia
Released on: 2012-11-09
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Aspect ratio: 2.40:1
Number of discs: 3
Formats: Multiple Formats, Blu-ray, Ultraviolet, AC-3, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
Original language: English, Spanish, French, Portuguese
Subtitled in: Cantonese, Chinese, English, French, Korean, Spanish
Dubbed in: Chinese, French
Number of discs: 2
Dimensions: .25 pounds
Running time: 136 minutes

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435 of 530 people found the following review helpful. The Amazing Spider-Man - point by point By Kyle Shultz
I read a lot of reviews for this movie before watching it myself. In the end, they all boiled down to a few basic criticisms, which I kept in mind as I made my own appraisal. Here are the major problems people seem to have had with Marc Webb's "Amazing Spider-Man", along with my responses.

1. The reboot was too soon.

This more or less depends on your point of view. True, the last Spidey movie was in 2007, a mere five years ago - more than long enough to warrant another Spider-Man film; not exactly long enough to call for a complete reboot. On the other hand, I think a lot of people would agree that it's been more like eight years since the last GOOD Spider-Man film. I loved Raimi's work with the character, though I do criticize him on some minor points. But in the end, he really dropped the ball with Spider-Man 3, running a lot of good characters into the ground and painting himself into a corner with two hours of very messy plotting. In the end, whether a reboot was necessary per se is a matter of personal preference. But even if you think it wasn't necessary, is it fair to write off the new movie completely as a result? I don't believe it is.

2. We've heard it all before.

Yes and no. This is another interpretation of Spider-Man's origin story. But it's very different from Raimi's first Spider-Man film. More importantly, it's a well-done interpretation. At the heart of this "origin story" is Peter Parker's development from a somewhat geeky, trouble-making teen into a true hero. This transition happened far more quickly in Raimi's first movie, mainly because Maguire's Peter had a more strongly-developed moral compass to begin with. Neither version is objectively inferior in my opinion, but I do have a personal preference for the deep character drama achieved by Webb. The point is, yes, this is the spider-bite story again, but it's a good spider-bite story.

3. The hype about "secrets being revealed" was a big lie.

Yes, it was. This is most definitely not "the untold story". Significant-sounding lines from the trailers such as "Do you think what happened to you was an accident?" and "If you want the truth about your parents, Peter, then come and get it" didn't even feature, which I'll admit kind of annoyed me. That amounts to false advertising in my opinion. I was very happy with what I got, but it wasn't what I was promised. The thing is, there is some big mystery going on in this movie with Peter's parents. However, their story doesn't feature very heavily in this first movie. The elements of it that do were given away in the trailers. So don't bother watching this solely to find out more about Richard and Mary Parker. Their story will have to wait until the sequel.

4. The villain was weak.

My main problem with this film's take on Dr. Curtis Connors was that it diverged so heavily from the comics. The Connors I remember was an intriguing villain because he was a father and a husband who transformed himself into a monster in a quest for healing. Billy Connors and his mom aren't around here. Instead there's a bachelor, British-accented Connors who frequently runs the risk of going boldly where so many villains have gone before. Fortunately, Rhys Ifans' performance is good enough to prevent this happening most of the time. Connors' motivation makes sense overall, though little time is given to truly flesh it out. Perhaps if his mysterious connections to Norman Osborn had been explored in greater detail, he would have been more memorable.

5. The Lizard's design was flawed.

Most people who didn't care for the Lizard's look seem to describe it as "too human". The face certainly is. It wasn't really that scary. I've seen alternate designs which the production team ultimately abandoned which I think would have been a lot better. So basically I would agree with this criticism, but for me it was a minor quibble.

6. It had too much teenage angst and Twilight-esque drama.

Actually, it had none. The teenage interactions were more mature than I'm used to seeing in film or TV, with even Flash Thompson evolving from a typical bully into a likable character over time. There are a few moments of stereotypical rebellion from Peter, but they lead rapidly into the tragic events that change him, so they're quickly forgotten. Despite the early publicity saying that this movie would be "darker", I don't think I'd describe it that way. It's a little less cheesy and a little more gritty in parts, but there are enough moments of clever humor to give the viewer a break from the gradually building tension.

The Amazing Spider-Man does have flaws. But in my opinion, its good points are so good that they cancel out the missteps. Andrew Garfield brings the wisecracking, geeky, sometimes mischievous Peter Parker from the original comics to life better than anyone I've seen (or heard, in animation) thus far. He nails the sense of humor that was frequently lacking from Maguire's Spidey. I had my doubts about Emma Stone as Gwen, but her acting was superb as well. She and Garfield have great chemistry on screen, which bodes well for the future. Really all the main cast was terrific, but I must make a special mention of Dennis Leary's Captain Stacy. He truly did a fantastic job. The special effects in regard to Spider-Man's web-slinging and other stunts were breathtaking, and clever cinematography draws the audience into the action effortlessly. The music was forgettable for the most part, but served its purpose in the more dramatic scenes (much like the soundtrack to The Avengers).

In short, watching this movie was a delight for me as a long-time Spider-Fan, even with the memory of Raimi's better efforts fresh in my mind, and I'm very much looking forward to the sequel (teased at the end of this movie by an intriguing mid-credits scene). Worth buying, worth watching, and worth re-watching. It's a fun, engaging superhero film, and deserves to be judged on its own merits, which are considerable. Please don't let the unfair amount of negativity surrounding this movie scare you away from it. If you give it a chance, you won't be sorry.

49 of 59 people found the following review helpful. Fitting Reboot of a Comic Legend By The Wiz
After watching the first five minutes of The Amazing Spiderman, I knew I was gonna like it; after the first hour (which includes a lot of exposition without being tedious) I actually preferred this one to the Raimi versions mainly cuz I think it possesses an intensity and believability that the previous films lacked.

Marvel seems to be producing more mature, rebooted versions of all their super-hero series and I actually prefer this variation on the Spider Man story as well, especially the disappearance of the pointless Mary Jane obsession (which always made me respect Spidey a little less). I suspect that a more scientifically savvy audience appreciates an ever evolving origins story and I also enjoyed the initial dealing-with-new-superpowers interlude which was very amusing and again just seemed a much more realistic reaction from Peter Parker to his new abilities. Exceptional performances for Peter and Gwen are what truly make this production stand out from every other action-packed big-budget flick out there, not to mention a truly scary and menacing super-villain causing some sequences to play a little like a horror film. The tragic loss of his uncle is intensely emotional making the motivation for becoming a vigilante seem more credible, while the use of fantasy tech to supplement his powers added to this as well. love Martin Sheen as uncle Ben, never been much of a Sally Fields fan but apparently the producers were looking for star power to offset the use of mostly unknowns in the starring roles (which I think was a stroke of brilliance by the way).

The FX action sequences are seamless, gorgeous, captivating and again convincing (hitting on this alot I know but I think it's an essential factor). It's the details that make the difference, like while on the job at dizzying heights getting a call on his cell from aunt May reminding him to pick up eggs on his way home. The wise-cracking Spidey is not only back but actually funny with flawless comedic timing throughout and the gratuitous Stan Lee cameo was priceless. This is a new Spider-man, a better one, one whom you will be emotionally invested in by the dramatic ending which brilliantly wraps up an all-around excellent, excellent film! :o)

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. UNNECESSARY REBOOT, BUT STILL ENTERTAINING! By DR SHOCK
I'm a big fan of all three Raimi Spider Man films and when I heard they were doing a reboot I was skeptical, but being a fan of the character for over 40 years I decided to go see this film.

The Good: 1) We get the wisecracking Web Head from the comics, 2) The special effects are excellent, 3) A better Gwen Stacy. 4) Mechanical web shooters 5) The best Stan Lee Cameo ever!

The Bad: 1) This wisecracking Web Head is a little too mean spirited and Peter is way too cool to be the nerdy outcast from the comics. 2) The Lizard is poorly designed, he isn't sympathetic like in the comics and that takes a lot away from the character. He is much more interesting if he can't control his changing into The Lizard and having a family gives the character complexity. 3) They don't utilize the fact that his web shooters are mechanical and even though they weren't organic in the comic books, I prefer that route in the live action films. 6) When uncle Ben dies, it isn't heartfelt and Peter doesn't show enough emotion about it.

Toby McGuire may not have been the perfect wise cracker in the Raimi films, but he was engaging to watch when not in Spider Man mode. This was key to making a super hero film that was entertaining through out the entire film. (like Robert Downey as Iron Man).

I know a lot of people complained about Spider Man taking his mask off all the time, but if you think about it that mask would have to be extremely uncomfortable and hot, so I think that is just a realistic observation by the filmmakers, but some times emotions are needed to be seen and you can't see expressions through the mask.

The Amazing Spider Man is a very good film, but I won't watch it nearly as many times as the Raimi Spider Man films. It just isn't as much fun or as good. The Blu Ray has a very good transfer and some interesting bonus material, but nothing like the Raimi Spider man films received on their 2 disc DVD sets.

Looking forward to seeing Spider Man 2 on opening day. :-D

Update *** Went to see the 2nd film in this series and I was pretty disappointed. My review for that film will come soon.....

End of Update****

Need For Speed (Plus Bonus Features) Directed by Scott Waugh

2014-09-17T18:24:00.000+07:00

Need For Speed (Plus Bonus Features) Directed by Scott Waugh

Need For Speed

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Amazon Sales Rank: #4074 in Movie
Released on: 2014-08-05
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Subtitled in: English
Running time: 182 minutes

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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful.

Better than you think it is

By John S. Harris

I had no idea this film was based on a video game when I saw it. I was just looking for a few hours to kill so I snuck into this movie after seeing the one I paid for.

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. It starts off a bit slow but soon zips into high gear (pardon the pun) and shows some tremendously cool high-speed racing.

The actors infuse their stock characters with enough nuance and depth to make them interesting.

This ain't Shakespeare, that's for sure. But you could do a LOT worse. For a film based on a video game this movie is far, far better than you think it is.

Worth checking out.

23 of 29 people found the following review helpful.

An 80s TYPE ACTION MOVIE with 21st Century technology

By Chris Kennison

All the things you assume about "Need for Speed" are all pretty accurate; it is juvenile, another "Fast and Furious" type movie and it is pretty much from beginning to end a car race, car chase, car crash type movie. While you may not like that type of thing, "Need for Speed" thankfully has more going on than just what its videogame origin promises. Fortunately, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), who plays Tobey Marshall, is a fantastic and passionate actor and he's joined by an entire group of actors and characters that will stick in your mind long after the film is over.

Watching the film, I couldn't help thinking that Tony Scott and Don Simpson left a mark on the world they have left behind. I kept thinking that it had that "Top Gun", "Beverly Hills Cop", "Days of Thunder" type feel to it. Everything in the film was just larger than life with beautiful sceneries, machismo splashed with comedy and characters that are as much over-the-top as the premise of their actions. Tobey Marshall is the `Maverick' type; loaded with skill but he can't seem to control it when he needs to. Maybe my love of those great Scott/Simpson/Bruckheimer movies of the 80s clouded my vision, but I felt it and it was a good thing.

Tobey Marshall is an A-class street racer and with that comes a strange sensation that you will have to have to overcome in order to enjoy the film."Need for Speed" is based upon a videogame and with that, you have to remember that this is absurdity. You have to think of "Need for Speed" as you would have thought about the Sylvester Stallone movie "Death Race 2000" from the 70s. When Marshall and his racing partners crash and weave through normal every day traffic, you will hate them because they are the kind of people you would hate if you were driving to work on a Tuesday morning, but you have to forget that. If you can't overlook that, then you won't enjoy the film.

Despite some poorly plotted and unrealistic moments toward the end, "Need for Speed" remains a cut above the rest when it comes to action/racing films. If you're assuming that it is just a bunch of racing and ridiculousness, than you would be wrong and right. It is about racing and ridiculousness, but within that are beautifully drawn characters with passionate purpose and endless humor and excitement for what they do. The intelligence of the driving and the brilliance of the racing sequences put "Need for Speed" over-the-top. Thanks to Aaron Paul and Imogen Poots, who plays a character that most men can only dream about, "Need for Speed" is endlessly interesting and impossible not to care about.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful.

Razzle-dazzle stunts in a so-so story

By The Movie Man

"Need For Speed," based on a popular racing video game franchise, attempts to capture the excitement of the game in a real-world setting. The story features a near-impossible cross-country race against time -- one that begins as a mission of revenge. In a last attempt to save his struggling garage, blue-collar mechanic Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul, "Breaking Bad") -- who with his team skillfully builds and races muscle cars on the side -- reluctantly partners with wealthy, arrogant ex-NASCAR driver Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper). Just as a major sale to car broker Julia Bonet (Imogen Poot) looks as if it will save the business, a disastrous, unsanctioned race results in Dino's framing Tobey for manslaughter.

There are some exciting racing sequences, which are far superior to the script, which is composed of cliches and overly familiar plot turns. Mr. Paul, excellent as Jesse Pinkman in the "Breaking Bad" series, is wasted here and given so little to work with that he resorts to simply gritting his teeth and glowering. Car chase fans may enjoy the staged action, but if you look for a solid plot and believable characters, this isn't your flick.

Bonus extras include a digital copy, deleted scenes, audio commentary, and several featurettes that focus on the movie's car stunts and action sequences. These are often far more interesting than the feature itself.

Snowpiercer Directed by Bong Joon-ho

2014-09-17T18:10:00.001+07:00

Snowpiercer Directed by Bong Joon-ho

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Amazon Sales Rank: #11860 in Movie
Released on: 2014-07-11
Rating: R (Restricted)
Subtitled in: English
Running time: 127 minutes

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81 of 90 people found the following review helpful. 4 1/2 stars. If you want something different in your sci-fi, this is it! By M. Oleson
Theatrical review. There may be spoilers.

So here it is July 4th weekend. What are the sci-fi choices in theaters now? Well, I could go see the umpteenth version of "Transformers" which is playing in about 30 theater screens within a 5 mile radius of my house. Or, I could drive 10 miles and check out this unusual looking film from South Korean director Joon-ho Bong. It does have Chris Evans, fresh from "Captain America" and Tilda Swenton, last seen as an 80 year old woman in "The Grand Budapest Hotel." I decided to take the drive.

First of all, you have to buy into the premise. It's the near future and global warming is for real, so the scientists come up with a solution which, in fact, fixes the problem. They also kill everything on the planet with a catastrophic cold wave. The cockroaches survive as usual as you will find out later in the film. There are survivors who manage to board a train that circles the globe non-stop...forever. The train is the foresight of a man known as Wilford. I usual give actor credits here, but it is suggested I not, as it is a big surprise. It wasn't to me, but if you want to look it up go to IMDb or something.

Like much of the world, the train is split up into the "have-nots" led by Curtis (Evans) and his mentor, Gilliam (John Hurt). They live in the back of the train, far removed from the "haves" way up front. The 1 percenters are led by Wilford and his second in command, Mason (Swinton). And before I go much farther, she's a hoot. Especially when the contingent reach the kiddie's classroom. In addition, there are a collection of thugs whose mission is to keep the riff raff in the back where they belong. They live in squalor and get a protein bar for their daily ration. I won't go into the content but it will put your gag reflex in overdrive. As fair warning there are a couple more events that will unsettle most. But the film does do a good job of setting the stage for the conditions these people have been in for 17 years and why they want to escape.

Armed with little more than their determination, the rebellion is afoot. One by one the rebels move up car-by-car until they reach the domain of the guy in charge of the locks between the cars. Namgoon Minsoo (Kang-ho Song) is the guy and is aroused from his cryogenic sleep along with his daughter, Yona (Ah-sung Ko). He agrees to help (always in Korean) but only if he's supplied with a regular supply of homemade drug that he's addicted to. Essentially the film is as simple as that. Get to the engine where Wilford lives.

The combat portions of the film are excellent. The film is purposely dark and gloomy. It isn't a feel good movie. People you become fond of are killed. Kids are in the mix and are exploited, but damn if this isn't a refreshing change from the stuff we are often exposed to in mainstream movies. The film ends on a bleak, if hopeful note. But this isn't mainstream. Which is probably why the woman walking out of the theater behind me said to her husband. "That's the worst movie I've ever seen"! She obviously hasn't see the latest "Transformers."

41 of 47 people found the following review helpful. For good reason too By Stewart F. Hoffman
Snowpiercer has actually been doing the rounds outside the United States since the 1st of August 2013, and was already a hit before it landed here. For good reason too, and if I were in charge of handing out awards, I would immediately without a second thought hand over trophies to Kyung-pyo Hong (cinematography), Joon-ho Bong (direction) and the absolutely amazing Tilda Swinton.

The ‘mechanics’ of having a single train house the human race aside, Snowpiercer is a distillation of the human condition. A metaphor if you will, simplified with its separate components exaggerated to tell a story about class structure, and the deluded notion that the human race is predictable, and as such controllable.

The story centers around an uprising lead by a man called Curtis (Chris Evans), and a quest to reach the front of the train. Along the way, as they break through to each new compartment, new environments and mysteries unfold. Snowpiercer is inventive, and violent at times, but always entertaining and certainly one of the more unique films to hit theaters in the last two years.

36 of 41 people found the following review helpful. A smarter-than-usual action film, and a great alternative to the usual summer fare By Robert Hayes
SNOWPIERCER has been one of my most anticipated movies since I first heard about it last year. I eagerly followed all the news I could get my hands on, and was one of many who bristled at the thought of Harvey Weinstein going snip-happy over it for a theatrical release. Thank goodness that never came to pass. So, now that I've seen it, was it worth the wait? Did it live up to my expectations? I would say the answer to that question is an unequivocal yes. This movie was definitely worth the wait, although there are a few aspects of it that slightly dampened the experience. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where a chemical released into the atmosphere, ostensibly/hopefully to alleviate global warming, causes Earth to turn into a frozen wasteland. Humanity's few survivors are packed into a perpetually moving train designed and conducted by Wilford, a mysterious person who has a godlike status among the passengers. During their time on the train, society has solidified into a rigid class system (not unlike real life sometimes) that is separated by the different cars on the train. Chris Evans plays Curtis, a young man who plans to lead a revolt and take control of the engine. With that, I'll stop describing the plot because it is best to go into this film with as little information as possible, so as not to spoil anything. Thematically, the film deals with class struggle and the ways that people are controlled to keep social order. The film doesn't really beat you over the head with its ideas, but there are a few sequences which present them in an effective way. Performance-wise, there is little to complain about. Chris Evans does a marvelous job, and this might be the best performance of his career (so far). He plays the part of a reluctant leader with appropriate amounts of brooding, and outrage at what he finds out on his way to the front of the train. John Hurt plays Gilliam (a nod to Terry Gilliam, no doubt), an old man in the tail car who is sort of a mentor to Curtis. There were also decent showings by Jamie Bell and Octavia Spencer as two of Curtis' fellow revolutionaries. However, the most entertaining performance was given by Tilda Swinton as Minister Mason. She is nearly unrecognizable, and gives a delightfully cheeky performance as what is essentially a stooge for the establishment. She was given several great character moments, and she nailed them all. Visually, I thought that Bong Joon-Ho (and his cinematographer) effectively and realistically created a world in which to immerse the audience. Not everything is explained or spoon-fed, which was also a plus. The CGI wasn't as good as in mainstream Hollywood films, but it wasn't terrible either. About the best you can expect from a lower-budget Korean-Czech coproduction, and pretty high by Korean standards. Mostly, the visual effects showing the frozen outside world looked good, and the effects used inside the train worked as well. Overall, I thought the movie was excellent. The only real gripe I have is with some occasional pacing issues, although once the plot is set in motion it never lets up. I highly recommend you see this movie, not only to support smaller films but because its more intellectually engaging than half of the crap that passes for entertainment these days.

Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 1 From ABC Studios

2014-09-17T17:58:00.005+07:00

Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 1 From ABC Studios

Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D

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The mind-blowing saga that began in MARVEL'S THE AVENGERS continues in ABC's action-packed series, MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON.

In the wake of The Battle of New York, the world has changed forever. An extraordinary landscape of wonders has been revealed! In response, mysteriously resurrected Agent Phil Coulson assembles an elite team of skilled agents and operatives: Melinda May, Grant Ward, Leo Fitz, Jemma Simmons and new recruit/computer hacker Skye. Together, they investigate the new, the strange, and the unknown across the globe, protecting the ordinary from the extraordinary.

But every answer unearths even more tantalizing questions that reverberate across the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe: Who is "The Clairvoyant"? What is Hydra's sinister master plan; what dark secret lies behind Skye's puzzling origins; and most importantly of all, who can be trusted? Start your collection and relive all 22 thrilling episodes as you unravel mysteries, discover cool gadgets and meet iconic Marvel characters.

Then, achieve Level 7 clearance and delve deeper as you explore newly declassified bonus features with this must-own set!

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #184 in DVD
Released on: 2014-09-09
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 5
Formats: Multiple Formats, AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Original language: English
Subtitled in: French, Spanish, English
Running time: 946 minutes

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114 of 123 people found the following review helpful. This Marvel fan is loving this show

By Kathleen Young Rybarczyk
Most people have been complaining about the series dragging, but then again, they've been expecting mini-movies and not a SERIES. Joss Whedon's direction and this fabulous casts' acting showcase a story with surprising twists, all sorts of odd and unexpected connections between the characters and an over-arcing story that leaves you wondering what's going to happen next. As a writer myself, I have to applaud Whedon and the writers on this show for their ability to leave you wondering "what the hell did I just see?" almost every other episode. The actors are gelling into a fine ensemble, and Clark Gregg leads them through a maze of plot complications all tied into the movies that are part of the universe as well., Fine job, folks, fine job.

39 of 45 people found the following review helpful. Awesome show - starts good, gets progressively better.

By Amazon Customer
I liked the show even at the beginning, but each episode ups the ante, by now I cant wait for the next episode!

44 of 52 people found the following review helpful. Awesome!

By stephanie bake
Love how Marvel has married all the plot lines together with Ironman, Thor and Captain America. I as a child used to read all of them every chance I could. I love agents of shield, so many plot twists it makes your head spin!

The Other Woman Directed by Nick Cassavetes

2014-09-17T16:59:00.001+07:00

The Other Woman

Directed by Nick Cassavetes

The Other Woman

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Amazon Sales Rank: #18 in Movie
Released on: 2014-07-29
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Subtitled in: English
Running time: 110 minutes

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86 of 97 people found the following review helpful. If the revenge is this bad, the love must have been good. By L. Power
At first blush this movie appears to be a jilted wife/ mistress triangle movie which has been explored many times in the movies, and on the Lifetime Channel, or as I like to call it, the 'I hate Men' channel, so I was not overly enthused with the premise, and plunked down some money while scanning to see what movies might be starting slightly later, just in case.

Directed by Nick Cassavetes The Notebook (2004), and Alpha Dog (which he also wrote), son of actor and director John Cassavetes this movie has quite a pedigree. Screenwriter Melissa Stack has crafted a brilliant comedy.

Leslie Mann has gotten better every time I have seen her. When she starred in the Change Up with Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman, I thought she was the saving grace in a somewhat obnoxious comedy, and I thought her performance was brave, daring and endearing, and pushed boundaries.

Here her performance is off the charts brilliant, and I do not think it unreasonable to say no actress on the planet could have played the part better, and she is the single most compelling reason to see this movie.

She manages to be all things, funny, emotional, endearing, charming, sympathetic, easily matching the more experienced A list actress Cameron Diaz, comedically brilliant, and possessed of a marvellous feminity.

The Other Woman is a much better than expected comedy which worked on every level for me. Cameron Diaz plays an unmarried lawyer who has fished extensively in the dating pool, and been disappointed with her catches. Her secretary played by Nicki Minaj offers very dubious dating advice. Her new love turns out to be an already taken man, Leslie Mann his wife.

Wife and alleged mistress after initial awkwardness form an unlikely alliance to seek a witty revenge on a cheating husband. The movie produces a serious of scenes, some based on witty humor, much based on physical comedy. I found myself so wrapped up in the moment that I rarely thought ahead, and loved every moment, as did the audience around me many of whom were women. Kate Upton plays another...let's just say that this husband gets around, and this small but determined group seeks a means of justice.

I enjoyed Kate Upton. I don't know if acting is something she wishes to pursue as a career, but one had the sense of her authentic nature coming through, and she seems to be a sweet girl, who fit in easily and comfortably with her more accomplished acting colleagues.

There were a number of scenes where I had to cover my eyes, and the absurdity of the nature of revenge was absolutely delightful.

Though female energy drives the movie most men who see it will also enjoy and not simply dismiss as a 'chick flick.'
The Other woman gave me a much better than expected experience.

If you like this movie you will also probably like The First Wives Club with Bette Midler and Goldie Hawn.

I think most people will enjoy this movie and I hope this was helpful.

44 of 50 people found the following review helpful. A PATCH OF HAPPINESS By The Movie Guy
Kate (Leslie Mann) discovers her husband Mark (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) has been cheating on him with Carly (Cameron Diaz) and Amber (Kate Upton). The three women form a sisterhood making me feel like I was watching a "Sex in the City" episode. Together they conspire to "hurt" Mark.

The movie is a chick flick. Cameron Diaz is not the spry Charlies' Angel anymore. Leslie Mann plays an unrealistic character that was fun to watch. And Kate Upton ran in slow motion in a white bikini. This was a fun formulaic film that is not deep. Good sound track helped in the enjoyment.

Parental Guide: No nudity. 2 mouthed f-bombs. Sex talk

54 of 68 people found the following review helpful. Sometimes, friendship can be found in the most unlikely of places. By Joshua Glowzinski
My mom said she would like to see this. Once again, we saw a movie that neither of us knew anything about.

I know who Diaz and Mann are, two great actresses. Kate Upton was one whom I’ve never seen. She did a good job for her part.

The movie is really about three women, who learn to be strong and stand up for them selves for the fact that they are all important and deserve to be treated like people instead of objects.

There may be spoilers below.

Mann’s character is married. At first, her husband seems like a nice guy. But, he is cheating on her. Over the first part of the movie, you really get to see how bad of a guy he is. He does not think he is doing anything wrong. His marriage does not mean a thing to him. He is also seeing Diaz’s character. He treats her like she is the only woman in his life. One day, Mann’s Character sees Diaz’s characters number and calls her. They realize what is happening. First, they do not really seem to get along. Diaz’s character is a bit heartless. She is a busy lady who has little time for friends, while Mann’s character is the exact opposite. She has that grandmother thing. Super nice, loving and wants to have fun and be kiddy. They do a good job of expressing the characters personalities. Thing happen and they start talking. Slowly, they realize that they only really have each other. That is until they both realize that the man is cheating again. This time of both of them! Then they meet the third lady. They start hanging out. Mann’s character learns that though she is a nice person, there is a time when you have to forget about being kind and take up for yourself. Diaz’s character learns to open up a little and be friendly and trustworthy. The third girl, well, hey, she is beautiful. Haha You’ll see. The movie is all about them finding strength in and from one another. Though I am a 29 year old guy, I like this movie. It just leaves you with a happy feeling. I laughed so hard at many parts of this movie. I will pre order the blu-ray as soon as it is available. I look forward to seeing outtakes. So, check it out.

Transformers: Age of Extinction Directed by Michael Bay

2014-09-17T07:59:00.002+07:00

Transformers: Age of Extinction Directed by Michael Bay

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Amazon Sales Rank: #49 in Movie
Released on: 2014-09-16
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Subtitled in: English
Running time: 166 minutes

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63 of 84 people found the following review helpful. Entertaining, enjoyable, at times shocking and just a bit irritating! By Ranny Levy
It’s been years since the Decepticons and the Autobots battled for the fate of the humans in Chicago and human defenses against alien forces are at an all-time high. A government branch of humans is targeting all Transformers, Autobots and Decepticons alike, with the help of a menacing assassin. While all of this is going on, Cade Yeager, a struggling inventor from Texas tries to make enough means to keep his property and put his daughter Tessa through college. While looking for parts to help his inventions, he stumbles upon a broken down, rusted truck and decides to fix it up. To his surprise, the truck turns out to the mighty Optimus Prime. Cade fixes him and decides to help him defeat the forces coming for Earth yet, again once he realizes what the government is doing to Transformers. Now, the fate of the entire human race lies in the hands of Optimus and this family of humans and, without them, we might just face extinction.

This film is entertaining and visually very well done. Director Michael Bay uses the first IMAX Digital 3D camera, making the images more immersive and stunning than anything that’s been seen on the big screen so far. It’s very intense to be sitting in the IMAX Theater seeing these 50 ft. robots captured in such a realistic way. If you’ve seen any of the previous films from this franchise you know that they are nothing short of action packed. The cinematography and CGI is able to show the intense battle scenes and large scale attacks in a breathtaking, edge-of-your-seat way. One thing that I don’t like about the visuals is the inconsistency of the Transformers from film to film. The main characters look the same but some of the Autobots that are introduced in this film are designed completely different than in any of the previous films. Their faces are constructed to have features that look extremely humanesque and it is strange to see them next to Optimus and BumbleBee who still have the classic Transformer look. Another inconsistency is that, in the last film, every time a Transformer was hit they would spill a blood-like-liquid, but in this film, if they are injured, the liquid that comes from the wounds is bright green.

It is very strange to see a Transformer film without Shia Labeouf but, I am quite impressed with Mark Wahlberg and the way he tackles this role. I think he’s a fantastic actor and really grounds the film. I’m also a fan of Nicola Peltz and think she is decent in this film. However, I am really sick of the way girls are portrayed in this franchise. Every single leading lady looks like a Victoria’s Secret model, is completely helpless about 75% of the movie, can never figure out how to help them self and has to be told to run before they do. Near the end, they have one moment of courage and that’s pretty much all. It’s a formula that is completely predictable in all of the Transformer films, but alas, it’s what sells.

Like I said before, this film is entertaining and it enjoyable. It kept me engaged, concerned for the characters, shocked and, I’ll admit, I did almost cry near the end. However this film is peppered with extremely cliché and honestly annoying lines and interactions. From the very beginning, Tessa is introduced as a stereotypical film version of a teenage girl. She rolls up with her friends screaming and giggling about how excited they are to party and be crazy. The whole interaction is cheesy and unnecessary and sets her up to look like a bimbo. After that, her boyfriend, who looks suspiciously similar to the Hemsworth brothers, comes to save the day and the rude, inappropriate and just plain stupid things he says to Tessa’s father drove me insane. There are several lines in the film that prompted me to say to myself, “Really? Was that really necessary?” The last irritating thing is the fact that they really drove the whole “American Way” and patriotism to the ground. In every seen at Cade’s ranch there are at least two American flags shown and it is constantly mentioned that they’re just good ole’ Texas folk, protecting America with cries of: “Don’t mess with our country!” “Think of your country!” “Fight for your country!” Previous films were less centered on our nation and more about the human race as a whole.

Despite my qualms regarding this movie, it is entertaining and the visuals are extremely well done. I give it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 due to the violence and language. However, if you have seen the previous films and are under 13, then this film should be suitable for you. If you're a fan of Transformers, action or just want to experience the first film to ever use the million dollar IMAX Digital 3D camera, be sure to check out Transformer: Age of Extinction in theaters now.

Reviewed by Raven D, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more youth reviews, go to kidsfirst dot org.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Two films in one! Almost 3 hours of Glorious Transformers Action, Cheese, and Lens Flare! By Strategos
The original Transformers film was 144 mins. Pretending that the second film never happened, the third is 154 mins. And this film... is a whooping 165 mins! Literally, that's 2 hours and 45 mins of cheesy, ridiculous, over-the-top sci-fi battle royale with cheese!

To tell the truth, I feel about this film almost exactly the way I feel about Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (itself an enormous 169 mins). Fans with short attention spans need not apply with either of these films, but someone deeply invested in the spectacle and lore of the film's world will love every minute of it. Just as the third Pirate's film meandered and went who-knows-where between moments of insanity, this film likewise takes the shadowy-silhouettes, bratty-vapid-American-girl moments, lens-flare camera romance, and robot-to-robot-violence and cranks them all up to 11.

Literally I cannot understand anyone liking the first 3 (4 counting the second one) Transformer films and not loving this movie. Yeah, there's no Megan Fox or Shia LaBeouf (Rejoice! All the other annoying humans are gone as well! Bummer, replaced by more annoying humans). But really, Mark Wahlberg and company do just fine. Yeah, the girl is annoying because you can't decide whether Michael Bay wants you to feel protective like a father or just drool over her all-American-bimbo-persona. Sure, Stanley Tucci's Steve Jobs villain/stereotypical misguided businessman is going to be hit-and-miss for some viewers. However!!!

This film is literally the personification of everything that makes the "Bay-Formers" franchise what it is. The action scenes are even more over-the-top (if that's possible). The battle scenes are even more overblown. The family homestead moments are even more like a commercial for the U.S. Army. The len-flare is even more blinding. And at almost three hours, there is simply MORE of everything.

I used to have a saying as a teenager. "Longer is better." Some people may like their films at an hour, but personally I love to be able to watch a big long film in the theater or at a home. I can always just watch part of it if I'm not in the mood or don't have time for the whole thing all at once. It may be a bit exhausting, but I can't help but feel like I'm really getting my money's worth.

The only real downside if there is one, is that the second film within the film (the Chinese half of the film) felt incredibly tacked on and is obviously geared at ensuring a big box office result in Chinese theaters. Such that this film could have been released in a Part 1 and Part 2 format like so many films are these days. But personally I have no problem at all with having an entire separate film within a film set in another country. It's the direction the whole world is moving, and I personally embrace this globalization if it results in a wider perspective and introduces me to new ideas and ways of thinking.

So there you have it. This film is absolutely fantastic. If you love the Transformers (as directed by Michael Bay) and can sit still for almost three hours.

43 of 60 people found the following review helpful. A Visual Masterpiece, Nothing More, Nothing Less By Kellen
I'm certainly not bashing Age of Extinction, but it is hard to ignore its obvious downfalls. I have been a fan of the three previous movies for three reasons: 1) they are visually impressive, 2) they are fast-paced, and 3) they are often humorous. Age of Extinction does a fine job in each of these categories. That being said, it struggles in literally every other category.

I must admit that I was pleased to hear Mark Wahlberg would replace Shia Labeouf. Don't get me wrong, I thought Labeouf did an excellent job in the first three movies, but I was ready for a change. Though Wahlberg is a fantastic performer, his character can only be as good as his script. Unfortunately, the character scripts are not one of the strong points of Age of Extinction. Cheesy dialog is persistent throughout the movie.

The quality of the script and story often go hand-in-hand. Which is certainly the case in this film. Okay, so none of the Transformers movies have impressive story lines, but Age of Extinction is noticeably worse than its predecessors. It seems like they have run out of ideas. No matter how many Decepticons the Autobots kill, they always regenerate in significant numbers. It will be interesting to see how Michael Bay approaches the next two films.

For Michael Bay, a smoking hot actress is a necessity in every Transformers movie. In this case it is Nicola Peltz. Though attractive, she is depicted as a 17-year-old girl. I realize that she isn't actually 17, but I still found it a little weird. Apart from that factor, her acting is okay. I personally thought her performance in Bates Motel was much better. But again, this is partially due to the poor writing.

As I mentioned, the flaws are obvious and shouldn't be surprising if you've seen the previous three movies. The quality of the CGI should not surprise you either. I have always been amazed by the complexity of the Transformers, and Age of Extinction certainly displays this in all of its magnificence. Some may disagree, but I find the CGI in Transformers more impressive than that of Avatar. Every single action scene is filled with great cinematography, impressive explosions, awing destruction, and extreme complexity. You will certainly be impressed.

If you are looking for a visually spectacular action-packed movie, Age of Extinction is one to seriously consider. Just keep in mind that it is not likely to exceed your expectations in all areas.

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Directed by Dean Deblois

2014-09-17T01:38:00.004+07:00

How to Train Your Dragon 2 Directed by Dean Deblois

How to Train Your Dragon 2

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Amazon Sales Rank: #6204 in Movie
Released on: 2020-01-01
Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

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73 of 78 people found the following review helpful. "This is amazing!" (no spoilers other than those already given away by the trailers) By Whitt Patrick Pond
If, like me, you liked (or more like me, absolutely loved) the first film, then you're not going to be disappointed by How to Train Your Dragon 2. Written and directed by Dean DeBlois (who co-directed and co-wrote the first film and also gave us Lilo & Stitch), this film if anything actually raises the very high bar set by the first film. The same creative team is behind it and they've matched and at times even surpassed themselves. The animation is superb and even more textured this time around, and the 3D - which was dazzling in the first - is even more breath-taking in the flying sequences. I am not in general a big fan of 3D because so many films do such a poor job of it, but both HTTYD films show just how much can be done with 3D when you have people who really understand its potential and know how to use it doing the film.

Five years have passed since we last saw Berk, and all of our characters are five years older (though not in some cases five years wiser). The film opens with what has become the new big sport in Berk - dragon racing (which visually is something of a cross between Hogwarts Quidditch and the chariot race from Ben Hur, except with Vikings). Astrid (America Ferrera) is just as fiercely kick-ass competitive as ever as she and her dragon Stormfly vie with Snotlout (Jonah Hill), Fishlegs (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and the twins Ruffnut (Kristen Wiig) and Tuffnut (T.J. Miller) over live sheep that are used as game balls. Stoic the Vast(Gerard Butler) and Gobber (Craig Ferguson) cheer them on along with the rest of the village, but Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is nowhere to be seen. As always, Hiccup is marching (or dragon-riding anyway, with Toothless) to a different drummer, obsessed with exploring and mapping everything that lies beyond the known frontiers of Berk. New seas, new islands, new lands. Always wanting to go further out. Especially with Stoic increasingly breathing down his neck about assuming his responsibilities as the clan chief heir-apparent, something Hiccup is very ambivalent about.

On one of these exploratory jaunts, Hiccup discovers a mystery. Or rather several mysteries. Species of dragons that he's never seen before, strange frozen formations of ice that are clearly not natural, and a mysterious dragon-rider whom he quickly realizes vastly surpasses him in both mastery and knowledge of dragons. If you've seen the trailers, then you know exactly who this is. More than that I will not say though as that's a lot of the story that unfolds.

But you can't have a story without conflict, and the new characters bring the conflict on. Drago Bludvist (Djimon Hounsou), a rival chieftain and ruthless enslaver of dragons, bent on conquest, presents the bigger threat, at least to the Vikings of Berk and their beloved dragons. But a dragon trapper named Eret (Kit Harington - GoT!) presents an additional threat as far as Snotlout and Fishlegs are concerned. Apparently Berk is short on women in their age demographic, and with Astrid and Hiccup clearly a couple, that leaves only Ruffnut for Snotlout and Fishlegs to fight over and she's clearly not thrilled by either of them. But when the riders confront Eret to find out what Drago is up to, suddenly Ruffnut is very, _very_ interested in this new possibility, much to Snotlout and Fishlegs' chagrin. And then there's Valka (Cate Blanchett), the mysterious dragon rider Hiccup encounters who has some unfinished business with Stoic. And with Hiccup.

It's the relationship between Hiccup and Toothless though that gives the film both its center and its heart. A lot of the best scenes are simply watching these two interact and seeing how the bond formed in the first film has only deepened over time. A bond, it turns out, that is soon to be deeply tested. And I love the way the animators bring out Toothless's personality, from playful and petulant to curious and courageous. And more interestingly, how they use Toothless's expressions and physicality to show just how much he understands not only Hiccup but humans in general.

On a side note, I also loved the way the animators gave each of the main characters their own physicality, bringing out personality differences in body language, in how they move, even in how they ride their dragons, making each pairing subtly unique. But their most remarkable achievement, at least among the human characters, is Valka. Before she even speaks, simply the way she _moves_ about - at once both graceful and feral - shouts that this is a person who has spent a _lot_ of time around dragons, probably more even than she's spent around humans.

In addition to the returning actors and creative team, HTTYD2 has the same people returning for the music. John Powell, whose original score for the first film has become one of my absolute favorites (it's also great for working out to, BTW), did the score here as well and did a superb job, adding new themes that reflect the new situations, and Jónsi of the Icelandic band Sigur Rós once again did the songs.

Highly, highly recommended, for anyone who loved the first film, for fans of animation and 3D in general, and for anyone who just feels like having a rollicking fun time.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful. Hiccup and Toothless reach new heights! By Anthony L.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 is a film that spreads its mighty wings and soars through the clouds in a blaze of color, music, beauty, and magic. While watching it, I could only think of one word to describe how I felt; I was *dazzled*. I was entranced, beguiled, roused, wowed, and awestruck. This may seem like high praise to give to a children's movie, especially one coming from the studio who just gave us that instant classic Mr. Peabody and Sherman (note: sarcasm). I assure you this is not: How to Train Your Dragon 2 is not just the finest children's film of the year. It is one of the finest films of the year, period.

Director Dean DeBlois is a true artist. He weaves vivid images with the rousing and beautiful, ethereal John Powell score into a sensory feast that delights the eyes, head, and heart (the triple trifecta of movie awesomeness). Going literally where no camera can, Dragon 2 conjures up vast blue skies, loafy white clouds, shattered thorns of ice, vast battles, duelling titans, and explosions of whirling dragons. The visuals are, yes, dazzling, the CGI amazing, the imagery electrifying. And John Powell's score is a true standout. Something that can only be described in superlatives, Powell eschews the loud BraaaaHHMM's that we've heard so often for an orchestral and operatic symphony that will sink deep into your bones and make you want to soar on the back of a Night Fury.

But all would be for naught if it were not for the careful and impressive work of a talented cast. Jay Baruchel embues Hiccup with a charm that in another actor's hands would come off as cloying, but instead works to great and often very emotional effect. America Ferrera is excellent as Astrid, and Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett's subtle work lights up the screen. But Djimon Hounsou, playing the terrifying Drago Bludvist (Say that five times fast.) could be a standout. He says every word like it hurts his throat, but when he screams - the scream of a wounded animal with nothing to lose - you'll know why massive, fire-breathing, tooth-and-clawed dragons call him Master. All of these actors give their characters humanity and humor, elevating the film above your average kiddie fare. The drama is real and affecting, both for kids and their parents. The movie is just as brilliant and engaging in a scene with two characters talking, as when giving us epic dragon battles and action scenes.

In conclusion, How to Train Your Dragon 2 has everything a kids film needs and more. It's got humor and heart, drama and dragons, action and acting, and a strong moral fibre. Stunning visuals, epic music, great character and affecting acting all combine to make a memorable experience at the movies. I can't recommend enough that you take your kids to see this movie. And quite often, you'll be just as entranced as they are. I know I was. My rating? Five deadly nadders out of five.

P.S. If this review was helpful to you in your decision, please give it a like. Cheers!
27 of 36 people found the following review helpful. LOVE THIS MOVIE! By l. elfendahl
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! I thought that the first movie was amazing and couldn't get any better, or funnier but it did! I know that being and eigth grader I shouldn't be freaking out an loving a movie that was meant for kids younger than me but I love,love,love,love this movie. I am very impressed at the fact that they made this movie likeable for all ages. And I'm going to say it again I love this movie.
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Hercules [HD] Directed by Brett Ratner

2014-09-17T01:22:00.001+07:00

Hercules [HD] Directed by Brett Ratner

Hercules

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Released on: 2020-01-01
Rating: NR (Not Rated)

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60 of 64 people found the following review helpful. This is a brand new version of an old legend By Paul Donovan
Nine Things about the Film "Hercules" [USA, 2014]

1. This is a very interesting version of the Hercules legend. But you need to know, the legend has been reinvented. The trailer for the movie is kind of misleading. This is not the Hercules you are used to..

2. The birth of Hercules, his childhood, and his legendary 12 labors are all pretty much done before the opening credits.

3. In this movie, Hercules is really just a human mercenary, with a team of warriors helping him out. His nephew has the sole job of making up the legends of Hercules and spreading them around to give Hercules a badass reputation.

4. It is set in a time when people are starting to doubt the existence of gods and magic, but still need something to believe in.

5. This movie has some really impressive, epic battle scenes.

6. Hercules's companions are a diverse and entertaining group. Ian McShane is especially good as Amphiaraus, who does drugs and gets "visions from the gods". Some of these visions come true, and some don't.

7. The movie does a good job of illustrating that some monsters you have to battle are psychological ones.

8. There are a few moments that contradict the movie's attempt to stay grounded in reality. That's annoying. But there aren't very many of them.

9. If you want a movie full of gods and monsters, you will leave the theater angry. If you like to see military battles, and a reflection on how heroes are made, you may appreciate it. This movie is certainly smarter and more layered than most movies of this type.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful. A SHORT STEP UP By Chris Kennison
Renny Harlin's "Legend of Hercules" that was released earlier this year wasn't very good. Maybe that's why Brett Ratner's "Hercules" is coming out now, in the middle of the summer when there's a fresh new audience of people that no longer remember "Legend". The two movies, while about the same thing, are like night and day. "Legend" was more mythological and true to the legend of the strongman and "Hercules" is more grounded in reality; focusing upon how legends are created and exaggerated.

I found this aspect of "Herclues" really rewarding because I like things grounded in reality. Even when things get ridiculous, I like when they play it off as ridiculous, rather than normalcy. Ratner took all the mythological aspects of Hercules and made them stories or possible exaggerations to be believed or not. On the surface, Hercules (Dwayne Johnson aka The Rock) is just a man with great size and strength, but his legend has spread and he is worshipped as something more than just a man.

"Hercules" did a lot of things right but that depends upon what you're looking for. If you're looking for something along the lines of "300" or "Clash of the Titans", look elsewhere. As I said, this is Hercules grounded in reality. There will be nothing portrayed here that is beyond possibility. Ratner makes sure that you have a strong emotional contact with Hercules and his band of warriors; again, something I really like.

This was a role that Dwayne Johnson was seemingly born to play and it is probably one of his best movies to date. Surprisingly enough, along with the machismo, the movie is written with some pretty good comedy as well; which adds to the personal connection you feel with the characters. "Hercules" is a step up from "Legend of Hercules" due to its character development and story, but not a huge step up. It still lacks in importance and it still had a conclusion you could see a mile away. The outstanding 3D, fight sequences, character development and comedy saved the day though, making "Hercules" a passable summer movie that should have grand success on video.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful. A more psychologically developed superhero than usual; excellent pitched battles; rewarding production quality and values By Christopher Schwinger
This year of 2014, there have been two Hercules movies. The first, The Legend of Hercules, was decent, though it offered nothing unique. This one starring Dwayne Johnson has more development of the theme of courage and more unexpected plot twists. I approach most movies without a lot of expectations, knowing I’ll find a movie somewhat rewarding if the values, writing, and editing are good. This one gave me more enjoyment than I expected. Hercules is the natural choice for an ancient superhero. When you add themes of justice and the rights of the people and make that Hercules’ cause to fight for, he becomes as relatable as Superman, Batman, or Spiderman. One of the strengths of this superhero movie is that it’s not primarily about supernatural powers but about the meaning of courage. Hercules does have superhuman strength in this, but his victory always depends on triumphing over internal struggles first. His powers don’t come very naturally, so he’s easier to relate to. Hercules in this movie is more like John Henry, the American railroad worker superhero, than like a demigod. In fact, the movie goes to extra lengths to convince you he’s just a man, not a god. I feel like it developed the internal struggles of a superhero better than most superhero movies, and that made it more rewarding when he succeeds.

When Hercules is in action on this movie, it feels truly awesome because he has to work so hard to produce that superhuman strength. The movie does a great job with the pitched battle scenes. It is as rewarding to watch them as some of the great battles on the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The movie’s intensity level is a bit stronger than I like, but it really helps that the movie stays PG-13 instead of indulging in graphic gore.

I like the casting also, of John Hurt as the king who hires Hercules to fight his enemy, and Hercules’ several friends, and Hercules, played by Dwayne Johnson. His personality is such that he doesn't need to express much in order to reveal his character's mood or attitude. There are some touches of humor that add a lot, yet not so much that the movie gets silly.

The lasting satisfaction for me is how the Greek value of physique gets fused with the Biblical value of servant leadership, exerting courage to protect those who are weak. Hercules has a strong moral code on this. Sometimes it works well to have an antihero like Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) be the center of a story, but that usually makes the movie more silly. There’s no blurry gray line between good and evil in this movie, but that’s not a weakness; it’s the natural way to present a character with such brute force as Hercules.

(The intensity is the only reason I rated it 4 stars instead of 5.)
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Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Plus Bonus Features) Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

2014-09-16T22:31:00.002+07:00

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Plus Bonus Features) Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (Plus Bonus Features)

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$14.99

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Amazon Sales Rank: #70 in Movie
Released on: 2014-09-09
Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Subtitled in: English
Running time: 157 minutes

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296 of 322 people found the following review helpful. Perhaps the best Marvel Studios film to date By V. Berk
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is not only a great sequel but perhaps the best standalone Marvel Studios film to date. Trust me, I don't say that lightly. I wasn't overly fond of the Captain's first feature, and my reaction to most of the Marvel Studios films has been mixed. With that in mind, coming out of the theater I have to say 'The Winter Soldier' isn't only a great superhero movie, a great standalone Marvel Studios film, but that Captain America: The Winter Soldier may even be better than The Avengers!

At the start of the film Steve Rogers (AKA Captain America) is still acclimating to modern life after having been frozen since WWII, and is working under the orders of Nick Fury and SHIELD. Already having doubts about SHIELD's motives and methods Rogers suddenly finds himself at the center of a conflict festering at the heart of SHIELD and must fight alongside other agents to stop a villainous plot to establish a new world order. Along the way he'll have to face a dark figure which may be connected to his past and decide what freedom truly stands for.

The Winter Soldier is arguably the smartest Marvel Studios film to date. While still providing the fantastical set-pieces, humor, and over the top action spectacles one would expect from a Marvel film The Winter Soldier's antagonist is grounded in real-world fears, and possibilities. For this reason I felt more invested in the film's action than any other Marvel film to date. While movies like The Avengers and the first Iron Man were fun superhero romps The Winter Soldier actually feels like it is addressing real-world concerns regarding government secrecy and drone warfare in a way which made me feel invested in the characters, and the stakes they were up against. The decision to make it an internal, spy-movie type struggle also quelled any questions like "Where the rest of The Avengers?!" While that constantly bothered me in Iron Man 3 and Thor 2 I never asked that during The Winter Soldier because the nature of the villain makes it believable that most of the film's events are covered up and kept from the other heroes' knowledge.

Then there's Rogers himself who truly defines himself as a superhero in this film. In his first outing and The Avengers Captain America always seemed like a wet blanket, coming across as a giant flag draped Boy Scout. While he was likable enough he never warranted in-depth analysis. That all changes in The Winter Soldier. Here Rogers' reflects on his past, question his own values and whether or not he can uphold them in this cloak and dagger modern world. He is a fish out of water and he knows it. His commitment to remain true to the values that carried him through WWII becomes his character's greatest strength rather than holding his character back. Through clever writing, and tender character moments The Winter Soldier transformed Steve Rogers into quite possibly my favorite character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (sorry Tony Stark).

What ultimately sets the Captain's new adventure apart from other Marvel Studios films is that The Winter Soldier is the first standalone Marvel movie since the original Iron Man I've felt actually stood proud on its own two feet. It features everything we know and love about this universe without feeling burdened by references other Marvel Studios films. While Iron Man 3 and Thor: The Dark World had me saying "Can't wait to see the next Avengers" The Winter Soldier had me leaving the theater saying: "I can't wait to see the next /Captain America/ movie!"

For this reason I am giving my full recommendation for Captain America: The Winter Soldier
88 of 97 people found the following review helpful. Good would not do it justice, What we have here is simply BRILLIANT By Josh
After 2014's rocky start, Finally I have a review that is going to be thoroughly positive. And I must say I am not only ready to view this movie a 2nd time, I am Eagerly ready to make the blu ray purchase for Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

After a mission that pits our Captain against a deadly mercenary by the name of Batroc, Captain America is called upon by Alexander Pierce to Shield. But after an immediate distrust between these two and the rise of a new prey simply known as, Winter Soldier, Captain America is thrust into a vicious war.

Chris Evans really upped his level of heroism and expertise in donning the infamous shield with honor. Samuel L Jackson I feel did a lot better portraying Nick Fury than he did in the previous Marvel movies. And I definitely commend Marvel for making the decision to include Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Falcon. He was definitely well suited to play the character and I do hope we see more of him in the future. Scarlett Johansson's role as Black Widow was just as good; the scenes she and Captain America share make me wonder will they fall in love, or are they already there? And finally to our two forms of evil, one being acting great Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce. While I would definitely like to see Redford in other movies, he had a wondrous outing as Pierce. And finally, Sebastian Stan is the right guy for the Winter Soldier. Not only does he handle the job well, but he puts fear and panic into the minds of all those determined to stop them. Impressive job by all the actors.

There is so much to like that i may forget to write it all down but here it goes. The fight sequences have been getting multiple stamps of supreme approval and they get applause and acclaim from me. With every punch in the movie that lands and every time Cap throws his shield you definitely feel it. Great fight sequences combined with the fact that in the movie you never really know who to trust, which brings me to my thoughts on the story line. The writers of this movie crafted an amazing screenplay; while the way the movie plays itself is almost surreal, with the secrets and the idea of conspiracies within those who are supposed to have the best interest of mankind in their reach. It almost feels like a modern day society, if you know what I mean. The thrill and the suspense only grow with each act and as the credits rolled, the only thing I can remember thinking was: Avengers 2 & Captain America 3 NOW!!

So in what has perhaps been my longest review in awhile, by living up to hype and satisfying everyone's anticipation Captain America: The Winter Soldier is not only one of the best sequels Marvel has put out, it IS one of the best films Marvel Studios has made. I myself cannot wait to view/buy this movie again. And Phase 2 finally put out a movie worthy of

5 Stars

Rated PG-13

Starring: Chris Evans, Samuel L Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Sebastian Stan, Robert Redford, Georges St Pierre, Frank Grillo,

Guardians of the Galaxy: August 1, 2014
Avengers Age of Ultron: May 1, 2015
Captain America 3: May 6, 2016

P.S. Stay Tuned for Two scenes in between credits
107 of 120 people found the following review helpful. This isn't freedom, this is fear. By B. Green
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is an absolute blast and fans young and old will be delighted with how well it establishes Captain America as the hero we've always known him as. It is in my opinion the finest movie Marvel Studios has ever made(Iron Man being a very very close second), and also the darkest, and i mean dark. This is NOT the family friendly action film that the first Avengers and Iron Man movies were, more people die in this film than all the Rambo films combined, even the comedy people have become accustomed to seeing in a Marvel movie takes a backseat in this Espionage action flick. I applaud Marvel Studios for not compromising Captain America and the Winter Soldier's characters to give this movie a more family friendly feel. This was such a massive improvement from the first Cap movie whose focus was more about being the catalyst for The Avengers film than as a fully fleshed out Cap film. From the acting, to the action/special effects, and the story, this is everything that a Captain America movie should be, even the Apple customer service guy was awesome, and just try to keep your eyes from watering up when Cap visits an old friend from the past. Here we're shown the life of a man who is living a mentally and physically punishing existence, still trying to get a better understanding of the decade he's living in, all the while shouldering the responsibility of being a figurehead and an essential member of a global organization. From start to Finish the tension remains high as Cap and the others put their lives on the line to stop Hydra, and blood will be shed. This movie has raised the bar to a whole new level for Marvel and i can only hope we get another one like this, not only is this an excellent standalone film, but it also perfectly sets the stage for an even more interesting Avengers 2. So check this movie out and see the most bad-ass 95-year-old the world has ever known, Cap's orders.
Be sure to stay watching for the 2 after credits clips, you don't want to miss them.
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