Movie Review: GET OUT

When Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) has to go to visit his girlfriend's parents home he worries that they don't know he is black and that this might cause problems. Yet, upon meeting them, they appear more than welcoming until strange occurrences in the house and things that happen to him start freaking him out, ultimately leading to the discovery of a terrible mystery.

Why Haven't I Seen That?: TOY STORY 3

Welcome to a new installment of WHY HAVEN'T I SEEN THAT?, where we talk about a must-see or iconic movie that we have never seen...until now. This week we take a look at one of the best animated films out there, the 2010 Pixar threequel...TOY STORY 3.  Enjoy.

What's On Netflix?: DEAD WEST

Welcome to another installment of WHAT'S ON NETFLIX?, where we pick out a film or series currently playing on Netflix and review it for the fans.  This week's selection is the Jeff Ferrell serial killer drama...DEAD WEST.

SUMMER FILM CHALLENGE 2017 - Week 4 Update

It's been a month since our Summer Film Challenge began, and it's finally starting to ramp up.  This week we saw the release of two new films, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Baywatch, both of which landed in the Top 3 for their opening weekend.

Retro Review: GATTACA (1997)

Welcome to another installment of RETRO REVIEW where we take a trip back in time to look at films made before the year 2000.  Today we review the 1997 sci-fi thriller, GATTACA.  Enjoy!

While trying to decide what film to watch for this week's Retro Review, I wanted to watch something I had seen, but not in a while.  That's when I came across my DVD copy of Gattaca.  This is a film I haven't seen in several years, and I figured with this year being the 20th anniversary of the film, what better time than now. And I was right.  I had forgotten just how much I loved this film.  And unlike most older films, this one still holds up and may even be more relevant today than it was twenty years ago.

Comedy Corner: THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN

Welcome to another installment of COMEDY CORNER, where we review the movies that make the world laugh, or those that just try to. This week's pick is the 2016 dramatic comedy...THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN.

Trash Bin: THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK

Welcome to another installment of the TRASH BIN, where we watch the worst movies Hollywood has to offer, according to the critics, and give you our thoughts, good or bad. This week, Robert reviews Vin Diesel's second outing as spacefaring badass Richard B Riddick, in 2004's THE CHRONICLES OF RIDDICK.

Short Film Spotlight: WEBCAM

Welcome back to another installment of SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT, where we'll be reviewing a provocative and insightful film called WEBCAM. It was directed by Branden Kramer and edited by Lorraine Paul. This film explores the dangers of putting too much of our lives online.

EDITORIAL: Has Video Piracy KO’d Yuri Boyka & The 'Undisputed' Franchise?

The Undisputed franchise began in in 2002, however British martial arts actor Scott Adkins didn’t join the franchise until Undisputed II: Last Man Standing, which was released in 2006, when he took on the role of the antagonist, Yuri Boyka to Michael Jai White’s protagonist, George Chambers (taking over the role formerly played by Ving Rhames). 

Directorial Debut: ALIEN³

Welcome to a new installment of DIRECTORIAL DEBUTS, where we look at some of the best, most interesting, and iconic directors and the films that started their careers. This week we take a look at the debut of acclaimed director David Fincher….ALIEN³!

EDITORIAL: Hellboy: It's A Bit Complicated

With the recent news that David Harbour (Stranger Things) is in talks to become the next Hellboy, I was hit with the same reaction I think many other fans of the first two films (starring Ron Perlman) felt; shock and disappointment. This news marked the official death of actually ending the beautiful story and world that director Guillermo del Toro (Pan's Labyrinth) had created. If the rumors are true, then it's up to Neil Marshall (The Descent) to return us to the world of Hellboy. I decided to take this news to revisit Hellboy and Hellboy 2: The Golden Army and give you guys a review.

Trailer Review: SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (Trailer #3)

Hey, gang! The newest trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming is here. Check it out below. I'll just be over here humming the theme song from the Spider-Man cartoon show. As covered by the Ramones!

WEEKEND ROUNDUP: 'Alien: Covenant' Inches Past 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' To Take The Top Spot

Welcome to WEEKEND ROUNDUP, where we discuss this weekends box office results.  The TOP 3 films for the weekend of May 19-21 were Alien: Covenant, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, and Everything, Everything.

Let's take a look at this week's box office results:

SUMMER FILM CHALLENGE 2017 - Week 3 Update

Welcome to your week 3 update for Merc With A Movie Blog's SUMMER FILM CHALLENGE 2017!!!  This week we saw the release of three new films; Alien: Covenant, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul, and Everything, Everything, and with these new films, we finally saw a shift in the points for the week.

Don't Watch This Alone!: CLOWN

Welcome to the another installment of DON'T WATCH THIS ALONE!, where we review the best, worst, and everything in between in the world of horror.  This week we review the Eli Roth film...CLOWN.

Trash Bin: WHITE CHICKS

Welcome to another installment of the TRASH BIN, where we watch the worst movies Hollywood has to offer, according to the critics, and give you our thoughts, good or bad. This week, Robert reviews the 2004 comedy, WHITE CHICKS.

Short Film Spotlight: BATMAN: CITY OF SCARS

Welcome back to another installment of SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT. This week, we begin a short series taking a look at specifically superhero themed fan films. Each week for the next five weeks, we'll be reviewing a different film, taking a look at what works, what doesn't, and what other filmmakers can learn. To kick off this series, we're looking at the acclaimed short fan film by Bat in the Sun Productions...BATMAN: CITY OF SCARS!

Side By Side: FIFTY SHADES OF GREY vs. FIFTY SHADES DARKER

Welcome to another installment of SIDE BY SIDE, where we dissect the differences and similarities between two films, be it a remake/reboot with its original, a sequel with its original or two similar movies. This week I'll be comparing FIFTY SHADES OF GREY and FIFTY SHADES DARKER.

At the end of Fifty Shades of Grey, I yearned for more. Questions left answered would hopefully be answered by the next film in the trilogy, Fifty Shades Darker. And after watching the sequel, all my questions were answered and so much more.

What's On Netflix?: MASTER OF NONE - Season 2

Welcome to another installment of WHAT'S ON NETFLIX?, where we pick out a film or series currently playing on Netflix and review it for the fans.  This week's selection is the second season of the romantic comedy series...MASTER OF NONE.

Come for the laughs, stay for the feels. Master Of None Season 2 is Aziz Ansari’s newest addition to Netflix, coming out only a week ago. This show is certainly binge-worthy, so buckle in and enjoy what I have to say about it after a marathon through the season.

Why Haven’t I Seen That?: THE PRINCE OF EGYPT

Welcome to a new installment of WHY HAVEN'T I SEEN THAT?, where we talk about a must-see or iconic movie that we have never seen...until now. This week we’re taking a look at a now-classic animated film that has captured audiences for nearly 20 years….THE PRINCE OF EGYPT! Enjoy!

Trailer Review: 47 METERS DOWN (Trailer #2)

There are many people like myself who wouldn’t go into the ocean looking for sharks, because yes, we saw Jaws! Still, we have a fascination with them and movies about them.  Even at that, you would think we would shy away from movies where Great White sharks are putting people in peril.  I can’t speak for anyone else, but I find myself drawn to them like a magnet. I think it’s just a way to remind myself that these are fearsome creatures to be respected. Or, maybe I just like a good scare like the one 47 Meters Down promises to deliver.

Retro Review: AMERICAN HISTORY X (1998)

American History X is a film directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna, about a former neo-nazi skinhead who attempts to stop his younger brother from following in his old footsteps. The film stars Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard, Edward Furlong as Danny Vinyard, Beverly D’Angelo as Doris Vinyard, Jennifer Lien as Davina Vinyard, and Avery Brooks as Dr. Bob Sweeney. There is a much larger cast, but the film revolves around the five characters these actors play.

CBS Films/Lionsgate Releases New Character Posters for AMERICAN ASSASSIN

The promotional aspects of marketing a new movie always fascinates me. I love seeing what they come up with and how the studios/publicity companies work to make their projects stand out in a crowded market. When new movies are being promoted by the studios that made them, there is always a visual push to get their movie noticed by the audience and effectively entice them to go see the movie. Along with teaser trailers, one of the other visual aspects of advance publicity for a new film is posters. Be they the standard movie posters that have been used for years or, as in recent times, posters that individually highlight various lead characters in the movie.

Movie Review: ALIEN: COVENANT

When the crew of the colony ship Covenant intercept a distress signal from an unmapped planet, they discover that said planet could actually have a better habitat and ecosystem than the one they were aiming for. The captain makes the decision to change route, but when they land, they quickly discover they shouldn't have come in the first place.

Alien: Covenant has many stumbles on its way, it has a lot of fat that could have been cut out or been better written, in some ways it could be said it is a frustrating film, but what it comes down to is the fact that no matter how disconnected I felt at times, the tension always and constantly delivers and Ridley Scott gives proof of his mastery at it. This is a solid Alien film, with lots of glorious suspense and scare mixed with a surprisingly excellent attempt at world and mythology building.

WEEKEND ROUNDUP: 'Guardians of the Galaxy 2' Dominates Once Again, While 'King Arthur' Fails To Live Up To The Legend

Welcome to WEEKEND ROUNDUP, where we discuss this weekends box office results.  The TOP 3 films for the weekend of May 12-14 were Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Snatched, and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.

Let's take a look at this week's box office results:

Movie Review: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (Review #2)

You know, to me personally, I think the first Guardians of the Galaxy is a bit over-rated. Heck, I even read a comment where someone said that the Guardians are better than the Avengers. I mean the characters not the movie, but those same people who think that may put the movie higher than Avengers. Why? I'll never know. But I'll respect it because they are cool characters.

SUMMER FILM CHALLENGE 2017 - Week 2 Update

So ends the second week of the official Summer movie season, and I have to say, it hasn't been too impressive as of yet.  We've had one big breakout film, and two not-so-great ones.  And as you can see below, we once again don't have much to report, as none of the films released this week were on any of our lists.

Short Film Spotlight: THIS IS JOHN

Welcome back to another installment of SHORT FILM SPOTLIGHT. This week, we take a look at an award winning short from 2003...THIS IS JOHN!

Movie Review: KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is the latest cinematic take on the classic legend of King Arthur. This time, acclaimed director Guy Ritchie is telling the origin story with Arthur being sent away after his evil uncle takes the crown from Arthur’s father. This film also leans heavily into the mystical elements of the Arthurian story. The film stars Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Djimon Hounsou, Eric Bana, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, and Aidan Gillen. This film is an absolute catastrophe. From start to finish almost nothing works and this comes in as yet another failed attempt at a story that should be so easy to tell.

Family Movie Night: TREASURE PLANET

Welcome to a new installment of FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT, where we give our family friendly recommendations.This week, we take a look at the 2002 Disney Animated Film...TREASURE PLANET!

Movie Review: ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST

Once Upon a Time in the West is a film directed and co-written by Sergio Leone, who is also responsible for the Dollars Trilogy which contains A Fistful of Dollars, For A Few Dollars More, and The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Leone is an Italian film director, writer and producer, famous for the Spaghetti Western genre. The term "Spaghetti Western" was coined from the success of western films made by Italian filmmakers, Sergio Leone being the epicenter of the foundation of this genre.

Directorial Debut: Patty Jenkins' MONSTER

Welcome to another installment of DIRECTORIAL DEBUT, where we look at some of the best, most interesting and iconic directors and the films that started their careers. This week we take a look at Patty Jenkins' brilliant and intriguing bio pic, MONSTER.

What's on Netflix?: 13 REASONS WHY

Welcome to another installment of WHAT'S ON NETFLIX?, where we pick out a film or series currently playing on Netflix and review it for the fans. This week, Robert reviews the controversial teen drama, 13 REASONS WHY.

Retro Review: THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

Welcome to another installment of RETRO REVIEW, where we take a look at films made before the year 2000. Today we’ll be looking back at a film from the the great director Jonathan Demme who passed away recently…THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS.

SUMMER FILM CHALLENGE 2017: Week 1 Update

Here is the first week's update for our Summer Movie Challenge!

Trailer Review: IT (Trailer #2)

This Fall, horror will reign!  The latest trailer for the upcoming adaptation of Stephen King's IT has been released and we have it right here.  Check it out below:

Trailer Review: WONDER WOMAN - "Rise of the Warrior" (Final Trailer)

The final trailer for DC's upcoming film, Wonder Woman, has officially been released!  The trailer, titled "Rise of the Warrior" premiered during the MTV Movie Awards last night and hit the web shortly after.  Check it out below:

Trash Bin: THE SPIRIT (2008)

Welcome to another installment of the TRASH BIN, where we watch the worst movies Hollywood has to offer (according to the critics), and give you our thoughts, good or bad. This week, we take a look at comic writer, artist, and now director, Frank Miller, and his film...THE SPIRIT!

The Spirit is a strange movie, as polarizing and as oddball as it can be, that much I think is safe to say. It's based on the Will Eisner comic strips of the same name, but doesn't resemble them in the slightest. It's got a big name in the director's chair, but they're not a big name because of anything related to film, Frank Miller. It resembles Sin City, but in reality is...well...I don't quite know what. It's dark and noir-ish, except when Sam Jackson starts going on about eggs, and dresses like a Nazi. The movie is full of these contradictions, and untangling what exactly I'm supposed to be looking at is like the Spirit himself untangling a good mystery. Except for here where it's hardly a mystery to begin with. Let me start over. Did I enjoy this movie? Oh, absolutely. Is it any good? Well...let me explain.

Don't Watch This Alone!: GET OUT

Welcome to the another installment of DON'T WATCH THIS ALONE!, where we review the best, worst, and everything in between in the world of horror.  This week we review the new horror film by Jordan Peele...GET OUT.

Side By Side: FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN (2005) vs.KINGSGLAIVE: FINAL FANTASY XV (2016)

Welcome to another installment of SIDE BY SIDE, where we dissect the differences and similarities between two films, be it a remake/reboot with its original, a sequel with its original, or two similar movies. This week, Robert compares two of the movies inspired by the beloved video game series Final Fantasy: FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN
and KINGSGLAIVE: FINAL FANTASY XV.

What’s On Netflix?: WIN IT ALL

Welcome to another installment of WHAT’S ON NETFLIX?, where we pick out a film or series currently playing on Netflix and review it for the fans. Today’s selection is a positively reviews Netflix Original that debuted at South by Southwest this year….WIN IT ALL.

Trailer Review: THE DARK TOWER

See this, now. See it very well. The first trailer for The Dark Tower is here.

Why Haven't I Seen That?: REAR WINDOW

Welcome to a new installment of WHY HAVEN’T I SEEN THAT?, where we talk about a must-see or iconic film that we have never seen… until now. This week we take a look at the 1954 Alfred Hitchcock classic REAR WINDOW. Enjoy!

Retro Review: THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT (1996)

Welcome to another installment of RETRO REVIEW where we take a trip back in time to look at films made before the year 2000.  Today we review the 1996 Christmas-set action flick from the same writer of Lethal Weapon, Shane Black...THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT.  Enjoy!

Comedy Corner: HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS

Welcome to another installment of COMEDY CORNER, where we review the movies that make the world laugh, or those that just try to.  This week we'll be reviewing a hilariously disastrous romantic comedy, HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN TEN DAYS. 

EDITORIAL: Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Over-creating

“There are a few significant things that happen in Han Solo’s life, like acquiring a certain vehicle and meeting a certain Wookiee that will happen in this film. But you will also discover how he got his name.” 

—Bob Iger, Disney CEO on the new Han Solo Movie

There are questions you'd probably rather never know the answers to. Since Disney’s 2012 purchase of Lucasfilm, we have seen a push for new films, toys, games, and other sellable items (hello Star Wars CoffeeMate Coffee Creamer). At first, admittedly, I was incredibly excited. A chance for new Star Wars movies? Perhaps an Indiana Jones movie if we are lucky? New video games and clothes? Even a Star Wars Universe at Disney World?! Hell yes. However, with this new parent company looking to make a return on their $4 billion investment, we are seeing some things that I think could taint the Star Wars universe, just like what has happened with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

SUMMER FILM CHALLENGE 2017

May is here, and you know what that means?  The summer movie season has officially started!  And what better way to celebrate than a friendly competition.  So I present to you all the first annual Merc With A Movie Blog Summer Film Challenge!