Movie Review: IT (2017)

On Tuesday, September 5th I was invited to a press screening of the theatrical remake of Stephen King's iconic horror movie, IT, directed by Andy Muschietti. Before the movie began, there was a short video preface by King himself saying how he is really pleased with how this movie turned out. I think he and I will have to part ways on this sentiment in some areas regarding IT. 

What's On Netflix?: THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES

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 romantic comedy THE INCREDIBLE JESSICA JAMES.

Movie Review: MANCHESTER BY THE SEA

An uncle (Casey Affleck) is obliged to return home to care for his nephew (Lucas Hedges) after his brother dies. Unbeknownst to him, he is to be the guardian of this young boy and struggles with the decision. Throughout the movie he recounts past memories that caused him to leave Manchester and distance himself from his past.

Manchester By The Sea is a highly character driven piece, an almost classical drama of present-time. Whilst keeping itself at distance from a highly-stylized approach to the story, it presents the events in a perfectly orchestrated scene weave which makes this 140 minute drama pass in the blink of an eye, almost leaving you wanting more.

Movie Review: SING STREET

Dublin, 1985. When his family decides to cut expenses because of the recession, Conor (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo), a teenager who loves music, is transferred to a public Christian school where he feels totally out of place. One day he sees a girl, Raphina (Lucy Boynton), waiting outside of the school and goes to talk to her. Deeply moved, he decides to put a band together so she can star in their music videos and also to impress her. This brings him and her and his new friends in the band into a coming-of-age tale that is as powerful as it is romantic.

Movie Review: MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES

To Mike and Dave, they think they've made all their family gatherings better parties, but to their parents, and admittedly to reality, these brothers, played by Zac Efron and Adam Devine, have actually ruined all of the family events they've participated in for their wild party style. So when it's their sister Jaine's (Sugar Lyn Beard) turn to get married, the family is taking no risks: Mike and Dave are to bring dates to the wedding in order to be kept at bay. That's when Alice (Anna Kendrick) and Tatiana (Aubrey Plaza) put on the facade of being nice, ordinary girls to score a free weekend in Hawaii after discovering an advert from the two brothers. Yet when the chaotic spirits of both pairs start to explode, an apparently normal weekend turns into a ludicrous series of events.

Movie Review: SWISS ARMY MAN

When I first saw the trailer for this film, I didn't quite know what to make of it.  The "Farting Corpse Movie" as it became known as, looked like a weird indie flick that might be fun, but probably wouldn't have a ton of substance.  But after watching it at a recent press screening, I have to say, I was so wrong.  This film definitely is weird, but it's so much more.  It's a weird, wild story, full of emotion and heart, and really makes you think about what it is to be alive.

Movie Review: ZOOTOPIA

I feel a quick introduction is due. Hi, Bailey here. I happen to be a new writer here, but we'll be best friends in no time so don't sweat it, and yeah, Zootopia is gosh darn phenomenal.

Disney has opened my Pandora's box of bias once more to not only solidify this decade as the golden age of animation, but show even today they can still make some of the best and most relevant films ever.

12 Days of Movie Reviews: Die Hard

The day has come...MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!  On Day 12 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews we take a look at the greatest Christmas movie ever made...DIE HARD!!!

12 Days of Movie Reviews: Elf

Christmas Eve is upon us, and on Day 11 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews we take a look at a fun family film...ELF.

12 Days of Movie Reviews: Arthur Christmas

We have officially reached Day 10 of the 12 Days of Movies Reviews.  Today we will be discussing the 2011 animated film...ARTHUR CHRISTMAS.

12 Days of Movie Reviews: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Welcome one and all to Day 9 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews!!  Today, we look back at an all-time classic Christmas comedy...NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION!

12 Days of Movie Reviews: The Santa Clause

On Day 8 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews, we take a look at the classic family film starring Tim Allen...THE SANTA CLAUSE.

12 Days of Movie Reviews: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Welcome to the Day 7 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews.  Today we bring to you Shane Black's directorial debut, the very entertaining 2005 crime comedy...Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

12 Days of Movie Reviews: The Long Kiss Goodnight

                                 

On Day 6 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews we take a look at another Christmas-set action flick from the same writer of Lethal Weapon, Shane Black.  Today we discuss...THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT.

12 Days of Movie Reviews: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Welcome to Day 5 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews!  Today, we will be discussing the beloved, Tim Burton animated classic...THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

As a child, this was one of my absolute favorite films.  I watched it so many times, I lost count.  As an adult, it still holds a very special place in my heart.  I watch it twice a year, once during Halloween season and once during Christmas season, because it's the best of both worlds.

The film follows a very melancholy Jack Skellington, The Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he searches for purpose in his life.  He stumbles upon the doorway to a strange land known as Christmas Town and discovers there's more to life than he thought.  But he soon learns that changing who he is isn't the answer.

My favorite things about this film are the animation style (unique to Tim Burton) and the music, which sets a perfect tone for the events of the film.  

What Makes It Christmasy?

Christmas plays a pivotal role in this film, as Jack attempts to take over as "Sandy Claws" and deliver his version of toys to children around the world.

This is a must watch during the holiday season and for anyone who's a fan of the macabre style of Tim Burton.  I highly recommend this for anyone who hasn't seen it yet.

The Merc's Score: 9/10

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12 Days of Movie Reviews: Iron Man 3

Day 4 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews is upon us, and today we will be talking about one of Marvel Studio's highest grossing films, the threequel to the film that started it all...IRON MAN 3.

The first time I watched Iron Man 3 I was a little turned off by the whole Mandarin twist.  However, in subsequent viewings, I have grown to really enjoy what they did with this film.  And hopefully, we'll actually get a chance to see the real Mandarin in the future MCU.

For those of you who don't know, Iron Man 3 takes place after the events of The Avengers, and Tony Stark is having a hard time coping with what happened in New York.  In the meantime, The Mandarin has vowed to make America suffer at his hand and an old acquaintance has developed something very dangerous which puts Tony's life and the lives of those he loves at risk.

My favorite part of this film is Tony's interaction with the young boy, Harley.  Their banter is amazing, especially since the kid is so young.  It's nice to see he can keep up with RDJ.  I also really love Pepper Potts in this film.  She is one of the few superhero love interests that I really enjoy seeing.  She's smart, sexy, and badass.  What more could you ask for?

What Makes It Christmasy?

Well, several of Shane Black's films, this one is set during Christmastime.  Also, during Tony's initial test run for the Mark 42 armor, he puts on some Christmas music.  As Tony is stranded in Tennessee, there is a scene which involves the Miss Chattanooga Christmas pageant, which is also where we get our much anticipated Stan Lee cameo.  And my favorite is when Tony sees a young boy with glasses, he references the classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story.

This film was a perfect starting point for Marvel's Phase 2, and I am very excited to see how Phase 3 will be.

The Merc's Score:  7.5/10

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12 Day of Movie Reviews: A Very Murray Christmas

Day 3 of the 12 Days of Movie Reviews is upon us, and today we will be talking about the new Netflix original holiday special...A VERY MURRAY CHRISTMAS.

12 Days of Movie Reviews: Lethal Weapon

Welcome to Day 2 of the "12 Days of Movie Reviews".

Today we take a look at the most quintessential buddy-cop film of the last 35 years and a classic Christmas-themed film...LETHAL WEAPON!

12 Days of Movie Reviews: Love Actually

Welcome to the "12 Days of Movie Reviews"!  Today I'll be talking about one of the great romantic comedies of our time, the Christmastime classic...LOVE ACTUALLY.

Stunning Short Film, 'The Shaman', Makes Its Way Online

                                 

I recently came across an amazing Sci-Fi short film by the director of Ainoa, Marco Kalantari, call The Shaman.  This short film is described by the filmmakers as "mind-bending", and they were right.