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Slasher_Lover23
Favorite Actor: Ryan Gosling
Favorite Actress: Jennifer Lawrence
Favorite Director: Christopher Nolan
Favorite Horror: Scream
Favorite Drama: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Favorite Comedy: Silver Linings Playbook
Favorite Action: Inception
Celebrity Crush: Jennifer Lawrence
Favorite TV Show: Boy Meets World
Favorite Sitcom: Friends
Favorite TV Drama: Dawson's Creek
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Endless Love (2014)
Powerful Love Story
The film follows David (Alex Pettyfer) who has had a long-lasting crush on beautiful rich girl Jade (Gabriella Wilde). It is on the day of their high school graduation when their two worlds collide. As the poor city boy and the sheltered rich girl's love begin to grow, the disapproval of Jade's father (Bruce Greenwood) does as well. He will stop at nothing to keep the two young lovers apart, and it will test the limits of how strong David and Jade's love truly is.
Endless Love definitely follows the footsteps of previous romance films, despite being a remake and an adaptation of a book of the same name. However, that doesn't prevent the film from being a powerful love story on its own. The characters are so lovable and more than anything you want their love to prevail and want everything to work out for them. We watch as they begin their cute encounters upon first meeting, and we gradually see their love grow more and more, and as the story goes on, we can literally feel the love between them despite the obstacles. It's definitely not a fresh love story, but anyone with a heart and has a strong belief in love can see so much deeper into his. Despite what critics and other reviews say, this is a powerful love story that shows how powerful love can be and how much we want to give that love to someone else.
Alex Pettyfer and Gabriella Wilde have AMAZING chemistry, enough to where it really helps you believe this couple is in love. Not since Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in The Notebook has one been able to literally feel the love and chemistry two actors have to display on screen. On their own, the two actors do just as an amazing job. Wilde provides a lot beauty and innocence to her role as the girl who wants to throw away her sheltered and rich life to be with the one she loves most. Pettyfer proves a strong performance as a guy who will stop at nothing to be with the one he loves. He displays his full range as an actor when it involves his character confronting his past demons and deeper emotions.
Despite the harsh reviews that will come its way, Endless Love is a truly powerful love story that only people who are deeply in love, have deeply loved, or strongly believe in love will appreciate. It is only those like critics and those who haven't experienced love or really believe in it that will be blinded to the film's overall meaning. On top of that, we have the two solid performances by the leads to lift the film up to higher standards than most recent romantic dramas.
My Rating: 10/10
Gimme Shelter (2013)
Powerful Movie and Performance by Hudgens
Tired of her life of abuse and constant foster care, Agnes (Vanessa Hudgens) sets out to find a new place to call home. But she soon comes to realize that home is the place where you least expect to find it.
Gimme Shelter is a powerfully emotional film that chronicles the life of a young girl who just wants to find a place where she belongs in the world. We watch as Agnes encounters people from her dark past, to people in her present who may just lead her on the path to salvation. Some of the situations are dark and heart-breaking, but the moments when Agnes finds and feels the love she's been looking for will move you to tears. While many may compare it to the film Precious, Gimme Shelter is based on a true story. The film moves at a quick-pace, but not too quick to where you don't find yourself emotionally evolved in the story and the characters.
While many remember her for role in High School Musical or even most recently for her devilishly trashy performance in Spring Breakers, Vanessa Hudgens gives the performance of her career. It's powerful, heartbreaking, and moving at the same time. Hudgens gets so lost in her role. We really believe her as this lost and broken girl who yearns to be loved. For anyone who doubts that Hudgens can't act (which honestly, I thought this at first), once you see this film you can see the great potential Hudgens inhabits. Very few young actresses could have pulled this role off, but Hudgens nails it through and through and carries the film on her own. In very much supporting roles are Rosario Dawson who gives a dark and pure evil performance as Agnes' drug addicted and abusive mother whom she tries to escape. Dawson really delivers in this role and every time she's on screen you're digested and you absolutely HATE her. Brenden Fraser stars as Agnes' biological and wealthy father. When we first meet his character, Fraser comes off as very bland in the role, but during the course of the film he eases into it more and gives a decent enough performance.
Gimme Shelter is a deep and emotional film that will touch you, and leave you in tears, and full of hope. All of this definitely wouldn't have been possible without the powerhouse performance given by Vanessa Hudgens.
My Rating: 10/10
Cavemen (2013)
Fun, Charming, Sweet, and Plenty of Laughs
Struggling screenwriter Dean (Skylar Astin) is not only having difficulties coming up with a good idea for a love story, but difficulties with finding love in his own life. In hopes of finding inspiration for his script, he sets out to find the love of his life. Along the way he begins to learn some lessons from his friends Jay (Chad Michael Murray), Pete (Kenny Wormald), and Andre (Dayo Okeniyi), and Dean's best friend Tess (Camilla Belle).
There's no doubt that Cavemen has all of the element of your typical romantic comedy. Yes, it is predictable, yes it is cliché. But what sets it apart from many rom-coms before it, is that it has the heart and charm to make it enjoyable. You can't help but root for the lead character in his quest for finding true love. The characters are well-written and likable and each have their own story to tell instead of just being your typical side characters. During the course of the film you love seeing these characters with each other because you love them so much. What also sets it apart from other romantic comedies is that has the perfect combination of comedy and romance. There will be moments where you will laugh at some of the dialogue and the situations the characters find themselves in, then the next you'll find yourself invested in the love story aspect.
The cast is hands down, one of the best things about the film. Skylar Astin is solid as the hopeless romantic on his quest for love. He pulls of the awkward moments in this quest perfectly, and when it comes to the moments where he's conflicted of his feelings, you can really sense it. Astin, as well as his other male cast members have great chemistry together and come off genuine buddies who crack jokes and make fun of each other. Chad Michael Murray provides the most laughs as the sex addicted Jay. He pulls off this side of his character with poise, but he also shows Jay's humanity underneath his sex-crazed exterior. Astin also has terrific chemistry with the gorgeous Camilla Belle. The two have the best friend roles pegged. They have fun with each other to where it looks natural, but then in an instant you can see some of the sparks that may be hidden. While Belle doesn't have as much screen time as the guys, she does a fine job with what she has and makes a really lovable female character.
There's no doubt critics and many viewers will tear this film apart just for the fact that it's a romantic comedy. Which in itself is shameful. They need to look past its predictability and see the heart of the story and these characters underneath. This can be said for many other rom- coms out there, and Cavemen is one that sets itself above quite a few others before it.
My Rating: 10/10
That Awkward Moment (2014)
Good, But Fails At Fully Balancing Buddy Comedy and Rom-Com
After their friend Mikey (Michael B. Jordan) reveals his wife wants a divorce, Jason (Zac Efron) and Daniel (Miles Teller) instantly come to his aide. It is then that the three friends make a pact to stay single together and just go on casual dates with women. In hopes of avoiding the big question of "where is this going?", the friends think the plan is going full swing. That is until they find themselves wondering the same question.
That Awkward Moment, is a film that tries to perfectly balance and please both sexes by providing the buddy comedy aspect for the guys, and the cheesy romantic-comedy for the girls. Ultimately what happens is that the film proves that is one line you cannot balance without falling off onto the romantic-comedy side. On the one hand, the film does a fine job in both of those aspects. It features plenty of great laughs, ranging from the dialogue between the three male leads, to some of the situations they find themselves in. As far as the romantic- comedy story, rest assured that is has many cheesy "aww" moments. Sometimes more than one can care for. Not to say, the romantic moments are all awful, there some genuinely good- hearted ones. That aside, it does feature moments where a viewer will see themselves having done some of the things the characters do. So there is some relatability here.
But what the strongest aspect of the film is, is the acting and chemistry among the leads. Efron, Teller, and Jordan have very believable chemistry and come across as realistic buddies. They constantly crack jokes with each other, but also have each other's backs. The dialogue and moments between them come off as so natural that it almost looks like they're completely veering from the script and standing their own. Efron and Teller especially bring on the most charm, while Jordan provides a lot of the seriousness and heart.
Despite the fact that the film failed to balance the fine line to please both sexes, it has enough comedy, chemistry, and acting makes is more than forgivable. But I also give it credit for trying.
My Rating: 7/10
Devil's Due (2014)
Total Snoozefest, But Good Acting By The Leads
During their honeymoon, newlyweds Samantha and Zach couldn't be happier, however upon waking up one morning, they have no recollection of what happened the night before. It isn't too long after returning home that the happy couple find out they are having a child. But during a time of what should be pure happiness soon turns into a nightmare as the couple find themselves being watched and Samantha begins exhibiting strange behavior.
Devil's Due is yet another entry in the found-footage genre. The film can be considered an almost younger generation and found-footage version of Rosemary's Baby. However, this film has no chance in hell (no pun intended) of reaching the status of the classic horror film. It doesn't even stand a chance of reaching Paranormal Activity status. The story may be interesting, but the film itself is just plain boring. There is no intensity and no atmosphere whatsoever. Throughout the film we just see Samantha becoming more and more hostile with random and clichéd jump scares thrown in. And a lot of the creepy moments end up being humorous than anything. By the time we reach the climax of the film where (as usual) all of the real action occurs, it's over before it even begins.
Despite the film's boring outer layer, we are given some pretty good performances by our two leads. Zach Gilford brings a lot of charm to the role of Zach, at the first of the film he's the goofball husband that everyone will seem to adore. But when things start getting serious we see Gilford switch gears into the concerned husband and he does a fairly good job of it. Allison Miller plays Zach's wife Samantha. Like Gilford, Miller shows the sweet and innocent side of her character and we ultimately love her too, but when she needs to show Samantha's gradual change of behavior, she has a few moments where she could have gave it more of a boost, but otherwise she gives it what she can and it's satisfactory enough. The two also have great chemistry together, which also helps the audience care for and root for the two characters.
Devil's Due may be a huge snooze fest and won't leave a mark on the found-footage genre, but it at least has two decent lead actors to keep it from being a total disaster.
My Rating: 3/10
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014)
Best of the Series
Following his high school graduation, Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) begins to experience mysterious occurrences. He enlists in his friends Hector (Jorge Diaz) and Marisol (Gabrielle Walsh) to help him figure out what is going on. Along the way, the three friends uncover clues to secrets they never could have imagined.
The Marked Ones is a spin-off of the popular Paranormal Activity series. However, this doesn't mean it's branched off from the series completely. The film, while having a different storyline, perfectly fits into the series and answers several questions, while leaving room for the series to develop. As for the film itself, it is easily the best of the series. We are given characters we really like and root for and they are really well-developed to where we are given this opportunity. There is also never a dull moment. When there isn't tension-filled moments, we are given fun and comical moments with the characters. It also keeps the viewer engaged from beginning to end with wanting to figure out the clues and mysteries along with the characters. Once that aspect gets going, it keeps going and doesn't diverge from it. Keep an eye out for returning characters and references to the previous films. It makes the film that much greater to enjoy and piece together with the rest of the films. As far as the "found-footage" aspect. It uses this aspect in a better light. The camera use isn't as referred to or made known like the other films. There were times when I found myself not even acknowledging it was a found- footage film unless it actually was referred to or was obvious.
We are given a group of very talented young cast members. Our three leads have very solid chemistry and really appear as a tight-knit group. When they have fun together it's as if they are really having fun. But then once things begin to happen, we see the genuine concern in the actors playing Jesse's friends. As our lead, Andrew Jacobs does a good job of carrying the movie. He does an excellent job of showing the different stages of Jesse's persona changes throughout the film.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones is an excellent entry to the series and the breath of fresh air it needed. It connects so well to the series while using a different storyline. It also gives us some fun and fairly tense moments as well as lovable characters played by a talented group of new faces.
My Rating: 8/10
Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
Light-Hearted with a Dash of Dark, and Excellent Performances
Saving Mr. Banks follows author P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson), author of Mary Poppins to Los Angeles where she meets with Walt Disney (Tom Hanks), regarding the rights of turning her story into a film. During her journey, she tackles the obstacles of how her vision will be handed to someone else, as well as obstacles from her past.
Director John Lee Hancock showed his inspiring and sentimental side when he directed the 2009 hit The Blind Side, he returns with this light-hearted but very deep film. We follow Travers as she leaves the luxury of her London home to sunny California where she is shown a whole new world. Travers begins as an almost cold and bitter woman, but as the story develops we see her character arc begin to form. The story itself can at time be very light-hearted and funny, but it can quickly shift gears into such a serious and dark territory before you can say "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious". The light-hearted aspects basically occur whenever Disney himself is on-screen and when the well-known moments and beloved songs from Mary Poppins are being introduced to Travers by the writer and the song writers and lyricist. The darker aspects of the story show us some of the inspiration for the story and why Travers is the way she is and why she feels how she feels. While it's an excellent story, its light-heartedness makes it appear so much like a family film, especially with Mary Poppins and Walt Disney being key figures. However, this is not a family film at all. The dark and serious aspects outweigh all of its happy moments.
Emma Thompson gives a marvelous performance as our leading lady. She provides a lot of the comic relief as the blunt, strong-willed, and opinionated P.L. Travers. But during the moments where she remembers her past, Thompson can quickly show the emotional side of the character as well as she can the comical side flawlessly. Providing the happiness and light- heartedness of the story is Tom Hanks as the famous Walt Disney. He portrays Disney so perfectly with his optimistic, child at heart personality, and then we see him the serious side of Disney that we have never seen before. It definitely makes for another amazing performance by Hanks this year.
Saving Mr. Banks is a fine dramedy that provides laughs and charm but also deals with very serious issues that don't work for families to see. But don't let that prevent you from going out and seeing this yourself. On top of a great story, you have Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks giving two of the best performances of the year.
My Rating: 9/10
American Hustle (2013)
Excellent Direction and Performances
Set in New Jersey, American Hustle follows con man Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) along with his partner and lover Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams) who get caught in one of their schemes by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). However, instead of imprisonment, DiMaso convinces the two to pull off their biggest heist yet on political operator Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). Rosenfield agrees, while also trying to keep his eccentric wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence) under control and unable to blow their cover.
Under the fabulous direction of David O.Russell, American Hustle looks and feels like a 70s con/mob film through and through. Everything from the set pieces, the costumes, and even the soundtrack completely brings you out of the present and thrown into the world being portrayed on screen. The story itself doesn't exactly bring anything new to the table as far as con artist sub genre, but everything else about it sets apart from any other film you'll see this year. We are given a group of characters that each have their own story to tell in the way they are presented to us. Even if a person viewing the film isn't exactly sold by the story, it's the characters that really help move the film along.
Along with the engaging characters, we have an outstanding cast that help bring them to life. Christian Bale does a good job as the lead as the slimy con man who thinks he's on the top of the world. Amy Adams plays his partner and lover and portrays the seductive role with ease. However, our two other leads give the best performances of the film. Bradley Cooper provides a lot of the comic relief in the film as the cop who coaxes the two con artists into the situation. He plays the cocky and at times crazy character who tries to use his charm to get what he wants, and Cooper nails it. Also providing comic relief is Jennifer Lawrence. At 22-years-old she's playing a role that requires her to act so much older than she actually is. As the wife of Bale's character, she plays the snooping and eccentric character so perfectly and just over-the- top enough to really believe it. She once again proves that she is the most talented young actress of her generation.
American Hustle is an excellent addition to the sub genre with excellent direction and a solid cast that help bring the story and setting to life and completely take you into the world you're watching portrayed.
My Rating: 9/10
A Madea Christmas (2013)
Nothing New, But A Decent Holiday Film
When she finds out her daughter Lacey (Tika Sumpter) isn't coming home for Christmas, Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford), plans a surprise visit, but not before convincing the tough-as-nails Madea (Tyler Perry) to join her. The two women then hit the road for Alabama. Upon arriving, the find that Lacey is now living with a white country boy named Conner (Eric Lively), it isn't too long after that word of Conner's parents (Larry the Cable Guy and Kathy Najimy) are arriving for the holidays as well. Along with the worries of these two families meeting, the small Alabama town is also dealing with the troubling situation of not having their yearly Christmas Jubilation.
Tyler Perry is back with another installment in his Madea films. This time Madea bringing the holiday cheer. Like his previous Madea film, there is more Madea and less of the dramatic soap opera aspects. While are different issues deal with, they're all evenly balanced. This issues dealt with this time around include the idea of interracial marriages and relationships, letting children live their own lives, and of course, the real meaning of Christmas including the Christ vs. Santa issues. While the issues dealt with in the film are very "been there, done that", they're done in a way that keeps the story going and makes for a decent holiday film. And of course we are given major comedic relief from Madea. Only this time around we have her going back and forth with Larry the Cable Guy as Conner's father. These moments are easily the most comical. The story isn't anything new or fresh, but it's a nice film to enjoy around the holiday season.
The film is supported by a very talented cast. Tyler Perry is comical as always as Madea. Larry the Cable Guy and Kathy Najimy are also a treat for the screen. The whole cast does a really good job with their roles, whether they are characters we are supposed to love or characters to hate, and when the character arcs come, their transitions for the characters are very clear to see. This has always been one of the strongest factors in Perry's films, he always chooses very talented actors who get really into their roles, and this film is no different.
A Madea Christmas no doubt, like Perry's other films will have its haters. But it's a film that may not be anything fresh or new, but it still has a great cast going for it, plenty of humor, heart, and a good story that brings out the holiday spirit.
My Rating: 7/10
Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Great Story, Excellent Performances
After being diagnosed with HIV, electrician Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey) learns he only has 30 days left to live. After getting an illegal supply of AZT, Ron finds that this isn't doing anything to help him. Eventually fleeing to Mexico, Ron learns of and begins to take a particular drug that hasn't been approved in the U.S. When he finds that this drug is improving his health, Ron sees an opportunity. After smuggling the drugs across the border, Ron, and another HIV patient named Rayon (Jared Leto) begins selling the drug to other citizens with the virus. During the process, Ron battles the medical field and the law in order to prove how beneficial his buyer's club is.
Based on the true story of the real Ron Woodroof, Dallas Buyers Club follow one man's actions on his mission to survive and how he started a revolution in a time when HIV/AIDS was a major issue. The story itself, not only is interesting, but it doesn't contain a dull moments. It filled with dramatic elements with dashes of comedic moments. It also features characters that we come to find ourselves close to. Every one of which gets their own time to shine. The film does jump around quite a bit, but it does so for the sake of the story and the events that are to come, and through every major point in Woodroof's life and battle with HIV.
Among the cast is Matthew McConaughey who easily gives the performance of his career as the blunt and clever Ron Woodroof. McCoaughey conveys different aspects of Woodroof with such ease. There are moments where he portrays Woodroof as being tough as nails, but then he can instantly shift gears into his emotional side. The comic relief aspects also come off completely natural. Jennifer Garner stars as Woodroof's female doctor friend Eve Saks. Garner does a fine job of giving off her charm as she always does, but with this performance we see the conflict her character is battling between her career and doing what is right. But the one actor who stands out the most is Jared Leto as the cross-dressing Rayon. Leto provides not only a lot of the major comic relief, but he also brings the heart of the story. We are shown Rayon as this carefree, happy-go-lucky character, but eventually we are shown just deeply affected this disease brings him emotionally, and Leto brings all of this to the table flawlessly.
Dallas Buyers Club is completely deserving of all of its Oscar buzz. From its powerful story, to its outstanding performances by the two leading males. Whether or not it is or isn't nominated for the 2014 Oscars, it is a film that has to be seen.
My Rating: 8/10