Phantom (2013)

When I saw the trailer for "Phantom" and read the details of what it is about I immediately got the feeling that it was going to be a really good movie and that I had to go see it. Ed Harris brings depth to any character he plays, and his portrayal as Demi, the captain of a Soviet submarine with a few skeletons in his closet is no exception. Given one last command at a time when the Cold War tensions between the super-powers are at an all time high, he must battle more than the Americans, he must battle the enemy within his own ranks. David Duchovny is brilliant as Bruni, the radical KGB agent on board who is bent on taking command of the submarine and firing a nuclear missile aimed at the United States. The twist to this is that the submarine is also armed with a secret weapon called the "Phantom" that will give off a signature signal that will lead the Americans to believe that the missile was launched from a Red Chinese submarine instead of a Soviet one. Bruni and other members of the KBG believe this will trigger an all out nuclear war between China and the United States and allow the Soviet Union to sit back and survive the holocaust unscathed. Tensions run high as Captain Demi and other loyal crew members work to diffuse the missiles warhead and retake control of the sub from the KGB agents. "Phantom" is loosely based on the true events involving the Soviet submarine K-129 in 1968.
As I sat back and enjoyed this movie I must admit that at first I found myself thinking of David Duchovny's character as being Fox Mulder. I think there are a few "X-Files" episodes that involved submarines, specifically the 17th episode of the second season titled "End Game" which led me to feel that way. However, as the movie went along and Duchovny's character Bruni developed I got over that feeling.... This is a very good solid movie and I highly recommend seeing it.

The Last Exorcism Part II (2013)

Before I start I must say I love the first movie, great story and acting. Normally I dislike the amateur camera story telling, but the camera shots were well handled and was only distorted when the theme calls for it which fuse well with the dramatic ending.
I really don't believe this movie (the sequel) deserves all the negative reviews and here is why.
From a technical perspective, I thought the cinematography was superb, lots of beautiful artistic shots adding to the mood of the movie. The build up of hopelessness and dread, it lays solid foundation to the climatic ending. I was expecting something similar to the last movie but the change was quite refreshing.
In terms of acting, Ashley Bell did a terrific job as a terrorized girl with no one to trust and no where to turn.
Granted the story is simple on the surface and shot with many of the "jump from behind" scene to startle the viewer. It may seem like "god" has forsaken Nil as she was chased by the demon throughout the film and finally the ones who was suppose to help her tries to kill her as they realize they are no match for the demon's power (clearly no one is looking out for Nil). The ending is non-traditional where Evil wins over good, but is the "good" deserving? (Girls watching YouTube videos to makes fun of Nil, the Order whom tries to kill Nil when they are frightened by the demon's power, the care taker is perhaps the only one none deserving of his fate)
This type of ending is more frequent in Japanese horror where the dark force cannot be conquered by man and shows how small we are in nature. Perhaps the slight to our all controlling north American ego and an attack on "God" failing to step up as the mighty protector is the reason behind all the negative comments placed on this film.

Stoker (2013)

This is the first English language film from South Korean director Chan-Wook Park. He is probably most famous for the intense psychological thriller Oldboy. With his American debut he reigns in the extremity somewhat but does retain the visual inventiveness that is also one of his trademarks. In many ways Stoker is a modern update of Alfred Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt (1943). Like that one, this film has a mysterious uncle re-emerge into the life of a family after many years of absence. Before long it becomes pretty clear that all is not as it seems with this man and he is in fact extremely dangerous. The main character is an 18 year old girl called India Stoker played by Mia Wasikowska who was recently in the not very good but very popular Alice in Wonderland. She leads the film very well and carries off the bookish character effectively. There is also able support from Nicole Kidman as her mother.
The look and feel of Stoker is impressive. The atmosphere is well sustained throughout. If I had a criticism it would simply be that the story ultimately isn't all that original and there aren't really a lot of surprises. What it does do though is to take a fairly standard psychological thriller story and make it interesting by way of cinematic techniques. It isn't a movie that is exactly going to break the mould but it is pretty accomplished nevertheless and is a pretty good first English language feature from its director.

21 & Over (2013)

This is a movie you hate from the first minute on. The characters are unlikable and very forgettable, it has a feeling like it's trying to be important but comes off lame and there is very little comedy in this comedy. Another teen party movie, although them being 21 and legal is supposed to be rebellious? The Asian kid has an important meeting the next day yet his dumb friends take him out drinking, and even when he is drunk they just keep going to bars and parties and dragging him around. In an age of cell phones, the internet, GPS and every other form of communication they can't find someones address? The guy is awake several times yet they don't ask him his address, instead they compete in party games and drink a gallon of milk. A seriously dumb movie. Go watch Superbad again if you want a funny movie like this.

Snitch (2013)

For anyone considering not watching this movie, I urge you to give it a go. I stuck it on despite serious reservations stemming from the fact it stars Dwayne Johnson; I've never seen him even close to giving an acceptable acting performance. This is without doubt his best work by a considerable distance. The supporting cast are great which probably helped to bring up Dwayne's performance. (Omar from The Wire never fails to play a brilliant bad guy). The soundtrack and cinematography go way beyond anything you'd expect to be associated with 'The Rock' I'm glad I was in a 'I'll just watch anything' mood, otherwise I'd have completely overlooked this. I'm scoring it a 9 because I think the overall score needs taken up a bit. Its probably so low in the first place because of people like me unwilling to give the guy a chance.

The Berlin File (2013)

I'm always surprised that other people are surprised that South Korea is capable of delivering good action movies. The action scenes/stunts from this movie alone put some American movies to shame! There is almost an insanity to some of them, but it comes across as really well executed (no pun intended). Having said that, what I also like about movies from Korea, is their ability to make you invest into characters, while simultaneously keeping them mysterious or at least in grey areas as well. What is good and who is bad, could be a question, but what would be the answer? If you'd be able to answer that of course. Not all movies work with that formula, but this particular one does. You might have to wrap your head around this, so it might take a few minutes to get who is who and doing what, but once you are there (without the movie patronizing you), you will be able to really enjoy this.

Escape from Planet Earth (2013)

Escape from Planet Earth is a good movie for kids. It's funny, and colorful. However, do not think that it's bringing anything new to the table. It's nice entertainment, without any real disappointment, but it's a light meal. It's real and only strength lies in the slick and extremely colorful graphics. they have their own style and there's not denying the appeal or the design of the alien home world. The rest is merely acceptable. The story is linear, the scenario unimaginative, and the dialog simple. I liked it because it was fun, but don't expect much out of it and you won't be disappointed.

Killing Lincoln (2013)

If you watch this movie, you will know the facts of the events leading to, the events of, and the results of Abraham Lincoln's assassination. This is most excellently performed. The actors who portrayed both Lincoln (Billy Campbell) & Booth (Jesse Johnson) performed A plus roles. Both actors conveyed the feel of the age and the personality of both historical persons as history has made them known to us. Excellent. Johnson for sure deserves an award. Watching his performance, you will feel that you know Booth. If you are at all interesting in these events, watch this movie. You will be well educated, informed, and entertained. In this modern day, such a combination is rare, indeed. In the highest minded rationale, this is as good an expression of the TV art as there can be.

A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (2013)

I'll give a star for Jason Schwartzman, a star for Bill Murray, a star for Aubrey Plaza and a star for the movie as a whole. I'm entertained by Charlie Sheen and his antics. While I can't hate the guy because I don't know him personally, I don't want to watch a movie that seems to basically reflect his poor decision making, meltdown and turn around. Too much "nothing" happened. Plenty of fantasy sequences and flashbacks seemed to just emphasize Sheen's boisterous and lady killing ways. In the end it seems like an exaggerated and far fetched Charlie Sheen Documentary. Roman Coppola works much better with Wes Anderson.

Side Effects (2013)

SIDE EFFECTS begins familiarly enough: a patient Amy Taylor (Rooney Mara) is being treated by her psychiatrist Dr. Banks (Jude Law), who prescribes her different medicines to cure her of depression. It seems, however, that all of them have side effects (hence the title); one of them being to reduce Amy into a trance-like state where she does not remember what she is doing. During one of these periods she inadvertently murders her husband Martin (Channing Tatum). Sent to a psychiatric hospital for observation, she continues to be treated by Banks. As the action folds, however, so Banks becomes more and more suspicious; all is not what it seems in Amy's case. No one believes him: in the end he suffers unexpected side-effects, both personally and professionally. However he uncovers a plot involving Amy and her former shrink Dr. Siebert (Catherine Zeta Jones). Director Steven Soderbergh builds up the tension through skillful camera-work, lighting and a taut script to create a dénouement full of unexpected twists and turns. The New York settings conspire to create an oppressive environment that only serve to exacerbate the potential side-effects of Amy's and Banks's actions. Well worth a watch.

Identity Thief (2013)

I love funny movies. Melissa McCarthy delivered. This is not a non-stop-laugh movie, but it has plenty of funny and hilarious scenes. There is a storyline, a plot; it is not continuous slapstick. It has serious moments, and sad moments -- it is bittersweet yet very, very funny. Eric Stonestreet gives a great performance as Big Chuck. His is a small part, and one not for children. Actually, children should not see this movie as there is some violence as well as the short sex scene with Big Chuck. In the end, the character played by Jason Bateman, Sandy, shows his true side, which is compassion and forgiveness and that, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade -- don't give up; just start over. Melissa McCarthy is as funny here as in Bridesmaids. I am looking forward to The Heat, in which she stars with Sandra Bullock.

The Haunting in Connecticut 2: Ghosts of Georgia (2013)

Fantastic movie! Good acting (Chad Michael Murrey doesn't disappoint). A great ghost story and yet not overly scary but filled with thrills. Not a lot of gore but it does have it's carcass and buggy moments, but if you're looking for the heavy stuff like dismemberment or guts, this isn't the movie for you. I wasn't all disappointed with this movie. Everything takes off from the beginning and doesn't stop until the end. The movie dramatizes the true story but that's to be expected. It was a little predictable but otherwise fine. Effects, storyline, all impressive. Not much else to say, except really enjoyable and worth a second watch.

Warm Bodies (2013)

This movie was great! I brought my friends and they thought it was going to be lame but they ended up loving it just as much as I did! Go see this movie, its adorable! I loved how its dark and gory in a cute way. This movie is funny, suspenseful, a little bit of a horror and romantic; its the perfect date movie! I don't get scared easily but this movie made me jump a few times... The whole movie i was entertained! I was very impressed with the way the make-up and hair team were able to make the zombies so realistic! R was very easy to relate with and this movie has a little bit of everything for everyone. I suggest going even if your a bit skeptic about it.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013)

I seriously enjoyed this film-- it had more gore than Mel Gibson could shake a fist at, some very cute actors, and didn't waste time with excessive back-story and details, and gave me many good laughs. Its not an intellectually stimulating movie... duh. Its made to a hilariously entertaining popcorn flick with over-the-top action and unrealistic weapons that wouldn't have existed given the 'time period' this movie seems to be set in. So you folks out there giving it bad rap for not meeting your standards, calm down. Its clearly not trying to. :). This movie's violence reminded me of the Expendables-- but this film never takes itself too seriously like the other film does... I found this much more fun to watch.

Movie 43 (2013)

I consider movies in two categories. You have the overall scale, which this movie would only get a four in, and then you have the entertainment scale, which I think would earn this flick a six. The difference is in the fact that this is not a typical film; it has a little story progression, though it is truly more a series of sketches. The humor is purposefully "crude" and it pushes at the viewer's tolerance for indecency. Such issues as the awkwardness of first dates, addressing peculiar desires in the bedroom, and boundaries of a company's take on the old "sex sells" motto and pet / owner relationships are about half of the topics addressed, all in a raunchy, offensively comedic manner. Certainly not everyone's cup of tea, I none-the-less found it funny, and though at the beginning I wanted to close my eyes from sheer embarrassment, I realized that my reaction was what the movie intended. Do not watch this film if your desire is to see a favorite actor or actress, as they are all absurdly out of their normal character, parodies really, but give it a chance if you've ever thought that an SNL skit was funny, or if you can laugh at an exploding colostomy bag. Just keep in mind that though the circumstances might be bizarre, every joke has a nugget of truth, and in order to enjoy this movie, one has to see the word "nugget", and think "poop", which should then inspire laughter. If it doesn't, this movie is probably not for you.

Broken City (2013)

Clearly, I am at odds with a number of reviewers as I loved this movie, with all its twists and turns (some predictable) and with some very great actors. Mark Wahlberg, who is growing in strength with every film, has the lead and does not put a foot wrong, Russell Crowe has a great time as the crooked Mayor, Catherine Zeta Jones in a smaller role looks absolutely gorgeous, while the supporting cast are excellent. One needs to pay very close attention to understand exactly what is happening, but it is always enthralling and fast-moving. There is a great car chase that is in keeping with all the other action this movie provides, with the last 15 minutes extremely suspenseful. Go see it, as it really needs the big screen to do it justice.

Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013)

I really loved this sequel. I loved the story and how the ignore all the other sequels. The acting was great (except trey songs). The 3d was awesome. I also really loved how Gunner Hansen, Marlyn Burns, and Bill Mosely were in the movie. Alexandra Daddario did awesome even though i thought Danielle Harris should have played Heather but still it was good. The graphics were awesome even in 3d and the action was very entertaining. I completely loved how it ended even though my friend thought the ending was lame but it was awesome. I definitely thought it was worth my money and definitely not a waist of time or a weak sequel. I WOULD SAY FOR Texas CHAINSAW MASSACRE FANS A MUST SEE.