[Movie Review] - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

CAUTION: May Contain SPOILERS

Title: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
   Director: Zack Snyder
   Release Date: March 28, 2016
   Rating: 7.5 Out of 10

     Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.

My Review:

     This movie was rather one of my biggest expectations this year, and it did not let me down at all. Do not be fooled by my 7.5/10 score, the movie should be rated at least an 8.0 or higher, but there's a few problems I have with the story and the character, not the actors at all. First thing I want to get one thing straight and it's how the movie should have been. Batman doesn't have the strength nor speed of Superman, but managed to use his tactical skills to "beat" Superman. I thought that was a good move on the writing and directing part, because it plays to the character strengths of the the individual characters.

Batman
     I am going to start with the first bit that everyone is probably going to want to know more about, than probably any other part of the movie. Batman... First off, Ben Affleck wasn't the problem, it was how Batman was written. I understand that Batman is in a rough time, that he's feeling at a low, and almost powerless when Superman arrives. Then to disasterbate things you will always have that feeling that Superman is all power, answers to no one and can destroy you or anything whenever he feels like it.

     In Man of Steel, the main point of the whole movie is when Clark is growing up, his father teaching him that the world won't understand and be afraid of him. It's that idea that Batman really just falls into. He's so bent on gaining power over Superman, or vengeance for the innocents killed in the Zod/Superman battle in Gotham. I mean when you have the power Superman does, and who he was facing, you are always going to have that happen. Its sad and wrong yes, but it's going to happen. Batman is just so hell bent on obtaining justice at any means necessary, and even if it means killing Superman he's fine. That's the Batman I didn't want to see. Batman stood for justice not some vigilante, Batman could have easily been confused for Daredevil or say Punisher. It's sad, but that's the Batman they wrote, and it's hard to see and painful to watch.

Superman
     Henry Cavill comes back and is does so great job as Superman. Frankly the performance is just as good as Man of Steel, if not slightly better. There's a lot going on with Superman, mainly a lot of growth. He's learning how to be Clark Kent and Superman and balance the two of them together. As well, where Lois and his family fits into all of that. So when he's rescuing people, he's not sure what to do with all recognition and what to do with some of those who harbor resentment toward him. It's the idea and processing that negativity, in light of positivity.

     Superman is completely about saving and protecting people, so when he sees Batman who seeks just through whatever means necessary, he has trouble with it. The two styles are different, but ultimately they are seeking the same thing. However, Superman has a problem with Batman's method because Batman's content harming people if his goals are met.

Wonder Woman
     She wasn't really a big part of the movie, but she in my opinion stole the show when she was there. Her speed and strength rivals that of Superman, and has some of the same detective skills that Batman has. There really wasn't much story to her at all, which is disappointing. I was hoping for some explanation of where she came from and how/why she has her abilities. either way it leaves a lot for her specific movie. The teaser of Wonder Woman really makes me want to see her movie.

Lex Luthor
     Jesse Einsenberg was terrific. I doubt there has ever been a better Lex Luthor out there period. The character was so Art of War smart and evil. He had a number of scenes that they may not sound creepy or weird, but when you process them for a few moments they twist. They were so great. I loved how over and over, he was so smart or new how things would pan out that he even set egg timers. Genius, whoever wrote that scene needs a medal. I honestly hope to see more of Lex in the future and hope that Jesse gets it.

Misc.
     There were other superheroes that were introduced into this, but I am going to have to leave them go, they are rather interesting and I hope to see them in Justice League. They don't have much more than one scene with their symbol. If they have anywhere near the success that Man of Steel has, DC Comics won't have a problem with funding at all.

     So onto the movie again. Lois Lane is trying to help Superman and be his hope in the face of all his adversaries. Superman says it over and over, she is his world, which is partially true. He loves her and wants to protect her at all costs, but he also wants to save everyone else.

Spoilers

     The reason I rated this movie so low, was the wrongness of Batman. He was just so depressing and frankly he was stuck on his parents death at 40-50 years old. so focused that he justifies killing Superman by going back to his family roots and becoming a hunter. Than the fight happens, and Batman's crafted/stolen kryptonite is what gives him the upper hand on Superman. I don't think it's a great characteristic in Batman to be the reason that Kryptonite is found to have an effect on Superman. Frankly it's Batman's fault for the ending, and he doesn't feel really that remorseful  at all. I mean he feels bad yet, but it's more of a feeling you can just shrug off and, "We'll remember and move on."

     Then you have the reason that during the whole Lex Luthor/Abomination fight, that the two unite and fight together, Clark's Mother's name is Martha. Oh right yeah, so is Bruce Wayne's mother. Oh wait you said save your mother, stop Lex? Oh I'm stupid let's be friends and fight together. That whole scene was so cheesy and lame. I honestly think if the two's problems were that bad, that they'd kill each other over it, a simple thing as their mothers' names being the same wouldn't stop them. It was just shitty writing and could have been done so much better.

          

     This movie was so good, yet through a few flaws, there's parts that held this movie back. The slow building beginning is just an easy fix, but the character flaws in Batman where just too pressing and negative to look pass. I really enjoyed it and recommend anyone and everyone to see it. Maybe I am being too harsh on the newly written Batman. Come to your own judgement, it's worth it.

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[Movie Review] - The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian

Title: The Martian
   Director: Ridley Scott
   Author: Andy Weir
   Release Date: February 11, 2014
   Rating: 9.5 Out of 10

     During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.

From the Book:

     Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him & forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded & completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—& even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment or plain-old "human error" are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—& a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

My Review:

     This is the type of movie that makes me want to read the book. When I say that this is one of my top picks, if not THE top pick, of the year, I am not kidding. This movie leapt above all others in any sort of comparison. First off I may be a bit biased on this one. I say this probably more than I should, but I want to be honest with everyone. I am a fan of Matt Damon; he's a great actor and one of my favorites. So everything and anything that he's in, touched, or part of I go and see.

     So whoever wrote the screenplay, the script, or if any of this was ad libbed in any way, I have to commend each and every one of them. The story and the plot was just fantastic, there is so much to this movie that I honestly can't do it justice. There was so much emotion, and I honestly can't tell you enough how much I wanted Mark Watney to survive. I think that's why this movie did so well, there's not a lot of movies that grabs the audience's attention and makes them want the ending. Who cares whether they expect the ending coming or if the direction is clear, if you can evoke them into the movie and make them desire and want that ending.

     There are so many actors in this movie who just nailed their roll. I would have to say that even if some of them were mediocre, the story may carry them, but they just got it right. If you want to know who is in it, I encourage you to check out IMDb, the cast is all there and the cast is just stellar. I am not surprised this movie did so well with the cast, and the experience to land some of the roles, given how dynamic and complex some of the characters were and on a short screen time. It's just great and I wish there were more movies like this.

     Lately I feel that some of the studios have been taking a great movie and the hype and the talk about the movie is there. However when it comes time to release they forgot somewhere along the line of who is actually going to see the movie. I don't think The Martian had that problem at all. It's beautiful and this is one of the fewer movies that yea the shorter version is more, but I want the extended edition because I don't want to believe that's all. I want more because it's so good, there has to be more. I just hope The Martian gets half the recognition it deserves.

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[Movie Review] - The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

The Scorch Trials

Title: The Scorch Trials
   Director: Wes Ball
   Author: James Dashner
   Release Date: September 18, 2015
   Rating: 8.5 Out of 10

     After having escaped the Maze, the Gladers now face a new set of challenges on the open roads of a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.

From the Book:

     Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end.

     Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.

     There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.

     The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

     Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.

     There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive.

My Review:

     The Scorch Trials is what caught me in The Maze Runner series period. So going to this movie was by far one of my more questionable choices. I was afraid that they would take some liberties with the movie and ruin one of my favorite books. So I was rather surprised by the turn out first off all, and the overall end result of the movie. I was more than happy with it, and frankly it got some of my highlight clips or highlight movie of the year for under-rated, under-appreciated movies of the year.

     First of all I want to talk about the Cranks in this movie. Yea I understand they were all extras and mostly CGI, but they were just brutal. I loved them, they were great and frankly the sold black, bloody visuals of their mouths, and how overly aggressive they were. I mean if you look at Walking Dead they are so stiff and they don't have this crazy abnormal movement that I usually look for, and that's why they are so damn scarey. They honestly take the best part of the movie, and even the full term Cranks were worse. This was the one point I was worried about, I mean how do you get to show something so cruel on TV and keep it in the appropriate rating? They nailed it and I am happy for it.

     Now onto the characters, which for the most part all were great, they all pretty much were the same. there was some that I was hoping would be better, or would show up in other areas. However, it was Thomas, Minho, Newt and Frypan that seemed to take the forefront of most of the movie. The one that I was hoping would've had a better job was Teresa, she was supposed to be this hated, betrayal. I was surprised that most of her actions and the betrayals were cut. I didn't find her betrayal at the end all that impactful, more surprising, but the buildup just wasn't there.

     Two other characters that appeared later in the movie that stuck out and again they were what made the movie for me. Brenda, Patricia Clarkson, is the second love interest for Thomas, and she is far better than Teresa. Her character build up was miles better than the betrayal of Teresa, which for the book was opposite. Than Jorge, Giancarlo Esposito, was the second character that I found interesting. Jorge wasn't there for much, but the fatherly character was just emotionally impactful. I love the connection they built with Brenda.

     There was two parts of the movie that differ from the book that just took me by surprise. Thomas wasn't really supposed to break out the way they did, or break out at all. First, there was this tattoo that was supposed to be on Thomas and the groups backs, Thomas and Teresa both being messages they would put the groups on edge. Than, there was two groups, one led by Teresa and one by Thomas. In a race to cross the scorch. However, when they woke up from a night the camp they were in was empty or something of the sort, they were more or less abandoned to the scorch, with a mission. I wasn't sure why there wasn't the multiple groups, it was the more confusing part of the movie, it was doable, but would've needed a bit more time.

     Overall, the movie was fantastic, I loved it. I wanted more Cranks in the end, and they the best part of the movie. The Cranks just made The Walking Dead's zombies look huggable. So if you have a free weekend and you enjoyed The Maze Runner, stop in and watch it.

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[Movie Trailer] - #9 The 5th Wave

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Title: The 5th Wave
   Director: j. Blakeson
   Author: Rick Yancey

   Release Date: January 2016

     Four waves of increasingly deadly attacks have left most of Earth decimated. Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother.

From the Book:

     After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

     Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker.

     Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Thoughts:

     This is the movie I have been looking forward to for a long, long while. When I read the book, it was mainly because the movie was just announced, afterwords I understood why the announcement came. The book is just fantastic and the trailer seems to play right into the book. I feel that the director is going to try to follow the book, which is a common theme now since some of the more current movies have been doing that and doing rather well. They also have Chloë Mortez who is a fantastic young actress, and I love to see her and the movies she plays in.

     There isn't much for me to gripe about in this movie, other than the dual perspectives seeming to be completely lost on me. I love how the book and everything just seems to come together. Okay, yeah, they did tone back some of the waves, but in all honesty the book's waves were just brutal, I am not saying that it's a good thing, but I haven't seen the movie yet. The feel of the movie is sort of Walking Dead like, but there's this urban, rebel fighting theme that seems to just permeate throughout the entire movie.

     I am just going to start a countdown someplace, we'll get this going so the movie will get here faster. I honestly am looking forward to this beyond anything else at the moment.

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[Movie Review] - Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent

Title: Insurgent
   Director: Robert Schwentke
   Author: Veronica Roth
   Release Date: March 20, 2015
   Rating: 8.5 Out of 10

     Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart with the help from others on her side.

From the Book:

     One choice can transform you-- or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves--and herself--while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

     Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable--and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

My Review:

    Now I was shocked at this movie. If you were to tell me that taking liberties with the movie where the book seemed to drag on and dangle the ending plot twist would actually succeed, I would have laughed at you and more or less disregarded your entire argument before it even began. Than to tell you the movie cut one big component of Allegiant and the rising war, and a big influence to Tris in this movie as well, out almost entirely, I again would have been insulted or thought of blasphemy to the series. However, I have to give the story writers for this movie an applause, a bow, and frankly my salute to proving me utterly wrong.

     Now for everyone who knows me and read my Divergent movie review knows I hated Theo James for Four (Tobias) in the first movie. However, in this one he fits completely. There is this romantic side to him that wasn't there, but he remained strong and dependable as well. There were parts of the movie that showed just how much he grew, and the choices that weigh on his mind. This Tobias is what I envisioned in the first movie and I love how it all got brought back around and he works to support and comfort Tris. This needed to happen in the first movie; great job on the transition.

     Tris is Tris. We already know she's the poster girl for Divergents, and what I didn't get was the need to hammer that home for her. Foreshadowing the whole Abnegation thing over and over seemed a bit much, I got it you ruined the plot twist. However, I did enjoy how emotional she is in this movie. Shailene Woodley nailed her emotional scenes, and maybe a bit too much. I honestly bought her representation, however I didn't see her anger or desire for change. She just seemed to nonchalantly want to kill Jeanine, which didn't seem at all hatred or anger filled, it was more of a, "lets kill her because we can."

     The rest of the supporting characters Caleb, Christina, and even Peter just seemed to fall wayside. Peter and Caleb never really made a scene until the end. I wish there was more of them. Caleb watching his sister suffer and go through what she did, was great and made me want more, but it was too late to crave more. Peter's betrayal was a bit lackluster, how he flip-flops sides was more of a joke and easily bought than some top-secret spy mission. However they did help boost Tris to the limelight, in what can best be described as a "dystopian movie featuring: Tris and Four."

     Now the movie is fast past, it drives the story along and cuts out nearly every useless dialogue it can to make the movie move. It was done well, and the liberties they took were flawless. I love how Marcus made one scene and left, however I will admit I hope there's an extended edition with some more his dialogue with Tris. The best part is the ending and how the graphics department seemed to take the reigns and just go crazy with what is there. It took that twist and seemed to just run with the rest, I just wish some of it could have been cut down to give a little more build-up to Allegiant.

     I am curious how the following Allegiant will fair, with what they left with the movie. There is an endless possibility and figuring there are two movies, I hope the next isn't some drawn out dialogue and introduction. I am hoping for a rebirth of Divergent and building up to a grand finale.

     So in the end I am happy with what they did, it's not the book, and I may eat my own words here, I am more partial to this version of the story than the books. I am happy they took the liberties they did, because it told a better story that was seamless and well thought through. I wish they could have done this with the first movie, but I will admit this surprised me. It wasn't what I had thought of, and when I went to see it, I had heard that the last portion was different and helped define the movie. It not only gave the movie life, but set it apart from other young adult or dystopian movies. Congratulations, on succeed on a great risk with the liberties and pulling off a fantastic interpretation of the movie.

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[Movie Review] - The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

The DUFF

Title: The DUFF
   Director: Ari Sandel
   Author: Kody Keplinger
   Release Date: February 20th, 2015
   Rating: 7.0 Out of 10

     A high school senior instigates a social pecking order revolution after finding out that she has been labeled the DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) to her prettier more popular friends.

From the Book:

     Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

     But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

     Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

My Review:

    I was rather shocked at this movie, there was parts of this movie that I enjoyed and parts that just were ridiculous. The acting was pretty mediocre, I mean c'mon it's a teen flick, the actors in this haven't really had the vast experience that some of the more adult movies have. However, that being said it wasn't awful, and I found it rather enjoyable. The reason this movie is getting such a high rating, with my warning on the acting, was some bits in how the movie was written. Granted it wasn't written perfectly, but the second part was done well. There were ups and downs, but it was enjoyable.

     Mae Whitman as Bianca and Robbie Amell as Wesley were actually cast pretty well. I liked them in the roles. Mae had this unique, quirky attitude and it just fit into her character. However Robbie plays the part right, but I believe it was written a bit wrong. He didn't really seem to be quirky or interesting at all until Bianca came into the picture. I just thought he was written a bit wrong, or maybe I am a bit too mature for this movie.

     Now about the writing, the first half with all the social media references and how Facebook seemed to pay for the first part of the movie. It was just annoying, teens get the whole bit of social media, but it goes deeper. The CG aspects weren't all that great, the whole social media imitation wasn't appealing. I found that whoever did the first half got fired, and the second half when a deeper message started to make an appearance a new writer got hired and turned it around. Because it was night and day. I loved the message of this movie.

     I haven't read the book, so I don't know what the book's message is. The movies focused on the DUFF label and labels in general. Every high school has labels, and ignoring the fact that kids use them is just ignorance. What I didn't like though is they had an ignorant principle and only one teacher that seemed to have a brain. Where are the other teachers? There was one but it was a laughably bad representation. The ending speech from Bianca was great, I love the whole Label vs Self speech, and that just made the movie for me.

     What brought this movie close to home, we have a nearby town whose High School has suffered three suicides recently. I am not sure what the problem is, but this movie just seemed to speak to that. There is a big reference to cyber bullying and what a problem it is. Bullying is a problem, always has been, but cyber-bullying just adds a new layer to it. Bianca handles it pretty well, and there are times I don't understand her sometimes, but she she bounced back from it. I hope more people can look at Bianca and take something from the character representation.

     I know I said that a lot of the writing was done well, it wasn't until the second half that I really fell in love with the movie. The ending was rather predictable, but it was a cute and great ending. The message in this movie was rather good, and that is what made the movie for me. It was cute, and while I may be a bit too mature for this movie, it was great to bring me back to the High School days. Sometimes I say that I don't miss all the high school drama, this movie had some, but it was done well. It wasn't that obnoxious annoying drama, but more of a self-identity issue. It was done well, but not the best executed movie I've seen so far.

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[Movie Review] - The Mockingjay: Part 1 by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1 by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
   Director: Francis Lawrence
   Author: Suzanne Collins
   Release Date: November 21st, 2014
   Rating: 8.0 Out of 10

     When Katniss destroys the games, she goes to District 13 after District 12 is destroyed. She meets President Coin who convinces her to be the symbol of rebellion, while trying to save Peeta from the Capitol.

From the Book:

     My name is Katniss Everdeen.
     Why am I not dead?
     I should be dead.

     Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

     It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans--except Katniss.

     The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

My Review:

    I was rather surprised at this movie and while the rating is rather low compared to how well it could have done I don't think it's misplaced. I love how well Katniss swaps roles in this movie. She is just one of those characters that even as the broken leader for the rebels. However there is more to her in this movie than meets the eye, which shows through in this movie.

     First, I want to come straight out and explain why I gave it an 8.0 out of 10. I hate two part movies. However, in this case I think it works with the exception is it builds up the second part entirely. So if you don't see this one, chances are you won't understand any of the next movie. I really wished this would be a one part movie, mainly because of where the cut would happen and I was a bit too far ahead really to get that right, but it was close. The cut works great though, but I am worried about the content in the second half.

     Now Jennifer Lawrence shows her acting range in this movie. She is strong and courageous, and has this natural leader trait that shows up more so in this movie than the others; however, at times in this whole weak and estranged personas. I love the whole dichotomy of her character in this movie and it makes her character believable and lovable. She's the one that stands out, but it's through the help and support of the other characters.

     The supporting characters, mainly Finnick and Heimick are the life of this movie. There really isn't much else to say. I want to comment more on them,but they hover around Katniss and build her character immensely. Prim is her own character and there are times in which she will touch your heart and at the same time stands up on her own feet and proves she's growing. These characters are worthy, but frankly they are not anything like they have in the past movies.

     This movie is a standing ovation to the series and how much it does build up the series. However, go into the movie knowing that it's just a simple build up to the next, otherwise it will let you down.

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[Movie Review] - Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Title: Gone Girl
   Director: David Fincher
   Author: Gillian Flynn

   Release Date: October 3rd, 2014
   Rating: 8.0 Out of 10

     With his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.

From the Book:

     On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?

     As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

Review:

     So I meant to do this earlier while the movie was fresh, but frankly it lasted longer and I had work to do attend to. Either way, Gone Girl was just mediocre, aside from the various nude scenes there just wasn't much to this movie that got viewers invested in the characters. However when you've read the book and see the glaring omissions, you wonder what David Finch was even thinking. There is just so many bare bones to the characters that's just not there to so their psyche and how they think that just lost me frankly I was never sold on the characters, aside one.

     So first off I want to talk about what this movie did remind me of, I thought it was a lot like Fight Club, and frankly it was done by the same director (I realized this after looking it up). I will say the whole psychological thriller bit should have been there in Gone Girl, but it just fell too short. There's so much missing, so much mainly of Amy Dunne that's not there and of her parents, that you aren't completely sold on Nick or Amy. I never really saw Amy as this complete sociopath, more of a women who was just screwed up in the head and needed to be in an insane asylum, but never some murderous manipulative sociopath of a wife. It needed more, and David Finch should have addressed that, or maybe he does in an extended edition.

     On to my favorite parts, the actors. My personal favorite in this isn't either of the main characters, but a supporting role, Carrie Coon as Margo Dunne. She had the one character that sold me through and through. She was so great in the role, so vulgar, and spoke the character's mind and while at times I found myself judging some of the actions to certain events, she just nailed it on others. I have to say she deserves a lot of credit for how great this movie turned out to be, because without her a lot of the value she added to the other characters wouldn't be there.

     Ben Affleck as Nick Dunne was another role that suited this movie, while I don't think it was perfect, I don't see how anyone else could have done it anywhere near as well. He sold the whole rich man gone blue collar middle-class neighbor. Frankly his reactions, his emotions were so spot on, and most of the character flaws that I did see (that I didn't buy into) were the fact that an event or a part of the story got cut, it wasn't that he didn't play it right. I have to say the faults were mainly story driven errors not acting.

     Rosamund Pike as Amy Dunne, left me breathless. The rich girl that has a dark side, shines throughout this movie, and while again a lot was left out of here character, she just hammered what was there home. However, I wish a lot less of her nude was shown, frankly it got boring seeing her prancing about, but if you're going to see the movie for her naked, you're missing on so much more. I wanted to see more of Amy, see more of the story that was cut and buy into the character more, but it just wasn't there. The thrill and the psyche of Amy just fell too short in my opinion

     So I will say this, while Neil Patrick Harris shows up as the stalker Desi Collings, he just falls so morbidly short it's not even funny. Neil isn't creepy looking, okay he nailed the rich guy, stuck up thing down, but the rest of his character was so off it made me angry. How can you do that to a character and not feel ashamed? I am not saying it's Neil's fault at all, but he just wasn't for that role and wouldn't have been on my first list at all. Where was Christian Bale, or Liam Hemsworth, or anyone else? He was the one grievous would to this movie that wouldn't stop bleeding.

     In finality the movie was great, it was played well by the actors, but what plagued the movie was the bits they cut out. How some of the psychological understanding and getting invested into the characters was omitted was so wrong and insulting. I really wish this could be redone and something new could replace what I watched, because it's an utter insult to the book. The casting was right aside the one person, and even than I think it wasn't what killed the movie. Whoever decided what to omit and what to keep, needs a lesson in cinematography or just ask some people what should, but it just fell so short. I can only hope for better.

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[Movie Review] - The Maze Runner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner
   Director: Wes Ball
   Author: James Dashner

   Release Date: September 19th, 2014
   Rating: 7.0 Out of 10

     Thomas is deposited in a community of boys after his memory is erased, soon learning they're all trapped in a maze that will require him to join forces with fellow "runners" for a shot at escape.

From the Book:

     If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

     When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

     Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

     Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

     Everything is going to change.

     Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

     Remember. Survive. Run.

Review:

     So top this week was The Maze Runner and frankly with two rather large-ish movies coming out along with it, I was shocked that it took the lead. The actors while young, they put out a great performance and while I thought the whole movie was rather lackluster, but still enjoyable. I thought while other actors may be better (Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Shailene Woodley, Theo James), the actors that were present brought something different and almost feral to this movie. The movie was solid survival, and while I had my doubts about how well it would have been pulled off, they brought fear and a few good adaptations to this novel.

     So the plot is a rather simple, Thomas awakens in an elevator going up, remembering nothing, The elevator opens up to The Glade, and into the Maze and Grievers. The best part of the movie is how the Grievers show up and rule the maze with fear and suspense. However the plot in the beginning was a bit too fast, and while I thought it didn't get you involved or invested in their lifestyle, but I don't think they had the time to sink into that building.

     Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) was portrayed great, he was done curious and confident but also with this side of humanity and fear as well. However, the realistic or believable characterization of Thomas was a bit lackluster, I didn't believe that a real teenage boy would act that way if that really happened. In the beginning he shied away from everyone and was afraid, and by the end of the day he was so curious he about ran out in the maze. Frankly I don't think any normal person would act that way, and just didn't believe it, but hey we can't be too critical.

     Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) was just original an enjoyable. She was the main highlight of the movie, and Teresa was a believable character that I think we all could relate to. She was curious but not to the extent that Thomas was, but further I thought we needed to see more of her and some of the conversation with Thomas. Gally (Will Poulter) was a surprise to me, I love how he was so tormented and traumatized by their capture, and is invested in staying put. Minho (Ki Hong Lee) was another one I want to highlight, while there wasn't much of him shown (in depth-wise), he just lit up the screen. He was afraid and you believed him. The portrayal was great and I loved how there was an addition to the character that I didn't see myself.

     I want to take a quick second to say one thing. I don't think the casting is what sold this movie or the plot itself. The casting was really a bunch of MTV or almost no-name teens, but it was them, they sold the movie and the plot. I don't think with anyone else, you could have put out this quality of movie. I'll probably get scolded for this, it's a underrated cast (people you don't know and don't expect to do well) putting out an All-Star movie. Now it wasn't great, it wasn't some blockbuster of movie that'll to everyones Must Watch lists, but it's definitely going to make that list someplace.

     There was a few changes that I would like to take time to note, first of all. The first night when Thomas escapes and goes out to help Minho and Alby in the Maze. I didn't care for the fast past and change with how Alby was "saved," however their adaptation afterwards remedied that and tightened up the movie. The change to the Grievers were great, and while they were more mechanical than really organic and oozing blob of organic mass like in the book. However they were too noisy to be suspense, how could they sneak up on someone with their legs made such a lud. Further how can they stand on a wooden hut and not fall through with all that weight. It just didn't make sense.

     While I rated the movie a bit lower than probably some others, the 7.0 is mainly because I am being hard on it. The small hick-ups through the movie just caught me off guard and I couldn't let them pass. There is a lot of good aspects of this movie, and their adaptations were great and spot on, just there wasn't much investment I felt toward the movie. I am not saying the movie is trash or simply okay, I just had issues with pieces of it. Go see it, it's a well compiled movie and done really well, I am just being harsh.

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[Movie Review] - If I Stay

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Title: If I Stay
   Director: R.J. Cutler
   Author: Gayle Forman

   Release Date: August 22nd, 2014
   Rating: 8.5 Out of 10

     Life changes in an instant for young Mia Hall after a car accident puts her in a coma. During an out-of-body experience, she must decide whether to wake up and live a life far different than she had imagined.

From the Book:

     Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.

     I open my eyes wide now.
     I sit up as much as I can.
     And I listen.

     Stay, he says.

     Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?

     Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.

     If I Stay is a heartachingly beautiful book about the power of love, the true meaning of family, and the choices we all make.

Review:

     Chloë Grace Moretz acted her brains out on this movie. While If I Stay didn't top the charts like I thought it might, the numbers it put up at the box office were respectable and need to be recognized. Going toe-to-toe with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Guardians of the Galaxy, two movies that just don't seem to die off in popularity, If I Stay rounded at No. 3 this week. Now this is by far one of my favorite movies of the near and to be frank I am not sure if it beats The Fault in Our Stars yet.

     Chloë Grace Moretz (Mia Hall) and Jamie Blackley (Adam) play two of the most romantic high school couples, but it is a haunting tale of choices we all make. My review on the book is here, and I really didn't notice any changes from the book to the movie. I wasn't sure if there was sex in the book or I was reading it wrong. Their parents weren't how I envisioned them, but these worked better and gave the feel of this regular family.

     Well we all know the story of this, and for those that don't. Mia is an extraordinary cello player, far beyond a normal high schooler's level. Her boyfriend is a punk rockstar that's growing in popularity and while they fall in love, their first love is music and that's where their hearts lay. However one day, the snow cancels school and they decide to go their grandparents. On the way they end up in a car accident that leaves everyone in the hospital fighting for their life.

     Back to the movie, the main issue I had with it, was me being old. They had sex in the movie and for a movie whose main audience is high school teenagers. This is going to make me sound old, but promoting sex to teenagers isn't something we should be promoting. There are better things they could have done instead to show they were in love with each other. I know that it happens in real life, but it's not something we should be advocating. What I didn't like about it though was the fact that their parents seemed okay with it.

     The whole flashbacks in the movie, while some of it was cheesy, tied the emotions together in this movie. While I was hoping to see more of the present with Mia in the hospital. Adam role in the movie was primarily the flashbacks. I was hoping to see more of him presently, and the bands that help support him. The family is sort of confusing to get straight and know who is who. But when everything is figured, they feed in the emotion.

     The emotion in this movie is unbelievable, how everyone in Mia's family feels sorry and doesn't want to lose her. She makes her choice, and while I am not sure I agree with her choice, it can't be an easy one to come to. Adam's the one that just broke my heart. Their flashback when they start to realize that Mia and Adam are heading in different directions. He's completely broken.

     The best part was the movie was Mia's grandfather flashback. Watching her do her Julliard recital and being in complete awe. It's magnificent to see that, and you get the feeling that he's watching his own granddaughter. But the best part is the speech he gives to Mia, its the most emotional talk I've heard of. I don't think you can act this way, it's remarkable and by far the best acting I've seen.

     This movie was an emotional rollercoaster. If you want something that will touch your soul and change your life this is your movie. Frankly it's impacted me and the sequel did as well. Gayle Forman, this was a beautiful movie and I applaud you and anyone who help make this reality. The question I have is has Where She Went been picked up? I want to see what happens to Mia, the relationship with Mia and Adam and more of Adam. He was the one that I enjoyed, and hated, the most in the movie. 

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[Movie Review] - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Title: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
   Director: Jonathan Liebesman
   Release Date: August 8th, 2014

   Rating: 4.0 Out of 10

     A group of mutated warriors face off against an evil kingpin who wants to take over New York.

Review:

     Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was a rather insult the franchise. Micheal Bay should be shook and beaten for this movie in general. Frankly taking the liberties with the lore and changing some of the sacred childhood story that everyone was used to just wasn't necessary. The action scenes were more than a joke, and frankly all of the original movies beat this movie by a long shot.

     First off lets talk about the turtles in general, first off there was two that stood out amongst all the others. Michelangelo and Raphael just took the spotlight while Donatello and Leonardo just seemed to sit around in the background not adding much to the story. Donatello had all these odd gadgets attached to him that didn't do anything and while they are all for show, it just wasn't needed to be there. Leonardo was by far one of the worst leaders and while he was trying to, it was just so forced and just deplorable.

      While Leonardo and Donatello were merely useless and frankly I found them two horrid, the other two Raphael and Michelangelo weren't that much better. Raphael was serious and frankly the one that was by far too serious for the movie. This was mainly geared for younger audiences and for how serious and mature for the audience. Michelangelo wasn't funny at all. I found him to be more annoying and while he was supposed to be this bouncy musical goof-off, it was too forced.

     Splinter on the other hand was badass when he fought. However he wasn't all that wise, like in previous movies. I was hoping from more lifelong lessons from him. Splinter didn't play a major roll or impact in the movie at all, he did plot wise, but you don't feel any attachment to what happens to him. It made me angry that he has no role that makes the viewer feel bad or emotionally invested in the movie.

     Shredder was the only good part of the movie. He was modern and very well drawn out, he's sinister and downright evil. However at the same time the lore behind Shredder makes no sense; there is none. In the previous movies there is a bunch of background to him and his history with Splinter, and frankly it's just not there.

     My biggest complain out of everything was how bad the lore change was. Okay it's better than the first alternative we got in which they were all aliens. No, in this one they are all products of a successful research program with April's father. So she knew who they all were and named them all when she was little. Now some would say that is all fine and dandy, but it's ridiculous. April wasn't shocked with who they were, and in the end they weren't viewed as freaks in the opening minutes. That's what the whole point was in the first movie and them struggling to accept the outside world and their place in it.

     Further if we want to go, the fight scenes were atrocious. When you want to design a scent, look at this movie for what not to do. Yea they looked goo, but when you reflect back on them, it's nothing but a one side brawl with a single cheeky move. I don't like how there was no back and forth, no hope building up as the fight goes on. There's no life/death fear or emotion in the fights, and that is what just drove the whole move down the drain for me.

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[Movie Review] - The Giver

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Title: The Giver
   Director: Phillip Noyce
   Author: Lois Lowry

   Release Date: November 27th, 2013
   Rating: 7.5 Out of 10

     In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the "real" world.

From the Book:

     Jonas' world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Review:

     The Giver was a unique movie that frankly surprised me. It's been a long long while since I have read the book for High School. I didn't know what to expect and frankly I wasn't anticipating this movie at all. Looking at the numbers for the week I was sure that Expendables 3 would do really well this week and boy were we all wrong on that front. The Giver did well figuring the huge blockbuster it went up against (for opening movies that is).

     I want to take a quick time-out and say one thing, I was one of maybe three or four people in the theatre on Sunday I don't care how bad or good a movie is, I find that rather sad, whether the movie wasn't advertised as well. I frankly didn't see The Giver at all on TV and while I don't watch much TV at all, but what little I do I was looking for info or something about the movie. Also there was no hype or expectation to this movie. Maybe I am wrong about the expectation, but I don't think anyone thought this movie would be worth going to see. I am going to say that this movie is going to be worth the matinee fee.

     Back to the movie, I understand that the book was heavy with similes and metaphors, and the bit that plagued my confusion was how would you convey those. They did this black and white filming and interjected some color. The part that stood out to me, was the part where Jonas is starting to "see" beyond and he sees the color in Fiona's hair. They filmed that scene in black and white, than just screened her hair in color. It was that subtle change and throughout the movie allowed you to see the world change in how Jonas views and sees the world around him.

     What I enjoyed the most about the book was the lack of action. It's a slow movie and while I hate how slow movies just don't show character growth, or give you anything to grasp onto. I found that the slow pace allowed you to get into the mind of Jonas, and see how this dystopia was so wrong. Had it gone any faster, I don't think the connection would have been as good and would have taken away from the movie. I loved how as the movie went you slowly questioned some of the believes you may hold and put yourself in Jonas' perspective.

     The Giver was a movie that I thought was underrated. It was great, the actors while I haven't seen them or any movies they have been in, did a fantastic job or taking their roles and making them their own. While I would have liked to see more action than just a simple bicycle chase, I understand that there wasn't a need to do it. However, the one part to add it and show just how much Jonas has learned or the memories he holds would have show the difference there. Being my own devils advocate, having not had more action keeps Jonas' innocents.

     This dystopia is conveyed so well and you get that feeling of hopelessness from Jonas. The government gives out daily injections, in which you think are for health and wellness, but as the story goes they are taking emotions out of the populus. What I like the most though is that as Jonas starts to understand the memories of the past, he begins to question the methods and daily life. You get that whole helpless, and the idea that no one really knows what's going on. Jonas understand than that if he goes beyond he can hope to give them some sort of understanding and help them see the world in whole and not just some plain bland landscape.

     If you are looking for a movie with action, this just isn't your movie. The Giver is a thoughtful movie that makes you question what you would do if you were Jonas. I love how they filmed the movie and the swapping around with Black and White with color. There is a lot of curious bits that Jonas goes through, I was curious if they made some of the colors more vibrant as he gains more understand of the world around him. This is definitely a great movie and by far one of my favorites for the year.

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[Movie Review] - The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief
   Director: Brian Percival
   Author: Markus Zusak

   Release Date: November 27th, 2013
   Rating: 8.0 Out of 10

     While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

From the Book:

     It's just a small story really, about, among other things, a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery.

     Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist: books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids - as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

     This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

Review:

     The Book Thief was one of those movies that surprised me with the quality of the movie as it went on. I wanted it to be something clearly different. The cast was perfect, and while it wasn't your typical top notch blockbuster cast, it fit the movie perfectly. Sophie Nélisse as Liesel was beyond great, while her acting may not have been the best, it was perfect for what the movie needed.

     Liesel was this brilliant girl who while she was sold/abandoned by her mother, and given up to a couple, Hans (Geoffrey Rush) and Rosa (Emily Watson) Hubermann. Rosa was this women who had rather lofty expectations of her children and while Liesel may not have been what she wanted and she was a bit hard on her, she still loved and cared for her. Hans was another story, he tended to be the goofy one that cared for her and treated her like a father.

     Liesel while in the beginning didn't know how to read/write through the help of a friend, Hans, and even the slight bit of romance with Rudy Steiner (Nico Liersch). The growth of Liesel and how she views the world makes this movie better, but a swell the relationships that she slowly forms over the duration of the movie. I wanted more of her and how she strives to learn and read more often than anything. She views reading and books as salvation and life. This is conveyed with friend that Hans takes in and helps get back on his feet, when he becomes deathly ill she reads to him in attempt to keep him alive.

     The romance or what attempt at it was Liesel and Rudy which was rather lopsided. I viewed it more as how young children form ties and friendships. I don't see it as the romance or typical adult romance that normally forms. It wasn't an issue, but the ending when Rudy tries to tell Liesel he's in love with her was a bit much. It wasn't needed at all, you get the idea that they care about each other. Removing that innocence isn't necessary with the story that's being conveyed.

     The story is simple with almost no antagonist, about Germany in the middle of World War II. While it takes the perspective of the Germans, it's the civilians not the Nazis at all. The general feel of the society was that the civilians would be like any country and don't want to go to war. That or the information they are being given isn't exactly all truthful. Granted there are some that are the Pro-Nazi, but those give the vibe the movie needs to feel torn between war and peace. The pure innocence of Liesel and the civilians and how fearful they are to stand up and fight for what they want, in regard to being forced into the military or worse. It's sad to see it, and while I know it's a movie, I have to believe there is some stock of truth in how they felt during that time.

     The Narrator was rather good in a case like this, it wasn't that much  of an annoyance like it can be in some movies. I found that the backdrop of information and guiding the viewer along was good, however there were cases where what he was rambling about was more than anything useless. Further I just couldn't buy the mature relationship that Liesel and Rudy was nearly forced into. It just took away from how great they were, and I wanted them to stay pure and untainted, but I guess in wars of that caliber maybe that's not what happens.

     If you want something slow relaxing and don't mind a bit of character building, this is a rather great movie. It's not what you expect at all, but it's different and relaxing. If you want something action packed, comedy, or well anything not history or contemporary related, I wouldn't suggest this movie. It has some parts, but ideally this movie for those who enjoy watching growth, and how Liesel disobeys some of the warnings and using what she knows or resourcefulness to try to save the ones she cares about. She's a great character and portrayed really well. 

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[Movie Review] - The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones
   Director: Harald Zwart
   Author: Cassandra Clare

   Release Date: August 21st, 2013
   Rating: 8.5 Out of 10

     When her mother disappears, Clary Fray learns that she descends from a line of warriors who protect our world from demons. She joins forces with others like her and heads into a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld.

From the Book:

     When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

     This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

     Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Review:

     This is a hard one to judge. I found that I enjoyed it the first time I saw it, however when I went back and watched it for this review it was almost too much to handle watching it again. I am not sure if it's the fact I knew what going to happen and all the plot twists that made it almost unbearable. The actors were well placed, I thought for the having  not read the book at all. Its on my shelf, don't worry I will get around to it.

     Lily Collins as Clary just was fabulous, and while I frankly enjoyed her interpretation on the character I just didn't buy her all the way. As a girl who is starting to realize she's not just a normal humane (Mundane), that she could be a shadowhunter or more. There was just times in here character that she as sure of who she was and what she believed, but than at other times she just freaked out or was completely confused and lost. The main one was the lovely love triangle that just wasn't really a triangle.

     Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace was a bit lackluster. I was kind of looking for more in the character and while I think the interpretation was good. I just wasn't sure where he stood. Most of his character was a mystery and frankly diving more into him in the movie I wasn't sure if it would have been allowed with the time constraints. The chemistry between Jace and Clary just didn't seem to be there at all, but if you buy into it the end just straight up confuses you.

     Kevin Zegers as Alec was just worse. Playing a guy who frankly is so shy or patient with Clary that by the time he realizes she's almost lost does he open up and communicate with her. Its almost like he's too late or doesn't want her till she's gone. Alec is so weak and almost helpless to the plot that him being there is by far the most annoying bit of the movie. It's like Peach in Mario, he's useless asides a love interest and it makes me sad to feel that way about his character.

     City of Bones, frankly I am not sure what part of the Shadow World it was part of, or if it really exists. I am so confused on what it is, and this is why I usually read the book before watching the movie. You tend to get more plot points or more visual information than what Hollywood can actually portray in a movie. I am not saying that is a negative part of the movie, just it confused me.

     The whole Shadow Hunter world has to be massive, yet there only seems to be handful of them. I just don't understand, and maybe that'll be explained better in a different novel or movie, whichever. It doesn't make sense that only five-seven Shadowhunters exist in total when there used to be or was far more. It's the little things like that, slowly throughout the movie, that ground on my nerves. For instance the instance in which werewolves knew where the Vampires and Shadowhunters were fighting.

     While I did enjoy this the first time through, I wasn't so sure about the movie the second way through it. I wanted to enjoy it as much or more through both views, and that's probably the point that drove the rating down some. If you can't watch the movie over and over, or you don't enjoy it enough that you want to see it again, that's just hard to face. I wanted so much to enjoy this more, the book is so great and the reviews are staggering. Its sad to see that about the movie. I am hoping they do a sequel to this movie, I wish.

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[Movie Review] - Vampire Academy

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: Vampire Academy
   Director: Mark Waters
   Author: Richelle Mead

   Release Date: February 14th, 2013
   Rating: 6.0 Out of 10

     Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human-half vampire, a guardian of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discreetly within our world. Her calling is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi.

From the Book:

     St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

     Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

Review:

     Vampire Academy was a book in which I wasn't expecting to watch and I had nearly no expectation of what I would be getting out of the movie. I haven't read the book, and I very much want to now. I enjoyed the classy, chick humor. I say chick in that this movie is tailored to girls/women, I don't know of any guy would would willingly go and see this without a girlfriend. Before any of you say, "Well you went and saw it." Yea, because out of curiosity and pure boredom. If it was any normal day, and I was going to see any movie EVER, this would not be it. but having said that I was rather surprised by the movie.

     Lucy Fry (as Lissa Drogmir) and Zoey Deutch (as Rose Hathaway) were casted really well. They both played the parts really well. I thought Lissa was this prissy queen/princess from the beginning, and while Rose was supposed to be this warrior/guardian, to be frank I found she was more laughable than an action star. However, if you are watching this movie for the action, I highly suggest you watch another movie. The friendship between the two was meh. While the plot suggested a conflict with the two, I found that it was more of an argument/mis-understand of two rather immature girls that frankly should be in the middle school, not high school.

     My first complaint was the action. If you want to put fighting scenes in the movie, please make them not laughable. No one could act-fight in this movie at all. I watch a lot of action movies, and frankly that's my favorite genre of movie, and when it comes to fighting there's a few movies that strike me as good, this was laughable. For Vampires I expected them to be fast, and it wouldn't have been hard to put a little graphics in there to make it appear that way, or something to play with the eye. It was so slow, wimpy, weak, that I am sure the humans could have fought back and had a better chance at winning.

     Next up is Rose's choice in a love interest. I want to talk about age, I know that age is a legal discriminator (when you drink, drive, vote, etc.), but I would make the argument that if you are going to date at say age 18-20 you should be dating someone near your age group (+/- 7/8 years). I am pretty sure that Dimitri is 15+ years over Rose, and frankly dating a potential father is rather disgusting. Okay maybe they weren't dating but the progress there shows in the movie. Maybe the book discerns the age differently and it's more acceptable there, but the actors seemed so far apart in maturity that it just didn't seem natural, let alone right at all.

     Maybe I am being harsh on this movie and maybe my standards are a little higher than what I should have had. I did just watch The Fault in Our Stars and here shortly later If I Stay, so my expectations are soaring at the moment. However, I don't want to lower my standards just for a movie or two. I want movies to earn their rating, and this just wasn't where I though it could be. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the movie enough that I'm trying to find a good copy of the Vampire Academy series. I loved the potential of the movie, I don't don't like the direction it took. Maybe the book was different from movie, I want to find the book and find out.

Note: I haven't read the book, so this is my perspective having just seen the movie.

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[Movie Review] - The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
   Director: Josh Boone
   Author: John Green

   Release Date: February 14th, 2013
   Rating: 8.5 Out of 10

     Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel's other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.

From the Book:

     Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

Review:

     The review I have been waiting to do since Divergent. Who wouldn't have thought this movie would explode and well it did. Compared to the other opening blockbuster this week, Edge of Tomorrow, there wasn't much of a competition to who would top the charts this week. On Friday you could instantly tell as well, the twitter top trending search for a while, least on my end, was #TFIOS. I have to say this movie exploded and while I thought, 'Man this makes me nervous. Either it's going to be amazing or I am absolutely going to hate it having read the book.' I was so glad to say that this movie took my breath away.

     First off I want to explain one thing, the experience in the theater. Preshow the theater was cold and dark, and by that I mean I had goosebumps it was cold and the lights I thought were darker than normal. Normally I would say this was odd for a theater, but I think it was done on purpose. That creating the preshow emotion or making the audience know that this is going to be a rollercoaster off the bat enhances the movie. I enjoyed it, however if it wasn't done on purpose, LIE TO ME.

     The cast has two of my favorite new young actors, Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. Shailene is so good, she is emotional, beautiful, and yet realistic. It's hard to find a young girl that can take a character and make them seem so ordinary, you would think it was just a movie. Hazel Grace popped off the screen and into the seat next to you. Augustus Waters was amazing, as well; I just didn't buy his character as well. He's so happy in the first half that when the tide turns it's just so unbelievable. Which I'm not sure if it captured great on film as opposed to the book, but it was still raw.

     Their performance paled in comparison to Willem Dafoe on Van Houten. Even though he wasn't on the screen that often, he captured that troubled writer lost in his own world and alcohol. He lashes out perfectly and literally looks like a complete douchepants. I loved it and maybe that's why about every movie he's in I find myself just enjoying his renditions and personification of every character he plays.

     The movie is a solid tearjerker. If you go into the movie thinking you won't cry or at least feel something stir inside you, you'll be sorely mistaken. Guys, I want warn you that there is the great possibility even you will. The movie made a few changes but nothing that was over the top or completely duragoty. It kept the major points and all the bare bones of the book, and in my opinion that's what propelled the story further. Not to mention that the performance by nearly every actor in the movie was superb.

     I will go ahead and say this, The Fault in Our Stars is THE best book to movie adaptation I have seen to date. There were a few things that were cut out, but I understand why they were (time). The one I wished they would have left in was the swing set and Hazel and Augustus selling it and than crying about it afterwards when it is gone. There was a fear of change or an unacceptance to what was going on in their life that made it real. I wanted it, but who is to say it won't be there in an extended cut or something on Blu-Ray or DVD.

     So when I heard that this was coming to the theatre I was ecstatic. I loved it, and while most of the YA movies are thought of as Twilight-esque. I want people and highly suggest that anyone who is sceptic of YA movies, go see this one. I guarantee you, it will redefine your views on the genre. As well, Paper Towns by John Green is announced to come out next year. So maybe another great movie to see next year as well. Until then this is my top pick this year and the only two contenders left this year are If I Stay and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1. The bar is set high though.

     Now don't get me wrong the movie is great, but I would be surprised to see it get anything at the big awards, Oscars or Emmys. It should win some of the smaller awards, MTV and others that aren't that prestigious. But this is the style of movies YA needs more of in the film. It's refreshing and real, showing a view of life and love that is hard to deal with, but also the truth to cancer and love. I have a standing offer to see it again if someone is on the fence. Go See It.

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