June 30, 2016 “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping” (***1/2 out of four) was a hilarious parody of the hip-hop and rock industry about a former boy band member turned superstar solo artist (Andy Samberg) whose latest album is a flop and who tries desperately to hold onto his fame, even if that means eventually later reuniting with his former group. Slick and fast-paced comedy features sharp writing, a great lead performance by Samberg as the clueless star, and very funny cameos from Nas, Usher, 50 Cent, and Method Man (among many others). One could call this a rap version of “This Is Spinal Tap” but one could also call it one of the funniest and most entertaining surprises of the year. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “Demolition” (** out of four) was a curiously odd drama about a successful investment banker (Jake Gyllenhaal) who starts to unravel after the death of his wife in a tragic car crash. Upon befriending a woman (Naomi Watts) and her young rebellious son, he then starts to mentally rebuild and sets out to “demolish” the life he once knew. Yet another one of Gyllenhaal’s quirky roles which shows that he at least takes chances but he remains annoyingly bland and one-note. Too bold and flamboyant to easily dismiss but too bizarre to be easily enjoyed for two hours. A mixed bag. Fans of Gyllenhaal and director Jean-Marc Vallee (“The Dallas Buyer’s Club” and “Wild”) may want to judge for yourself. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “600 Miles” (*1/2 out of four) was an endless slog about a smuggler (Kristyan Ferrer) for a deadly Mexican cartel who is apprehended by an FBI agent (Tim Roth) but he then kidnaps him and is en route to bring him to his murderous bosses until they slowly (and inexplicably) become friends over the 600 mile drive. Mandatory viewing for anyone who thought Steven Soderbergh’s “Traffic” or Ted Demme’s “Blow” were overrated. Film offers absolutely no commentary on the drug trade and is directed with no energy or style whatsoever. Great character actor Roth deserves much better. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “Out Of The Darkness” (*1/2 out of four) was a ludicrous religious drama about a young man in his twenties (Adam Elliott Davis) who has been running from his calling in life for years. After being fired from a job by his father and arguing with his girlfriend, he then gets into a car accident and gets stranded in a forest of which there is no escape and he is faced with a choice- to follow the work of God or to follow Satan. None of this is a misprint or made up, in case you were wondering. Oh, and the young man’s name is Eli for anyone who misses the none-too-subtle religious connotation. For hardcore Christian fanatics or masochists only. Others will want to make a stampede out of the theater instead. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “Roommate Wanted” (** out of four) was a noisy, predictable melodrama about two roommates (Alexa PenaVega and Spencer Grammer)- one an ambitious student, the other a rich slut- whose differences come to a head which leads to them both trying to kill each other. Both girls look great but a better script and more original storyline should have been wanted by all involved. Bridget Fonda and Jennifer Jason Leigh did this similar story and much better nearly 25 years ago in “Single White Female”. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “Monsterland” (*1/2 out of four) was a silly horror anthology tale telling multiple stories about the town of Monsterland in which savage beasts, carnivore creatues, and numerous other monsters roam around and the human race is at the bottom of the food chain and is about to be harvested. Opening stories are bloody and fun but subsequent stories after this are laughably dumb and cheesy and some of the performances are unintentionally frightening. You may as well watch re-runs of “Tales From The Crypt” instead. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “Element” (*1/2 out of four) was a tedious Hitchcock-wannabe thriller about a financial advisor (Steven Michael Quezada) who turns to hypnosis to recall the memory of his dead wife but this leads to numerous changes in his reality and mental health. Viewers need not worry about having to turn to hypnosis because the movie will easily put you to sleep. Solid character actor Michael Ironside has a small supporting role but this shouldn’t replace “Scanners” or “Total Recall” on his resume anytime soon. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “Central Intelligence” (** out of four) was a mildly funny action comedy about a timid accountant (Kevin Hart) who reconnects with a high-school friend (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) on Facebook and is unwittingly lured into a slapstick game of international espionage and intrigue. Scattershot laughs but not as funny as it could have- and should have- been. Obviously, the story isn’t supposed to be taken seriously but it’s pretty ridiculous and dumb after a while. Disappointing pairing of The Rock and Kevin Hart who could make a funny team with a more “intelligent” script. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “The Duel” (*1/2 out of four) was a dud Western about a young Texas ranger (Liam Helmsworth) who comes to a small middle-of-nowhere town to investigate several unexplained deaths and then tangles with a treacherous preacher (Woody Harrelson) resulting in a duel to the death. Both Harrelson and Helmsworth can play these roles in their sleep by now and while we’re at it, film’s tedious pace and standard Western setting and cliches may put you to sleep. It’s hard to remember when Westerns used to be exciting and fun. Continue reading →
June 30, 2016 “The Phenom” (*1/2 out of four) was a less-than-phenomenal sports drama about a rookie baseball pitcher (Johnny Simmons) who loses control over his pitching and is sent down to the Minor Leagues and has to begin counseling with a sports psychologist (Paul Giamatti) which uncovers numerous scars from his difficult childhood. Unconvincing and artificial screenplay make this one a strike out, despite a good cast. Any one scene in “Good Will Hunting” (which this sometimes resembles) tops this hands down. Continue reading →
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