Now You See Me (the not-so-subtle marketing trick of a title)

Magicians robbing banks. Magicians using their super dorky non-existent powers to rob banks. Plus, Jesse Eisenberg. I mean, I was sold on this from the time I read a similar summary of the movie months ago. Then came the trailer (which I posted about here), where Mr. Eisenberg got to be a wise-ass and somehow find a way to be incredibly arrogant about his mad skills with magic. It seemed like the most enjoyable two hours I would spend in the theater this summer.

But, apparently, those marketers were playing me as only the most talented of illusionists can. They said, "Look! It's Jesse Eisenberg and Woody Harrelson! It's going to be just like Zombieland! You can practically take a bath in all the snark and sarcasm that will happen in this movie." They waved that all in my face in the trailer, and then *POOF*, as if by some sick trick, the movie was all about whiny Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo plays the cop, FBI agent (whatever, don't even care), who is trying to figure out how the merry band of magicians have pulled off a bank robbery. And it's SO DIFFICULT for him. He's just REALLY struggling. And that's boring. (Do you even see Mark Ruffalo on the poster? I don't! Unless he's magically invisible!)

While there are some scenes of fun between Eisenberg, Harrelson, Fisher, and Franco (Dave Franco that is. The smallest of the famous Francos). I needed more. Like a lot more. Like a scene where they all try and figure out what Chinese food to order kind of more. I wanted bromance and romance and wit, and they gave me MARK RUFFALO.

To be fair, it's still a fun movie. There's an interesting structure (there are three heists this gang has to pull off), entertaining tricks of the trade to learn, and tons of characters (including Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine) to enjoy watching. So, if you're super pumped for this movie, you'll probably be disappointed. But, if you're just a normal person with normal person expectations (someone told me you exist), then you'll probably have a pretty good time.

Another fun thing the movie did was The Diamond Heist Challenge. You get to look for hidden playing cards on posters and website etc. in order to get extra content like the stars teaching you how to do magic tricks. I had some issues with the app, Blippar, but overall still fun.

Summer Movies - Which Ones Don't Suck!

It's that time of year again. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the movie studios are counting on you spending big bucks to go sit in an air-conditioned movie theater. This is when they hit you with all their big budget, heavy on the special effects, soon-to-have-sequels hopefuls and already-are-sequels money makers. As always, I'm here to see all the movies you don't feel like seeing, so you can pretend to all your friends that you're an all-knowing cinema god.  (But remember, with the power to turn stale popcorn to fresh and make that gum disappear from your cup-holder, comes great responsibility). To start off on a good note, I'll be telling you about a winner this summer: Fast and Furious 6.

I just want to give you fair warning that I probably like this franchise a little too much. I know it's had its ups and down (although I refuse to acknowledge that Toyko Drift was a down). But, since last summer's Fast 5, I've had more love than ever for this car smashing delight of a series. 

Let's just start off with the fact that this series now has its own mythology. Like Lost or Star Wars - it has become so apparently intricate and confusing, that people spend time trying to figure out how it all fits together (hint: Toyko Drift is after EVERYTHING). But, at the same time, it pretty much doesn't matter if you know any of the background; you will still have loads of fun seeing this one. (If you are interested in the tangled web that is the F&F series, check this article and the short film directed by Vin Diesel that explains a bit). 

True, it still probably fits in the "it's so bad it's good" category, but I would say it is tiptoeing towards actually legitimately being good. These films, much like their main character, have a code. There must be cars, there must be cars racing, there must be cars blowing up, and family always comes first. And it is this unbreakable law that makes them so easy to enjoy. You get good laughs, you hold your breath during the action sequences, and despite yourself, you become fond of the characters and begin to care about their relationships (especially if you watch the other movies, or at least Fast 5). The confusingly attractive and yet shiny Vin Diesel still holds a dear place in my heart, so he's a plus for me (but he's also a social media god if you believe this article). But there are plenty of other both guy and girl candy if Vin is not for you. It's hard to delve in too deep for a review of this film because there aren't really plot twists or acting to critique. So, basically, just go see it if you like fun movies. 

SPOILER (sort of): The end scene will raise all your hopes and then crush them like a lovable character from A Bug's Life. But only if you've seen Toyko Drift. Yes, I know I know too much about this.

Also, if you actually thought I was serious about posting all those Oscars movie reviews, you have far too much confidence in my abilities. Sure, I'll just write an 8 part series when I'm working on my thesis, sure. HA HA

Soon to come: After Earth, Now You See Me, and Place Beyond the Pines!

Gearing Up for the Oscars!

Guess who's seen all of the movies nominated for best picture. YEP, THIS GUY! And now, you can tell all of your friends your very intelligent opinions (well, my very intelligent opinions) on them without having to see them (although, really, go see some of them). Just for kicks, (and because my memory will get worse) I'm going to review them starting with the ones I saw first going to the most recent.

First up, one of my favorites, Argo. Now, I've already done a quick review for Argo, so I'll give you the latest Hollywood dirt on the film and repost the review below.
This film's taken home a lot of the pre-Oscar awards (Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild, Golden Globe), and I don't think anyone could be more excited for it's talented (but snubbed by the Oscars) director, Ben Affleck. Who doesn't like a comeback story? He started by winning an Oscar for co-writing the incredible Good Will Hunting; he fell into the depths of Mordor when he did Gigli and was a part of the Jennifer Lopez version of Benifer; and now, he has become Hollywood's "It" man again and directed some great films, including Gone Baby Gone, The Town and this year's Argo. The big controversy is that he was not nominated for the Oscar for Best Director. He took home the Golden Globe for Best Director, beating out some formidable opponents like Steven Spielberg, Ang Lee, and Quentin Tarantino. There's been speculation that Ben could receive enough write-in votes to win, but the last time someone achieved that was in the 1930s. I don't think he's holding his breath. How's that for some water cooler talk?
My mini review from last year:

Can I just say that I find it hilarious that everyone now thinks that Ben Affleck is the genius who wrote Good Will Hunting and not Matt Damon? LOVE IT. There are some things I really liked about this movie. Pretty much the first thing you notice is that this movie presents an unbiased view, which is entirely refreshing. It doesn't scream YAY AMERICA! It tells a multi-faceted story. I appreciate that. Also, I don't believe most of our generation knows much about the Iran Hostage Crisis (an assumption I make because I didn't know very much about it), and this movie educates while it entertains. It gives you great characters and a fascinating story, while you are immersed in history. Besides that the time warping of clothes and sets was done impeccably. Thumbs up for Ben. This smart and suspenseful(!) film is destined for Oscar glory.

Gangster Squad - Check This One Out!

You probably haven't seen this movie. I wasn't going to see this movie. And it's a little confusing why there seems to be general ill-will towards it. Whether it be because of some initial poor reviews or the problematic trailer that needed to be fixed, for some reason, this movie got a bad rap. But, guess what, IT'S A GOOD MOVIE. 

One of the major requirements I have for a movie is to create a complete and enjoyable world, and Gangster Squad succeeds at this. You're brought into Mob-infested LA with all its murder, corruption, and good-looking men in suits. There are hopping clubs, fabulous dresses, and Ryan Gosling uttering witty and elegant phrases that make everyone swoon. It makes the overdone cop drama (can you say Broken City) interesting again by breathing a new era's life into.

The cast is also exceptional. While it may appear that the characters will be boring and one-dimensional from the trailer, they are well-developed and fun to watch. Ryan Gosling was the best treat, as going in, I expected him to talk like Mickey Mouse the whole time and be generally annoying. Instead, he charmed me. I also had extremely low expectations for Emma Stone, but she made a much better performance than the lines in the trailer suggested. Overall, there were a lot of original parts to this film that kept me interested and excited. In my mind, it's some of the best entertainment that's currently in theaters.

Go see this one so it stops failing at the box office for no reason!

This is the End - Red Band Trailer

James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, other hilarious people that you recognize but don't know the names of, Jay Baruchel (who I would marry on sight for some reason I can't explain.) Basically, they just insult each other, and it's funny like how James Van der Beek being on a show as James Van der Beek is so frickin funny. But beware, it's not for kiddies.

Awards Season Style

Good news! The holidays are over! Now I know, that sounds like terrible news. But, it also means that soon I will be posting reviews of all those movie you thought, "Maybe I should see that" or "If only I had a trusted friend's opinion of that." I've been busy busy busy seeing all of those! So, lots and lots of reviews to come. 

For now, enjoy my delightful commentary on red carpet looks from this year's (unusually funny and enjoyable) Golden Globes. I'll be using the same board to pin fashion all awards season, so enjoy!

http://pinterest.com/paper_ring/awards-season-2013-glamour/

And a big congrats to Ben Affleck! Take that Academy who didn't even frickin' nominate him!

After Earth Trailer

Have you missed Will Smith? OF COURSE YOU HAVE! What are you immune to good looks, charm, and talent?

Well here is the new trailer for After Earth, a sci fi thriller that stars Will Smith and his not-so-tiny-anymore son. I think the most entertaining part of this movie will be trying to figure out what accents they're going for.