Starring: Tyler Perry, Anna Maria Horsford, Tika Sumpter, Eric Lively.
It's Christmas, a time for cheerful giving, to be happy and for Madea to take her medications. Ho No She Didn't!
In the Christmas tale Madea gets forced into helping her neice played by Anna Maria Hosford to pay her daughter a surprise visit for the holidays. While visiting, new secrets are revealed and relationships are tested, however Madea dispenses her unique form of holiday spirit into the lives of everyone she comes across, teaching them a valuable lesson.
It's the same old, same old. Nothing new, just a few giggles (for instance when Madea accidentally walks into a KKK meeting and speedily runs out before a lynching could take place), along with a sprinkle of touching moments. It's not a film you'll hate, but one that you'll be forgetting in 20 mins.
A Madea Christmas ranked only 5/10 in my book. Ho Yes I Did!
Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton
Even though I was skeptical about watching 2 Guns, reason being I thought it was Denzel’s “lazy film”*, I couldn't stop laughing. Wahlberg and Washington were a flawless team: far from a “lazy film” for Denzel, and nothing but perfection from Mark.
Here’s what happens, Bobby, a DEA agent (played by Denzel Washington) and a naval intelligence officer (Mark Wahlberg), both undercover, find themselves on the run after a botched attempt to infiltrate a drug cartel. While fleeing and causing havoc we meet the amazing cast of this film. Bill Paxton as Earl, a crooked, CIA agent really did a number with his character, never concealing his undoubtedly love for Russian Roulette. Fred Ward, Edward James Olmos, James Marsden and the beautiful Paula Patton also graced this gun shooting, chicken torturing, money hungry, crime-busting film.
All in all 2 Guns was one of the best action movies for 2012. I loved it! I gave it a 8/10.
*Lazy Film- I consider it to be when an actor/actress has done so many action/suspense/drama/crime films in his/her prime that he/she is just taking it easy nowadays by undertaking comedy.
Starring: Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Morris Chestnut, Nia Long
Wooow! This is what the excitement was about? All the tears? The sniffles? Oh Please!
Let’s get in. After 15 years, long-forgotten rivalries and romances reignite when college friends have a Christmas reunion. This is the second installment of the popular film that stars Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, Harold Perrineau Jr., Morris Chestnut, Monica Calhoun, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Melissa De Sousa and Regina Hall, reprising their roles from the 1999 film along with the supporting cast. The film is surprisingly not as good as I thought it would be reason being some scenes were too drawn out and too dull. I must admit that I have only watched bits and pieces of the first installment, but its sequel has a richer emotional palette than its 1999 predecessor.
Although the opening credits made us aware of what happened the last time we caught up with the best friends and also what is taking place in their lives presently, it still begs the need to have a prior knowledge of each character. Well I was sometimes lost, I don’t know about you. You still do catch up though…but I was still lost
Now on to spirituality, I seriously hated how Lance (Morris Chestnut) spoke so much about Faith and of God miraculous ways and still at every turn there was a curse word. I compared this film to numerous Tyler Perrys’ Madea flicks and no matter how much she or any other character got angry you would never hear a curse word, always some funny made up expression like, “Lil girl, I’ll SHANK you!”
The movie in no way, shape or form moved me (physically or emotionally) …I just DID NOT like it. Don't get me wrong, I threw in a few giggles now and then, but the only best this film got out of me was a 6.9.
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston
Driver? HA, what driver? They should have titled this movie COLD BLOODED MURDERS. Blood everywhere, ruthless, mafia-style killing. But apart from Ryan Goslings' dreamy blue eyes, the plot was extraordinary and no matter how much your brain was telling “NO! Don’t look!” your dazzled eyes will never listen. It was an 80’s inspired flick hence the music, wardrobe, and credit font.
What I didn't like was how the director didn't involve real life situations after each murder but left it to our imaginations to GUESS what happened next.
In my opinion, Drive can be compared to the novel Shane by Jack Schaefer, a mysterious, (dangerous), gent with no ties, friendships and a continuous wanderer.
Yikes! Currently studying HRM I know why the boardroom hardly has females, and this film proves it all. This thriller packed film captures the dark side of females in light of intimidation and power.
Lol, what I do have to say is: Ladies! Never bring your man to the office, and for the Jane Grinds never leave evidence. No notes, no texts, no videos, no ANYTHING!
As temper flares and PASSION gets deeper you get lost in film's crazy world-wind. As a matter of a fact, it gets a little confusing with a hypnotic episode of bad dreams vs reality.
Plagued with sexual twists and fantasies these successful business women have nothing but black hearts and a cold soul.
I could not resist but to passionately give it a 8/10
After 15 years of repeatedly losing, the USA is finally on top. In BOY, (that’s what they call it in the movie), Coach Blake played by Josh Holloway is hired to assemble a group of talented break-dancers and make them into a team, to compete against over 20 countries in a Hip-Hop Break-dancing competition. However, everything is not easy as it seems when trying to formulate the perfect team. In this group, (not yet a team), one can find the arrogant, the timid, the gay…YES GAY and the tough guy.
So let’s get in, dancing here, backflip there, stomping over here. Yes, I won’t lie I did feel like a crunk master while watching, ready to get out of my seat and start busting a move. Everyone felt it. As the dance flick elapsed it teaches determination, hard work and being a dependable individual can make your team be on top.
Unfortunately Battle of the Year was not on top of my movie list or on top of my ratings chart. Okay here’s why the 3D was so-so aka poor, the acting was too normal, and [“the movie’s inability to showcase it’s greatest assets, the grace and control of its dancers as the average shot during these performances lasts about 1.5 seconds.”] –SA.
Movie: The Family
Release Date: September 2013
Starring: Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron
NOOOOO!!! Why must one movie this hilarious. It’s about a family in a witness protection program after the patriarch ratted out his side of the family to the FBI. It soon becomes evident this is a household you do not want to mess with. Though they look simple, they aren't afraid to punish. Don’t worry, you’ll be laughing hysterically during the punishments and the “blow-ups”
It turns into a heart-racing, blood-pumping ride, after the first half of the movie is over. The crime and action takes surface, and boy did I kept looking over my shoulder, because believe me I swear I was gonna get shot. POW! POW! BANG! BANG! *covers head*
But I don’t want to tell you how this darkly funny film ends, as a matter of a fact FAMILY never ends and that’s why it kept climbing up my ratings chart to a 10/10.
Movie: Identity Thief
Release Date: February 2013
Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, John Cho
Identity Thief stars Jason Bateman and the bubbly comedic princess Melissa McCarthy. Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman) sets out to find his identity thief when she ruins his life by running him into debts, and committing petty misdemeanours in his name.
Diana, one of her many names takes advantage of the fact that Sandy has a girl’s name, although he swears it’s UNISEX, to get away with offending the law. Sandy soon recognizes that catching this hobbit sized villain is harder than it seems, as she is on the run.
Though both actors are comedic in their own way, as a pair it doesn't cut it. All my “laughs” were just a heavy blow through the nose. You know, like the ones you do when you “lol” on BBM, or as a FB comment.
GUYS, Guys! It’s just sugar and water, STOP spending your money on energy drinks! But you won’t listen, because you love it. And that’s exactly what Syrup’s about. Syrup centres around a young man who generates a winning idea, and the challenges he faces subsequent to sharing this brilliant notion with his sly best friend. The Marketing 101 film takes you inside the evils of large corporations as well as powerful individuals and lengths they would go to be on top.
Although I didn't fall asleep throughout the movie, I really felt I wasted my time just watching it. Syrup only had enough sweeteners to get to a 6/10.
Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson, James Franco
Spring Break turns ALL the way up, then *draws break* all over in Spring Breakers. We’re introduced to four college sophomore who set out to have an awesome spring break involving wild sex, drugs and partying. Conversely they received more than they bargained for transforming from High School BAD GIRLS to GANGSTA CHICK, you know like the ride or die chicks, yea those.
Along the line this wild “party” turns into a self-actualization journey, they call it “finding themselves”. (I thought that was done in high school, not college)
James Franco gangster skills were superb, he raps too! For a minute I thought I was watching a black thug do his thang. Vanessa Hudgens faded throughout the film, coming alive only during her girl on girl action. And I can say the same for her Disney buddy Selena Gomez.
Dreadful music, dreadful debut by Gucci Mane, dreadful ending.
Movie: Now You See Me
Release Date: May 2013
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson.
This isn't your average magician movie. This is way past your “Fly away Peter, Fly away Paul” trick your parents use to pull when you were a child. This is SPARTA! I keed.
NOW YOU SEE ME pits an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against "The Four Horsemen", a super-team of the world's greatest illusionists. The four illusionists, (Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson and Dane Franco), plays a Robin Hood role as they pull off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders during their performances, showering the stolen profits on their audiences.
Each actor/tress brought his/her charter to the film. I don’t think Eisenberg, the good guy you hate to love, could play a less arrogant and cynical person. Harrelson, always a kidder (Lol: “…and by HAS BEEN if you’re referring to me I’m flattered, because I’ve always considered myself as a NEVER WAS”), Ruffalo, who I consider as HULK in every movie and the rest of the gang all no doubt brought this slick crime flick to its knees.
Listen, this movie kept me at the edge of my seat. It’s also one of Louis Leterrier, (director), finest work and a film you won’t get tired of easily. I love it! Tell me how you liked the ending?
Ratings: 9/10
Movie: The Purge
Release Date: June 2013
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey
Probably everyone in the world has seen this movie already, and with that said I really have nothing good to say about it. Waste of breath, waste of time, waste of money.
The Purge is by all means a limping horror film in which Americans are legally allowed to commit crime only one night for the year. At almost every point in this movie I kept saying “Wheeet”. True fact is, the writers of The Purge didn’t let its characters have a face or any special characteristics; “you don't know anyone in the film well enough to care one way or another, and the camera jiggled so much during the violence that you only got teasing, migraine-inducing impressions of the act.” –Simon Abrams
Movie: Captain Phillips
Release Date: October 2013
Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Barkhad Abdirahman
“If he moves again, KILL HIM!”
Captain Phillips takes you into the life of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates. I must admit I had a mind-block throughout the first 20 minutes of the movie. (Something about Capt. Phillips being a fraud). But that later vanished. Here’s why!
Everyone delivered. The highly intense drama speared no time in bringing the action, which I was glad for *gets side-tracked*, because this one time, just last week I was watching a movie and the action didn’t start until an hour-20mins into the movie…BOOO!! Aint nobody got time for that. *Gets back on track* Although Tom Hanks was the main character I honestly thought the Somalis took the spotlight. Kudos to Barkhad Abdi (Muse) and Barkhad Abdirahman (Bibal).
I have nothing bad to say about this movie only that it is well written and well directed and Henry Jackman (music) deserves some type of trophy.
However, it still baffles me, why wasn't the ship armed?! You’ll ask yourself the same question. And please remember the Somalis aren't beggars.
Words to describe Captain Phillip:
-Blood pumping
-Heart-racing thriller
-Adventure at Sea
-Air Force 1 Sea Version
-Life of Pi on Steroids
-MUST WATCH
-Oscar Worthy
Movie: The Internship Release Date: June 2013 Starring: Owen Wilson, Vince Vaugn, Tiya Sircar
Very dull as Vince Vaughn plays the same character in EVERY movie. However, for a man who never seems to bores me, somehow he turns out to be very overbearing in this film. The only highpoint I can remember is the ending and not because the “Googleyness” was over but the credit rolling made me want to pack my bags and take an AMERICAN AIRLINES aircraft straight to Google backyard and hand in my resume. The concept of the credits was really amazing. It takes the effect of all the Google owned online companies and packed them into a mini video collage. I found it more interesting than the movie itself. Anywho, The Internship received a 5/10.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz, James Badge
And World War Z steps in to save the day, and man I’m excited to share with you!
Get your duct tape, knives, pitch forks & M16 because we’re going on one big zombie ride. I can’t believe Brad Pitt moved from this, to The Counselor, BOOO! He’s exceptional in this role playing humanity’s last hope for survival, hop scotching from Korea to Israel to Nova Scotia trying to find the root and cure for this zombified pandemic.
Even when certain scenes begin to get too good to be true and downright silly, for example Brad Pitt standing one place in a shoot-out and not getting shot, WWZ saves itself by creeping in epic heart throbbing and jaw dropping moments. I gave WWZ a 7.3.
This has probably been the worst movie of 2013. It was just several clips of beautiful people and a lot of unnecessary words. I mean…I could do this myself; I’ll just need some expensive cameras, 2 cheetahs and a MASSIVE HOUSE. I’m already good looking.
Let’s go. In The Counselor, Micheal Fassbender stars as a lawyer who finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking. Fassbender is seemingly good at what he does taking the audience on an emotional journey as he goes through his dilemma from his lavish lifestyle to his on-the-run escapade. Brad Pitt and Peneople Cruz also tagged along in this A-list cast yet their acting skills weren't highlighted at all. They were just there…talking.
I haven’t mentioned the lovely Cameron Diaz and how she stole the show away as the female antagonist, her sexual prowess and her devious demeanor was what saved the film from escaping a crucial 1/10. She takes on the role of a malicious woman who lacks moral empathy and the girlfriend of Reiner (Javier Bardem), and together they are a powerful couple in the underground drug world.
Okay time to end this. The film introduces us to so many characters in just 30 mins and after an hour you still didn't know what was happening. As I said, clips of beautiful scenes and people were the epitome of The Counselor. It was awful, but it could have been better if there was more explanation and less badass, sexy, and gruesome ways to die. (Well I did like the sexy).
Boy, *holds on to baggy shorts* did this movie bring back memories. It was Crazy Sexy and Cool. I didn’t think for a sec that Lil’ Mama had it in her but she was mind-blowing as Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, everything about this chick was amazing. Not to mention how Drew Sidora got that raspy voice like T-Boz under lock and key. Keke Palmer brought her A-Game as usual seeing that she’s not new to the big or even the small screen.
Okay, let’s dig in. Crazy Sexy Cool unravels the life of T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli (TLC), from their rise in 1990 to 2002, when Lisa Lopes died on her self- searching journey in a car accident in Honduras. The biopic explodes with shocking truths from Chilli’s abortion (YESss Guurl!), T-Boz life battling sickness to crazy Lisa burning down her cheating man’s house. It also brings to light the downside of the music industry and how cruel it can be to (young) misguided uprising artistes.
Everything seemed so real, well…that’s because it was. The three actresses spent months watching the real group’s interviews and documentaries, imitating each gesture along with being nothing short of resembling the original group.
However, my thoughts are alongside WP, he states CrazySexyCool is a not a particularly well-constructed biopic, hopping from moment to moment like movie making was just a matter of checking scenes off a list, but it does everything that Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, the two surviving members of TLC, could ask for: It will absolutely convince you that TLC was amazing.
CrazySexyCool was made with the help and permission of Watkins and Thomas, who appear at the end of the film, singing their new single. As one would expect, the movie is very flattering. But while most of the rough edges have been sanded off—arson and alcoholism and discord are ultimately no match for sisterhood—a feistiness remains.
