Disconnect

I've been searching for this movie (Disconnect) since its release date, April 12.  It is an independent film that is on limited release to certain cities, and then only to certain theaters. 

The film follows 4 people (a reporter, alawyer, a couple, and an ex-cop) and their families as they navigate between their lives, the world wide web, and social media.  The previews are kind of misleading in that they don't go into a lot of detail, you just know that it has to do with the internet and some type of cyber crimes.  When the movie starts, I wasn't 100% sure of what was going on, and I thought I wasn't going to like it, but, as it moved along, I could empathize with the characters and their lives and what they were going through.  If you like the movies, "Traffic" or "Crash," then you'll really like this movie.  The guy in front of me said it was "excellent."  Don't know if I would go that far, but, it was pretty good. 

So, here's the ironic part:  the movie which is about social media, internet usage, etc (late 20th, early 21st century stuff), was showing in a theater that didn't have stadium seating (like theaters in the '80s), and it comes across a little "low budget," like it was filmed on a camcorder, but, you eventually ignore it as it gets better (I did anyway).  I'm sure the way it was filmed was on purpose, I don't know if I would like it filmed the way other movies are these days.

Rating:  3/5 stars

Pain & Gain

Pain & Gain

This movie is like a "true story that you think (initially) is funny, but, is really kinda serious, but still makes you laugh kind of movie."

Mark Wahlberg, Anthony Mackie, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson portray 3 body builders that really don't have much of a life; Anthony Mackie's character uses steroids, Mark Wahlberg's character uses self-help "make yourself better" infomercials as his guide to life, and The Rock's character is just trying to get back on track after spending time in prison.  Anyway, they come up w/ a scheme to make their life better, but, they're not very good at let's see, brains (yeah, that's it).

I totally loved the movie.  While trying to not laugh (because it really is a true story and some parts were very serious), it was hard not to laugh at some of the stuff the characters said and did.  Michael Bay did a good job (as usual), directing.  Just like Bad Boys 1 & 2, Pain & Gain was shot in Miami too.  Also, this is not short (about 2 hrs, 20 minutes long), and make sure you stay for the initial ending credits so you can see the real life people that committed the acts.

Rating:  3.5/5 stars

The Place Beyond the Pines

The commercials and the previews for "The Place Beyond the Pines" reminded me a lot of the movie, "The Town;" that stars Jon Hamm (AMC's Mad Men) playing a role similar to that of Bradley Cooper and Ben Affleck playing a role similar to that of Ryan Gosling....I was close, but not quite.

Ryan Gosling plays a "carni" that performs motor bike stunts in a travelling carnival.  After a fling with a local (Eva Mendes), he learns he has a son and turns to robbing banks in an attempt to provide support to him.  This is what I thought the movie was about, but, there is a whole other half that is totally hidden from the previews (good job, Hollywood), that involves Bradley Cooper and an extended plot.

I was initially depressed when I saw this, but, I can say, it does get better.  If I had to use one word to describe the movie, I would use, "ironic."  Yup, this movie totally surprised me (not at all what I expected).  I was also surprised to see Ray Liotta (if only for a brief moment).  A tad bit long (about 2 hours, 20 minutes), but, enjoyable.

Rating:  3.5/5 stars

Oblivion

Oblivion

1st, let me say that if you are not a sci-fi fan, don't go see this (even if you LOVE Tom Cruise, lol).

Now, that I got that out of the way, let me tell you about the movie.  The movie takes place in the future, on partially destroyed (post-apocalyptic if you will) Earth.  Tom Cruise plays Jack Harper, a technician that fixes robot droids and constantly wonders about things that were, while his partner Victoria, wishes he would focus on the present.  Anyway, Jack soon discovers that his wondering isn't in vain as the movie unfolds. 

To tell you more would truly ruin it for you.  The special effects are great and very realistic, great plot, and Morgan Freeman is featured as well.  If you enjoyed the Matrix, Independence Day, and/or the Terminator (there isn't a whole lot of action, though, so make sure that's not what you're expecting), you will enjoy this.  If this is another preview of the other movies that are coming out this year (Iron Man 3, Star Trek, etc), this will be a good year for movies!!

Rating:  4/5 stars

42

42 - a movie based on the life of Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, Jackie Robinson.  Robinson also happens to be the first African-American player in the league (played for the Brooklyn Dodgers). 

Absolutely loved this movie.  I laughed, I (almost) cried, I sat at the edge of my seat, I basically went through an entire emotional roller coaster ride, and loved every minute of it!!!  It is a feel good movie that will make you want to fight back at times, and cheer at others.

So, here's the other stuff I got out of it...several of the cast of Grey's Anatomy (George - T.R. Knight & Chief - James Pickens, Jr) play roles in this movie.  Harrison Ford (plays the Dodgers owner) just does NOT age (and T.R. Knight looks even younger), I learned some new stuff about baseball (still don't know if I could watch an entire game - live or on tv), and the most profound part....when Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) said, "I thought you woke me because I was cut from the team."  Just another line to prove that there is always a silver lining, to EVERY situation!!

Rating:  2 thumbs up, 5/5 stars

Evil Dead

All I can say is, how come when you see something that says, "Do not read, write, touch, look at, etc," people do it anway?  Don't you know that is the #1 way to get killed in a movie?  I love that they touched on that in the 'Scream' franchise (not that it helped, but, at least they discussed it, lol).  ANYWHO, Evil Dead is a remake of the same movie, originally released in 1981.  I didn't see the original, so, I have nothing to compare it to, however, I can say that as far as scary goes, I jumped several times, and the plot was so-so.  My issue was, once again, there were no scene changes.  The whole movie takes place in a cabin.  Reminded me a lot of the movies "The Strangers" and "The Cabin in the Woods."  More gory and gruesome than anything, I've definitely seen better when it comes to "scary movies."

Rating: 1.5/5

The Host

The Host.  If you're looking for something similar to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," you will be sorely disappointed.  Let me explain.  The human race is being taken over by aliens who inhabit the human body instead of eliminating/destroying it.  Each human's individuality (soul, if you will) is supposed to be conquered and eventually overtaken, however, in the case of the main character (Melanie), the alien or "host" is forced to co-exist w/ Melanie.  Based on the description and the reviews, I honestly thought this might be pretty interesting, unfortunately (especially since these weren't the "typical" aliens that are usually in books and movies), not so much.  With scenes (80% of which are spent in a cave in the middle of a desert), that are filled with long drawn-out conversations, this reminded me a lot of matrix 2 & 3, where there could and should have been action in place of all the talking.  Thankfully, the movie did indeed end, w/ a conclusion that leaves room for a sequel, however, if there wasn't one, you wouldn't feel like something was missing or that you were left hanging. Unfortunately the author, Stephenie Meyer (twilight novels) has already announced one (a novel and a movie).

Conclusion:  The highlight of the movie was the transportation that the aliens were using.  Watch if you really want to waste 2 hours, just remember, you can't get that time back!  :-)

Rating:  2/5 stars