"Turbo" Review

It happened! It finally happened, guys! SPOILERS: Dreamworks finally made a movie without a ridiculous dance-party ending!

Film Summary: Theo dreams of becoming a famous racer. The only problem: he's a snail. But after a freak accident gives him super-snail powers that allow him to rival the speed of a Formula 1 car, he and his friends set out to take on the Indy 500.

I recently moved to a small town in Indiana for a job opportunity. Unlike my former, tourist trap of a home, there is only one movie theater in the area. And this one movie theater has only one screen.

Please take this moment to pick up your jaw off the floor.

Yes, it's hard for privileged audiences like myself to think of a movie theater with one screen that is only in business on weekends. But in a way, I found this to be a blessing in disguise. Not only was the ticket price a mere four dollars (go ahead and pick up your jaw again), but it also gave me the opportunity to see a movie I probably would not have picked out from the array of blockbusters that are out now. The Wolverine and The Conjuring would have been the highest contenders for my money and reviewing purposes. Yet, the only option I had to satisfy my cinematic craving was a movie about a little snail who wanted to be a racer.

Like I said, Turbo would not have been my first pick to spend my money on. The concept of a creature that is famous for its slow speed living in the fast lane is quite clever, the trailer failed to really peek my interest enough, so I was quick to write it off as a "wait until you can rent it" flick. Yet, after sitting down and watching it in that small theater packed with kids and adults alike, I was reminded that you should never judge a movie by its trailer.

From the very beginning of the film, the creators manage to hook the audience into the big world of Theo, or Turbo as he likes to call himself. We are intrigued by his unusual interests, invested by his passion and determination, and heartbroken by the obstacles he has to face. He's a character with heart and a familiar drive that we are able to personally recognize, but that doesn't mean he is perfect. Then again, who is? He can be cocky at times, which tends to be the main problem with almost every role Ryan Reynolds is given, but thankfully not to the point where he comes off as unlikable. He also has a habit of putting himself and his needs before that of his rule-abiding brother (voiced by Paul Giamatti). They're relationship from the very beginning is the clichéd "I love you, but I need to follow my dream" vs. "I'm saying you can't do what you want to because I don't want you to get hurt" dilemma. The writers managed to play it off in a very refreshing way, however. Yes, the two brothers share different opinions on a snail racing, but you can see through the way they interact with each other that both sides never reach an extreme point that many movies tend to resort to. The pacing of their growing understanding for one another is timed out very well, as is the pacing for everything else in the movie. The snails siblings are also given two human guardians about halfway through the film that parallel each other and help their struggles become a little more relatable.

While I can’t say the animation was anything groundbreaking, I do believe Turbo’s strength can be found in its characters and story. The underdog principle holds strong as I found myself really caring about the characters’ goals and even cheering when they find success. The writers even managed to provide solid recurring jokes that never failed to produce a laugh.

Turbo ended up being quite a refreshing Hollywood gem; a movie you believed would be just another mediocre flop that turned out to be incredibly entertaining. While it does fall to many clichés found in beloved underdog tales, it still remains a thrilling ride that will make you laugh and keep you on the edge of your seat.

And did I mention there wasn’t an out-of-place dance party at the end of the movie???

FINAL VERDICT: It’s worth the ticket price! Treat yourself to a family night at the movies.

"Despicable Me 2" Review

I saw Despicable Me 2 this afternoon, and came out of it certain of 2 things...
1. I want a little yellow minion.
2. Dreamworks does not know how to end a movie without a big dance party.

Film Summary: Master thief and villain Gru (Steve Carrell) has given up a life of crime to become a full-time dad to his three adopted daughters. But when the Anti Villain League calls on him to help catch a new global threat, he and his new partner, Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig), are on a mission to become save the world and become heroes.

Despicable Me 2 falls under the same category as its current animated competition, Monsters University. The first movie was a hit with audiences and did well at the box office, and while a second would of course draw in a huge crowd, it wasn't a necessity as far as plot or relevance. However, this doesn't mean the second chapter in Gru's road to becoming a good guy wasn't any good. On the contrary, I feel that Despicable Me 2 was a very good movie for sequel standards. It was just as funny and entertaining as the first and succeeded in introducing us to new and hilarious characters.

One thing that is so clear after watching Despicable Me 2 is that Dreamworks paid close attention to what worked and what audiences continue to love about its predecessor: minions and Agnes. The adorable yellow henchman played a key role in the movies plot and served a higher purpose than just an excuse for slapstick laughs (which there were still plenty of). Agnes also had a slightly larger part than she did in the first installment. Her cuteness remained, but sometimes she also served as the sweet voice of reason for Gru.

What about the other daughters, you ask? Well...they were in the movie. Miranda Cosgrove's Margo had a short subplot about being in love with the antagonist's son that was quickly demolished almost as quickly as it began, and Edith (voiced by Dana Gaier) was...there. Her character dressed as and pretended to be a ninja for most of the film, and that's about all we here from her. If I had to complain about one thing about Despicable Me 2, it would have to be the role of the daughters. Such a prevalent part of the first film to be diminished into mere supporting characters is greatly disappointing.

I can't say anything about the 3D aspect of the film (I tend to stick with the traditional 2D to save myself from a headache), but other than the little importance Gru's daughters had towards the plot, I really don't have much to complain about the movie. I laughed a lot, I sympathized with many of the characters, and most importantly, I had a good time at the movies. Despicable Me 2 definitely serves its purpose in being a solid, fun family film.


FINAL VERDICT: If you need some good laughs and an overload of cuteness, this is the movie to see. I recommend a matinee, and if you're not familiar with the first installment, I'd say pull a double feature once this one comes out on DVD.

"The Lone Ranger" Review

I will begin by saying I didn't have much expectations for The Lone Ranger to begin with. But my father is a big western fan, and he had been waiting for this movie to come out all summer. And for a man who wants to go see an early screening at 10:30 at night when his bedtime is usually 9, I thought that maybe there would be something special about this movie that I wasn't getting from the trailer.

There wasn't.

Film Summary: After being raised from the dead by an Indian named Tonto, John Reid dons a mask and becomes a western vigilante seeking to bring his brother's killer to justice.

The film started off on quite a confusing note by opening at a carnival in San Francisco circa 1933. Here, a small boy dressed as the iconic hero walks into a exhibition of the old west and is greeted by an old mannequin version of Tonto that comes to life before his eyes? At least, I think that's what happened. I haven't quite figured it out, because the movie never bothered to explain what Old Tonto was doing in a glass exhibition case in 1933, how he got there, or why the writers felt like this was remotely necessary. The Old Tonto/Little Boy subplot served as the movie's excuse for the Lone Ranger's (or more so, Tonto's) story to be told. Was this needed? Absolutely not. People had already paid good money to see these characters on the big screen. They didn't need any excuses from the characters as to why they wanted this story told. The movie could have very well have started in on the main plot first thing, but instead, we are "treated" to quite a few annoying segments of a crazy, aging Indian telling a young on-looker about his adventures.

While the carnival subplot was unnecessary and confusing, this was in no way the main problem the movie faced. For a movie named The Lone Ranger, the masked Texas Ranger seemed more of a secondary character to his "Indian" sidekick. If anything, the movie should have been called Tonto in order to put the right focus of the movie in place. Armie Hammer's Lone Ranger comes off as an incompetent man of the law  instead of the daring hero this movie needed to thrive. Part of this I don't believe is Hammer's fault, but that of the writers. They knew who people were coming to see (aka not Armie Hammer), and they knew who to make the true main character in order for the movie to do decently at the box office.

Once again, audiences are given a Johnny Depp showcase. Don't get me wrong; I love Johnny Depp. He is a great character actor, and has many amazing, memorable roles under his belt. But his last few movies only serve to test just how far he can stretch his style of diversity and just how much makeup he can put on his face (Alice in Wonderland, Dark Shadows). It should have been clear from these past flops that relying on Depp's weirdness does not a good movie make. And why Depp was cast to play a stereotypical Indian of the old west when there were several others within the film who had the looks and lineage to fill the role better baffles me. Depp looked very out of place compared to his fellow tribe members, but his heritage wasn't the reason he was given the part, was it?

To the movie's credit, The Lone Ranger did provide a few very intriguing action sequences (most of which took places on trains), but not even these scenes mixed in with a score by the great Hans Zimmer could save the film.This could have been a great opportunity for Hammer to sky-rocket his career and to become a big name in Hollywood. That is the only thing I was expecting out of this movie. Hammer is a wonderful actor. He proved that by playing both Winklevoss twins in The Social Network, but took a step back in his career by signing on for Mirror Mirror. And with the camera and director giving all of their love to Depp throughout the movie, Hammer is going to have to really push himself with his next project in order to prove he is the great actor I believe his is fully capable of being.


FINAL VERDICT: If you must see it, wait until it's available for rental.

(Belated) "Monsters University" Review

Ok...I'm just going to come out with it...MONSTERS INC. IS MY FAVORITE PIXAR MOVIE. Not Toy Story, not Up, but Monsters Inc. holds the number one spot in my heart.

There, I said it. Please refrain from sending any hate mail my way.

Yes, Monsters Inc. trumps all other Pixar movies in my opinion. And when I heard the beloved movie company was adding on to the franchise, I was both excited and terrified to see the final product. Fortunately, Pixar continues their trend of producing solid and entertaining family films

Film Summary: Monsters University gives audiences the origin story of everyone's favorite scare team, Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan. The dynamic duo did not start out as friends, however. Beginning as rivals in the prestigious scare program, they must learn to work together to insure their place at MU.

Like always, Pixar delivers top of the line animation, and their designs never cease to amaze me. It's hard to think of a university setting filled with hundreds of uniquely built monsters, but they managed to pull it off. I was especially impressed with the looks of the scare school's dean, Mrs. Hardscrabble; a terrifying, yet sophisticated collaboration between a dragon and a centipede. And yes, I will admit, I melted at the sight of baby Mike Wazowski!

I was also shocked by the amount of vocal talent involved with the project. Unless it is heavily advertized through trailers or posters, I have a hard time picking out who is voicing who in animated features. This was not the case with Monsters University. Not only were several of the original cast members from Monsters Inc. back for round two, but along beside them came Helen Mirren, John Krasinski, Aubrey Plaza, and Nathan Fillion!

I believe Pixar made a smart move by not making an exact sequel to Monsters Inc. The first movie had a perfect ending, and I think it was a wise choice to make a prequel instead of a continuation from the first. I'm not saying this movie was completely necessary, but you can tell that the material and characters were handled with care and wasn't just a way for the company to make an easy buck. That's one thing I love about Pixar; everything they shell out (with the exception of Cars 2 perhaps) are passion projects. They won't release anything they don't think is up to par with their high standards of quality. Monsters University is a great example of this commendable principle.

There's not a whole lot of great conflict throughout the film because we already know where Mike and Sully will eventually end up. The main action comes from the duo having to team up with a fraternity of "loser" monsters to compete and win a scare tournament. Although, it could be worse. The tournament could have just been a way for the Mike and Sully to gain popularity or to reach the top of their class or the movie could have simply revolved around how the two become friends. Thankfully, the movie is so much more than that. A major part of the film deals with what happens when you can't have that one thing you've been dreaming of your whole life; an incredibly adult concept for a kid flick. And when the main characters do something incredibly illegal, there are actual consequences! They are not scolded and then forgiven five seconds later because of their heroic actions. This aspect was so refreshing to see from not only a family film, but from an all-around, general movie perspective.

Monsters University might not have been my first choice for a Pixar follow-up (I am still waiting for The Incredibles 2), but it did turn out to be a pleasant surprise.

FINAL VERDICT: It's worth seeing, but catch the matinee.

"Now You See Me" Review

It isn't quite a rare occasion for a film's plot twist to surprise me. There have been several occasions where a movie will go somewhere I never thought it would go. Most of the time, however, I can see it coming from a mile away.

In the case of Now You See Me...I never saw it coming. Nor did I expect a true, unexpected twist to come from a movie like this. Yet, even though I was left a bit blindsided by the film's ending, I have a hard time finding it believable.

Film Summary: A group of magicians, known as the Four Horsemen, are brought together by an anonymous force to become an over-night sensation. The reason for their popularity? Their final trick includes miraculously robbing a bank and giving the stolen money to their audience members. As the FBI tries to investigate the actions of the criminal vigilantes, they struggle to determine what is really magic and what is simply illusion.

There isn't a whole lot I have to say about Now You See Me, unfortunately. It proved to be a well-developed and entertaining mystery. And it was in no way a bad film. The only qualms I had with it was the twist...so prepare for some SPOILERS.

I will not give away who is the true leader of the Four Horsemen, because I do not want anyone who hasn't seen the movie to be stripped of the opportunity to have their mind blown. Looking back towards the rising actions of the film, it is obvious to point out clues that lead to who is behind the robberies, but when that person steps forward to reveal himself, my jaw hit the floor. However, as much of a shock as it was, it soon became clear that the mystery magician's plan was way to complicated for anyone's good. Their plan almost reminds me of the problems critics had with the plot-holes surrounding The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Yes, the characters had thought up brilliant, complicated, and well thought-out ways of getting what they want. Yet, when it came to the reality of the length of time it must have taken and the things that certain character had to put themselves through in order to accomplish that task, it leaves audience members unwilling to believe what had just unfolded before them. What if a certain piece in the game had chosen a different path, or if some crucial element failed to deliver? With such a time-consuming, elaborate plan, the shock of the movie's twist was swallowed by a sea of questions.

It was quite an intriguing ride that the movie delivered as the viewers joined the fictional detectives to figure out what was behind the Horsemen's tricks, and the acting/script/etc. were far from horrible. That being said, I can't say that it was a spectacular film. Besides the surprising (yet unbelievable) twist, many elements of the movie failed to stand out. In my opinion, Now You See Me will soon join the ranks of the forgettable gems; movies that are very enjoyable and fun to watch, but fall quickly into obscurity. I wouldn't be to surprised to find it premiering on cable television within the next couple of years.


FINAL VERDICT: It's worse seeing, but either wait to rent it or catch a matinee

"The Purge" Review

If I had to choose only one word to describe director James DeMonaco's second directorial project, it would have to be....meh. Yes, I know that might not be an actual word, but it was the first thing that came to my mind after viewing his film on Tuesday. I believe Anthony Misiano of Reel Butter put it best when he said that The Purge is "the most mediocre movie I've seen in a long, long time."

 Film Summary: In the near future, America's society is blossoming; unemployment is at 1%, crime is at an all-time low, and everyone seems very satisfied with their lives. All of this happiness is the result of an annual event known as "the Purge". For a 12 hour period, all crime is legal, and even encouraged. During one such night, a well-to-do family is terrorized by a group of Purge participants after the youngest son gives shelter to their chosen target.

I will admit that I was incredibly excited for this movie! The trailer got me super pumped, and the concept of a world where all crime is legal was quite intriguing. To my dismay, the film failed to live up to my expectations. There was only about two occasions where I felt truly scared, and the "twist" towards the end was really nothing too shocking. The script was less than impressive and most of the characters were so unlikeable, I wasn't too upset when something unfortunate happened to them. It did help, however, that the acting ranged from passable to pretty impressive. Leading the pack is Lena Headey (300, Game of Thrones). Her terrified, compassionate, yet strong and courageous mother-figure allowed me to spare some sympathy for the family's plight.

As for the ending, there was much left to be desired. In fact, there were several factors of the film that left me feeling rather unsatisfied. Many of these stemmed from the universe of the movie itself. Set in the United States during the spring of 2022, it is implied that America's financial and social structure had become so hopeless, that a complete makeover of the country's government was a crucial necessity. Their leaders, simply known as the New Founding Fathers, initiated the annual Purge in order for citizens to "release the beast" (a phrase completely overused throughout the film) and make it possible for society to control their urge for illegal activity and help make their homeland become better place. A controversy circulating throughout this world is that the Purge was not simply a way for people to satisfy their basic, violent urges, but to also eliminate the weak and lower class; thus causing America to thrive.

Who are these New Founding Fathers? We don't know. How was the idea of an annual night of uncontrollable violence and crime able to be OK-ed by the American people? No one is really sure. The movie leaves a great deal, perhaps a little too much, to be imagined. The only reason I would encourage a sequel to The Purge would be if it took the opportunity to expand on the universe of the film, and explain how the New Founding Fathers and the Purge came into existence.

After talking with several other friends of mine who came out of this just as disappointed as I was, all of them said the same thing to me: "I was expecting it to be like The Strangers, but it wasn't at all!" It baffles me that so many were comparing The Purge to Bryan Bertino's far superior, 2008 horror movie, but I could see where they were coming from. Both films primarily play on the fear of home invasions and malicious unknowns with a lust for blood. Yet, there are some key differences between the two that make one much more gratifying to watch than the other.

For one, the situations found in The Strangers are much more relatable and disturbing than that of The Purge. It's hard to envision our own society as it is today that allowing such an event as the Purge to be legal, while the tragedy of Bertino's film could very well be a reality. Also, the reasons behind the antagonists' actions prove which villains are the terrifying. The Ken Doll-masked group of Purgers are intensely scary; taunting their victims by playing out grotesque scenes for the house's security cameras, banging on its metal-plated windows and doors, and eventually proving that they have to power to break into something that was rumored to be impenetrable and viciously take what they want. But in their world, it is their right. Their actions, however horrible they might be, fail to be seen as shocking in that society, and even to the movie's audience at times. The murders of The Strangers are the complete opposite. They have no right, nor do they have any true motivation behind their actions besides the main characters happened to be at home. A large group of wealthy, over-the-top killers pale in comparison to silence and mystery behind the three strangers.

To the film's credit, it wasn't a bad film. It was able to capture my attention for the entire running time, and it did give way to a very interesting and horrifying story idea. But, perhaps with a different screenwriter and a more satisfying ending with actual consequences, The Purge might have been able to live up to the hype it had gained before its release.


FINAL VERDICT: Wait until it shows up at RedBox