3 Days To Kill

Kevin Costner's latest film 3 Days to Kill tells the story of a U.S. secret service agent that is forced to work one last case to gain his family and life back. He makes his way to Paris looking to rekindle his relationship with his estranged wife and teenage daughter, only to find out he is sick and dying. The CIA gives him a change to test an experimental drug if he's willing to help one with one last case.

3 Days to Kill is an action-thriller but has moments of heartfelt father-daughter bonding. Ethan Renner, Kevin Costner, battles to regain his family and life while attempting to take down an international criminal mastermind. He soon figures out wining over his daughter's love might be more difficult.  

The scenery is set in the beautiful Paris landscape, which was probably the only thing that made this film interesting. Well that and Amber Heard. She plays the sexy mysterious CIA agent who's heading the case. Heard has numerous disguises that keep you wanting more. The film also stars Hailee Steinfeld, from 2010's True Grit. She plays Cosnter's rebellious 16 year old daughter who's trying to forgive her father. The film is directed by McG who's behind blockbuster thrillers like Charlie's Angels (2000, 2003), Terminator Salvation, and This Means War.

There's some light comic relief in the film but it's just hard to watch Costner pull it off. He's so somber and serious I don't get when he's trying to be funny. His stern melancholy attitude is limited and doesn't do it for me. Overall, 3 Days to Kill loses points in originality and interest. 

SKIP IT!

House of Cards, Season 2 Premiere

Yesterday was the official red carpet premiere of House of Cards season 2 held at the Directors Guild of America in the heart of Hollywood.

The entire cast was there including stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. Netflix Chief Content Officer, Ted Sarandos, opened the night with a quick introduction. He was followed by House of Cards creator, Beau Willimon, who announced the show is already gearing up for season 3. They are a few weeks into the writing process and hope to release it around this time next year.

The first episode did not disappoint and was filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement. I can't wait to see the rest of the season. 

Molly Parker makes her debut this season as Congresswomen Jacqueline Sharp

Constance Zimmer, who plays Janine Skorsky (Slugline Reporter)

 Sakina Jaffrey, who plays Linda Vasquez (President's Chief of Staff)

A tweet from President Obama

300: Rise of an Empire New Trailer

I was a huge fan of 300, released in 2006. On March 7, 2014 comes the much anticipated sequel. Check out this newly released trailer of 300: Rise of an Empire.

Mitt: A Netflix Original

This past week Netflix premiered an original documentary entitled "Mitt" about presidential candidate Mitt Romney's campaign. The film follows Romney behind the scenes during both his 2008 run for the presidency and his most recent campaign in 2012. 

While at times interesting and shedding new light on the Massachusetts governor, the film didn't do it for me. In fact, it was difficult to watch just like his actual campaign. With moments of forced emotion and awkward prayer sessions in campaign hotel rooms, Romney had a difficult time connecting to the average American. The first half follows his attempt at the presidency in 2008 during the primaries, which he lost to John McCain. Then half way through we jump forward to 2012 when he went head-to-head with President Obama.

Interestingly, it was nice to see the support behind the man. Romney had his family very close to him during the campaigns both as emotional support and consultants. Romney's five sons were very involved in all aspects of his campaign and helped him through the highs and lows. Although he may come off cold and unrelatable at times, Romney is a family man who really cares about his wife, children, and 18 grandchildren.

I'm usually a big fan of political films and documentaries, but "Mitt" lost my vote. I didn't see anything I hadn't seen during the campaign news coverage. Romney's political future looks limited, as least for now. Seems like he'll stick with what he knows best, the private sector as a business man.

SKIP IT!

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Lupita Nyong’o wins SAG Award

Congrats Lupita Nyong’o on a much deserved SAG award!

Simpsons Movie Meme

As a long-time Simpsons fan I was really happy the movie was hilarious.

What Grinds My Gears Meme

memeguy-com:

Damn you movie poster designers

I totally feel this way.

My Best Picture Winner 2013: Her

My favorite film this past year was Her, brought to us by visionary filmmaker Spike Jonze who you may know from Being John Malkovich. Her was hands down the most exhilarating eye-opening original film of the year. It takes place in an unknown distant future in an almost unrecognizable skyscraper-filled city of Los Angeles. Theordore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, is a lonely writer who is battling a divorce and trying to find himself in the lost and lonely world created by technology. He’s introduced to Samantha, a new OS (Operating System), voiced by Scarlett Johansson, and soon forms a relationship with her. The viewer is taken through a whirl-wind journey as real life emotions are formed between human and artificial intelligence. Her takes a new yet simple look at what the future could hold for us. 



I really enjoyed how it took place in an unknown future that wasn’t quite identified. We never know what year it is but can still recognize some subtleties. In fact, present-day Shanghai was used as the backdrop of a futuristic Los Angeles. But beyond the sweeping visuals there are meaningful life messages imbedded in this film that are monumental and timely. Theodore’s relationship with an OS may be considered taboo or odd, to the modern day viewer, but is surprisingly easily accepted. I felt it mirrored a prominent social issue we face today in our world of unconventional relationships, gay marriage. Although not identical, there were moments of similarity that made you think, no matter what time period we live in there will always be social changes we need to accept.


On a larger scale Her hits home with our dependance and obsession with technology. Funny enough, seconds after the film I checked my iPhone and instantly felt a chill through my body. One day the lines of real versus artificial will become blurred. I definitely could understand how Theodore formed a romantic relationship with Samantha. She gave him something that was more concrete than just the physical, she touched him intellectually by stimulating his thoughts and feelings. In a sense, we are all in some kind of relationship with our devices; whether it’s checking Facebook every thirty minutes or constantly tweeting our daily activities. Her takes this current reality one step further and gives us a look into what can become of our future. 


The cast is star-studded with great actors like Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde, and Ronney Mara. Joaquin Phoenix played astonishingly as the awkward, but fun-loving guy. Although we physically see no signs of Scarlett Johansson, she was perfectly casted. She really gave a humanistic feel and form to the character. Ultimately, you couldn’t help but root for this unlikely love story. Their relationship made you feel all the ups and downs that come with the journey that we call love. If there is any movie you see this award season, make sure you check out Her. You’ll be glad you stopped tweeting for a couple hours.

"Welcome to Yesterday" Trailer

Check out this trailer for “Welcome to Yesterday,” a sci-fi thriller produced by Michael Bay. Looks like an interesting plot and I can’t wait to see it. Hits theaters February 28, 2013.