Documentaries of 2016

Seems like art really does imitate life because 2016 was the year of documentaries. Recently I've had a keen interest in the genre. Here are some of my current favorites.

Weiner (Showtime)
Weiner follows controversial congressman Anthony Weiner as he goes through, not one, but two sex scandals while running for public office. Twitter-d**k pics and bulges no one intended to see are exposed across the internet as Weiner runs for NY Mayor and also battles multiple accusations of being unfaithful to his wife, Huma Adedin, Hillary Clinton's aide. 

Amanda Knox (Netflix)
This Netflix Original follows American exchange student Amanda Knox as she describes, in her own words, how she was convicted of murdering her roommate while studying abroad in Italy in 2007. Is she guilty or innocent? You decide after watching--no one is deciding for you.

13th (Netflix)
This doc is definitely going to get your blood boiling. 13th takes an in-depth look into the corrupt and racist U.S. prison system. Slavery may have been abolished many years ago, but 13th will show you the modern-day equivalent.

Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru (Netflix)
An in-depth look into Tony Robbin's cult-like conference that changes millions of lives a year. His events costs hundreds of dollars, are held all across the world, and sold out every time. Take an inside look into one of his sessions as he guides people from despair to triumph. You might learn a thing or two about yourself too. 

The Cuba Libre Story (Netflix)
A TV-mini series that takes you through the history of Cuba from it's 400 year old rule under Spain to it's place under America's control in the 21st century. 

Bad Santa 2

Bill Bob Thorton is back at it again in Bad Santa 2 after 13 years. 2016 really is the year of the overdue sequel! There's a new director on board, Mark Waters, who directed the acclaimed Mean Girls.

I was skeptical of a sequel and didn't think it would live up to the raunchiness of the original. But I was definitely proven wrong. Bad Santa 2 is just as raunchy and comical. Billy Bob is trashier and nastier than ever. His life is just as shitty and it doesn't look like he plans on cleaning it up.

Willie's small sidekick, Marcus, is out of prison and has a new heist in store this holiday season. This time they're bringing in Willie's mom, played by Kathy Bates. Willie is headed to Chicago to crack a safe potentially worth millions from a charity collecting donations for the holidays. 

Who knew Willie's mom would be just as soul-less and messed up. Kathy Bates is great in comedy roles and doesn't hold back. She's gives Billy Bob a run for his money as a no-good heartless thief. Things definitely don't go smoothly but that's when all the tricks come out.

The nicest celeb surprise is Christina Hendricks (Mad Men). She's just as flirtatious, but maybe a little more naughty than usual.

I give Bad Santa 2 two thumbs up for some mindless lighthearted raunchy fun. 

SEE IT!

Showtime's Billions

Listen to my review of Showtime's newest series 'Billions' on Youtube.

Up-and-coming star to look out for:

My favorite fresh face is Condola Rashad. The New York native had small roles in 2012's Steel Magnolias and Sex and The City 2. You can see her next in Clooney's latest upcoming film, Money Monster. She's definitely a name and face to keep an eye out for.

Divergent

Divergent is a futuristic action thriller set to premiere this Friday March 21. It takes place in a post-war Chicago where people are separated into different societies based on their personalities. Everyone fits into one of five groups that is determined by a test and influenced by upbringing. Beatrice Prior, played by Shailene Woodley, doesn't conform into one specific category. She finds her way into one society at first and tries to assimilate but just isn't able to. As she trains to become a part of her new faction, she realizes she's one of a few people who possesses the power to exercise free will. Beatrice wants to think and live freely, and that's a danger to the current structure of society. Beatrice becomes a threat to plans the government has in store. The journey takes us through the trials and tribulations of fighting against evil to regain humanity.

Divergent is the latest in Hunger Games look-a-likes. Based on the 2011 book by Veronica Roth, Divergent is one of a three book series that has a large following among tweens and teenagers. Interesting fact, Roth wrote the book when she was only 21 years old.

The film was engaging and enjoyable to watch. It was action packed and carried a strong plot line throughout. The most interesting scenes were Beatrice's "dream" sequences that were pretty intense. Woodley plays opposite Theo James. The British native has been acting for a number of years but is an up-and -coming young actor to look out for. He has great screen presence and is sure to be a hit with the ladies. Kate Winslet was the true scene-stealer though. She plays Jeanine Matthews, the villainous leader of her faction with plans of total domination. Matthews goal of completely wiping out independent will is obstructed by Divergents, so she is on the hunt to capture each last one. 

Whether or not you've read the book this movie is a great watch. At first I was not even aware that Divergent was a book adaptation, but thoroughly enjoyed it and understood the concept. An added bonus, the soundtrack is amazing. It features music by Ellie Goulding, Zedd, and A$AP Rocky. The musical score accompanied in the film really set the tone.

SEE IT!

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!

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American Reunion

The fourth installment of the ‘American Pie’ series is here, ‘American Reunion’. Wow, has it really been 13 years?! Well, they’re a little late for the 10 year high school reunion, but I guess late is better than never. I am a big fan of all three previous films. I think that’s why I liked this movie so much, because it stuck to the original recipe. The movie trailers unfortunately come off as somewhat corny. Don’t let that fool you though.

 

I expected this movie to be a lame attempt at closing the ‘American Pie’ series, but it wasn’t. ‘American Reunion’ was hysterical and a great film. I highly recommend seeing the previous films before you see this one, otherwise you won’t like it as much. I had a blast seeing the characters coming together years later as real grown adults in their 30-somethings. Most, if not all, the characters are here, which kept the true essence of the film alive. There are some new characters who aren’t that special or interesting, and I don’t think there are any new iconic scenes or phrases (Shermanator and others make surprise appearances). But who knows, maybe some new things will catch on.

Every character is up to his/her usual mischief, especially the Stifmeister. He keeps the gang young at heart and feeling alive with his crazy adventures and pranks. You’d think Jason Biggs and Alyson Hannigan would have civilized a little, especially raising a kid, but we see that’s definitely not the case—nudity and profanity included. In fact, there’s a healthy dose of all kinds of nudity in the film (no disappointment there). 

I really don’t know where this series can go after here though. Making a fifth installment would seem futile, unless we see Tara Reid (she looks great by the way) and the gang in a retirement home in the future. Maybe a spinoff? The studio is more likely to plop out a few more straight-to-DVD “sequels” given that they seem to be good money makers.

Ultimately ‘American Reunion’ is a great watch. Come for the laughs and enjoy reminiscing the story that started all with a pie. It’s nice to see Jim, and everyone, come full circle. In theaters April 6, 2012.

SEE IT!