A Million Ways to Die in the West

3 Reasons Not to See 'A Millions Ways'

As a huge Family Guy fan it saddens me to say this, but do not waste your time or money watching this film.

1. It was unnecessarily long and boring: Run time is almost 2 hours of uncomfortably low-brow, boring humor. It was uneventful and slow placed.

2. Seth MacFarlane is not a suitable onscreen actor: He needs to stay behind the camera...or better yet behind the microphone. He may have forgotten this wasn't an animated film. He's emotionless and has no onscreen presence. 

3. Plot line was a joke, and no not the good kind: Seth tried to get serious when the audience just wants to laugh. Attempting to build up dramatic effect, he just left the viewer yawning and dosing off. There was no real movement or fluidity.   

If you liked Ted, you'll hate this. If you hated Ted you'll dislike this also. If you have the ability to see and hear, you'll hate this.

*Highlight: Fun and surprising cameos.

SKIP IT!

Neighbors

I saw an advanced screening of Neighbors starring Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, and Rose Byrne. It delivered exactly what you'd expect, a crazy off-the-wall nonsense comedy. I really enjoyed the film for what it was. It borders on silly to witty at times but is a great look at dealing with crazy neighbors. 

Mac and Kelly, played by Rogen and Byrne, are new parents who just aren't used to the idea of being all grown up and responsible. The idea isn't made any easier when a college fraternity moves in next door. At first Teddy the fraternity president, played by Efron, is all smiles and friendly. But things turn for the worse as Mac and Kelly can't live with all the noise and craziness. The story unfolds as both neighbors go head-to-head to eliminate one another.

Seth Rogen delivers as the outrageous irresponsible adult-child that he is. And I know college is crazy but this fraternity takes outrageous to another level. The film also stars Dave Franco (21 Jump Street) and Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad). There are some nice cameos as well that may surprise you. 

Franco's acting is limited. Not just in this, but in general I've noticed. I don't expect much from him. Cannot take his acting seriously. Rose Byrne is a comedy genius. Great to see an attractive women who's great at being silly and funny. Enjoyed her as the young-party mom.

The film doesn't have much substance but that's not why you're going to watch it. Neighbors is a great laugh and will keep you entertained. 

Check out Neighbors when is hits theaters May 9, 2014. 

SEE IT!

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.

21 and Over

Last week I saw a sneak preview of “21 and over.” It tells the story of two friends who visit their best friend in an effort to celebrate his 21st birthday. But he’s in no position to party because he’s got an important med school interview the next morning. The story unravels as the trio journey through the night.


I’d say the movie has its good moments, but isn’t worth the trip. It’s a mix of “Project X” meets Ryan Reynolds’ “Van Wilder.” It is an homage to the college years and most 18-25 year olds will definitely connect with the film. People over 30 may find it immature and unnecessarily outrageous. I graduated college a couple years ago and it was bittersweet to reminisce my college years. The movie definitely makes you rethink if you lived your college years to its full potential.  There’s some puffery in there because I don’t think anyone’s real college experience included wild buffalo injuries on campus and acid tripping professors. Then again, I may have gone to the wrong school.

"21 and over" is crude, rude, and then some. There’s lots of nudity; surprisingly more male nudity then female. The film also has many racial jokes, mostly playing on Asian stereotypes. There are many "WTF" moments that will have you covering you eyes or leaving your jaw hanging. 

Miles Teller (from Project X) is the funniest character and plays the goofy party guy that doesn’t know when to filter his thoughts and words. Skylar Astin (from Pitch Perfect) plays the pretty boy who’s a little strung up and gets caught up in a romantic relationship. Justin Chon (from the Twilight series) is the birthday boy whose performance falls a bit short. His acting and comedic ability was not enjoyable. He simply just isn’t a good actor and came off as fake and forced.

"21 and Over" pushes some boundaries and leaves you thinking if you really lived up your college years,  especially your 21st birthday. So to sum it up, grab a drink (or two) at your local college bar instead of seeing this movie.

SKIP IT! 

Introductions/About Me

Movies are the universal language of the world. It’s a subject that almost every person takes part in and can bring people together. Basically movies are like the weather, it’s one of the few topics you can discuss with a complete stranger.

Why do we watch movies? It’s an escape from our crazy hectic lives, to put it bluntly. The majority of us aren’t going to be super heroes, international spies, or Megan Fox’s boyfriend. Movies give us the chance to take a break from our lives and live through someone else. Movies are our portal to another world. The world we imagine sometimes or the world we wish we could be in. I’m here to give you my two cents about the best, worst, and everything in between about movies.

Why should you read my blog?

Too often I hear people say, “don’t believe what that critics say” or “critics are unnecessarily harsh.” I’ve decided to write this blog because I too have those feelings. There are countless critics that judge a movie based on “professional” feelings, and expect the everyone to agree with them. Sometimes a person in the industry is the exact person who shouldn't be reviewing a film. They may be viewing the film from inside “the box” or according to “industry standards.”

The word “critic” or “critique” has even become a negative term because of this practice. I am here to watch movies and tell you about them from my perspective. The perceptive of the average moviegoer. I can judge a movie from the point of view of an educated person who lives and breathes movies. My friends pride me on this all the time, so I thought why not share my thoughts with everyone.

I can tell you what’s worth watching and what’s not, although I may not be right every time. I am an avid moviegoer and enjoy almost every genre of film. I always have an internal dialogue in my mind when watching a film. Even after a movie I’ll keep thinking and talking about it. And that’s just it, the movie experience is not over for me after the credits roll. It continues to evoke feelings, sometimes good and sometimes bad. But regardless, I love talking about movies and letting people know what works and what doesn’t. So stay tuned and see what I’ve got to say. Ultimately I am simply giving you my opinion and personal thoughts. If you like my reviews please let me know and share them with your friends/family. If you don’t like what I’ve got to say let me know (preferably in a private email) so I can perfect my film review skills for you. 

Thanks and enjoy!