Inferno Review

Inferno

Robert Langdon: "The greatest sins in human history were committed in the name of love."

     "Inferno" is directed by Ron Howard ("Apollo 13", "A Beautiful Mind", "The Da Vinci Code") and stars Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon, Felicity Jones as Sienna Brooks, Irrfan Khan as Harry Sims, Omar Sy as Christoph Bouchard, Ben Foster as Bertrand Zobrist, Sidse Babett Knudsen as Elizabeth Sinskey, Ana Ularu as Vayentha, and Ida Darvish as Marta Alvarez.

What it gig it must've been to shoot in a beautiful city like Venice.

     Robert Langdon is back in this third installation of Dan Brown's trilogy of thriller novels. In this chapter of his adventures, Langdon must solve the clues left behind by controversial billionaire Bertrand Zobrist to stop a fateful virus from killing half of the world's population. The journey begins in Italy with Robert figuring out the clues are tied to famous medieval poet Dante. He and doctor Sienna Brooks must find the virus first before others can get a hold of it and sell it for some big bucks.

Tom Hanks: "Follow me because I'm Tom Hanks."

Me: "That trustworthy Tom. I'll definitely follow you."

     Wow. Tom, what happened? I'm wanted to find some reasons to say that "Inferno" isn't that bad. That it's kind of fun. The idea is fun and Tom Hanks has worked well with Ron Howard in the past...Nope. "Inferno" is such a letdown. Holy crap, I don't even know where to start, but there's got to be a beginning. I'll start with how this adventure is told: confusing! Ironically, me saying I don't know where to start is what the screenwriters most likely said while writing this script. Robert Langdon is a character known for his wit and ability to solve difficult puzzles. The story is told by taking away Langdon's one quirk that makes him unique and awesome. He wakes up in a hospital with amnesia, which is a familiar tune that many movies use anyways, and not until act three is when he regains most of his memory. It's tragic that "Inferno" caused one of the only reasons to watch the movie to dissipate. While I can say Tom Hanks did try and make me care somewhat for the character, the entirety of the movie was carried, for me, by the influence of the puzzles: Dante's Inferno. This idea is shown through Langdon's memories as he tries to take them back. Even that was too much. The scenes were choppily edited to the point where I thought, "wait a second. This looks like a "Jason Bourne" film! What's going on?". I couldn't handle some of the editing at times, which I usually am fine with in movies like the "Bourne" films and "Mad Max: Fury Road". However, "Inferno" takes it to another level with the addition of how the film relies on the memory aspect of Langdon too much.

I think Tom just realized what movie he's in.

     "Inferno" for sure isn't the worst thriller you can get your hands on, but it doesn't offer much to get you to care about a situation that could potentially kill billions of people. Sad, isn't it? There are three saving graces: Tom Hanks, Irrfan Khan, and the incorporation of Dante's Inferno. I haven't really talked about Irrfan Khan, who I like in almost every role he's in. His character kicks ass sometimes and that's really it. I don't even know what his background is in him being able to be an assassin or whatever he tries to be in this movie. Besides that, I can't see anything else that I wouldn't enjoy at a better quality in other thriller's like "Se7en" or even "National Treasure" as cheesy as film is. Some books just don't translate well to movies, especially the dialogue. I couldn't help but feel bad for Tom Hanks when he was forced to describe a cup of coffee because his character forgot what the word was (due to his amnesia). What I don't understand is how the hell could he remember weird obscure facts about Sandro Botticelli's illustration of Dante's Inferno and his password to his Gmail account. What the f**k?

Oh. Now I get why Langdon remembered his password. Yeah, clear those emails and your history first, then get back to work.

     Maybe I'm being too harsh on a movie that is based off the book that I haven't read, but like any movie that's based off a novel, it's still a f***ing movie! I feel like I would like the book a lot more than the movie, as I can clearly see "Inferno" was clearly a book while watching it.  Ron Howard's direction of his vision for "Inferno" went up in flames, no pun intended. I don't know what his intent is on making these movies, but he should probably stop considering that all three of these movies have had terrible reviews. I understand that he's at least making his money back so I guess that's what makes him tick. I just know that Howard and Hanks can do far better than "Inferno".  Hopefully Howard does his skills justice in the upcoming biopic "Zelda" and Hanks once again dazzels me in "Toy Story 4". For the love of Illuminati, just leave "The Symbol", Dan Brown's other Langdon book, on the shelf. Keep it there and leave that mystery/thriller as a book.

2.0/5

PRO

• Tom Hanks and Irrfan Khan at least tried
• The use of Dante's Inferno is pretty cool, I guess

CON

• Storytelling with overused memory lost plot
• Editing is all over the place
• Script doesn't translate well to screen
• Unfortunately, Ron Howard's directing

"Inferno" is rated PG-13 for sequences of action and violence, disturbing images, some language, thematic elements and brief sensuality

Click here to watch the trailer

"Inferno" is in theaters everywhere now

     Thanks for reading, everybody! I really do appreciate it. Please subscribe to my blog and follow me on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on new reviews and trailer drops. Also, if you've already seen "Inferno", comment and let me know what you think of it. Thanks again!

Check This One Out! - Adventureland

Check This One Out! - Adventureland

James Brennan: "I am amazed at how tiny my paycheck is. I've been working doubles."

Joel: "Well, we are doing the work of pathetic, lazy morons."

     "Adventureland" is directed by Greg Mottola ("Superbad", "Paul", "The Daytrippers") and stars Jesse Eisenberg as James Brennan, Kristen Stewart as Em Lewin, Martin Starr as Joel, Ryan Reynolds as Mike Connell, Margarita Levieva as Lisa P., Matt Bush as Tommy Frigo, Paige Howard as Sue O'Malley, Dan Bittner as Prete O'Malley, Barret Hackney as Munch, Bill Hader as Bobby, Kristin Wiig as Paulette, Wendie Malick as Mrs. Brennan, Jack Gilpin as Mr. Brennan, Mary Birdsong as Francy, and Josh Pais as Mr. Lewin.

Two awkward-like people to play birds in love...perfect casting.

     After graduating college, James Brennan is excited and planning for his graduation present: a trip to Europe. However, his parents give him the news that they won't have enough money for that or to help pay his rent when he goes to Columbia University for his master's degree after the summer. Due to this unfortunate economical circumstance, James finds a job back in his hometown as a games carnie for Adventureland, an amusement park that may or may not be boring as hell. There he makes new friends, experiences actions that he's never experienced before, and finds love. Just your average summer job that you grow up at.

I would hate to have this job, but I would love to meet the people that work here.

     "Adventureland" really tugged on my heartstrings. Normally, I can connect with a character when they are vulnerable, as most people. That's when we see their inner shell exposed. James Brennan is always true to himself, as cheesy as that sounds. He's honest, even when he's trying to lie and I can really see myself as that person. Like James, I'm not perfect. However, what allowed me to really step into James' shoes is Jesses Eisenberg's ability to be an everyday man in "Adventureland". It's almost as if the filmmakers picked up a random nerd on the streets at college and set him in the movie. Maybe it's just how I perceive Jesse Eisenberg, but this role was perfect for him. I've seen him plenty of times trying too hard to play a character who is just not the right fit for him *cough, "BvS", cough*. The screenwriters deserve some mention as well for writing an honest movie about love and heartbreak too. It's hard to find those kinds of films while also incorporating top notch comedy and drama, but somehow they did it and with the help of a director whose previous film was a modern classic comedy: "Superbad". I can say many positive comments about this movie, but what surprised me most was Kristin Stewart. She was in the midst of her "Twilight" career when she did "Adventureland". Boy, oh, boy, was this a good move for her. She's blossomed into better roles recently and I truly believe that "Adventureland" showed off a bit of her talent and what she could be (how she is now). In most of the coming-of-age movies I've seen, the soundtrack really kicks ass. "Adventureland" is not one to strive away from that staple. The music is f***ing awesome! It's set in 1987 so of course the music is going to be good.

I also won't forget to acknowledge these two modern comedic powerhouses. Bill Hader and Kristin Wiig are once again funny as hell.

     Real love stories that are set within a summer are probably always going to get to me. I don't know why. Maybe it's just because I like real life situations that I've been curious about. Sorry about getting a little personal there. "Adventureland" captures the essence of growing up, even if it you're already an adult. You can still love, have your heartbroken, love again, laugh, and do drugs (this one is more of an option). Plus, the movie is f***ing funny! There's a character that always smacks James in the kid factory (if you know what I mean by that) and every time he shows up, I kind of cringe for the moment that he'll hit James. It's weird moments like that that remind me that "Adventureland" is real and beautiful. The impossibility is Ryan Reynolds being a character in my life.

Ryan Reynolds: "C'mon. Don't you want me to dress up as Deadpool while we make sweet, tender, disgusting, sweaty love?"

"Adventureland" is rated R for language, drug use, and sexual references

Click here to watch the trailer

"Adventureland" is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, and some streaming services

     Thanks for reading, everybody! I really do appreciate it. Please subscribe to my blog and follow me on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on new reviews and trailer drops. Also, if you've already seen "Adventureland", comment and let me know what you think of it. Thanks again!

Ouija: Origin of Evil Review

Ouija: Origin of Evil

Doris: "Do you know what it feels like to be strangled to death?"

     "Ouija: Origin of Evil" is directed by Mike Flanagan ("Hush", "Oculus", "Before I Wake") and stars Elizabeth Reaser as Alice Zander, Annalise Basso as Lina Zander, Lulu Wilson as Doris Zander, Henry Thomas as Father Tom, Parker Mack as Mikey, Michael Weaver as Roger Zander, and Doug Jones as Ghoul Marcus/Devil's Doctor.

To spot the spirits, why doesn't Henry Thomas just throw a ball into a room and wait until the ball is thrown back? (E.T. joke)

    The prequel to the 2014 horror film "Ouija" tells the story of the popular (for some odd reason) board game that calls upon spirits. Alice Zander is a single mother trying to feed and house her two daughters by scheming people using séances, or reaching out to the spirit world to give others closure about their loved ones. She buys a Ouija board to add to the show, but Doris, the youngest of Alice's two daughters, uses the game to try and talk with her deceased father. By chance, evil spirits are contacted instead and Doris becomes the vessel for the spirits. Lina Zander, the older daughter, and Alice are now in a circumstance where they need to get rid of the spirits, with help from Father Tom. Chills are waiting at every corner in this classic looking horror film.

Who the hell plays this for fun? Nope. I don't want to unleash spirits into my home. I already have enough problems to deal with. F**k that.

     It's almost Halloween time, here in the States. That means it's time for that one neighbor who gives you a toothbrush as a trick-or-treat gift that you know you'll throw away right when you get home and scary movies. I'll admit: I never saw 2014s "Ouija". I had better things to do like wait until the light bulb in my kitchen to burn out. Nothing from the trailers gave me a desire to see the movie, and the same goes for "Ouija: Origin of Evil". However, I saw it and I freaking loved it! Mike Flanagan is quickly on the rise to being a modern classic horror director. With films like "Oculus" and "Hush" under his director's cap, he'll be influencing many more horror films in the future. He has an eye for detail, that's for sure. If you haven't seen "Hush", please watch it so that you can get an idea of how bright his talent shines. It's on Netflix so it shouldn't be too hard to get a hold of. He uses certain elements to his advantage. In "Hush", it's the element of sound; not being able to hear. In "Ouija: Origin of Evil", the element of self-awareness. A little bit of explanation: "Ouija: Origin of Evil" plays like a classic 1960s film, by using what old films used to do like a trademark/copyright title card at the start of the movie and cigarette burns to let the projectionist know when to switch reels. It even uses meta-humor to its advantage and making fun of clichés used in horror movies (going into the basement, not splitting up, etc.). I had so much fun watching the homage to vintage scary movies.

Aw, Mike, don't get all flustered! You deserve all of those compliments and more!

     "Ouija: Origin of Evil" isn't the perfect prequel/sequel horror movie, but those little factors on what I didn't like are so minor in comparison to the abundance of reasons why I liked it. One little idea that I didn't seem to get was the way Doris' possession was portrayed. It was more of an CGI add-in that felt a little unfit for the film as a whole. If it was trying to go for a classic vibe, that certain scene, and maybe about 2 other scenes, took the feeling of early movies away. Still, that's totally a small complaint when thinking about how effective "Ouija: Origin of Evil" is in scaring the crap out of me. I found Doris to be one of the creepiest kids in a movie I've seen in a while. Kids in general are just creepy, what with their germ spreading snot covered hands touching you...I'm a germophobe! C'mon, give me a break! What also scares the crap out of me is whether or not, going into a movie, the scares will be cheap jump scares. I commend Flanagan's choice for not adding too many of those in here. There are times when the jump scares are present, but I can see why those are being used: it blends with the story. "Ouija: Origin of Evil" is genuinely scary and, unfortunately, I can't say that about many modern horror movies. Plus, the performances by this small cast are, across the board, believable and entertaining (no pun intended). Annalise Basso, specifically, is the stand out as the older sister. Up and coming scream queen? Only time can tell, but the answer is yes.

Look what kids can do! Isn't that creepy as hell?!

     The horror genre in film this year has been phenomenal, in my book. "Ouija: Origin of Evil" is just another addition to the collection of the 2016 horror game changers. This is how you make a horror film, Hollywood! Don't f**k s**t up anymore! Not only is "Ouija: Origin of Evil" a great horror movie, but, from what peers have told me, it is a vast improvement on its predecessor. I'm not going to take that into account on my score because I haven't seen the 2014 film, but I'm going to acknowledge the fact that this is a prequel/sequel. Like we've seen in the past, horror sequels tend to go under the bar of its original. Like, way under. "The Conjuring 2" is one of the more recent horror films that actually is a great sequel. Off the top of my head, I can't think of many other recent horror prequels or sequels that are fantastic. Congrats "Ouija: Origin of Evil"! You exceeded my expectations with 1960s flare!

4.6/5

PRO

• Mike Flanagan's directorial vision
• Details bringing back 60s kinds of movies
• Genuinely creepy as f**k 

CON

• Some random CGI placements

"Ouija: Origin of Evil" is rated PG-13 for disturbing images, terror, and thematic elements

Click here to watch the trailer

"Ouija: Origin of Evil" is in theaters everywhere now

     Thanks for reading, everybody! I really do appreciate it. Please subscribe to my blog and follow me on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on new reviews and trailer drops. Also, if you've already seen "Ouija: Origin of Evil", comment and let me know what you think of it. Thanks again!

Check This One Out! - Prisoners

Check This One Out! - Prisoners

Keller Dover: "Pray for the best, but prepare for the worst."

     "Prisoners" is directed by Denis Villeneuve ("Sicario", "Enemy", "Incendies") and stars Hugh Jackman as Keller Dover, Jake Gyllenhaal as Detective Loki, Terrence Howard as Franklin Birch, Viola Davis as Nancy Birch, Maria Bello as Grace Dover, Paul Dano as Alex Jones, Melissa Leo as Holly Jones, Dylan Minnette as Ralph Dover, Zoë Soul as Eliza Birch, Erin Gerasimovich as Anna Dover, Kyla-Drew Simmons as Joy Birch, Len Cariou as Father Patrick Dunn, and Wayne Duvall as Captain Richard O'Malley.

Loki and Wolverine together...coincidence?

     On a Thanksgiving afternoon, 6-year-olds Anna Dover and Joy Birch are mysteriously kidnapped. This leaves the four parents living a nightmare they will never forget. Detective Loki, allegedly always having solved his assignments, is tasked with bringing back the two girls. His only lead is a man named Alex Jones, a young adult with the mindset of a kid, who was seen as the driver of a trailer near the scene of the kidnapping. Unable to attain evidence that Alex took the kids, Loki is legally supposed to let him go from holding. Keller Dover, Anna's father and furious as hell, instantly took action upon Alex after the police freed him. It's a "how far would you go to save your child or someone you love?" situation and Keller goes the distance.

Would you tie someone to a furnace and beat the hell out of them to find your children? I mean, many people do it already, but this time it's goal-oriented.

     "Prisoners" is the film that solidified Denis Villeneuve as one of my favorite directors working right now. Although he doesn't have the extensive filmography that might back me up in my argument, the quality of his work is always fantastic. This film, especially, is a reminder to me that teamwork is a crucial part of making a great movie. Alongside Villeneuve, legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins creates a visual wonder that is dreary and cold, directly matching the tone of the movie. This is the first movie that these two talented men have created, the second one being "Sicario" and the third being the upcoming "Blade Runner 2049". When the directing and cinematography compenent of a film is nailed, my soft spot for loving this movie is hit. When I say that the tone of "Prisoners" is dreary and cold, I mean somber as can be and frozen to the bone. The film starts off happy, like any other movie, but it goes down the warm fuzzy feeling trail and never goes back up. I've mentioned in previous reviews that I have a tendency to watch many dark films. This is a great example of how dark those movies can go. Real people go through a totally plausible situation and it's really dependent on the parent to see how far they are willing to go for their kid. Not saying some love their kids more than others, but, pointing at parents here, would you torture or potentially kill someone not intelligent enough to tell you much in order to get an answer? It may or may not be the answer you're looking for, but could you? Could you and would you? It's easy to say that you would. However, saying and doing, as we all know, are completely different. That variable in grounded films is what catches my attention most. "Prisoners" captures it perfectly and with definite help from the actors and actresses portraying the hurt parents. I commend Hugh Jackman, Terrence Howard, Viola Davis, and Maria Bello. These four actors and actresses have kids. I could only imagine that they got into character by thinking that their kids were missing. They are all awesome in what they do, but I have a whole new standard for what each of them do after seeing "Prisoners": So good, each one of them. I want to stress that this is an intense film. Sometimes  it hurts to watch the talent oozing out of the film because of how easily you can fill the shoes of one of the parents. Once again, a reminder of the cooperation that works among cast and crew.

Another cinema powerhouse duo in the making.

     I have to say that "Prisoners" is about tied with another Villeneuve film, "Sicario", on my list of favorite movies of all time. Villeneuve knows the art of cinema and puts a lot of work going into choosing his cast and the crew he works behind the scenes with. This particular work of his had me feeling worried about my nonexistent children. Makes no sense, right? Exactly. I'll warn people again, it's not like this movie contains overblown violence and sex, but it's a movie that has realistic violence in a contained setting and a pragmatic mystery that can't be predicted until the very end. I enjoy the hell out of "Prisoners". It's a movie that with every watch, you learn more and more, just like a recent CTOO! I did of "Donnie Darko". Why is Jake Gyllenhaal in the most depressing and weirdest movies?

Yeah. Weird and depressing.

"Prisoners" is rated R for disturbing violent content including torture, and language throughout

Click here to watch the trailer

"Prisoners" is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital download

     Thanks for reading, everybody! I really do appreciate it. Please subscribe to my blog and follow me on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on new reviews and trailer drops. Also, if you've already seen "Prisoners", comment and let me know what you think of it. Thanks again!

Check This One Out! - Sing Street

Check This One Out! - Sing Street

Raphina: "Your problem is that you're not happy being sad. But that's what love is, Cosmo. Happy sad."

     Sing Street is directed by John Carney (Once, Begin Again, On the Edge) and stars Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Conor "Cosmo" Lalor, Lucy Boynton as Raphina, Jack Reynor as Brendan, Aiden Gillen as Robert, Maria Doyle Kennedy as Penny, Ben Carolan as Darren, Mark McKenna as Eamon, Percy Chamburuka as Ngig, Kelly Thornton as Ann, Conor Hamilton as Larry, Karl Rice as Garry, Ian Kenny as Barry, and Don Wycherley as Brother Baxter.

The cool kids are walking this way! Stand up straight and show them some respect!

     What can be better than kick ass 1980's inspired music, coming of age drama, beautiful cinematography, and Irish accents? This is the story of Conor, the new kid at school who desires to create a rock band with other students to win the heart of a ambitious model. Through events causing both tribulation and joy, Conor learns more about himself, love, and music.

To witness great music being made inspires me to make some...I'll get around to it eventually. I'll just put it off for the next decade or so.

     If you aren't afraid to feel a little emotion, I sincerely propose that Sing Street be next film you should see. This is a very small film this year that didn't receive a wide release, much like Carney's Once. It's unfortunate because everyone, whether you're an 8-year-old, a teenager, or an adult with an 8-year-old and a teenager, deserves to be happy. Sing Street definitely shaped a smile on my face and I felt like a kid almost watching what I day dreamed sometimes: to be a rock star; to woo the girl I had a crush on; to stand up to authority; to believe that I can do anything. I get that it sounds cheesy and it kind of is. However, it's just the right amount of cheesy. There are moments of fantastical music video sequences that took my breath away from watching a boy romanticizing about the girl he loves. Now that I think about it, Sing Street is a for a hopeless romantic. Who are you kidding? Everyone can be a hopeless romantic sometimes and it feels good to share in that experience. It also helps that most of the actors are all grounded kids who don't have an extensive filmography. Jack Reynor isn't one of those kids, for sure, but he sure is one of the stand outs. Not just Jack, but also Jack's character's brother, also our protagonist, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Conor took the lead role with stride. He needs to be in more movies and I'm sure that after Sing Street, he will. The two brothers' interactions and chemistry are exceptional. I'm not sure how John Carney directed and wrote the screenplay and some of the music. It's mind boggling to me. What makes Sing Street Sing Street is, 100 percent the music incorporated in the script. If this didn't have the awesome 80's beats that I can't stop listening to, I would think it's a good film. With the synths and the range of genres that these boys can play to, I lost my s**t. I'm in love with Sing Street.

Is it me, or does Jack Reynor look uncannily like Chris Pratt?

     Not many musicals are made today on film to which you can say, "Holy crap! Have you seen *insert movie title here*? The music is f***ing great and it's beautiful! Go watch it!". I actually don't think there are many musicals made for film today anyways. It's unfortunate because musicals were part of the mainstream culture and now it's mainly explosions and overindulgence of franchises. Sing Street is a musical (in disguise) that stands with those small Indie films in 2016 that are exponentially better than the big budget behemoths that aren't even that great. Hopefully it gets some recognition, even if it's just for the music. I'm advocating for the name Sing Street being tossed around so that people are able to wonder what the buzz is about. That can start with you, reader.

There's that hopeless romantic in me.

Sing Street is rated PG-13 for thematic elements including strong language and some bullying behavior, a suggestive image, drug material and teen smoking

Click here to watch the trailer

Sing Street is now available on Blu-ray and digital download

     Thanks for reading, everybody! I really do appreciate it. Please subscribe to my blog and follow me Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on new reviews and trailer drops. Also, if you've already seen Sing Street, comment and let me know what you think of it. Thanks again!

Check This One Out! - Donnie Darko

Check This One Out! - Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko: "Why are you wearing that stupid bunny suit?"

Frank: "Why are you wearing that stupid man suit?"

     Donnie Darko is directed by Richard Kelly (Southland Tales, The Box) and stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko, Jena Malone as Gretchen Ross, Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko, Holmes Osborne as Eddie Darko, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko, Daveigh Chase as Samantha Darko, Katherine Ross as Dr. Lilian Thurman, James Duval as Frank Anderson, Drew Barrymore as Karen Pomeroy, Patrick Swayze as Jim Cunningham, Beth Grant as Kitty Farmer, Noah Wyle as Dr. Kenneth Monnitoff, and Stuart Stone as Ronald Fisher.

That's Frank on the right. He's scary as s**t.

     Donnie Darko lives in a seemingly nice and modern suburban neighborhood. A close call allows him to depart from a bizarre accident of a jet engine going right into his house. After that traumatizing experience, Donnie withdraws himself from his family, school, and reality itself. He has been dealing with psychological issues for a while now, seeing someone in a demented bunny costume named Frank. He pops up every now and then to throw apocalyptic visions at Donnie and influencing him to commit a series of crimes. Time travel, hallucinations, parallel universes, love, and confusion shrouds this movie so much that, not only just being a great movie, it's now a cult classic.

Don't worry, it's even more confusing and better than how I just explained it.

     28 days. Donnie Darko was filmed in 28 days, which is ironically the amount of time Donnie has to "save the world" from its apocalypse. This film goes through some weird changes dealing with science, philosophies of life, and religion. There's undertones of many different themes that it's a little hard to keep track of. However, the first viewing sucks you right in through the wormhole. It's definitely a film that deserves more than one viewing; it allows you to think and make observations that other people may not see. I saw Donnie Darko for the first time in 2007. What attracted me about the movie was Frank. Frank the bunny. He is one of the most frightening character that I have seen in film history. The change in ambience due to only his presence is so overwhelming that his face has been ingrained in my mind ever since. Not as a good omen or a bad one; just a memory that there are people trying to help you and hurt you. I won't go into an analysis of Donnie Darko because that'll take WAY too long. If you want, the in-depth analysis is available online.  look more into the film and go down the rabbit hole, no pun intended. There are spoilers there, just as a warning. Anyways, Donnie Darko has more than just thought provoking dialogue/actions, the creepy and always wonderful Jake Gyllenhaal is the lead. His performance by no means is the best he's ever done (I'll give that award to his performance in Nightcrawler), but it set the bar for what he should strive for. He didn't do that until Brokeback Mountain in 2005. I think Donnie Darko is the first film that people got to see his weird dark side in acting. Phenomenal work, Jake! Props to the rest of the cast as well. Jena Malone does a fantastic job as Gretchen next to Jake's Donnie as his love interest. Jena brings a introverted and hurt character to the film, while still grounds Donnie so he won't float too far into space. I can't stress it enough: Donnie Darko make you think about a deeper meaning in life. It will and there's no going around it.

Wait. A funny stoner who gets mixed up with gun fights, a guy who yells in Drake & Josh, the candy counter girl from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and another funny stoner who kills monsters in a cabin built by the government? This is insane!

     The psychological thriller/drama Donnie Darko is on my top 20 favorite movies of all time. It's on there for good reason. With every watch, I learn something new. Sometimes it's something new about the movie (like a little Easter egg, detail that I missed, etc.) and sometimes it's something new on my view of what reality is or how I should deal with personal demons. Sure, while dealing with the idea of time travel you'll run into mistakes, but what time travel movie doesn't have mistakes? It's a paradox that can't be corrected perfectly by anyone. Still, it's the philosophical aspect of Donnie Darko that leads to my recommendation.

Have a fun trip...

Donnie Darko is rated R for language, some drug use and violence

Click here to watch the trailer

Donnie Darko is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital download

     Thanks for reading, everybody! I really do appreciate it. Please subscribe to my blog and follow me on Facebook and Twitter to receive updates on new reviews and trailer drops. Also, if you've already seen Donnie Darko, comment and let me know what you think of it. Thanks again!

!!!UPDATE!!!

Hey everybody,

     Just a heads up, I will not be posting a review for a movie this Saturday because I'm heading to a local film festival. I'll be seeing A Monster Calls and since that doesn't come out in wide release until December 2016 for the US and January 2017 for the UK, I'll postpone the review for that one until a little bit later this year. I'll still post the weekly Check This One Out! this Thursday, but just letting everyone know that I might just post something else on Saturday.

Thanks!

-C Lo

Liam, don't be sad!

The Birth of a Nation Review

The Birth of a Nation

Nat Turner: "Brethren, I pray you sing a new song. Sing praise in the assembly of the righteous. Let the saints be joyful in glory. Let the high praises of God be in their mouths of the saints and a two edged sword in their hand to execute vengeance on the demonic nations and punishments on those people to bind their kings with chains! Dishonor have all his saints! Praise the Lord! Praise the lord! Sing to him a new song!"

     The Birth of a Nation is directed by Nate Parker (directorial debut) and stars Nate Parker as Nat Turner, Armie Hammer as Samuel Turner, Penelope Ann Miller as Elizabeth Turner, Jackie Earle Haley as Raymond Cobb, Aja Naomi King as Cherry, Aunjanue Ellis as Nancy, Colman Domingo as Hark, Esther Scott as Bridget, Mark Boone Junior as Reverend Zalthall, Gabrielle Union as Esther, Roger Guenveur Smith as Isaiah, Katie Garfield as Catherine Turner, Jason Stuart as Joseph Randall, Jayson Warner Smith as Earl Fowler, Dominic Bogart as Hank Fowler, Kai Norris as Jasper, Chris Green as Nelson, Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Simon, and Tony Espinosa as Young Nat Turner.

Putting his past aside, Nate Parker makes an impressive mark as a first time director for a feature length film.

     Pre-Civil War America; slavery was a popular business among white people in the southern states. The true story of Nat Turner begins when as a child he notices little differences as to why he is treated so differently by people, more specifically white people: because he is a slave. Growing up, he learns to be literate and becomes a preacher. Nat, commanded by his white childhood friend/master, is taken to different plantations around where he lives to preach to his fellow slaves. He does so because white masters want someone of their kind to help them "calm down" and not to rebel. Throughout his journey of preaching, Nat sees the cruel torture and gross habits of what white people do to black people, especially to his friends and family. Unfortunately, if anyone knows the story of Nat Turner, he starts an uprising of black slaves who slaughtered around 55 to 65 white people (men, women, and children). His story is a reminder of what slavery can do to a person; any person on whichever side.

Definitely not the movie to take your 5 year-old to.

     Let me get one thing out of the way: the alleged crime that Nate Parker was tried for is not going to influence me in any way from the movie. My review isn't the time or the place to have the conversation of a disgusting act that may or may not have happened. I mainly just want to focus on The Birth of a Nation instead. What's ironic is that the connection of the director's alleged past actions isn't too different from what happens in the movie. But by God, is this movie powerful as hell. The Birth of Nation takes a part of history that we haven't seen enacted on the big screen: Nat Turner's Rebellion. The controversial stain in American history is prevalent in today's society, even if it's sort of under the table racism. I believe that if someone has a voice, it has to be heard, but the nature of slavery doesn't really call for that and I can sympathize for Nate Parker. I'm not going to sit here and write how much I understand the reasoning behind an insurrection that killed a number of people because I honestly don't. The same goes for today's society. I can't empathize, but I can sympathize. That's what this movie does and it goes for it. I have no doubt that some people will have a different opinion on how much preaching, no pun intended, Nat Turner does in order to get the message across to us in just how bad slaves had it back then. I'd tell those critics that every book, every part of history always sends the same message of slavery being a bad thing. Human nature now is always attracted to what abolitionists did so that slaves could be free. In going along with that idea, I don't think people, including expert historians, really have a clear understanding of just how bad slaves were treated. I guess it's just one of those things that you won't understand until it's experienced: you can't empathize, but you can sympathize. I'm by no means a professional in American history or sociology, but I do know that the majority of people in the United States , or in the world, for that matter, know the abuse that slaves had. I can vouch for how well the film let's you feel this because of how well the acting is too. Nate impresses me the more I think about it. He acted in, directed, and had written the script for The Birth of a Nation. There is one specific moment that happened to Nat's wife where she is lying in a bed after she had been raped. A long well timed shot of him crying over his wife's body while she is reciting a prayer is so moving that I, honestly, had a tear in my eye. It was a heart wrenching point for Nat. You could see it in his eyes just how bad he was hurt, not to mention his wife. Films like 12 Years A Slave, Glory, Amistad, and Django Unchained (even with Quentin Tarantino's mark) are some of the only well known films that have been released in theaters in the past couple of decades dealing with the issue of slavery. This is why I truly believe that The Birth of a Nation is an important film to be seen in the midst of racial tension today.

1830's racism at its finest (or is that its worst?).

     While its importance and the admiration for putting this movie out there now is perfect, The Birth of a Nation shows flaws in the narrative. Things just happen all of a sudden. What I mean is that sometimes there is no build up to an event or turning point of some sorts. I'm not saying it should be predictable, but there should be growing tension for that certain turnaround. Nat's relationship with Sam Turner suddenly falling apart should have had more of a buildup. At the beginning, it seemed like Nat and Sam, as young kids, were friends. While it looks that way, 22 years later, Sam is Nat's master, being protective and lenient with him. Then when Sam realizes that the "Turner" name could be well known to a lot more people, he becomes aggressively harsher to Nat.  It's almost to the point where you were childhood friends with someone, kept hanging out with them for 22 years, they hadn't changed much besides mature with you, then one day they turn 180 degrees and act like a total dick and bully you. What the hell is up with that? That may be a longer analogy than I wanted it to have been, but you get the point. Anyways, totally climactic moments happen mainly for the sake of showing brutality. What's unfortunate about these parts is that by the end, the act where the rebellion actually is formed, looks and feels amazing. Why unfortunately? Well it's because the rebellion is only in the last 20 or 30 minutes while the rest of the film is just set up so that the rebellion could actually happen. Yeah, it's Nat's story, however it's very cinematic telling of it. For sure, a film being too cinematic isn't always a bad thing. The Birth of a Nation is based off of history though. The filmmakers (really just Nate Parker) should be inclined to show people a wider look into what else, besides Nate Parker's desire for vengeance, made all of this possible. It sounds like I'm looking for a history lesson. I'm not. I'm just wanting more of a build up for an event that shaped American history. The Birth of a Nation could have been handled a little better, concerning the storytelling.

Jackie Earle Haley's character is also the convenient villain that appears everywhere to remind us that people were terribly f***ing racist back then.

     What I absolutely loved about The Birth of a Nation is its devotion to show the audience a little bit of pre-Civil War American history that most people don't really know about. There are clear blemishes that Nate Parker makes, but as a first time director for a feature length film? Great job! He definitely has the potential to make films that allow people to think and feel well long after seeing the movie. That's a skill that many filmmakers seek to have. If he just works on how to develop the depth of his stories, I think he can really prove himself to be as great as Roman Polan- Whoops! That almost slipped out.

4.0/5

PRO

• Important moment in history captured on film
• Acting is powerful

CON

• Narrative flaws in build up
• Relies on brutality and look of the movie a little too much

The Birth of a Nation is rated R for disturbing violent content, and some brief nudity

Click here to watch the trailer

The Birth of a Nation is in theaters now

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