GeneralKong

My haul from the last two weeks: Dazed and Confused (Criterion) The Graduate (Criterion) L.A. Confidential Dawn of the Planet of the Apes The Proposition (used, FYE) We Own the Night (used, FYE) Slumdog Millionaire (used, FYE) Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (used, FYE)

It's a competent genre film, with strong performances and good direction to mitigate the flaws of its script. It doesn't break any new ground, but it never gets boring and the relatively brief running time prevents it from overstaying its welcome, elevating it above the typical studio horror flick. B

The deliberately sparse characterization kind of divided me a bit, since I felt that a little more attention in that aspect in the first act would have served to heighten the emotional impact of the final third. However, I also understand how doing so might take away from the greater point in relation to how the pursuit of vitality overpowers notions of individual identity, making it difficult for me to firmly judge it one way or the other in this regard. It will be a while before I develop a strong opinion on it, but I can say that I liked it, at the very least. B, for now

In comparison to other films of this nature, it does a good job of working within the constraints of its naturally thin plot, knowing where to end while not trying too hard to tack on some random over-arching message. It's hit or miss in terms of joke success rate (an opinion I apparently share with one of the posters above), but the parts that work are often hilarious and its lowest points aren't necessarily boring. 7/10

It's heartfelt and consistently funny on its own merits, with a terrific ensemble to boot. I was especially impressed with the subtlety that the filmmakers displayed in regards to the incorporation of social commentary, negating potential genre constraints in a way that allows it to be thought-provoking and emotionally resonant for adult audiences as well. A

The film does a great job creating a claustrophobic atmosphere and fully taking advantage of it, letting the tension build-up without revealing its hand too quickly. However, it's the performances that really end up elevating it above most films of this sort, with John Goodman being especially strong in a unique role for him (to say the least.) A-

I really liked it. The cast is absolutely tremendous and Edgerton's subtle direction is really effective. He slowly ratchets up the tension with every little detail, fleshing out his characters without giving away the payoff. Edgerton is definitely a unique talent, since he's one of the best actors currently working at the moment and it looks like he has a bright future as a director as well. A-

I went into this one with relatively low expectations and actually ended up liking it quite a bit. The two leads are excellent and the action sequences are a lot of fun to watch. It begins to wear out its welcome towards the end, but still manages to be a pleasant way to spend 2 hours for the most part. It's a highly accessible film that wasn't marketed particularly well and ended up being released at a bad time (MI5 drawing steady business and Straight Outta Compton breaking out), unfortunately. 7.5/10

The inter-dimensional TV episode is probably my favorite episode so far. I love all the improvisation and the audible laughter in the background, plus Morty's pep-talk of sorts to Summer is absolutely perfect and does a great job of acknowledging a change to the dynamic of the show's universe (when most shows would simply act like it never happened.) I binge-watched Season 1 in a span of about two days, but I need to catch up on Season 2 (currently an episode or two behind.)

A slow-burning morality tale that uses setting and subtle interactions to build tension, just my kind of film. A

Bleh. I am definitely not interested in revisiting this one anytime soon. C-

A genre flick with a great deal of heart and a terrific ensemble, qualities that ultimately allow it to do just enough to compensate for the usual array of boxing film cliches. 7/10

A solid sequel that adds to the continued success of the franchise (with the exception of the first sequel of course.) This entry chooses to go a more low-key route for the most part, focusing more on espionage and character development (the latter being a pleasant surprise for a film of this sort.) However, it still maintains the fun tone of the previous films and holds the attention of the audience throughout. There are very few things that bring as much sheer wonder out of me as an action film that manages to be both artistically effective and a blast to watch, so this was everything that I was hoping for. John Wick, Snowpiercer, Mad Max, and now this, all over the span of about a year...wow. A-

Before I saw Inside Out last week, this was my favorite film of the year (saw it during its first week of nationwide release.) I expect it to stay in my top 5 for the rest of the year and I wouldn't be surprised if it stays in the top 3. A

Absolutely hilarious throughout, but it's overlong and stalls a bit in the third act (just like Apatow's previous directorial efforts.) It definitely follows a formula, but the terrific ensemble and sharp dialogue elevate it above the constraints of the genre. 7.5/10

A highly entertaining and frequently funny origin story, backed by some well-executed action sequences and a solid ensemble. It isn't particularly ambitious, but that aspect actually made me like it more overall. With the exception of some pacing issues in the opening scenes and a few forced Avengers tie-ins, it is highly efficient in terms of structure, providing just enough detail to develop the mythology of the character and keep the audience engaged (especially for a film that lacks the 2 hour+ running time typical of most recent Marvel films.) 8/10

The first film in a long time that actually got me to tear up a few times. It does a very good job of balancing humor and genuine emotion, aided in large part by a terrific ensemble. I didn't care for the opening short, but that was my only real issue (and it doesn't have anything to do with the film itself technically.)

double post

1. Ex Machina 2. Inside Out 3. Mad Max: Fury Road 4. Spy 5. Ant Man 6. Kingsman: The Secret Service 7. Furious 7 8. Avengers: Age of Ultron 9. Jurassic World Three films that I loved, five that I enjoyed at the very least, and one that I disliked.

I was left a bit underwhelmed after seeing it on opening night, and my opinion of it has gone down further in the 3 weeks since. Regardless of the quality of the special effects, I felt that it wasted a talented ensemble with a rushed and poorly written script. I am willing to shrug off writing flaws to a certain degree, but not when it's so obvious in a film that isn't trying to be completely brainless. Pratt tries his best, but they somehow managed to find ways to underutilize him. C

Loved it. Just when you think it can't get any crazier, the film consistently finds a way to one-up itself. One of the best theater experiences I've had in a long time. 9/10

I haven't been to the movies too much this year, so I guess I'll be relying on Netflix to catch up on some stuff. I watched Maps to the Stars this year, but I count it as a 2014 release due it to being released overseas last year. 1. Ex Machina 2. Kingsman: The Secret Service 3. Furious 7 4. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Everything that I've seen so far: 1. Birdman 2. Boyhood 3. Whiplash 4. Inherent Vice 5. Interstellar 6. Nightcrawler 7. The Grand Budapest Hotel 8. Under the Skin 9. Selma 10. Snowpiercer 11. A Most Wanted Man 12. Gone Girl 13. Top Five 14. Big Hero 6 15. The Skeleton Twins 16. Guardians of the Galaxy 17. Frank 18. John Wick 19. Maps to the Stars (released overseas in 2014, so that's why I placed it here) 20. Fury 21. X-Men: Days of Future Past 22. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 23. 22 Jump Street 24. Chef 25. Veronica Mars (it's fan service, but I'm a fan) 26. Lucy 27. Bad Words 28. Horns 29. Mockingjay Part 1 30. The Interview 31. Tusk 32. Neighbors 33. Sin City 2 The first 27 are at least decent in my eyes, 28-30 are in the underwhelming tier, while 31-33 are below average or worse.

It's definitely a lot of fun, with plenty of solid one-liners, some dazzling action sequences, and a perfectly handled tribute to Paul Walker to boot. However, the final set-piece in L.A. doesn't have the same level of enthusiastic energy that made the film's other set-pieces so entertaining, ultimately resulting in it wearing out its welcome a bit in the final act. Still, a solid action flick, just a bit overlong unfortunately. 7.5/10

I dug it, even with the tonal shifts in the final act. A talented ensemble elevates the material a great deal, with the newcomer Edgerton and Firth each showing off lots of charisma. Samuel L. Jackson's scene-chewing works to perfection, to the point of bringing humor out of some uncomfortable situations (one of his lines in particular after a rather shocking plot point had me holding back laughter.) The action sequences are excellent, with the church scene being particularly impressive, reminding me of something straight out of The Raid. It stumbles a couple times when trying to draw laughs (especially a concluding joke that feels more brazenly sexist than clever), but it thankfully doesn't do it enough to lessen the experience. For my first 2015 release, it was definitely a good way to start off the year. 8/10