COMEDY
RYAN: It’s the sequel to 2012’s sleeper hit Magic Mike, but this time without director Steven Soderbergh, Matthew McConaughey and Alex Pettyfer. I recall favorably reviewing but being underwhelmed by the spice in the first one and surprised by it’s unexpected success. But, alas, sex sells and here’s the sequel. CAROLINE: I hope you at least went ..
COMEDY
RYAN: This is a new indie that could very well be a breakthrough film for this year. You have a certain set of expectations when you’re going into a movie where you know a character has cancer – and is a teenager, no less. You’re prepared to be sad. This movie is different though – ..
ACTION
RYAN: Max could be, like, a modern-day Lassie – edgier, for a more of-today-audience – but it’s nowhere near as good as the Lassie movies. It follows the formula of the kids following the dog, to find out where the drama is, and they chase after him, he saves the day… But this movie is ..
DRAMA
RYAN: This seems to be the umpteenth adaptation of this classic novel by French writer Gustave Flaubert from 1856. I’ve never read the book, nor have I seen any of the previous films on the big or small screen. So for my first exposure to this story, I really enjoyed it. I wish I could ..
ACTION
RYAN: This is a new action/crime drama starring Jean Dujardin – the best actor Oscar winner for The Artist in 2011. It’s in French with subtitles and it’s fantastic! CAROLINE: Oui, I bet it is. RYAN: I love French but that’s beside the point. This is such a juicy story, loosely based on the true ..
BIOPIC
RYAN: I’ve heard much buzz about this biopic detailing the life of designer Ives Saint Laurent. And as a fashion enthusiast, I’ve been looking forward to it but am very disappointed by it. CAROLINE: That’s so sad. I heard it was good, as well. Why didn’t you dig it? RYAN: It lacks focus. It’s a ..
ACTION
RYAN: It’s this week’s new, Summer blockbuster, courtesy of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. And there are a lot of rocks flying around in this movie. CAROLINE: God. That’s not even a little punny. RYAN: Right? That’s just to give you an example of how bad the script is in this movie. It can barely recover. ..
DRAMA
RYAN: This romantic dramedy is the latest from writer/director Cameron Crowe, who is known for Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky, We Bought a Zoo… CAROLINE: Singles… he’s prolific! How’s his latest? RYAN: Mediocre. It’s tight and the characters are very well defined but it never quite snaps together in a way that makes you ..
DRAMA
RYAN: Based on the 1874 novel by, Thomas Hardy, this is the third adaptation of Far from the Madding Crowd. I’d never seen a previous one and enjoyed it. It’s like a British Gone With the Wind. CAROLINE: How so? RYAN: It’s sweeping, epic, romantic and the main character, played by Carey Mulligan, is a very ..
DRAMA
RYAN: The Forger is a new crime drama starring John Travolta, opening soon in limited release but available now as digital download. I watched it on iTunes and quite liked it. CAROLINE: It’s crazy how many movies are made and the politics behind their distribution. It seems more and more movies are available online before or ..
DRAMA
RYAN: This is a sci fi, romantic drama with a bit of fantasy that’s almost like a grown-up fairy tale, due to the narration. There’s a real storybook-come-to-life quality to this film. It’s enchanting, sophisticated and mature. CHUCK: Yes I’d say it’s more fantasy than sci fi, even though it tries to use science to ..
DRAMA
RYAN: Marking the directorial debut of Russell Crowe, this movie sis packed with so much passion, you can easily see why the story moved him to want to helm – and star – in it. It’s a very transformative journey for his character, Joshua Connor. CAROLINE: He’s really is very talented and it’s cool to ..
