PG-13 | 106 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy Review - Matt Mungle
**In theaters October 23, 2015**
Synopsis: The last witch hunter is all that stands between humanity and the combined forces of the most horrifying witches in history.
Review: 'Tis the season for a good witch story and a battle of good and evil. Films like THE LAST WITCH HUNTER are embraced in October far better than they ever would be in June or July. Does that mean we should forgive all of its sins or burn it at the stake? You decide. Kaulder (Vin Diesel) has been battling witches his entire life; all 800+ years of it. Our society and the world as a whole has him to thank for the fact that they have not been running rampant, causing all sorts of dark mayhem. His first battle was against the formidable Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht) who has returned in modern day to seek vengeance. Kaulder works for a secret society and over the centuries has been accompanied by a priest - here referred to as Dolans - to help aid him in his journeys. The current appointee #36 (Michael Caine) is set to retire and has brought in a younger Dolan #37 (Elijah Wood) to train up under him. Throw in a good Witch (not sure if she is from the east or west) named Chloe (Rose Leslie) and you have quite the motley crew. It will take all their efforts of course to keep the Witch Queen at bay. This film starts off with lots of promise. The characters are strong and look fantastic. Much attention to detail is given to the surroundings, wardrobe, and special effects. You immediately are drawn in to the action and supernatural story line. The Witch Queen is menacing while at the same time sort of alluring and oddly sexy. If the entire film had been set during a pre-modern time it might have fared better. It is when we get to the current period that things immediately fall apart. Kaulder has evolved with time and even though haunted by his long ago lost loved ones seems to heartily embrace the new world. He is sort of a playboy but takes his job seriously. He is able to spot even the most rouge Witch; and it seems they are everywhere. They all know of his reputation and fear and admire him at the same time. This only adds to his swagger. Dolan #37 is especially keen to come along side of Kaulder. Sadly his character is poorly written and sprinkled with dialogue that is witless and uninteresting. Even the endearing Wood is unable to breathe any sort of life or interest into him. All attempts at humor, drama, or anything in between fall flat. The story line is decent enough and you find yourself longing for a battle so that everyone on screen will stop talking and revive us with action. The effects and fighting truly are the only saving grace. And it just barely. Bottom line, this film would be fine for a small On-demand fee or Red Box rental price, especial during the Halloween season. But it is hard to justify laying down box office money to see it. Vin Diesel carries himself fine but his delivery of the spoken word, which is primarily in low grumbles and unenthusiastic mono tone, is so lackluster. Sylvester Stallone sounds up beat and chipper in comparison. Add that to the shallow script and much of this movie is just horrible. THE LAST WITCH HUNTER is rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. It is actually not too inappropriate for any of your teens out there. In fact the high school aged fans might like it more. They seem to be much more forgiving. There is nothing that older adults, even those fans of the supernatural genre, can walk away with positively. Looks aren't everything but it's all you get with this one.
Synopsis: When her possessive high school boyfriend dies in a gruesome accident, Fern Petersen’s life is thrown into turmoil. Things go from bad to worse when he returns as a love-sick ghost to kill her so they can be together for eternity.
Review: And you think your BF is a little too controlling. This is a unique horror story for those who like a bloody good time.Lots of laughs and buckets of red splatter. It is unrated but is for those 18 and older due to language, gore, and adult sexuality.
PG-13 | 135 min | Drama, Thriller Review - Matt Mungle
**In theaters October 16, 2015**
Synopsis: An American lawyer is recruited by the CIA during the Cold War to help rescue a pilot detained in the Soviet Union.
Review: Did you hear about the two history buffs who decided to make a movie? Tom Hanks jumped at the chance, almost begged - not that he would have to - to be in the new Steven Spielberg directed thriller, BRIDGE OF SPIES. I doubt that old Steve ever argued. Inspired by a true story this film may not be every ones cup of tea, or shot of vodka, but as movies go it is pretty top notch. The film wastes no time driving headlong into the story and drama. When Colonel Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) is arrested by the CIA and charged as a Russian spy he is provided with an attorney; James Donovan (Hanks). It is at the height of the cold war and Abel is the most hated man in America. Donovan, having to defend him, might be a close second. When the Russians shoot down and capture an American spy Donovan must now negotiate the exchange. Though the poster and synopsis sound like a Tom Clancy power novel this film is far from it. Maybe the soft and endearing presence of Tom Hanks adds an "every man" feel to it. Or possibly the casual writing style of Matt Charman, Ethan Coen, and Joel Coen give it more a cerebral tone than a wall to wall thriller. It is smart, sophisticated, and emotionally riveting. It isn't too far a stretch to compare Donavan to film characters like Atticus Finch. He is a man of principles and of doing the right thing no matter the cost. The Cold War is not far in our historic rear view mirror and many can remember the animosity our nation felt against anything Soviet. Older audiences will no doubt take more from the setting and story line. The palpable danger that seemed to be on the minds of many held our country in a grip for a while. So the things that Donovan must do elevate the tension of the film. Again the drama comes more subtly though experience and situation and less of perilous, never could happen fiction. Yes, Tom Hanks carries this film and is magnificent. But he is still Hanks the same way Meryl Streep is always Streep. He is recognizable and doesn't do much to try and change that fact. He still embodies the emotion of the moment and character which draws us in and submerges us in the story. There is never any phoned in moments and you never feel like you are being short changed. Rylance is the one to keep your eyes on. His performance of this soft spoken convicted spy is beautifully done. I am not saying that Spielberg tries to get you to feel sympathy for the Russian spy. But I am not not saying it either. This ability to step away from a time in our nations past in order to look at it through a humanitarian lens is important. Decades ago a film like this would have been labeled unpatriotic. Even though it is as patriotic as any film you will see. But gone are the Americans good Russians bad mentality. As a society we have found other nationalities to point our anger and judgement. Also, let us not forget that this film is not just a piece of Hollywood propaganda. Unlike Finch, Donovan was and is a real person. Hard to argue with reality. The cinematography is spotless and you will be hard pressed to find a film, set on this planet, that looks this crisp and detailed. The landscape of Berlin is cold and ravaged. You feel every wind gust and cringe around every corner. BRIDGE OF SPIES is rated PG-13 for some violence and brief strong language. This film is written and offered up for adults so the rating fits the demographic. I personally would not want to see a film like this toned down to cater to a softer audience. It would sacrifice the point and the tension. The language is very brief and to focus on ten seconds of content in light of the overall project would be ludicrous. As mentioned earlier it is smart and sophisticated. To expect any less from Spielberg when dealing with this sort of subject matter would be out of sorts. I give it 4 out of 5 overcoats and believe it to be a must see, especially for those interested in the Oscar season race.
Synopsis: A gifted high school football player must learn to embrace his talent and his faith as he battles racial tensions on and off the field.
Review: Faith based films are getting far less cringe inducing with each new project. Before you sort of had to overlook the Sunday School script, the bad acting from untalented pew mates of the director, and the all around unrealistic material designed to pump up the choir. Thankfully WOODLAWN is a giant leap forward in the faith movie genre. It isn't a perfect film but does deserve a little grace. Set in the 1970's the "based on a true story" plot follows high school football phenom Tony Nathan (Caleb Castille) as he tries to overcome the obstacles of racial tension and segregation in the deep south. If you saw Remember the Titans you know the drill. The entire community is about to derail when along comes Hank (Sean Astin). Hank is there, at his own invitation, to share the gospel message that recently changed his life at a revival in Dallas. He strongly believes that prayer and a devotion to Christ can turn around even the horrific situation taking place at the school. The characters in the story are true and if you google Tony Nathan you can see how his life later progressed in the NFL. Hank is real. The coaches are real. So the fact that you have living breathing people adds some validity and depth to the story and outcome. This isn't a fictional account of "wouldn't it have been nice if" scenario. Football is a fantastic backdrop for unity and motivation. Combine that with the Jesus movement of the 70's and brother you have some strong fodder for a script; material that Directors Jon and Andrew Erwin use to their advantage. It was also advantageous to bring in actors who not only embrace the story but have the talent to flesh it out on screen. This is a dramatic film and the emotion has to be believable. The audience has to be convinced that what you are preaching is right on. If not, the message loses its power to change. Astin delivers with the same conviction that helped get Frodo up that mountain. Jon Voight, Nic Bishop, and C. Thomas Howell also bring some acting chops to the mix. This is Castille's first film but you wouldn't know it by watching him. He creates a character that you can root for, empathize with, and cheer for a hundred times over. So this blend of talent along with the true account help to bring about a film that has the ability to reach farther than the church foyer. That said... script writers for this genre still struggle with how to tell it like it is without making it sound preachy, or worse, like God is a Genie in a Bottle. Rub Him just right and you win games, stay safe, and get new trucks (wait that was another movie). Say a tiny prayer and David Duke and Farrakhan will hold hands and dance in the aisles. Yes prayer works. But in films many times it always seems to go the way the characters want it to. That can be dangerous if not handled correctly. WOODLAWN is rated PG for thematic elements including some racial tension/violence. This was an inspiring movie to watch and will have you cheering and fist pumping. Football fans and those who like to watch origin stories of NFL players will take much from it. The editing of the film is fast and keeps the pace energetic. You feel each hit on the field while still being able to soak in every side line dialogue of faith and forgiveness. I give it 3.5 out of 5 extra points. It gave me hope not only in humanity and the power of prayer but the future of faith based films as well.
PG | 103 min | Action, Adventure, Comedy Review - Matt Mungle
**In theaters October 16, 2015**
Synopsis: A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Greendale, Maryland.
Review: GOOSEBUMPS could be the most entertaining film you and the family can see in the theater in October. Regardless if you have read the popular book series or if you go in with no prior connection the story and performances will be just as fun and fanciful. Jack Black may have to one day admit that he has a knack for creating endearing, funny, family friendly characters. Here he gives a beloved author flesh and blood without ever leaving the Jack Black mold. Teenager Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette) is not too happy about moving to Greendale Maryland. It means making new friends, readjustments, and adapting to small town life. When he meets Hannah (Odeya Rush), the cute girl next door, things start looking up. But only for a moment. Then he meets her father (Jack Black). It immediately becomes very apparent to Zach that things in the Stine household are far from normal; or even safe. Things go from bad to worse when Zach and Hannah accidentally release some very bad monsters who only her dad can control. Fans of the book series will obviously love seeing some of their favorite and scariest creations come to life on the big screen. Those unfamiliar with R.L Stein and his Goosebumps books will get to meet them for the first time. So it is a win win for both audiences. The movie doesn't try and water down the premise or make a thin scripted thriller. The effects are top notch and at times the demonic apparitions are quite scary. It is full of action and adventure as Zach, Hannah, and their reluctant comrade Champ (Ryan Lee) try and help Mr. Stine capture these beasts before the whole town is destroyed. The meanest character on the loose is Slappy the Dummy (voiced by Avery L Jones) and if you are the least bit freaked out by a ventriloquist's dummy then this one will give you adult sized goosebumps. He is overly creepy and the perfect fodder for late night frights. Luckily the majority of the film is hilariously funny and action packed. This is a good balance for the family movie genre. The cast of this film also aid in its success. As mentioned Black has the ability to be serious and at times angry and still have it come across as fun and endearing. His facial expressions and mannerisms are perfect for this type of character. Sure it can be said that he is the same in most films but if it works, it works. And here it most certainly works. Minnette and Rush are both super cute and have a solid on screen vibe. Ryan Lee is the scene stealer in this one though as the geeky, awkward Champ. Lee will have you laughing so hard at his attempts to be cool and brave. We have all known a "Champ" and it was a delight to watch this character on screen. GOOSEBUMPS is rated PG for scary and intense creature action and images, and for some rude humor. This is a fair rating but do be advised that the images and some of the creatures are very frightening. Older kids will be able to handle it just fine but I am not sure I would use this as the first introduction of a movie outing to your very young family members. If they have read the books, maybe. Just be aware that the imagery is not toned down even though the rest of the content is family friendly. I give it 4 out of 5 keyholes. I have never read one of the books but consider myself a fan now, just because of how much fun this movie is.
