Bridge of Spies - Review

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. 

Woodlawn - Review

PG  |  Drama
Review - Matt Mungle

**In theaters October 16, 2015**

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. 

Goosebumps - Review

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.  

New to Blu-ray and DVD - October 6th 2015

SYNOPSIS: Three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, he and the remaining Kings of Tampa hit the road to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance.

REVIEW: It’s been three years since the first Magic Mike movie was released. During this timespan, Mike (Channing Tatum) has been out of the male stripper lifestyle that was highlighted in the first film and is struggling to peruse his dream of building furniture. He encounters his old friends and fellow strippers, Ken (Matt Bomer), Tito (Adam Rodriguez), Tarzan (Kevin Nash), Big Richie (Joe Manganiello) and comic relief DJ, Tobias (Gabriel Iglesias). The group is traveling through town on their way to a final blow out-show in Myrtle Beach at the annual Strippers Convention and want Magic Mike to join them. READ MORE

Also hitting shelves this week!

INSIDIOUS CHAPTER 3 | FINAL GIRL | ESCOBAR PARADISE LOST  

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN | THE TIMBER | BATKID BEGINS

DEAD RISING: WATCHTOWER | BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA

The Martian - Review

PG-13  |  141 min  |  Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Review - Matt Mungle

**In theaters October 2, 2015**

Synopsis: During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. 

Review: THE MARTIAN could be the front runner for film of the year. With that bold statement made and out of the way we can get down to the nitty gritty (as Nacho Libre would say) about why that is true. There will also be redeeming statements made to make up for referencing Nacho in this review. 

The film is built off of the best selling novel by Andy Weir of the same name. It starts off looking about as Sci-Fi as any film could. With visuals reminiscent of Gravity and Prometheus it immediately grounds you into the genre. But once the first 10 or 15 minutes have passed you soon realize that this film has few peers, if any, in the space arena. Much of that is attributed to Matt Damon who delivers the role of a lifetime. And he does it without straying too far out of the Matt Damon box.

The story is about Mark Watney (Damon) and even though there are exceptional characters supporting him; the film lives and dies by Watney. Every conversation, decision, and conscious thought is centered around him. So if Matt Damon does not give us an endearing, believable, and screen captivating performance? Then none the rest matters at all. It is important that you get that point. Because this is a fantastic film. One that is hard to find any fault in. And I am not sure that would be the case if not for Matt Damon. 

There are countless other things to geek out about in this film. There are three separate stories taking place simultaneously but all working together with perfect balance. There is Watney stranded alone on Mars. There is the NASA team back on Earth trying to figure out if/how to rescue him. Then there is his mission team on their way back to Earth. The left thinking he was dead.

The two stories other than Damon's character each have a powerhouse of acting talent. The NASA team includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Kristen Wiig, and Sean Bean. Plus a handful of others  who all, regardless if they are in 3 scenes or the majority, give us rich, vibrant characters. The mission team consists of Jessica Chastain,  Michael Peña, and Kate Mara. And they give off the essence of a true team. You never doubt for a moment that they have spent years together in space.

If you are a science geek then this one will have you sitting on the edge of your Bunsen burner. The attention to detail is also award worthy. The decision to bring in real NASA scientists to authenticate each element pays off in the script and the visual effects. Yet even with all the technical discussions between Watney on Mars and NASA on Earth the audience never feels talked down to or gets lost in the hugeness of it all. It is subtle writing that solidifies the facts and never disengages the viewer. Space is tricky to pull off. Granted there are no on location shoots on Mars. Yet. So it is important to feel like you are there. You do. And at the same time you have a front and center seat at the helm of NASA control watching it all unfold.

Now back to Damon. He spends the biggest portion of the film alone. Watney has been there for years and has to act like a man totally separate from other life forms. He has to keep his head about him and also hang on to his wit and sense of humor. To survive he has to never give up. You get the sense that Watney is behaving as if help is hours away and not years. As if that reasoning is what helps him keep a grip on his sanity. But all the while he is preparing for and accepting the long haul in front of him. His observations and outlook make the movie very entertaining. Damon brings all of those characteristics to life and delivers a solid, believable, and heartfelt performance.

THE MARTIAN is rated PG-13 for some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity. There is nothing in this that is gratuitous or out of character. Every detail is spot on whether in action or speech. If there is an expletive it is because there was no other word that worked better. Same for content. It is completely safe for those 14 and up. I very rarely give perfect scores for a film and normally not more than one or two a year. This one easily gets 5 out of 5 rolls of duct tape. I tried to find something wrong with it but luckily for us there was nothing to be found.