LAZER TEAM - Review

PG-13 | 1h 42min | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi 
Review - Matt Mungle

**In theaters January 29th 2016**

Synopsis: Four losers are thrust into the position of saving the world when they stumble upon a UFO crash site and become genetically equipped to the battle suit on board.

Review: Burnie Burns wrote and stars in the hilarious (for the right crowd) sci-fi comedy, LAZER TEAM. Full of sophomoric one-liners and goof ball characters that you can't help but bust a gut at. 

Set in a small Texas town a group of local rejects stumble upon some Extra Terrestrial weapons meant for the Government. They must now work hand in hand to save the planet. Luckily between the four of them they have an almost complete brain. Bumbling and stumbling their way to success the Lazer Team unites. 

Hagan (Burnie Burns) is a small town cop respected by no one. Herman (Colton Dunn) spends his days in daily drunken angst trying to escape the glory days of his High School Football career. Zach (Michael Jones) is the current High School all star quarter back who has taken one too many shots to the head. Woody (Gavin Freed) is along for the ride but may end up the best of the best. 

Burns gives us a wall to wall script of quotable and laughable dialogue that is so stupid that you can't help but watch over and over again. What helps it work is how the cast deliver the lines as if it was part of their inbred DNA.  Dunn, Jones, and Free each embrace their character apologetically. But why not? You can tell they are having as much fun as we are.  

Many may watch this and roll their eyes in exasperation. But if you love humor that makes SNL look like Meet The Press then you are in for a treat. Often these comedies cut back on effects and professional film making but Burns and his team bring us a solid looking flick. The Lazer Team weapons are high tech and seamless. The story itself is engaging and well written. But it is the over the top humor that sold it for me. 

Rated PG-13 for sexual material including references, language, action violence, teen partying and smoking. There are many innuendos and sexual references that are made to tickle the High School male funny bone. Those like me who still giggle at the word duty will appreciate them. Others may be put off a tad. I give it 3.5 out of 5 Hero's of Earth. It may not win any high brow awards but it sure was fun to watch. 

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The Finest Hours - Review

PG-13  |  117 min  |  Action, Drama, History
Review - Matt Mungle

**In theaters January 29th 2016**

Synopsis: The Coast Guard makes a daring rescue attempt off the coast of Cape Cod after a pair of oil tankers are destroyed during a blizzard in 1952.

Review: Some stories are worth telling. Especially the ones where human endeavor and a monumental spirit of fortitude overcome even the most extreme circumstances. How these stories are told is the main obstacle. Incredible effects and lines that work only in edited trailer segments often are not enough. Sadly this is not Disney's finest hour.

Incredible is a good word to describe what Bernie Webber (Chris Pine) accomplished on the stormy February night. It is to this day the most daring and succesful Coast Guard small boat rescue mission ever. In one boat you have Webber and his small band of faithful rescuers. In the other you have Ray Sybert (Casey Affleck) and his crew of stranded oilers; their tanker having been ravaged by the storm. Both group of men fighting mounting odds to stay alive. Back on shore is Webber's fiancé Miriam (Holliday Grainger) and members of the small fishing village willing them all to return safely. 

Let us talk first about what does work in this film for there are elements that are worthy of the big screen experience. All of these take place in the water. The waves and oceanic effects are the best I have seen. The ferocious nature of a storm at sea has to be palpable and this one is times ten. The other strong scenes take place on the stranded oil tanker. The intricate mechanics of the inner workings make a steel and iron stage for the men to walk on. It has elements of Poseidon Adventure and Titanic. The acting on that tanker is the most dramatic of any in the film. These are gritty men of action and for many the act of sitting and waiting is a fate worse than death. 

What does not work and sinks this film faster than a midnight squall is the overly staged and predictable dialogue and poor use of dramatic timing and direction. The relationship between Bernie and Miriam is intended to make us long for his safe return. It is meant to ground us to his character and elevate the peril. But instead it becomes a distraction. You almost do not like Miriam. Her strong female tenacity in the face of hardened sea men doesn't come across as praise worthy but annoying. She is an outsider trying to navigate a man's terrain. It does not play out well because it makes the script have to pander to her and make her a principal actor. 

Also, Pine is so much better as the cocky self assured Captain Kirk than the self deprecating rule follower we see here. Webber is a nautical savant in the way he delivers his lines and walks stiffly through each scene. What is intended as humble and simplistic ends up as some sort of disorder. We often see Bernie in a trance like state trying to become one with the water and storm. Again, maybe that was the real Webber but for a block buster film it isn't a good look. The story should have been the main focus. 

As savage and incredible as the waves and ocean looked it lost its effects on the men out in it. This was a brutal storm in sub temperatures yet seldom do the men look cold realistically. I wanted more blue skin tones and icicles clinging to beards. More shivering and teeth chattering. They talked and moved as if none of this was a bother. Only near the end did they try and slip in a moment where the men looked miserable and on the brink of dying. But it was too little and much too late. 

THE FINEST HOURS is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of peril. There are some seriously dramatic moments so best for those over 13 or 14. But rest assured that there is nothing at all in the way of violence, language or any adult content. The men and women act honorably and the message of sacrifice and doing the job you are given is up-lifting. You will be amazed by the true story and shake your head in bewilderment. The outcome of the film should in no way detract from what these men, Bernie in particular, accomplished. I give it 2.5 out of 5 snow banks. A story worth telling, but telling better. 

Mojave - Review

R  |  93 min  |  Thriller
Review - Matt Mungle

**In theaters January 22nd 2016**

Synopsis: In this intense classical thriller, from an original screenplay by Oscar-winning writer William Monahan (The Departed), a violent artist,  has an ominous encounter in the desert with a homicidal, chameleon-like drifter in a riveting two-man clash that plays out in exciting and unexpected ways. 

Review: How do you solve a problem like, MOJAVE? It has some very capable actors (well at least one) with a script that is Shakespearean drama at times with its deluge of dystopian dialogue. But something is lacking. Something is just a tad enough off center to make it disjointed and on the verge of toppling. Maybe the fact that you do not really care for, even if you like them, any of the characters you meet? As one line in the film says, "have you figured out which one of us is the bad guy yet?". It isn't an easy question to answer. 

Thomas (Garrett Hedlund) is a successful film maker beat down by something. It could be a culmination of many things but it is never quite clear why he is so irritable. When one of his tantrums sends him in to the dessert for a few days he butts heads with Jack (Oscar Isaac), an odd and obviously unhinged drifter. A few unfortunate events later and Thomas finds himself being stalked by this drifter making none of Thomas' friends or colleagues safe. 

The script has lofty goals and many fundamental scenarios. There are crimes committed that help move the plot in the direction it needs to go. But then they are sort of swept under the rug later as unnecessary weight. In fact this film is about as bare bones as it comes in the way of character background, motivations, and redemptive measures. The characters are thrown on screen without much introduction. Then they disappear just as fast only to pop up again vaguely, as needed, to propel the story. Much if not all of the meat is placed on the conversations between the two main players. Actually Jack does most of the talking - robust tirades mingled with philosophy, sarcasm, and gibberish - while Thomas spews a few words of angst filled rebuttal. 

Isaac is a dang good actor and we have seen him deliver all types of persona's. It is no doubt that he was brought on as the backbone of the film. He has to sell the words and the homicidal tendencies of Jack. If he does not convincingly articulate each phrase then it will all crumble. So what we get is a solid piece of acting lost in a sea of meandering plot lines and unfinished business. 

It is worth mentioning that Mark Wahlberg is in this film. Or maybe he would rather it not be mentioned. Regardless he plays a loud mouthed philandering film producer working on Thomas' latest project. You get the feeling he shot all of his scenes in one afternoon with little or no concern for trying to not be Mark Wahlberg. He does add some comic relief even if he was never supposed to be funny.

MOJAVE is rated R for language and some violence. It is an adult, male driven drama. Fans of Oscar Isaac will get more from this than most. He is fun to watch in these roles. If you can set aside the lack of plot and myriad of holes in the story then you may actually enjoy it a little. It will keep you hanging on until the end. I give it 2.75 out of 5 sand dunes. It just shifted too much the wrong way. 

Ip Man 3 - Review

PG-13  |  105 min  |  Action, Biography, Drama
Review - Matt Mungle

**In theaters January 22nd 2016**

Synopsis: When a band of brutal gangsters led by a crooked property developer make a play to take over the city, Master Ip is forced to take a stand.

Review: The first time you see Donnie Yen in the role of Ip Man, whether in this film or the prior releases in the franchise, you are instantly captivated by his quiet persona and expert martial arts skills. If ever a real person seemed tapped in to the force of our universe it would be Ip Man. The most fascinating part is that you do not have to enjoy the genre to be riveted to the character. 

Ip Man was a real instructor in Hong Kong during the 1950's and later taught Bruce Lee in the 70's. His life is an example of what it means to be dedicated to a craft as well as the people around you. We are used to seeing flamboyant, outspoken characters in the world of on-screen martial arts. Yen is neither. He speaks only when necessary and no movement is every wasted. Even when fighting his moves are subtle, powerful, and focused. It is like watching a painting or piece of art in motion. Stunning is the first word that comes to mind. 

In this installment we find Ip Man fighting foes on a personal level more than the physical. When the school his young son attends faces a hostile takeover by a local mobster (Mike Tyson) Ip Man must step in and defend it. This causes a strain with his wife who would like a bit of his time. His decisions show a side of the Master that is tender and touching. We see a man who loves his wife and family and his actions solidify the morals and structure we have seen him instill in his students. He has to practice what he has always preached. 

No way does this mean that the film is void of the Wing Chun action that we are used to seeing. Like the other Ip Man movies this one has several mind blowing fighting sequences. And like the ones in the past they are mesmerizing to watch. Ip Man was the true Master of Wing Chun and Donnie Yen captures that brilliantly. We even get to see him go toe to toe with Mike Tyson in a powerful brawl. Again it isn't the skills alone that are enrapturing but the essence of the on-screen character as a whole.

Hong Kong in the 1950's adds to the depth of story. There is corruption in local government and the community is so devoted and dependent on its Martial Arts Masters. We see Ip Man getting little aid from law enforcement. The people of Hong Kong are not wealthy and pride themselves on respect, morality, and community. So when anything apposes that people rally together in one common spirit. 

IP MAN 3 is rated PG-13 for sequences of martial arts violence and brief strong language. There is very little in the Ip Man franchise that is disrespectful or offensive. The violence is like a well choreographed dance. It is refreshing to see it play out on screen. Also the character of Ip Man is one to be admired and emulated. Fans of the genre are familiar with Ip and will enjoy this one. I was instantly attracted to Yen when seeing him in the first film and it was a joy to watch him return to this iconic figure. I give it 3.75 out of 5 Grand Masters. I perfect addition to the already popular franchise. 

THE BOY - Fan Premier

Dallas is one of fifteen participating markets hosting premieres this Wednesday, January 20 in which fans can watch THE BOY with their favorite social media hosts. Dallas’ social media host is Alex Lee (aka Alex from Target) with nearly 5 million social media followers.  

Before the movie begins, a live stream will simulcast across all 15 theaters nationwide.  Attendees will see themselves, their social media host, and fellow fans from around the country on the big screen, and have the opportunity to ask questions to the film’s star, Lauren Cohan.

FANS OFFERED OPPORTUNITY TO SEE “THE BOY”

WITH THEIR FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA STARS

AT SPECIAL NATIONWIDE “THE BOY” HOMETOWN FAN PREMIERES 

IN 15 KEY CITIES ON JANUARY 20

-Tickets Now On Sale theboyfanpremiere.movie
- Star Lauren Cohan (“The Walking Dead”) Will Answer Fan Questions
Live Before The One Night Only Event -


(Burbank, January 11, 2016) — STX Entertainment and Lakeshore Entertainment have arranged a once-in-a-lifetime experience for fans to see the new horror movie The Boy at 15 exclusive red carpet screenings before the general public has an opportunity to see the film.  The PG-13 rated motion picture opens in theaters nationwide on January 22.

All 15 screenings will occur simultaneously and will take place on one night only – Wednesday, January 20, 2016 – starting at 6PM ET / 3PM PT. Tickets to this event are now available online at TheBoyFanPremiere.Movie. The announcement was made today by Jack Pan, President of Marketing for STX Entertainment.

Attendees will have the opportunity to walk the red carpet with their friends, mingle and engage in activities with other fans, meet and take photos with some of their favorite social media stars, and see the movie with them.  Each screening will be hosted by at least one of the country’s most popular social media personalities.

Each fan purchasing tickets to this special event will receive:

• A movie ticket for one person to see The Boy
• Free small popcorn & small drink
• A chance to walk on the red carpet
• A meet-and-greet photo opportunity with a social media star (full list below)
• A live stream before the movie starts with film star Lauren Cohan (“The Walking Dead”), who will be attending the Los Angeles premiere, and all 19 social media stars across the country
• Pre-show activities and photo booths
• Limited edition t-shirt, presented by Dolby Atmos
• Limited edition fan credential
• Chance to win Toshiba tablets & other prizes

The event will unfold over 4 hours:

6PM ET / 3PM PT – Red carpet opens and pre-show activities begin inside theater lobbies, including meet & greets with social media stars

7:30PM ET / 4:30PM PT – Live stream with star Lauren Cohan, from the Los Angeles screening location

8PM ET / 5PM PST – The Boy screenings begin (run time: 97 minutes)

Joey Graceffa, Austin Mahone and JC Caylen headline a list of 19 top social media stars who will host these red carpet events. The screenings will be held in New York (with Madison Beer), Los Angeles (Joey Graceffa, Austin Mahone, JC Caylen, Jenna Ezarik & Justine Ezarik aka iJustine), Chicago (Kenny Holland), San Francisco/San Jose (Trevor Moran), Washington DC (Bea Miller), Dallas (Alex Lee), Houston (Maddie Welborn), Atlanta (Sam Pottorff), Tampa/St. Petersburg (Grant Landis), Miami (Sammy Wilk), Denver (Nick Bean), Seattle (Zach Clayton), San Diego (Daniel Skye), Knoxville (Luke Korns) and Kansas City (Rudan C).
 
Before the movie begins, a live stream will simulcast across all 15 theaters nationwide.  Attendees will see themselves, their social media host, and fellow fans from around the country on the big screen, and have the opportunity to ask questions to the film’s star, Lauren Cohan, who will answer in real-time.

STX Entertainment has tapped into a combined reach exceeding 90 million fans across social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Vine and Tumblr.
 
The Boy is a frightening PG-13 rated film directed by William Brent Bell (The Devil Inside). In the film, Greta (Lauren Cohan) is a young American woman who takes a job as a nanny in a remote English village, only to discover that the family’s 8-year-old is a life-sized doll that the parents care for just like a real boy, as a way to cope with the death of their actual son 20 years prior. After violating a list of strict rules, a series of disturbing and inexplicable events bring Greta’s worst nightmare to life, leading her to believe that the doll is actually alive. Written by Stacey Menear, the film is produced by Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Roy Lee, Matt Berenson, Richard Wright and Jim Wedaa.