Monthly Movie Preview: November 2015

October had some hits, but November is the biggest month of the year for hit movies. While Bond will likely take the top spot, there are about a half-dozen other films I’d spend my money on.

November 6 – Kill Your Friends

Starring: Nicholaus Hault, Craig Roberts, Rosanna Arquette, Tom Riley, James Corden

While the premise of this movie doesn’t really push any hot buttons for me – a movie starring a grown man version of Nicholas Hault does. You loved him as Beast in Days of Future Past, and Nux in Mad Max: Fury Road (collective orgasm noise from the audience), but this version of Hault is just as weird. Based off a 2008 John Niven novel, Kill Your Friends explores the ridiculousness of the music industry, and what it takes to stay alive. It could be interesting, but it reaches for a similar demographic that Spectre draws in; are you really going to miss out on Bond to see this? I didn’t think so. – Sherif

November 6 – Spectre

Starring: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris

It’s pretty rare when a James Bond movie strings a plot throughout more than one movie, but that is exactly what Spectre is doing. Tying in the story line of all of Daniel Craig’s Bond movies, Spectre pits Bond against the organization SPECTRE, last seen in 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever. Other than how the story has been plotted out, I’m most excited for another Bond movie. The explosions, the cars, the gadgets… it’s just damn cool. And I have wanted to hate Christoph Waltz again for a while now. His performance in Inglorious Basterds was the epitome of evil and seeing him in films as a good guy, while great, is just not the same. – Adrian

November 6 – The Peanuts Movie

Starring: Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez (archival recordings), Hadley Belle Miller

Did somebody order a feel-good movie?? One that closes the gap between several generations? Charlie Brown and Co. have always been relevant, but the only thing parents have to show their kids are the old Holiday-themed ones from yesteryear. I’m a bit leery of this remake. There’s a decent chance that it will be too corny to incite nostalgia from adults, and too dated for kids to be relevant, but it’s guaranteed to be worth some laughs. The key might be to not walk into the theater expecting something revolutionary, but rather making you remember the simplicity of what made you laugh ages ago. Although, I’m still not on board with a DJ Khaled song making the trailer. – Sherif

November 6 – Trumbo

Starring: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Helen Mirren

You say Bryan Cranston, I say “how high?” The Heisenberg has been on a tear lately, portraying 50’s icons – first by playing Lyndon B. Johnson on Broadway, and now with his title role in Trumbo. Trumbo is based off the story of Dalton Trumbo, a famous Hollywood screenwriter and novelist in the late 1940’s during the Communist witch hunts of America’s post-war paranoia. Instead of adhering to the government’s wishes, he basically flipped them the bird and continued to write classic works like Spartacus and Exodus even though we was openly blacklisted. It’s not my top (or even top 3) choice for the weekend, but it looks like a solid informative biopic. – Sherif

November 6 – Spotlight

Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Michael Keaton, Stanley Tucci, Liev Schreiber, Billy Crudup

Say your Hail Marys; Jesus can’t save the Catholic Church from Mark “F*cking” Ruffalo and the Boston Globe! Honestly, this is a story that needed to be told, and it’s full of headlining actors that push it from being a B-list lame documentary into a movie that people might actually give a crap about – and they should. Not even the infallible Pope Francis can stop this holy shitstorm from hitting theaters. – Sherif

November 13 – Entertainment

Starring: Tye Sheridan, Michael Cera, John C. Reilly, Lotte Verbeek

Let’s make a bold prediction. Entertainment will receive rave reviews. It’ll be considered genius and multi-layered and all the other fancy shit that Academy Award movies get called, but nobody will watch it. It won’t make sense to most of the world, and people will find it hilarious in a non-obvious, cathartic way. Basically like a Wes Anderson movie that takes itself too seriously. The movie’s focus is on small-time showbiz, but I think your focus should be on other movies. – Sherif

November 13 – By the Sea

Starring: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie

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Some may call it narcissistic, but just based off the preview By the Sea looks quite beautiful. Angelina Jolie Pitt’s project (she wrote and directed) stars herself and her hubs Brad Pitt. The film follows a couple who is trying to save their relationship by going on a vacation. It obviously doesn’t end well; however, it does look like a great character study on relationships, people with addictions, and the fine line between love and hate. The two lovers haven’t starred in a movie together since Mr. and Mrs. Smith; this will be a far cry from the comedy. So far the reviews aren’t great. I am still really interested because I find their love incredibly elusive. I just hope this doesn’t turn into Tom and Nicole’s Eyes Wide Shut. – Adrian

November 13 – Heist

Starring: Robert De Niro, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kate Bosworth, Morris Chestnut, Dave Bautista, Gina Carano

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For a moment there, I thought Robert de Niro was really going to accept that he’s an old man now. With movies like The Intern and the upcoming Dirty Grandpa, I thought he was aging gracefully into Morgan Freeman-like roles, but Heist looks like a bunch of cliché garbage that needed to come out solely to keep budgets up for next year. The cast is likable enough, although Morris Chestnut has been in just about one Tyler Perry movie too many to be considered muscle for the bad guy. Seriously, get out of my face, Heist. You’re embarrassing yourself. – Sherif

November 13 – The 33

Starring: Antonio Banderas, Lou Diamond Phillips

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If a group of sweaty coal miners is your thing, then boy are you going to love The 33. For those of you living under a rock – sorry, that was in poor taste – in 2010, a group of Chilean miners were trapped in a collapsed tunnel for over two months. Everybody got out alive. To be fair, it was a miracle. BUT, to be fair to me as a movie-goer, this does not seem like it would translate into a good movie at all. I’m glad they all survived, but screw going to watch a movie about how they did it. – Sherif

November 20 – Love the Coopers

Starring: John Goodman, Diane Keaton, Marisa Tomei, Amanda Seyfried, Olivia Wilder, Ed Helms, Anthony Mackie

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Holiday ensemble movies are a staple in Hollywood, and very rarely do they actually translate into anything timeless, let alone enjoyable. Here, though, I’m hopeful. Reason #1: John Goodman is at the top of my “Celebrities I Wish Were My Grandparent” list. Reason #2: There are funny people of all ages, not just the “main couple” of people to carry the comedy. Reason #3: Olivia Wilde is in it. I like Olivia Wilde. My wife has an unhealthy obsession with Olivia Wilde. The film doesn’t try to hide the dysfunctional family, but rather celebrate it. Love the Coopers might suck, but at least it will suck with good intentions. – Sherif

November 20 – The Night Before

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogan, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, Michael Shannon, Mindy Kaling

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Now that I think about it, I’ve never seen JGL actually cut loose in a movie. He’s always actually acting – weird, huh? This movie smells a lot like a Christmas-themed This is the End, but simplifies the equation with actors that already mesh well together. Reuniting Seth Rogan with Joseph Gordon-Levitt (50/50, the funniest cancer movie ever), and adding in the most harmless token black guy (sorry, Anthony Mackie), The Night Before looks to join the rare breed of original adult comedies in an era crowded by adaptations and franchises. – Sherif

November 20 – The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Dormer

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I can’t believe the Hunger Games saga is finally at an end. Get ready for a lot of heartbreak, folks, because the end of the third book is full of it. Primarily focusing on the infiltration of District 13 into the Capitol, there is no going back for Katniss and crew – no more safe points. It’ll be a welcome change of pace from the other movies, and a good way to send the franchise out with a bang. Weird to think that the first movie debuted only 3 years ago; it feels like it’s been forever. So many crappy book-to-movie adaptations have come out in that time. Well, get your handkerchiefs out and sit down with somebody you love to watch the sun set on one of the most epic movie franchises of the decade. – Sherif

November 20 – Secret in Their Eyes

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Dean Norris

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I’m sorry, but I burst into tears laughing when I think of any character Julia Roberts plays committing murder in cold blood. Now that Sandra Bullock has successfully stolen any role that Roberts would be typecast for, maybe it’s time to turn over a new leaf. Secret in Their Eyes follows a detective who quit the force when one of the victims she found turned out to be her own daughter. Then she tracks down the killer and is forced to deal with the morality of whether or not to murder him… Welcome to the most recycled plot point in a cop show ever. Pass. – Sherif

November 25 – Legend

Starring: Tom Hardy, Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, Christopher Eccleston, Paul Bettany

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Tom Hardy plays twins Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who together ran an organized crime ring in London in the mid-1950s. The “based on real life events” thing comes into play and sort of spoils the ending here – both were arrested and served out life sentences in prison, but that doesn’t mean that a ton of crazy crap happen along the way. Hardy is one of the best character actors around (don’t believe me? Check out Bronson), and I’m sure he’ll do a splendid job playing the homicidal paranoid schizophrenic Ronnie. Crime, violence, and Tom Hardy. I’m in. – Sherif

November 25 – The Good Dinosaur

Starring: Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Sam Elliott, Anna Paquin, Steve Zahn, Jeffrey Wright

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It’s an entertaining-looking movie based off a cliché concept: what if dinosaurs were still alive when there were humans? Any time I hear a new “dinosaurs + humans” concept, I start thinking about a reboot of We’re Back, the greatest human-dinosaur movie of all time. However, this is a Pixar movie, and we all know that Pixar movies are on a whole other level visually and in the feels department. It’s movies like this that will make dinosaurs cool again. It’s a buddy movie starring a young Apatosaurus and his pet human (THERE’S a twist). There’s a much larger cast, but it seems as though the movie revolves around these two. – Sherif

November 25 – Creed

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Slyvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Wood Harris

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I’m not a Rocky fan by any stretch of the imagination. I make fun of the movies way more than I ever enjoyed them, and my wife has been haunted by Stallone’s guttural moan “Yo Adrian!” ever since she was a little kid. However, I am a huge Michael B. Jordan fan, and Apollo Creed was by far the best rival that Rocky faced in the ring, so a movie with Apollo’s son is interesting enough to get people out to the theaters. Hopefully it’s not full of the same lame nostalgia that Rocky V had. – Sherif

November 25 – Victor Frankenstein

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Charles Dance, Noah Emmerich

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Mary Shelley’s work continues to grasp people nearly 200 years later. In the latest rendition, the story is told from Victor Frankenstein’s assistant Igor’s viewpoint. Starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry freakin’ Potter!) and James McAvoy (Charles freakin’ Xavier!), the two decide to make a man of body parts. Their endeavors find them being investigated by detectives. Because it will be from Igor’s point of view, I don’t know how accurate the movie will be to Shelley’s masterpiece (Elizabeth doesn’t even seem to be in the movie, and she is an integral part to the book). It looks like this will be more about the poor humans, which if you’ve seen this meme, you should know isn’t the point. However, some of the dialogue seems to match with the original work, and the lighting and colors are spot on to what I have imagined when I have read the original 1818 work. Also, the Monster looks damn scary. – Adrian

Monthly Movie Preview: October 2015

Let’s be honest, September kinda sucked for movies. This month more than makes up for a lackluster late summer when the Oscar-worthy start rolling out.

October 2 – The Martian

Starring: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Donald Glover, Sean Bean, Michael Peña, Jeff Daniels

Space movie?! Matt Damon?! Being stranded on Mars?! Mutiny against NASA?! EHRMERGEHRD!!!!! The Martian will satiate my need for an epic outer space movie this fall, and I could not be more excited. Based off the book by Andy Weir (originally self-published in 2011 and then re-released in 2014), The Martian follows Mechanical Engineer and Botanist Mark Watney who become stranded on Mars after his crew has to abandon their mission. The cast is stellar and the comedy makes it that much more endearing. Can you tell I’m excited? – Adrian

October 2 – A Christmas Horror Story

Starring: William Shatner, George Buza, Rob Archer

When I first saw A Christmas Horror Story on my list of assignments this month I was a little confused about what I was getting myself into. And then I saw it had William Shatner in it and I cursed Adrian and Sherif (our lovely editors) for giving me such a project, which assuredly could only be horrible. I have to admit, I was wrong. This movie doesn’t look horrible, it looks ABYSMAL. Shatner appears to just be some sort of DJ who kind of narrates the whole thing for some dumb reason, and the rest of the movie focuses on the battle between Santa Claus and Krampus, and some stupid families that get caught in the middle, again for some dumb reason. If you’re into Santa’s elves running around like rabid zombies you may be into this, but I will be avoiding it all costs. If you like the idea of a dark twist on Christmas I recommend you save your time and money and wait until Krampus comes out in December. – Keriann

October 2 – Freeheld

Starring: Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Steve Carrell, Michael Shannon, Luke Grimes

Based on a true story, Ellen Page and Julianne Moore star in a drama about two women determined to win equality from the New Jersey Police Department. When Laurel Hester is diagnosed with lung cancer all she wants is for her pension to go to her domestic partner Stacie Andree when she dies. Unfortunately, because they aren’t a married straight couple, their request is denied and a long journey for justice begins. This film looks amazing. I’m so incredibly excited to be seeing a lesbian narrative like this portrayed in the public eye. Of course, one seeing this film should first familiarize themselves with the original documentary on which it is based, but nonetheless I’m ecstatic about this being made. I actually started crying watching the trailer. I think they will do a phenomenal job, especially with Ellen Page playing Stacie. It’s about time a lesbian role goes to a lesbian actor. -Charlotte

October 2 – He Named Me Malala

Starring:Malala Yousafzi, Ziauddin Yousafzai

I’m sure we have all heard about Malala by now. If you haven’t get on that shit. Like right fucking now. I’m looking forward to this Documentary. I was it tears after the preview. I’m probably going to need a bucket for all the tears I’ll cry when I go see it. Malala is a truly inspiring young woman and you can feel how one life can really change the people around her. The film seems looks beautifully cut and a documentary that is more hopeful and inspiring than it is painful. – Jené

October 9 – Masterminds

Starring: Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis

Ah, finally, a good idiot comedy movie. Wells Fargo employees David (Zach G.) and Kelly (Wiig) plan to rob the bank they work for with a genius plan. Only problem, well… they’re morons. My favorite part is that it’s based off a real-life robbery in 1997, one which regarded the thieves as “masterminds.” The cast in this movie is amazing; I would go see a comedy starring any one of them, so with a zany plot and a bunch of good improv actors, this movie is sure to make bellies ache. Ironically enough, the production company, Relativity Studios, filed for bankruptcy and may end up pulling the film from its release date. Hope they don’t bank at Wells Fargo… – Sherif

October 9 – Pan

Starring:Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Jimmy Lee

I honestly have no idea what I think about the movie preview. I know that Hugh Jackman is excited to play a villain for once. Seeing Jackman as Blackbeard is intriguing to me and seeing Hook a “good guy” in this is an interesting twist. Cause we all know that’s not going to last. The cinematography looks absolutely stunning and seems worth seeing for that reason alone. I don’t know, the film could either be amazing or the absolute worst. Reserving judgement till I see it. – Jené

October 9 – Steve Jobs

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogan, Jeff Daniels

Remember that movie Jobs from two years ago?  You know.  The one with Ashton Kutcher.  I never saw it, but I know it exists.  Every time a see a preview for the new Steve Jobs movie that’s set to release this month all I can think about is Jobs.  That thought is followed immediately by anger and frustration at the ever growing lack of originality and creativity in Hollywood.  This is worse (or at least on the same level) than remaking Spider-Man or the Fantastic 4 every five years.  Yeah Fassbender is a great actor and I’m sure the production value on Steve Jobs is a lot greater than Kuther’s version.  I’m just growing a bit tired of the rinse-wash-repeat method for movies this day.  Sooo… If you never hear of Jobs, or if you could care less about Hollywood morphing into Jabba the Hutt, then Steve Jobs is probably a good choice for you this month.  Me?  I’ll pass.  RANT OVER! – Taylor

October 9 – Big Stone Gap

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Ashley Judd, Whoopi Goldberg,

Dubbed the town’s old maid, Ave Maria Mulligan (Ashley Judd) faces the complexities of aging, love, and grief in 1970’s Virginia. The film is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Adriana Trigiani. I’m not totally sure what to make of this film. While I like the complexity of it and how it seems to challenge the idea that a woman has to get married at a certain age, the trailer just doesn’t excite me. This might be one of those films that just has too many subplots to keep the audience invested. Stories like these seem to do better on the page than the screen. -Charlotte

October 9 – Trash

Starring: Rooney Mara, Martin Sheen

Take one part Stand By Me, one part The Goonies, two parts Slumdog Millionaire and a splash of the Bourn Identity, and out comes Trash. Not trash as in “garbage;” rather, trash as in the brilliant title of this movie. When three young children discover something in the garbage pile where you roam, they find themselves fighting to stay alive. When the easy choice is the same as the wrong choice, they make the bold and brave decision to be rebels and fight for good. HAZAH! With the law on their tails it is a race to stay hidden and keep moving towards what needs to be done for the greater good. Foreign children are so noble! – Evan

October 9 – The Walk

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley, Charlotte Le Bon, Ben Schwartz, James Badge Dale

I first saw Man on Wire in 2009 in a college writing class. And I fell in love. The delivery of story telling was jaw dropping. A story that, to some, may seem blasé was portrayed with such passion and intensity, I was instantly drawn in. My fear with The Walk, based off the documentary, is that it will be less about “The Story” and more about “THIS IS IN 3D!”. I have a strange love of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but I am pretty concerned with how much the preview relies on the 3D aspect. C’est la vie. – Adrian

October 9 – Knock Knock

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo, Ana de Armas, Ignacia Allamand

In my attempt to find the words to write to tell you awesome people what Knock Knock is all about, I’m succeeding only in sitting on my couch, blushing from head to toe and just feeling awkward.  Once you watch the trailer, you’ll understand why.  What I will impart upon you is that this film stars Keanu Reeves in a role very unlike his usual ones (if you’re thinking Jon Wick or The Matrix stop now, before you wreck yourself) and his magical journey of sexual entrapment at the hands of two slutty (and totally mentally unstable) young ladies.  I’ll probably go see it and never admit to it.  And for the love of God, PLEASE… don’t go watch this with your parents.  You’ve been warned. – Taylor

October 16 – Bridge of Spies

Starring: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, Austin Stonewall, Domenick Lombardozzi

It’s been a while since Forth of July.  Need a good dose of patriotism to mix in with your witches brew this month?  Fret not good citizen, for Bridge of Spies hits theaters this month.  A story about a POW exchange between the Soviets and the United States during the Cold War, Tom Hanks takes on the role of James Donovan (a small time lawyer) to negotiate the exchange.  The film looks it’ll be educational and entertaining, typically a tough combo to pull off.  At the very least, Hanks should make the visit to the theater worthwhile. – Taylor

October 16 – Goosebumps

Starring: Jack Black, Odeya Rush, Dylan Minnette, Ryan Lee, Amy Ryan

Part of me is so very very sad that this movie did not come out when I was a kid, huddled in my bed reading every R.L. Stine book I could get my hands on, with my three shelf long collection every Goosebumps book ever written. I used to dream of being able to see those stories on the big screen, but alas, the day would seemingly never come. The Goosebumps movie coming out now does seems a little random, considering the series’ massive wave of popularity has come and gone but I truly do not think that will have any impact on the box office numbers. Many of us who loved R.L. Stine’s books as kids now have children of our own that we can attempt to initiate into that exciting world of literature. The Goosebumps movie is clearly aimed at a younger audience and the kids and preteens of today will likely still love it because it will have lots of laughs, sufficient enough scares, and assuredly a heartfelt moment or two. The movie takes a unique look at traditional storytelling as R.L. Stine is a character in the film played by Jack Black, and the Goosebumps books are very real, and are in fact based on actual monsters and beasts created by Stein himself. I’m a little disappointed to see that the monsters in focus in the movie are the ones that I deemed too goofy as a kid, but I totally see why that works. Goosebumps will probably be one of the best family movies of the year, and I recommend it for kids of all ages. – Keriann

October 16 – Crimson Peak

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver

Any scary movie that can spook the legendary Stephen King already deserves your attention. The premise is simple enough. Sir Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston) marries a sweet young lady (Wasikowska), even against the behest of his sister (Chastain). She gets brought home, sees evil stuff, and then spends the rest of the movie trying to escape evil stuff. It’s visually stunning, but seems kinda cliché in terms of the “oh he’s good, wait he’s evil. Wait, this house is evil!” plot line. Maybe the trailer just said too much. I do know that if Guillermo del Toro is involved, you are guaranteed to be frightened by this film. What more do you really want? – Sherif

October 23 – Burnt

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Uma Thurman, Omar Sy, Daniel Brühl, Matthew Rhys

If you’re like me, then you love Gordon Ramsay and how ruthless he is in the kitchen.  This also probably means we’ll love Burnt, a film staring Bradly Cooper and his portrayal of a very Ramsay-esque chef aiming to make his restaurant the best in the world.  Unlike many of Ramsay’s TV productions, Burnt has a much more serious and dramatic tone to it.  I don’t imaging Cooper will be shouting at his chefs to f*** off every ten seconds or wedging them between two pieced of bread hence dubbing them “idiot sandwiches.”  For the foodies and Ramsay fans out there, Burnt is probably one that should be on your list this month. – Taylor

October 23 – Difret

Starring:Meron Getnet, Tizita Hagere, and Abel Abebe

A story based on a true story. It looks like October is the month of really strong women and girls. This movie looks like another tear jerker. The movie is about an Ethiopian girl who kills her abductor in self-defense and the women who layers who come to her defense. It’s a previews and bring tears to your eyes and also a fire in the belly. Fuck yeah these women are awesome. Again, I think I’m going to need that bucket in the theater. Or, maybe I’ll wait to see it so no one has to hear my jobbing. – Jené

October 23 – I Smile Back

Starring: Sarah Silverman, Josh Charles, Thomas Sadoski

Did you know that Sarah Silverman can be a dramatic actor? I Smile Back, which debuted last year in the independent circuits, is about a married mother of two who is fighting mental instability. She seems happy enough on the outside, but deciding to go off her medication combining with several traumatic events are causing depression and rage to hit the surface. It’s a real movie about real life issues that looks genuine enough to be relatable, and crazy enough to be entertaining. What sets I Smile Back apart from other movies like it is that it sheds light on depression in women. You always see movies that follow the husband’s point of view, but what about what the wife feels? Probably won’t see this in theaters, but it’s worth a Netflix night. – Sherif

October 23 – Jem and the Holograms

Starring: Aubrey Peeples, Stefanie Scott, Hayley Kiyoko, Molly Ringwald

History Lesson: Did you know that Jem and the Holograms was the number one cartoon on air in 1986? Jem aka Jerrica Benton was a girl who could make holograms of herself using her super dope earrings and Synergy, a computer system created by her dad. Jem/Jerrica is pretty much always in disguise because of this, and her real identity is never known by the public. So basically, it is Hannah Montana, but you know, with computers and flashier earrings. This movie though? Um… YouTube is the disguise? Maybe photoshop? Not totally sure, but it seems like it is just about a band of girls being not-so-nice to each other. It’s supposed to make us feel good? Hmmmm. You’d think in the age of technology, they’d actually use some. – Adrian

October 23 – The Last Witch Hunter

Starring: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie, Elijah Wood, Michael Caine, Julia Engelbrecht

This movie is right up my alley. Witches, magic, and swords! Plus Vin Diesel! Sold and sold. There are aspects of the preview that reminded me of Highlander, but with more magic and special effects. The storyline is an original, a shocking concept nowadays. This may not be the move for everyone, but when Vin Diesel flies and punches a giant monster through the chest, I knew it was the movie for me. – Adrian

October 23 – Nasty Baby

Starring: Kristen Wiig, Sebastian Silva, Tunde Adebimpe, Alia Shawkat, Mark Margolis

Nasty Baby stars Sebastián Silva, Tunde Adebimpe, and Kristin Wiig and tells the story of a gay couple trying to have a child together with the help of their female best friend. Then things take a crazy twist, the nature of which is not totally clear. Watching this trailer was a whirlwind of emotions. At first you think, “Oh cool. This looks like a sweet movie and it has a biracial gay couple and wow, this is super great,” and then it turns a total 180 and you have no idea what the hell you’re getting into. While I’m excited about the representation in this movie and the conversations this will inevitably open up, I really have no idea what to expect. One movie reviewer compared the twist to “Gone Girl,” which brings a whole other crazy expectation to mind, but until it’s actually released, it’ll be hard to have an opinion about it. Bottom line, I’m excited and a little bit terrified. This thing looks a little bit deranged. Hopefully it’s in a good way. – Charlotte

October 23 – Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

Starring: Chris J. Murray, Dan Gill, Brit Shaw, Ivy George, Chloe Csengery

I know what you’re thinking, “Oh yay ANOTHER Paranormal Activity movie! Those NEVER get old!” (sarcasm sarcasm sarcasm) At least I hope that’s what you’re thinking because I tuned out of these movies after the second one. I’ve seen the first four, but the later two were bad enough that I didn’t even bother with the fifth. Anyhow, the newest Paranormal Acitivity has a few things going for it, as in it employs a new tactic the franchise hasn’t used before when you actually get to see the ghastly activity as it happens. Some if it looks genuinely creept, but other parts look just like the same stupid monster face gag they’ve been using since the first film. The whole ghost camera (a camera that is tied to that house because it can show you the beasties from beyond when you use it) seems kind of dumb, but it allows for a new scare tactic so it may work out for the best. I saw this trailer a few months ago and after re-watching it now I still have the same feeling towards it: it could either be so good and so scary, or horrendously dumb to the point you get frustrated while watching it. I’m on the fence because I’m tired of the Paranormal Activity gimmick, but if they successfully reinvent themselves the way they are trying to this could be one of the best horror movies of the season. – Keriann

October 23 – Rock the Kasbah

Starring: Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Danny McBride, Scott Caan

Don’t play yourself, you know you are going to go see this movie simply because Bill Murray is in it. Basically, Richie Lanz (played by Bill Murray) winds up stuck in the Middle East after taking his rock superstar (played by Zooey Deschanel) to play a show for the troops overseas. However, things turn sour when his talent leave him high and dry, stealing his passport and identification. BUT WAIT! Things may take a drastic turn when Richie ends up discovering the next Kelly Rowland, only better. One might even say the next Beyoncé of the rock world. With this movie brining all start talent including Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Danny McBride and many others, I believe this movie has a solid chance to truly Rock the Kasbah…see what I did there *winky face*. The only thing this movie has to worry about is that it comes out on the same day as Tokyo Tribe…good luck. – Evan

October 23 – Suffragette

Starring:Helen Bonham Carter, Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep

The Suffragette movement that inspired women in the U.S to demand representation in government and rights. I’m extremely excited about this film because it shows the brutality women faced in demanding their rights. The right to vote, the right to divorce, childcare, and workers’ rights wasn’t given to women they fought for it tooth and nail. This preview showcases this and refuses to gloss over it. Granted, the draw-back of this film is women of color and their involvement in the movement. Shakes fist at sky…Come on British Cinema. Still going to watch it, than burn my bra after. (Well, not really. FYI bra burning never actually happened. It’s a huge myth.) – Jené

October 23 – Tokyo Tribe

Starring: People, I assume…

Let’s all just be honest here, no one really has any idea what the hell this is. Is it gangs in Tokyo, rap battling while in the middle of a gang war…musical? Yup, that is exactly what it is. Possibly the saddest part about this whole thing is, is that I am too damn excited to see it. Maybe it’s because I love anime, rap music and kung fu thrillers. It’s like they took my drunken thoughts and made it a reality. With the biggest movie starts you have ever heard of as of five minutes ago, Tomoko Karina, Ryôhei Suzuki, and Hitomi Katayama star in this Japanese musical to show the world that shooting people for your tribe can be cool, but it is even cooler to stand together against…posers? Honestly, I’m not quite sure what this whole movie is all about. – Evan

October 23 – Our Brand is Crisis

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Scott McNairy, Billy Bob Thornton, Anthony Mackie

Another movie based off a documentary this month. Our Brand is Crisis was originally made in 2005 about the American political tactics used in the Bolivian presidential election in 2002. George Clooney and Grant Heslov are now producing a fictionalized account of the event. I am a fan of political movies, so I’m looking forward to this one; however, I will probably wait for it to come out on Redbox. This movie may be coming out at the perfect time; Scandal is at its height, but Our Brand is Crisis probably actually means something. – Adrian

October 30 – Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse

Starring: Patrick Schwarzenegger, Halston Sage, Tye Sheridan

I’d heard of Scout’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, and foolishly I hoped it was about the Scout from Team Fortress 2 and that it was his guide, but alas, it is not. Instead it is a horrible cheesy, and likely insulting misogynistic piece of shit. Not only does this movie not look scary, but it also doesn’t look funny – aside from the crazy cat lady house full of zombie cats. That may be warrant a few laughs. However, the Zom Com has been done, quite well actually, and this film is way too late to the genre to have a leg to stand on without offering something unique of it’s own. It has no uniqueness of it’s own. Instead a bunch of teenage boys run around with a stripper learning how to fight off zombies and save the world. Personally, I hope they all die. – Keriann

Yesterday in the Nerd Verse… Jan 01, 2015

We listened and responded! We miss doing news articles as much as you miss reading them, so we will be attempting daily blurbs of random nerd happenings. Feedback is always welcome!

Our January 2015 Movie Previews are up. There are some winners and losers. Which are you most excited for?

Very soon, our comprehensive review of the Best of 2014 will be making its way to you all. Articles of awesomeness, and podcasts to boot. This is all new to us, so stay tuned! When it all goes live, you can find it here.

Tekken has further diversified their cast with the announcement that a new character named Shaheen (Translates roughly to “God of the Falcons” in Arabic) from Saudi Arabia will be added to Tekken 7, debuting in Japan in arcades next month. Source: Twitter

The fighting game we’re all really excited for, Mortal Kombat X, has released some details about characters and gameplay. We now know that the story takes place 25 years after the events of Mortal Kombat (9) and will feature a relatively aged Kung Lao, as well as an online Campaign mode that allows you to forge alliances with different MK factions. The game comes out in April. Source: Pelaaja magazine and AeroGrunt.

PlayStation Plus members, rejoice! Free for PS4 this month is inFamous: First Light. I don’t regret paying for it when it came out, but it’s definitely worth your time now that it is free.

A $50 LEGO set just dropped today that includes a Batman mecha-suit and, get this, a Wonder Woman invisible jet! Grodd does not stand a chance. Source: LEGO.com

I bet you didn’t know that Hawkeye writer Matt Fraction is actually a great guy in real life? If you visit WeLoveFine.com right now, you can purchase Hawkeye gear that supports Futures Without Violence, an organization dedicated to the eradication of violence against women and children (violence against men is still encouraged).

Thanks to 3D printing, is there really stopping anybody with a lot of money from becoming Batman? A collaboration of 3D printing companies say “Hell No!” Check out their prototype of the Arkham Origins Batsuit. Source: 3Dprint.com.

TV season is out to heat up with premieres of Agent Carter (1/6/15), American Horror Story (1/7/15) and Archer within the next week. Get your DVRs ready!

Athletes are modern day super heroes, and Marvel has created a documentary to show why. If you like sports figures as much as you like your comic book characters, check out their new documentary, 1 of 1: Genesis. Source: YouTube.

Phil Noto, artist of Black Widow, has put together a series of throwback, photo-realistic variants for various Marvel books set to come out in February. Source: ComicsAlliance.

The new Daredevil series on Netflix is gonna be bananas; we already knew that. What I didn’t know is that Marvel TV exec Jeph Loeb (yup, the guy that wrote Batman: Hush) is going for a vibe kind of like HBO’s The Wire. I don’t know how that will translate into Matt Murdock’s life, but those words can never be bad. Source: EW.

Monthly Movie Preview: August 2014

July has come and gone in the blink of an eye. August promises to close out the summer in style, with a few notable blockbusters and some good independent films sprinkled in. Check out what we have to say about August’s films:

August 1 – Guardians of the Galaxy

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Glenn Close, Benicio del Toro

I’m hooked on a feeling… that this might be the greatest Marvel movie ever made. Although the Guardians have been around in comic books for decades, and the team being used for the film having existed since 2008, the number of people who can name any of the individual team members is far surpassed by the volume of fans who have no idea what is going on – and that will work to the film’s benefit. Nobody has any expectations of this rag-tag group, whose diversity is its strongest card. A talented set of actors, endless humor and explosive action will round out the intergalactic adventure that, at worst is a thrilling movie to see with the family, and at best could be this generation’s Star Wars. One thing is certain – we will be at the theaters on Friday to find out. – Sherif

August 1 – Get on Up

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), Dan Aykroyd, Viola Davis, Craig Robinson, Jill Scott, Octavia Spencer

HEEEYYY!!! Now one more time, say that with your best James Brown impression. Couldn’t do it? That’s okay, because Chadwick Boseman sure can when he plays James Brown in the upcoming biopic titled Get on Up. If you are a fan of James Brown, soul, funk, music, and history, this movie is for you. Be prepared to get on up and enjoy this movie directed by Tate Taylor (The Help). However, get on up silently because, well, you are still in a movie theater. I honestly believe this movie is going to be great and it’ll make you feel so many emotions including excitement, happiness, sadness, and sorrow. Despite this movie being about the music of the godfather of soul, it is also about his family and his life, which has not been struggle-free. Basically, I think this movie is going to be fantastic; however, if James Brown and his music is not your thing, it is possibly the drama and the history will be enough to hold your interest. So one more time, get on up, and give it your best HEEEYYY!!! – Evan

 

August 5 – Dragonball Z: Battle of the Gods

Starring: Original voice cast

I’ve been trying to get into DBZ since I recently signed up for Crunchyroll, but there are just so many other great animes out that I haven’t gotten a chance to get to really dive into the series. What really has me interested is the fact that a year after its release, Funimation has taken it upon themselves to get the American theatrical release rights and is showing this in select theaters for a few nights. Something happened with a Tekken animated movie a few years back and it was definitely worth the trip. I don’t personally care about this movie and I figure that any major fan would have already seen the dubbed version, and while I don’t really care for some of the business practices of Funimation, this gives me hope for the future. Anything that gets a big enough following could be a potential candidate for the big screen. There are plenty of animes I would pay to see so if this is your type of thing, make sure to get out there and support it as it will give companies a reason to continue doing this in the future. – Robert

 

August 8 – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Starring: Johnny Knoxville (voice only), Tony Shalhoub (voice only), Megan Fox, William Fichtner, Will Arnett, Whoopi Goldberg

August is here, and whether or not fans burn down the House that Bay built depends on this film. Long-time fans are either reserved or outraged, whether it be the way the Turtles look, the fact that Megan Fox is playing April O’Neil, or if it’s just based off the fact that Michael Bay is the director. All of these points are quite valid, but I can’t help but want to take a chance on this new take on the Heroes in a Half-Shell. We all have our own impression on what we consider the Turtles to be, and I think that any major motion picture attention to the franchise is a win in my books. There’s simply no way this TMNT incarnation will be as amazing as the originals, or even the new Nickelodeon television series, but as long as Bay can capture the magic of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that made it such an instant classic 30 years ago, it may continue to be at the forefront of pop culture for all ages. – Sherif

August 8 – What If

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Adam Driver

Originally titled The F Word for its initial 2013 debut, What If is the tale of Harry Potter trying to avoid being put in the friend-zone with a decidedly hot blonde. It sounds like a cliché concept, but What If has already garnered a lot of critical acclaim, earning Best Adapted Screenplay at the Canadian Screen Awards. Daniel Radcliffe is finally believable as an adult actor, and his best friend in the movie is played by Adam Driver – who is the one sole reason that HBO’s Girls is a watchable show for me. This movie won’t break any new ground, but for any guys looking to get over the Friend Zone hump, this would be the movie to take her to (unless she likes TMNT, in which case you should just marry her). – Sherif

August 8 – Step Up: All In

Starring: Ryan Guzman, Briana Evigan, Adam Sevani, Stephen Boss, and Cyrus Spencer

Confession time:  I have seen every single episode of So You Think You Can Dance.  Every. Single. One.  I haven’t seen any of the Step Up movies, but I am always happy for the contestants of SYTYCD when they make it to gigs beyond the show.  For Stephen Boss aka tWitch and Cyrus Spencer aka Glitch, this is exactly the case.  And really, is anyone going to see these movies for the plot?  No, its a dance movie.  But the dancing should be worth seeing this film, even if it is just for the SYTYCD alum.  – Adrian

August 15 – Frank

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Domhnall Gleeson (AKA Bill Weasley), Scoot McNairy

I have absolutely no idea what to make of this movie. It looks like Deadmau5 has a crack-head brother or something and we are getting to watch the story of his tomfoolery. The story of a guy who wears a fake head and never ever takes it off seems like it could be humorous but I don’t know if this is my kind of comedy. After watching the trailer my interest is definitely piqued but there are too many other things I would rather see so I would say that I will wait to rent this at Redbox or something, but truth be told I will probably forget about this movie once I’m done writing this. – Robert

 

August 15 – Life After Beth

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Dane DeHaan, Anna Kendrick, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon

As much as I love these actors and zombies, I am rather sick of people being in love with monsters. Although the idea may be over done in this we see upcoming actor Dane DeHaan (Amazing Spider-Man 2) as Zach, a young man who we see struggling emotionally due to the loss of his girlfriend. This quickly changes as Zach sees Beth (Aubrey Plaza), his lost girlfriend and finds she has been resurrected somehow, and although she initially shows no signs they start to figure out she is a zombie and needs to eat human flesh. This will almost guaranteed bring laughs if for nothing else due to the cast, but ultimately it will be lost among the other blockbusters this month. It is definitely not a family film and is marketed towards the teen and young adult community. Although the film itself may be easily forgotten due to other massive films this month don’t forget it as it will likely be a well liked film among certain groups. – Jacob

August 15 – The Expendables 3

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderas, Jet Li, Wesley Snipes, Kelsey Grammer(?), Terry Crews, Victor Ortiz, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Arnold Schwarzenegger

Initially sold as a man-gasm inducing thrill-fest, this franchise is two strokes away from permanently shooting blanks. I love action flicks as much as the next guy, and I genuinely thought the franchise was a good idea, but is there something really so wrong with just letting the legends ride off into the sunset without having to sit through multiple hours of screaming, slow-motion firefights and catchphrases that barely worked twenty years ago? Let’s be honest; nobody is watching this film for the acting, or the storyline. Twenty & thirty-something men get to see some of their action star idols duke it out as one last hurrah. The third installment gives us Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson (the new bad guy), Harrison Ford, a post-prison Wesley Snipes and Kelsey Grammer. If the fate of the world is in Frasier Crane’s hands, we’re all screwed. There’s no way I’m influencing you’re decision to see The Expendables 3, as you’ve likely already made your decision before reading this. – Sherif

August 15 – The Giver

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Odeya Rush, Katie Holmes, Taylor Swift

I won’t lie.  When I see the trailer for The Giver, I get chills.  Based off the book The Giver by Lois Lowry, the movie will be a look into one boy’s world… a utopia that isn’t actually that perfect.  It feels odd to be writing a preview on this for two reasons.  One being that practically every millennial and younger have read the book in school.  The other being that if I say much more for those who don’t know the plot, there is a lot to give a way.  In short, go see this movie.  You will not be disappointed.  -Adrian

August 22 – Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

Starring: Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Rosario Dawson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eva Green, Bruce Willis

Is it 2005 again, or did Robert Rodriguez just find a way to make Jessica Alba hot again?? It’s been nearly a decade, but Frank Miller’s Sin City is coming back to the silver screen in its second installment, A Dame to Kill For. Just like last time, the star-studded cast will take turns adding their pieces to the puzzle. Sin City vets like Alba, Bruce Willis and Josh Brolin are back, but several big name newcomers will also be sharing the spotlight, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Viewers should expect multiple plot twists, both in a sequel and prequel aspect to the original. Miller and Rodriguez’s visual style also looks to be prevalent throughout the film. This is going to be a fun movie any way you look at it. If you can’t wait for the movie to come out, you can also read the graphic novel of the same name, as it was released over 20 years ago. – Sherif

August 22 – To Be Takei

Starring: George Takei

Oh my! To Be Takei is a documentary depicting the life of brilliant and ever-exuberant George Takei. It tells his story from his childhood in a Japanese internment camp to his ground breaking role on Star Trek to his coming out story and marriage. This promises to be an incredibly inspiring film, especially for anyone who has felt trapped by society just for being who they are. George cleverly reminds us in the tagline that “It’s Okay to Be Takei!” As a Trekkie and proud member of the LGBT community, I’m extremely excited to see this movie hit the big screen, On Demand, and iTunes on August 22nd.  – Charlotte

 

August 22 – Are You Here

Starring: Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis, Amy Poehler

This movie looks like it could be a more light-hearted sequel to Due Date. The movie stars Zach Galifinakis as yet another crazy person with a myriad of issues, only this time he inherits a small fortune and everybody seems to be out to get it from him. It actually looks pretty funny but looks like it might have more of those light-hearted friendship moments than I would prefer from a movie with him in it. His usual style of comedy hasn’t yet grown old to me so this definitely looks like something worth checking out. – Robert

August 22 – If I Stay

Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Jaimie Blackley, Liana Liberato, Mireille Enos, and Joshua Leonard

Honestly, I have never read If I Stay.  However, it doesn’t look half bad.  The story follows a teenage celloist named Mia who has a pretty good life going on until her family gets in a fatal car wreck.  Mia experiences an out of body experience while in a coma and must decide whether to go back to living or go… elsewhere.  I don’t know whether this will appeal to the masses, but anything that gets teenagers to read seems pretty decent to me. – Adrian

August 29 – Life of Crime

Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Tim Robbins, Isla Fisher, Yasiin Bey

Life of Crime reminds me of the type of comedy that my parents would have watched when I was a kid, and one that I wouldn’t have understood for the life of me. I have a feeling this could be the same way. Tim Robbins plays a rich man whose beautiful wife (Aniston) is kidnapped. When the kidnappers attempt to collect the ransom, Robbins refuses to pay. If it sounds like an idea that’s been done before, that’s because it has. The 1986 movie Ruthless People had pretty much the same premise, and Life of Crime is credited as being based off the book The Switch. I’d be lying if I said that Jennifer Aniston, Mos Def and Tim Robbins didn’t sell me on seeing the movie, but otherwise, Life of Crime doesn’t bring nearly enough to the table to make me want to sit through it. – Sherif

Monthly Movie Preview: July 2014

 After a relatively quiet June, the summer really heats up with a slew of sci-fi thrillers, as well as a few comedies and independent films sprinkled in. If you’re a movie buff, you won’t be bored this month. Check out what we have to say about July’s films:

 

July 2 – Earth to Echo

Starring: Teo Halm, Brian “Astro” Bradley, Reese C. Hartwig, Ella Wahlestedt

There is no way anyone can watch this preview and not feel a bit of a squeal emerge from their throats.  There could be a way, but you have no heart.  Earth to Echo follows a group of tweens who find “Echo,” an alien who looks like the cutest owl ever, and just happens to be the target of some things the group of kids aren’t ready for.  The kids are sure to learn some lessons about themselves and about life.  Earth to Echo may be this generation’s E.T. and is sure to be the family movie of the Summer. – Adrian

July 2 – Tammy

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Dan Aykroyd

O.K., I’ll admit it.  As soon as I saw Melissa McCarthy walking through a parking lot to “Gangsta’s Paradise,” I immediately spat out whatever I was drinking and simultaneously snorted.  While the teaser shows her sticking up a fast-food joint with her finger, the movie is about a woman caught between a rock and hard place.  She just lost her job and her husband has been cheating on her.  What better time than now to road trip with her grandmother, played by Susan Sarandon?  Tammy looks hysterical.  I just hope the film lives up to the hype of the trailer. – Adrian

July 11 – Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell

The much-anticipated sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes is finally here! We pick up years after the last film and Caesar and the apes have made a city for their own but a virus wiped out a ton of humans, which will ultimately create a ton of enemies through out time. After a while of peace between Apes and Humans, a war starts to begin that will ultimately reveal whether or not Humans are actually more powerful than Apes – or if it is the other way around. The Planet of the Apes films of past and present have always intrigued me because of how realistic they can be, even though the idea is far-fetched, much like zombies. It obviously is not a film for most kids as you may never be able to take them to the zoo again, but ultimately, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is going to be one of the most popular films this summer and there is already a sequel being planned, which usually disappoints me when a film has not even been released, but is definitely awesome to me. – Jacob

July 11 – A Long Way Down

Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Toni Collete, Imogen Poots, Aaron Paul

A Long Way Down is based on the best selling novel by Nick Hornby, which follows the story of a band of four suicidal individuals coming from all walks of life. There’s Martin, the middle-aged, newly divorced celebrity, Maureen, the 51-year-old single mother, politician’s daughter Jess, and American immigrant JJ, all which meet on top a building one night, ready to jump. Deciding not to jump, they make a pact to keep living until Valentine’s Day. When the story is picked up by the media, they decide to put their own twist on what happened. Being the daughter of a therapist and having dealt with mental illness for several years, this intrigues me. I only hope they don’t romanticize suicide, but rather tell a story that shows how people with depression can find solace in one another. Knowing Nick Hornby, this dark comedy will probably do just that. I’m excited for this movie and will try to squeeze in time to read the book beforehand so I can get more out of it. – Charlotte

July 18 – Jupiter Ascending

Starring: Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Sean Bean

Jupiter Jones (Kunis) is a unfortunate janitor until she discovers her previously unknown genealogy destines her to greater things beyond Earth. Alongside genetically engineered interplanetary warrior Caine Wise (Tatum), she battles her way across the galaxy to take her rightful place at the throne of the House of Abrasax. This movie marks The Wachowskis’return of original screenplays and the science fiction genre. This movie looks to take place in a very complex world, the details of which aren’t likely to be skimmed. Douglas Booth, who plays a supporting role in the film, describes it as a cross between Star Wars and The Matrix. This makes the film seem promising and I’m interested to see how it will be received. My only fear is that it may be rather predictable, but the trailer leaves much to the imagination, so it’s hard to really say. – Charlotte

July 18 – Planes: Fire and Rescue

Starring: Dane Cook, Ed Harris, Stacy Keach, Julie Bowen

Last year, Disney/Pixar tried their best to capitalize on their success with the 2006 hit Cars by basically giving all of the characters wings and making them fly. Planes  was not nearly as well-received as Cars, so for whatever the reason, they decided to make a sequel, Planes: Fire & Rescue. In this continuation, Dusty Crophopper, played by Dane Cook (that should be a red flag for most people) realizes he cannot race anymore, so he chooses to pursue more noble endeavors to become a firefighter, helping to put out forest fires with the help of a rescue helicopter named Blade Ranger (Ed Harris). Unless you have kids that really enjoyed the first Planes, you probably won’t be seeing this one. I’m sure that it has appeal to the much younger crowd, and like every other Disney/Pixar movie, there will be bones thrown to the adults and parents who happen to be taking their children,  With veteran voice actors like Patrick Warburton, Regina King, and Brad Garret filling in the gaps in casting, there is at least some assurance that some of it will be funny. In the end, I’m not exactly chomping on the bit to buy a ticket to Planes: Fire and Rescue. But I also don’t have a kid who would be old enough to enjoy such a film. Although if you saw the first Planes and enjoyed it, there is no reason you shouldn’t head out and take this one in as well. – Scott

 

July 18 – Sex Tape

Starring: Jason Segel, Cameron Diaz

Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz star as a couple who, in an attempt to reignite their love life, decide to make a sex tape. However, instead of deleting this video, they unknowingly upload it to the Cloud. They make a desperate attempt to try and get the video off the internet. Apparently nobody told them that there is no way to get something off the net after it has been uploaded. Watching this preview kind of reminded me of Road Trip. I also wondered what the point of trying to get this video off the net after the majority of the people they know have already seen it or why they didn’t make it on an actual video recorder. But this is a movie and there is no room for logic here.  This should be a pretty funny movie and definitely looks like it would be worth seeing. – Robert

 

July 18 – The Purge: Anarchy

Starring: Frank Gillo, Carmen Ejogo, Michael K Williams

Even though the reviews for the first Purge were mixed, they still managed to surpass their budget by a very large margin. This time around instead of one story, we are given three separate stories that have people from all over the city coming together to try and survive the night. I was genuinely surprised when I saw that there was going to be a sequel to the original, I hadn’t realized that it had done that well sales wise. I can’t honestly see this being that great but I guess there is a market for these types of movies. I still haven’t seen the first one, so maybe I will rent that…….. and then wait for this to come out on Blu-Ray and rent it. – Robert

July 18 – Aftermath

Starring: People

Have you heard of this movie? Neither have I. But do not despair, according to the movie we are all going to die anyway, from what I’m not too sure. It could be some infection, a nuclear explosion, crazy people out in the world; our death is still somewhat unclear. Based off the trailer I really can’t give an accurate description of what we all need to start training for. This film seems to be one that you movie hop over to if the times fit with your first or second movie. I can’t really judge this movie though (I’m totally judging) because I am not a horror film kind of person. Director Peter Engert pulls together Edward Furlong (where the hell has that guy been the past ten years?), Monica Keena, Andre Royo (who played Bubbles in The Wire), and several other starts to create this horror film. With all the characters being stuck together in a barn or cellar, and just trying to survive, things are probably going to get a little crazy and bloody. Survive what, I’m not too sure still. This low-budget, post-apocalyptic film seems to have all the qualities of an good “B film”. So if any of you out there know exactly how were are supposed to die based of this movie, be kind and let the rest of us know. – Evan

 

July 25 – Hercules

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Rebecca Ferguson

IF YOU SMEEEEELLLLLL… WHAT HERCULES… IS COOKING, get your butt down to your local movie theater on July 25th because he is serving up some giant lion mane, some giant warthog meat, and a healthy dose of awesome. This film, directed by Brett Ratner, looks really cool. At first, I was skeptical of another Hercules movie; however, once I heard that Dwayne Johnson was going to be playing our very own demigod, I was on board. Hercules looks as though it is going to be a thrill-ride of non-stop mythological madness, and I am completely okay with that. This action also seems that it will have a darker side to it that fits perfectly in with the story of Hercules. After enduring the 12 labours and losing his family, Hercules seeks only the pleasure of battle. Being praised for his battle skills, the King of Tharce hires the demigod to trains his warriors to be just as rootless. Is it possibly that this may lead to some deep insight and perspective? I’m confident that this movie is going to lay the smackdown on the box office’s candy ass! (3 Rock references. Yes. I. Did.) – Evan

July 25 – Lucy

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Morgan Freeman, Analeigh Tipton

This film is probably going to be categorized as a super hero film as it is a about a person with super human powers, but this film is so much more than that. It is set in a world that is run by criminals of all kinds and Lucy (Johansson) is a woman in Taipei, Taiwan who is used by these criminals as a drug mule for one of the mobs. But this is where everything goes bad for anyone who considers themselves a bad guy as the drug get released into Lucy’s system which opens up her mind to use more than just 10% of it at a time which gives her incredible memory, the power to move objects with her mind and she feels no pain and she obviously uses these powers to take down the mob and everyone in her way. Although the film could definitely be good I feel with the amount of advertising and word of mouth around the film it will likely be forgotten like Hancock, the last original super hero film I remember. – Jacob

July 25 – Wish I Was Here

Starring: Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Kate Hudson, Ashley Greene, Jim Parsons

A year and some change after Zach Braff became the poster boy for Kickstarter, Wish I Was Here is finally coming out in theaters. Reaching its goal of a $2 budget in three short days, it’s clear that this is a movie that plenty of other people want to see. Those unfamiliar with Braff’s work need only look at Garden State. Braff’s latest film is guaranteed to fill you with warm fuzzies, but not without a few tears along the way. The story revolves around Aidan (Braff), a mid-thirties dad who is trying to figure life out, while trying to keep his family afloat financially. To avoid the terrors of public school, Aidan home-schools his children – and in an attempt to teach them, he learns even more about life. Unless the genre is a no-go for you, this movie should be a sure thing. – Sherif

Monthly Movie Preview: June 2014

May was full of comic book movies, but June is about to get the summer poppin’ with a variety of family and comedy films. There are some pretty cool independent films out, too. Here’s the skinny on this upcoming months’ movies:

June 6 – Edge of Tomorrow

Starring: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt

Another year, another Tom Cruise action flick. It’s not that I don’t think he does a poor job at being an action star, but every idea he’s in feels completely recycled. Even though the premise of the film is nothing like Oblivion, the ambiance of the films feel exactly the same, and there is absolutely nothing to convince me there is something new and exciting to see here. Actually, the plot reminds me of 2011’s Source Code; in Edge of Tomorrow, Tom Cruise is forced to repeat the same day of war against the Mimic aliens over and over again, trying to find the point in all of it. The film is borrowed from the Japanese novel All You Need is Kill. It’s a really cool concept, and looks worth seeing if you like the genre. – Sherif

June 6 – The Fault in Our Stars

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort

“Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) is an atypical teenager living with cancer, oxygen tank trailing forever behind her. While medication and frequent doctors visits have extended her life quite a bit, she is very much aware that she is dying. After being deemed depressed by both her mother and doctor, Hazel begins attending a cancer support group. It is here that she meets Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), a charismatic, sly, metaphoric loving cancer survivor determined to make his mark on the world. Together they find “a forever within the numbered days,” a love that transcends their illness, and an adventure that makes them both feel infinitely alive whilst on the border of death.” – Charlotte (an excerpt from her full spoiler-free review here)

June 13 – How to Train Your Dragon 2

Starring: Jay Baruchel, Cate Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Djimon Hounsou, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig

How To Train Your Dragon was an incredibly well done movie about a boy that brings peace to his viking village and the dragons who inhabit the area. There’s several different dragon types shown in the movie (and even more are presented in the TV show spin off, The Riders of Burk). However, the spotlight shines brightest on Hiccup and his Night Fury Dragon named Toothless.The pair make an amazing team, ending a war and saving lifes, all while Hiccup learns to accept himself and discover his unique calling in life. The first movie is phenomenal, and a must see, full of moments that will make you laugh, cry, and leave you on the edge of your seat. The second movie introduced a character previously alluded to be dead, Hiccup’s mom (can’t wait to hear that explanation); it turns out that dragon training is in his blood. This reunion comes just in time as an enemy force, composed of more dragon-riding vikings, threatens to strip Hiccup and his friends of their beloved dragons. The trailers give me high hopes that this sequel can be held to the same standards as the first. The imagery is stunning (makes me sad I don’t have a dragon of my own) and there appears to be more of the same adorable dragon humor as the original. I look forward to seeing all the new dragon types and Hiccup all grown up. – Sara

June 13 – 22 Jump Street

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube

Ever since the first modern 21 Jump Street, starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, I have loved seeing this combo on the big screen. And now that the sequel is being released, I am absolutely excited. This movie better hold up to my expectations because if it doesn’t, I might just have to go back to either high school or college and start selling drugs, and they don’t want that. In this action-packed comedy the police duo are stepping out of the little leagues and heading into the majors as they tackle college. That’s right! The big give-me-a-C-O-L-L-E-G-E, and what does that spell? It spells nothing but chaos and comedy rolled into one movie. With returning characters such as Captain Dickson, played by Ice Cube, Deputy Chief Hardy, played by Nick Offerman, and Mr. Walters, played by Rob Riggle, I believe that this will be a great movie. And if you go see this movie for anything, anything at all, you must go see it to see Channing Tatum’s flawless Hispanic accent. And I do mean flawless. So go see this movie. It will be amazing; it will be your worst…I mean best nightmare (see what I did there?). – Evan

June 20 – The Rover

Starring: Guy Pearce, Robert Pattinson

A huge economic collapse happened 10 years ago in the West and now all hell breaks loose in the new drama, The Rover. This film takes place in Australia where we meet  Eric (Guy Pearce), a man whom, after the collapse, has nothing left but one possession and a gang breaks in and steals it and in the process of them trying to get away one of the gang members is  injured and left behind for dead. The gang member, Rey (Robert Pattinson), teams up with Eric to catch the gang since they left him for dead. The film seems like a good drama but it also seems like a movie that may not hit certain audiences too well. It seems like a lot of the post apocalyptic sort of drama action films like Children of Men, I Am Legend, and Book of Eli. I tend to like this genre and I will not pass any Twilight hate onto Robert Pattinson and not see the film which may end up being a performance that shows he is more than just sparkly Edward to a lot of people. If you like intense dramas definitely check this out as well as if you enjoy the end of the world with no zombies but lots of action and thrills type of film. – Jacob

June 20 – Coherence

Starring: NIcholas Brendon, Elizabeth Gracen

Honestly, the plot of Coherence is a little befuddling.  However, that won’t stop me from seeing it.  Coherence takes place in one night at a dinner party of eight close friends.  When a comet passes Earth, weird stuff starts to happen, and the friends find out about each other, them selves, and their relationships.  Every review has touted it as being incredibly well written and acted.  I will go see it purely off the cast, though.  Elizabeth Gracen, who played Amanda in The Highlander TV series is a seller.  But the winner is to Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Not only have his roles since Buffy ended been sparse, but this role doesn’t make him seem like the “nerd” he has so often portrayed.  I am excited to see him break out of his typecast shell and explore other roles.  -Adrian

 

June 27 – Transformers: Age of Extinction

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci

Say what you will about Michael Bay, but he has made some damn good Transformers movies. The fourth installment, Age of Extinction, finally lets go of the formerly famous Shia LaBeouf and choosing a more adept action hero. Marky Mark himself takes the reigns on this one; giant robots are already the fail-safe summer blockbuster, but now that Mark Wahlberg is starring instead of LaBeouf, I’m much more interested in seeing it. Since Dark of the Moon pretty much wrapped up the trilogy with Optimus Prime pretty much going Sub-Zero on Megtron, I’m not too sure where Age of Extinction is going, but it almost looks to be LEGO Movie type of thing going on, inspiring kids to pick up their Robots in Disguise one more time. The world has recovered from the Decepticons’ attack and the Transformers have officially been rendered obsolete. Somewhere along the line, the stupid, puny humans reactivate the Decepticons and create DINOBOTS! Don’t expect this to blow you away, but it’s a necessary summer action movie carried by a vetted action hero. Plus, DINOBOTS! – Sherif

June 27 – WHITEY: United States of America v. James J. Bulger

Starring: Various

Okay, I admit it. I’m a total sucker for crime documentaries; there’s just something alluring about organized crime that I love watching stories about. That being said, James Bulger’s story is straight-up frightening. There is nothing entertaining about mass murder and dealing; Bulger reign in Boston ranks up there with some of the most gruesome. It also opens up eyes in the way that he was able to stay out of prison. He had the FBI on pay-roll for decades. He was just convicted in 2011, at 81 years old. Bulger is such a bad man that he was used as the inspiration for Jack Nicholson’s Frank Costello in The Departed, as well as Showtime’s Brotherhood, and an upcoming film titled Black Mass starring Johnny Depp. This won’t be for the faint of heart, or for people who are bored by the genre, but it will make for a captivating and horrifying documentary about one of America’s most notorious gangsters. – Sherif

Monthly Movie Preview: April 2014

April will bring us quite the variety. A few blockbusters – one named Captain America: The Winter Soldier – as well as some sci-fi/horror and chick flicks. There’s something for everybody this month.

April 4 – Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L Jackson, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Emily VanCamp, Stan freakin Lee

This is the second story for Captain America and the third story since Avengers. Cap is working for S.H.I.E.L.D. as an official agent and we finally get to see Steve Rogers in modern times by himself. The big question I have going into the film is who is in the casket they keep showing? As far as I’ve seen they haven’t explicitly said in the previews who the Winter Soldier actually is; although, IMDb does list Bucky and Winter Soldier being played by the same actor. It should be no surprise who the Winter Soldier is by this point, but considering the Mandarin and Extremis B.S. that was Iron Man 3, I wouldn’t be surprised if they made it someone else. This film will be directed to comic book fans as well as people who have begun to follow the films since Marvel decided to unify its movie universe. I’m sure that this will shape up to be a great film and I am not only excited to see the Winter Soldier in action, I am pretty excited to see the film adaptation of Falcon. – Robert

April 4 – Afflicted

Starring: Derek Lee, Clif Prowse

This film is about two friends who travel the world. After one of them hooks up with a mysterious girl, he begins getting these weird powers. Eventually, things take a turn for the worse and it becomes this really creepy – you guessed it – affliction. Just by the way it’s filmed, it feels so much like Chronicles, but without the lame adolescent meltdown aspect. The disease/affliction thing is kinda interesting, but there’s something about Affliction that just feels like it’s been done before. Luckily, the chemistry between Lee and Prowse is believable and the effects are neat. Chances are, if you enjoyed Chronicle, you’ll like this movie, too. However, if you’re not seeing Captain America on this weekend, you’re not doing it right. – Sheirf

April 4 – In the Blood

Starring: Gina Carano, Cam Gigandet, Danny Trejo, Luis Guzmán

The woman passed up to play Wonder Women (still bitter), Gina Carona, is thankfully headlining In the Blood – coming out this week. It’s a nice turn on dark-mysterious-man with dark past who must save his romantic interest. I’m a big fan of turning cliché upside down and this movie looks like it will deliver. Ava, played by Gina Carona, is on vacation with her husband. He gets abducted and it’s up to Ava to save him. Ava and her badass MMA skills tracks down her husband’s attackers while uncovering a conspiracy in the middle of seeming paradise. It has a very Far Cry-like vibe going on. In general, these kinds of movies aren’t my cup of tea, but watching the preview was entertaining enough. I can appreciate and enjoy a woman kicking some major ass and I have this guilty pleasure for MMA fighting. It looks like it has the potential to be a solid movie and spark others to make movie that mess with conventional plot templates. – Jené

April 11 – Under the Skin

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, some other people I don’t care about

I can’t think of an easier way to sell tickets to a movie than to put a half-naked picture of Scarlett Johansson on the poster. This sci-fi tale is about an alien in human skin who travels the country of Scotland, seeking for men to prey upon. By prey upon, I mean make sweet, sweet love to them before filling their body with some weird black embalming fluid, harvesting them for who knows what. I’m not sure how that’s a bad thing, but I sure am determined to find out. It’s based off a Michael Faber novel of the same name – and from what I’ve read about the book, things get even weirder later. To make the premise even creepier, it turns out a lot of the conversations in the movie were unscripted talks ScarJo had with random non-actors who didn’t know who she is. It sounds wildly inane, but did I mention a half-naked Scarlett Johansson? – Sherif

April 11 – Oculus

Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Karen Gillan, Garrett Ryan, Annalise Basso, Katee Sackhoff

A new and interesting horror film staring two female nerd heroes with Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica) and Karen Gillan (Doctor Who). This film is about a brother and sister who are haunted by an entity in an antique mirror. They believe this entity caused their father to kill their mother which made the son shoot the father. It is based off of a short film the director and co-writer made back in 2006. Quite possibly the most interesting thing about this film is that it is made by WWE Studios. Normally the films this studio makes are along the lines of the upcoming films Jingle All the Way 2 with Larry the Cable Guy (gross…), and the reboot of the Leprechaun film series with the wrestler Hornswaggle (what is Leprechaun without Warwick Davis?). So, it was surprising to me to be interested in this project knowing that. This film is obviously aimed towards adult fans of horror films. I hope more people will see it as it is very much an original idea and not a cookie-cutter gorefest like so many horror films these days. – Jacob

April 11 – Rio 2

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg (Blu), Anne Hathaway (Jewel), Leslie Mann (Linda), Jemaine Clement (Nigel), Jamie Foxx (Nico), Tracy Morgan (Luiz), and will.i.am (Pedro)

Rio 2 is the sequel to the successful film Rio. This time the film takes the macaws Blu and Jewel to the amazon to try and find other parrots of their species as they thought they were the last two on earth. This journey leads them to meet Jewels father and some of her childhood friends. Along the way they run into the villain from the first film, Nigel the Cockatoo, whom tries to enact revenge upon Blu and Jewel by finding new lackeys in a dart frog, Gabi, and an anteater, Charlie. The great original cast is back with . The great original cast is here, and this time, a couple other great voices are added with Kristen Chenowith (Gabi), Wanda Sykes (Chloe), and Jane Lynch (Alice). This is the only film other than Ice Age from Blue Sky Studios that has warranted a sequel, so it is guaranteed to be a great film for the kids and family, as well as any fan of animation and beautiful scenery. – Jacob

April 18 – Small Time

Starring: Dean Norris, Christopher Meloni, Devon Bostick, Bridget Moynahan

This movie was described as a “Drama” on IMDb, but judging by the preview, it looks like it will be hilarious. With Christopher Meloni and Dean Norris in the lead, it certainly has a solid leading cast. It seems like it will be a limited release or something because I didn’t see very much in the way of information about this movie other than a cast list and a short, but sufficient, preview. The movie is about a boy deciding to skip college in order to become a used car salesman. This might sound pretty cliché, but I am sure that it will include some solid life lessons, as well as plenty of used car salesman hijinks that ensue. Since this doesn’t seem like a very big release, it doesn’t seem like it is meant for the big theaters but who knows. I think anyone who can appreciate the humor of Hank from Breaking Bad will appreciate the humor here. I am genuinely interested to check this out after watching the preview. – Robert

April 25 – Brick Mansions

Starring: David Belle, Paul Walker, RZA

I didn’t even have to make it half way through the preview before I realized that this was a remake of a French film called Banlieue 13 or District B-13. This film stars David Belle, who is the creator of Parkour. It also is supposed to be one of the last films that Paul Walker is starring in. It’s a shame because the actor he is replacing from the original is a much better actor and is a great martial artist, as well. I will probably go see this but I can’t honestly see this being better than the original. I would recommend everyone to rent the original as it isn’t hard to find and while you are at it, pick up the sequel called District B-13 Ultimatum. This is directed towards people who like action as well as crazy stunts. This film is sure to be full of both with David Belle at the lead. The only possible saving grace I can see for this film is that it was written by Luc Besson who did The Professional, so there is that. – Robert

April 25 – Transcendence

Starring: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Cillian Murphy, Morgan Freeman, Kate Mara

This film is something I have thought about many times and had many discussion with friends about. It is about a terminally ill scientist who uploads his thoughts and mind into a computer to live after death, which ultimately gives him too much power and he becomes an unstoppable force. The idea is both terrifying and yet could be an answer of how to live forever, which may seem cool to others. The film stars Johnny Depp as the scientist going through the procedure. The supporting cast includes many great actors as well including Morgan Freeman, Cillian Murphy, and Paul Bettany. The film looks very interesting and yet to me it also is an idea that has haunted my dreams for years. I feel this film is targeted to the teen to adult range and even the future generation who are kids now as it shows us the true problems of having technology not just being a huge part of our lives, but it becoming our lives itself. – Jacob

April 25 – The Other Woman

Starring: Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Kate Upton, Nicki Minaj,

Oh goodie another female comedy surrounding how their man’s gone and done them wrong. Where have I seen this before, oh right, The Frist Wives Club. And judging by this movie trailer, I’m going to go ahead and say it – First Wives Club did it better. In this movie, three women find out they are dating/married to the same man. They meet, become friends, and then exact their revenge. I’m not going to hold my breath for this movie. They story isn’t new and has been rehashed ad nauseum and marketed as comedy. Lets get hammered, puke, talk about dicks. Oh and man boob, because turning into a woman is so funny… haha I’m becoming emotional because being a woman is such a joke. Eye roll. I wonder if it even passes the Bechdel test. Sure, it’s a cast of women, but do any of them have a conversation not pertaining to their romantic entanglements? In all, the  trailer doesn’t do it for me and I’m not going to waste my money. Maybe when it’s out on prime time I’ll watch it when I have nothing better to do with my life.  This movie screams C movie Netflix gold. – Jené

Written by Jacob Robinson, Jené Conrad, Robert Michael and Sherif Elkhatib

Monthly Movie Preview: March 2014

March is here and with it comes a few of the year’s most anticipated action films. There’s a little something for everybody: big money blockbusters, children’s flicks, intriguing independents and guilty pleasure films.

March 7 – 300: Rise of an Empire

Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson

Now that all those crappy Valentine’s Day movies are out of the way, it’s time for the manliest of manly movies. A prequel? A sequel? The answer is C, all of the above. Following the tale of the man-God named Xerxes from his “transformation” to the defeat of the Spartans and quest for domination against Greece. Meanwhile, Themistokles gathers the entire Grecian fleet to take down the Persians. Like 300 before it, Rise of an Empire will be directed by Zack Synder and based off of Frank Miller’s writing. Oddly enough, this film is based off Xerxes, which hasn’t even been published yet. I’m not sure how the story will play out, but all I really expect is big budget action and effects – anything more than that is just syrup on the pancake. – S

March 7 – Grand Piano

Starring: Elijah Wood, John Cusack

Stage fright? No worries, because Grand Piano has the solution. In this independent film, which debuted last September, a famous pianist (Wood) returns to the stage after infamously choking at his last performance. This time, though, the pianist has the added motivation in the form of a sniper, who threatens to shoot him if his fingers mess up a single note. It’s a bit of a crazy idea, but I think that’s what will really make this work. Everything seems dramatized in the trailer, insinuating that this will be a real thriller – not the cheap horror angle that is so easy to play off. I’m interested to see where this goes, but I’m not vested enough to see this in theaters – S

March 7 – Mr. Peabody and Sherman

Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert, Allison Janney

Grab onto your butts and get ready to go on an adventure with everybody’s favorite dog genius. Originally a short in the Rocky & Bullwinkle show called “Peabody’s Improbable History” in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Mr. Peabody has been renewed in epic proportions. The original segment was purely educational, so it will be bittersweet to have the movie become such a spectacle. There are a lot of laughs in the trailer alone, but I really enjoyed learning about historical times and figures, and it feels like Dreamworks is cheapening the experience a little. Visiting Egypt, Italy and Greece will be fun for the whole family, I’m sure, so If nothing else, I look forward to the witty banter of Peabody and Sherman – just like old times. – S

March 14 – Need for Speed

Starring: Aaron Paul, Imogen Poots, Dominic Cooper, Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi

It’s a funny cycle, this racing genre thing. When I was in high school, the Need for Speed games were really taking off – and it seems as though the Fast and the Furious films only only amplified it’s success. Heck, the downhill drifting scenes in Toyko Drift looked like they came straight out of Need for Speed: Carbon. Ten years later and the Fast and the Furious has solidified itself as a stable movie franchise, while Need for Speed‘s popularity has dwindled considerably, even after the addition of a story mode. Now Need for Speed has entered the realm of movies. There’s really only one selling point for me here, and its name is Aaron Paul (Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad). It might be too early to suggest replacing the late Paul Walker with Aaron Paul, but I’m seeing no reason for another street racing genre movie. – S

March 14 – The Grand Budapest Hotel

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Jeff Goldblum, Jason Schwartzman

Wes Anderson is a movie making genius.  So thank goodness that his latest project is coming out this month – The Grand Budapest Hotel.  The story follows Misuser Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes), the illustrious concierge of The Grand Budapest Hotel, and his various and most interesting adventures with his disciple lobby boy.  While the main plot appears to revolve around the theft of a famous painting, the real allure are all the minute – and more often than not – hilarious details that can only be seen in a Wes Anderson movie.  GBH (yes, I’m giving it an acronym cause it’ll be that cool) promises to be one of Anderson’s best.  You can tell by the star studded lineup: Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jude Law, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Owen Wilson, and it wouldn’t be a Wes Anderson without Bill Fu**ing Murray.  Not bad for an independent filmmaker.  Anderson’s approach and style to filming is so creatively unique, it’s practically hypnotic.  I’d dare to say that nobody out there makes a better “feel-good” movie than this guy.  If you’ve never heard of Wes Anderson or seen one of his movies, Hush Comics highly recommends you find your nearest Indie-Cinema and add The Grand Budapest Hotel to your must see list for March. – T

March 14 – Veronica Mars

Starring: Kristen Bell, Jason Dohring, Krysten Ritter

I won’t lie,  I have never seen Veronica Mars the TV show.  Why would a girl my age not have seen it?  Well, it came out around the time Buffy was ending and I was bitter that any other pretty blonde chick was trying to be a badass.  Ten years later, I realize my mistake.  Not only do I wanna veg on my couch and watch every ep of the show, I really want to see this movie.  The trailer makes it obvious that in order to totally enjoy it, you would have had to have watched the television show.  What is Veronica Mars you may be asking?  Well its about a woman who is really good at investigating crimes in her hometown.  The movie shows her ten years later as a successful lawyer who gets dragged back into the PI biz.  Plus, who doesn’t love Kristen Bell? – A

March 14 – Ernest & Celestine

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Wright

Now if this isn’t the most adorable movie since Wall-e, I’m not sure what is. Ernest and Celestine follows the unlikely friendship formed between a bear and a mouse, both of whom are outcasted for their bond. E & C was originally a 2012 Belgian film that is being released as an American film; this version has some top-notch actors voicing it. I’m also in love with the animation style. I’m usually crazy about any earnest story about two unlikely friends that come together despite outside circumstances, and I will continue to be inspired until it becomes a non-issue in our world culture.  – S

March 21 – Muppets Most Wanted

Starring: Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, Ray Liotta, Kermit the Frog

Kermie!!!!!  The Muppets franchise is always a must see for the whole family.  In Muppets Most Wanted, Kermit is framed by Constatine, his evil twin.  And Kermit’s friends must save him.  What more do you need to know? A simple plot, but the laughs are sure to be constant.  Not to mention that Tina Fey and Ricky Gervais are in it, so it is sure to be silly and amazing.  – A

March 21 – Divergent

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Ansel Elgort

Divergent is yet another book-to-movie adaptation.  And in the time of dystopias and apocalypses, it just seems like we have all seen this before.  Yet, there is something about the premise that makes me want to read the book (nope, I haven’t read it, yet) in time for the movie.  Honestly, I don’t think the movie looks that great, but the concept of people being broken up into factions is a fascinating metaphor for government control.  Kate Winslet may be the only actor who is worth going to the theater for.  But I will probably wait for the DVD. – A

March 28 – Bad Words

Starring: Jason Bateman, Kathryn Hahn, Rohan Chand

Is it bad the movie I want to see the most this March is about a 40 year old who joins a kids spelling bee, uses the worst kinds of cuss words and really self-centered?  Well, I don’t think so.  Mostly because Jason Bateman has usually played the guy with a head on his shoulders, ya know, like Michael Bluth.  But in Bad Words, he is anything but, and I kinda like it.  Bateman (who also directed and produced this film) plays Guy Trilby who is a high school dropout.  He befriends a boy named Sriram at the spelling bee and learn about life from each other (or at least that’s my guess).  It looks downright hilarious, but check for it in your local indie theater, it won’t be mainstream. – A

March 28 – Noah

Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson

Since The Passion of the Christ, Hollywood has been trying to make epic Bible flicks.  Without going into religion, I don’t really like those types of movies.  But Noah?  It looks pretty darn good.  Maybe its because the director of The Black Swan also is directing this.  Maybe its because the actors are some of the best ever.  Maybe its because the music makes it sound frickin’ epic.  Or maybe, for me, its because my love of A Beautiful Mind proves that Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly should be 2gether 4ever, and were even in Biblical times.  Oh, and voices talked to Crowe even then.  Plus, isn’t Anthony Hopkins a modern day Methuselah?  All jokes aside, I am looking forward to Noah.  It seems less to be promoting religion and more so telling a story that is recognized around the world. – A

March 28 – Sabotage

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Josh Holloway

Raise your hand if you think Arnold Schwarzenegger should just call it quits already and step away from the camera?  If you were to ask me that a few months ago, my hand would have been up high and waving.  Ask me that now, and you’ll find me sitting on my hands.  Actually, you’ll probably find my hands frantically working my smart phone to find a preview of Sabotage to lay aid to my newfound change of heart.  While I agree with the notion that Arny needs to stay as far away from the Terminator franchise as California is long, I think The Governator is catching his second wind.  He’s not the young action hero he used to be, but roles like the one he has been cast in for Sabotage are perfect for him today.  The film follows a highly trained and effective DEA task force lead by John ‘Breacher’ Wharton (Schwarzenegger) that ends up on the wrong side of a cartel affair.  Wharton and his fellow operatives along with their families are threatened by the drug lords and it’s up to Wharton to GET EVERYBODY TO DA CHOPPA… err… I mean save the day.  Whereas Arnold’s most recent films have been overwhelmingly-cliché action flicks, Sabotage has a real gritty and realistic vibe.  Though I’m sure the action will come in full force, I’m more anxious to see how well Arnold can carry a more serious role.  I’ve got fairly high expectations for what I’m going to coin as the film where “Arnold Got His Groove Back.”  – T

Written by Adrian Puryear, Sherif Elkhatib and Taylor Lowe

Monthly Movie Preview: January 2014

Welcome to the New Year!  2014 kicks off with a menagerie more Oscar hopefuls and contenders along with a few sure flops, the kid movie and the annual Mark E Mark, er Wahlberg movie we all know we are gonna watch.  Here are our January 2014 previews!:

January 10 – August: Osage County

Starring: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Benedict Cumberbatch

August: Osage County is based on the Tony Award winning play of the same name by Tracy Letts.  Now a film adaptation and sure to be a strong contender for several acting categories, the story follows the Weston family after the suicide of their father.  Filled with all sorts of sins including but not limited to, drug use, incest, infidelity and molestation August may be a tough watch, especially since it is touted as a dark comedy.  It is hard to believe that the combination of those things can be funny.  It does have a stellar cast, and I for one am excited to see Julia Roberts back in the type of role that suits her best. -A

January 10 – Her

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara, and Olivia Wilde

Written by Spike Jonze, Her follows Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, a man in the midst of divorce and falling in love with an operating system named Samantha.  A seemingly odd plot, Her will more than likely be a little eye-opening about how we all feel about love.  Joaquin Phoenix is said to give a sensational performance and the film as a whole has already received numerous accolades.  I expect this is a film that will define my generations take on love. -A

January 10 – Lone Survivor

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, Taylor Kitsch, Eric Bana

Lone Survivor is a film about four Navy SEALs sent on a mission to take out a Taliban leader in Afghanistan.  When the mission becomes compromised, the four SEALs mission becomes one of survival as they try to escape across the hills of Afghanistan.  The most compelling reason to see this film is that the story is based on true events.  The story was originally told via book authored by Marcus Luttrell – the actual “Lone Survivor” of the SEAL team sent to Afghanistan.  Luttrell was also very involved in the filming process to ensure event accuracy and keep film makers focused the important details.  This film stars Mark Wahlberg as Luttrell and is directed by Peter Berg (Hancock, Battleship).  Wahlberg plays the military role so well (can I get a hey-hey for Shooter?!) and it’ll be good to see him playing the role of true American hero.  Expect this film to be action packed, suspenseful and heart wrenching, but also well worth the trip to the theater. – T

January 17 – Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Starring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Peter Andersson, Kevin Costner

Chris Pine as Jack Ryan?  Why not!?  He is the most popular current action-hero.  Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit continues the Jack Ryan film series and is based off the character created by late author Tom Clancy.  Shadow Recruit is a little different than the other movies because it is an original screenplay rather than based off a book by Clancy.  Jack Ryan finds clues that a terrorist attack is going to happen and he must stop it.  Meanwhile, his lover finds out his true identity as a CIA junior analyst.  It’s pretty cut and dry, but who doesn’t love an action-thriller?  I’m looking forward to the newest installment in the series. -A

January 17 – The Nut Job

Starring: Will Arnett, Brendan Fraser, Gabriel Iglesias, Liam Neeson, and Katherine Heigl

This month’s kid flick The Nut Job seems to be aimed toward older kids and adults alike.  Aside from the obvious sexual jokes that can be made out of the title alone, the story is about squirrel named Surly who decides to pull off a heist on a nut store after being forced out of the park and into the city.  The previews look pretty funny and the animation will be a draw for younger kids.  And for the fans out there, lets hope that Will Arnett will show us all a little Gob from Arrested Development in this grand heist. -A

January 17 – Ride Along

Starring: Kevin Hart, Ice Cube, Tika Sumpter

If you haven’t been wedged in a box screaming, “my stomach in my ass,” then you don’t know love. Tim Story, who has directed other films such as the Fantastic 4 films, Think Like a Man, and Barbershop, is out to make sure your stomach is in your ass by the end of this movie. Ben (Kevin Hart) is out to prove to James (Ice Cube), a no-nonsense cop, that he is the right man to marry James’ sister. He does this by agreeing to go on a ride along in the mean streets of Los Angeles. Needless to say, things may or may not get a little out of hands…okay, they definitely will get out of hands; bullets will fly, explosions will erupt and I plan on laughing the whole time. In recent years, Kevin Hart has been everywhere in world of comedy, which should balance well against Ice Cube’s seriousness. So if you want to see Kevin Hart argue and fight with kids and see Ice Cube smash people’s faces in, then this is one you will definitely want to check out in the new year. – E

January 17 – Reasonable Doubt

Starring: Samuel L Jackson, Dominic Cooper

I know you all are just like me – ever since Snakes on a Plane, you haven’t been able to get enough Samuel L. Jackson in your life.  Worry not, faithful fans, Jackson returns in the new year alongside Dominic Cooper (Howard Stark from Captain America) in Reasonable Doubt.  Mitch Brockden (Cooper), District Attorney, finds himself between a rock and a hard place when he runs over a man taking a late night city stroll, killing him.  Mitch flees the scene of the crime, seemingly with no witnesses.  The plot thickens when Mitch becomes the assigned DA for Clinton Davis (Jackson), the man accused (wrongly so, but only know by Mitch) of committing the fatal hit-and-run.  Dun-dun-dunnnn!!  Previews indicate that the story may be even more twisted as Davis begins to reveal he may know more about Cooper and the man he ran over than an innocent man should.  The film is directed by newbie shot-caller Peter P. Croudins.  It’ll be interesting to see if Croudins can carry a complex plot on his first go-around.  With Sam-Jack and Cooper in the spotlight, this one should be entertaining at the least. – T

January 21 – Knights of Badassdom

Starring: Peter Dinklage, Summer Glau, Daniel Pudi, Steve Zahn

Can we just take a moment and applaud whoever had enough clout to cast all of these BAMFs in one movie? Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones), River Tam (Firefly) and Abed (Community) are going to be sharing the screen in just a few weeks. This movie hasn’t been heavily promoted – nor should it be. In what has become the niche genre of Horror-Comedy, with movies like Tucker & Dale Vs. Evil and This is the End, Knights of Badassdom looks to be by fanboys for fanboys (and fangirls!). Don’t believe me? Check out director Joe Lynch’s short film inspired by Eddie Brock (Venom) called “Life in Journalism.” Badassdom centers around a group of LARP-ers (Live Action Role-Play) friends who accidentally summon a succubus (female sex demon). If I haven’t sold you yet, I probably am not going to at all. Seeing Daniel Pudi on the big screen is exciting to me, and this will be a must-watch for any self-proclaimed geek. – S

January 24 – I, Frankenstein

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy

Set in present day, Adam Frankenstein (Aaron Eckhart), still sees himself as the monster that was created 200 years ago, but in fact he may be the key to ending a war between two eternal clans within an ancient city. The movie is based on the graphic novel, with the hopes to be an action packed, dark tale of good versus evil, as well as redemption. However I am skeptical of it all. Yes, there are indeed some things about this movie that could be really cool; gargoyle transformations, weapons and fighting, fire and explosions, but I’m not so sure that stuff alone can carry the story Stuart Beattie is trying to convey to the audience. I do have faith because Beattie has brought this world the Pirates of the Caribbean films as well as G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Either way, the legend lives, and his name is Adam. Personally I just think it’s weird that this monster of a man that people fear is named Adam. He ought to just stick with Frankenstein – E

January 24 – Gimme Shelter

Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Rosario Dawson, Brendan Fraser, James Earl Jones

Another January movie with great acting, Gimme Shelter (not like the song by the Rolling Stones) is about a young girl named Apple (Vanessa Hudgens) who is sick of the street life her junkie mother has provided her. She leaves to find her father, who quickly kicks her out due to her pregnancy.  She then is taken into a shelter for expectant teen mothers.  Hudgens is definitely shedding her Disney image in this independent film.  But really, she is the only selling point for me other than the Lana del Rey music in the ad.  It seems like a more privileged Precious and in an era still recovering from 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom, it may be refreshing to see teen girls be normal again. -A

January 31 – That Awkward Moment

Starring: Zac Efron, Michael B Jordan, Miles Teller

What do you call a chick-flick made for men?  A manly-chick-flick?  Maybe a chickman-flick?…  Well whatever you call it, That Awkward Moment is sure to exemplify it.  Total mega-hotties Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan and Mile Teller play three best friends in the prime of their sexy-young adult lives.  Each of them will explore love and relationships in their own way all the while adapting to the ever changing dynamics of their own friendships.  The lovely female roles are played by Imogen Poots, Addison Timlin and a lot of other hot Hollywood ladies – check the IMDB list and proceed to drool, gentlemen.  That Awkward Moment looks like it’ll be a lot of fun to watch.  I certainly appreciate these types of films where romance and love are put in a more relatable context.  Something that you can watch and think, “I know what that’s like!” or, “that’s definitely happened to me.”  None of that Notebook nonsense.  Now if only I could figure out how Zac Efron got his hair to do that… – T

Written by Adrian Puryear, Taylor Lowe, Evan Lowe and Sherif Elkhatib