Film Historians and Enthusiasts
ACS Movie Reviews
We can't take it anymore!
Here is our take on films that have us talking - for a lot of different reasons!
Inside Llewyn Davis
Everyone probably agrees that the Coen Brothers deliver quirky in a way that makes it more like the normal it really is. Inside Llewyn Davis is no exception as we experience a few days in the world of an itinerant musician who just doesn't fit unless he is playing his own music. This guy is so self absorbed that even though he has an idea of how original his music is, it isn't enough to overcome the fact that he has never quite learned how to like himself. Another exceptional personal expose aptly delivered by by Joel & Ethan and molded Oscar Isaac.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2
Definitely not taking a cue from the fine makers of Star Trek films, "The Amazing Spiderman 2" while giving us some of the old story has reinvented itself with a great, somewhat surprising storyline. The beauty here is that the old info is only used to help us better understand the character, not to rehash the same story with modern techniques. Though Spideys need to balance his inner battles is part of the brand of this film also and shows up in almost every frame. That said, I am now such a fan of Andrew Garfield. The kid pulls it off. Electro was a bit over the edge but Jamie Fox gave it a good try.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price.
The Monuments Men
Based on the true story of one of the greatest modern-day treasure hunts in history. "The Monuments Men" is an action-thriller focusing on a hodge-podge of art professionals who came together in an unlikely World War II platoon to beat Hitler in his quest to own the world's great art treasures. Or, better said, the world's greatest art treasures owned by Jews. Written and starring George Clooney and an ensemble cast that doesn't quite jell as we all hoped they would. But all in all a compelling story about saving the world's treasures, but not the magnificent buildings that housed them.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price.
American Hustle
Did you ever notice that many movies tell a story about a short period, a few days, in someone's life - American Hustle tells the slightly longer story, a few weeks (though the narrator speaks of more time) in the life of Irving Rosenfeld and Sydney Prosser. The film is a semi-fictional take on the 1970s post-watergate Abscam FBI sting and tells a real-life story about those who believe the "end always justifies the means." Christian Bale and Amy Adams are great as wacky con people lovers and Bradley Cooper's crazed doufis FBI agent portrayal is entertaining. But Jeremy Renner as Camden, New Jersey Mayor Carmine Polito is so damn good he became the arch-"hero" for me. Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and, yes even Louis C.K. give good performances. American Hustle is directed by David O. Russell who gave us Flirting with Disaster, Three Kings, I Heart Huckabees, The Fighter, Silver Linings Playbook. The guy has it down pretty well.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price - but, again be careful, if you are losing your hair, you just may want to reconsider your options.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Well, here is another worldwide best-selling book series (by Cassandra Clare) that needs titillating energy between its stars, though Lily Collins who plays a newly discovered Shadowhunter is certainly capable, setting the screen on fire. Instead of werewolves and vampires as the archtype heroes think demon hunters chasing demons of the most ugly variety. Instead of living in a beautiful romantic forest these demons are from an alternate dimension known as the Downworld. Though not as easy to follow as some films, I was glued to the screen most of the time.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price.
(Richard B.) Riddick
Ready for a newer meaner Riddick who doesn't mind talking about S-E-X? One that is more a determined killing machine? That's what you are going to see when you settle in to the second third of your popcorn. All action and little on much anything else, "Riddick" tries to tell the story of the time our hero, newly crowned god, wanted by fortune hunters everywhere, yearns for the elusive planet Furnia even though he is surrounded by fairly naked beauties trying their best to keep him happy. Trouble is, only his enemy knows where it is. You get it, that's when things get dicey for Riddick. BTW I never found out why he wanted to go. With spx by far better than the first two films, it ain't Pitch Black, then again maybe it is.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price.
Wolverine
Our boy Wolverine despite his ability to reach in and grab his own heart by the throat, is starting to show some age. Oh no wait a minute I think we am talking about Hugh Jackman. All the same, pretty buff for a guy in his 40s. This episode delivers a new yet older classic Wolverine in an existential eastern catharsis. Should he stay angry or give in to the urges all humans have, super hero or otherwise.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price.
The Lone Ranger
Christ, who was that masked man? Or rather, what was that masked man movie? This flick bounced back and forth between a mock-up on 50's TV westerns and a buddy film and in a triumvirate of frustration - an action flick. Lord help me understand. Gore, I wanted "The Mexican" and you gave me "Pirates of the Caribbean."
This movie is better viewed with a 2 for 1 ticket coupon.
The Heat
What is not to like about buddy movies that match up the ying and yang of personalities, 'tight-assed' with 'I don't give a crap.' For the most part as long as their lips match the dialog sooner or later some part of the movie will be entertaining. Well, in this film pretty much the whole thing is entertaining. These two chicks work well together, very well. The film may be the best comedy of the year.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price.
White House Down
We like our Tatum dancing without a gun in his hand but White House Down is entertainment of the summer movie kind. Do we need to spell this movie out for you. Someone is pissed and takes over the White House. In doing so we find that our armed forces are outgunned and out smarted. The fact that it is preposterous to believe that we can be so inept in protecting the US's most beloved house isn't missed here. The last five minutes had me nuts and in "WTF" overload but all in all not a bad film.
This movie might be better viewed with a 2 for 1 ticket coupon.
Grown Ups 2
The last time I felt the way I did walking out of this movie was the time this beautiful woman smiled and walked toward me only to find she was smiling at the guy behind me. That is, disappointing but... there was a moment. Sandler phoned this one in while he was on vacation. No character deveopment, over the top climax scene even for him and underused talent. What a shame!
This movie is better viewed with a 2 for 1 ticket coupon on FREE popcorn day!
Crooked Arrows
This movie will surprise you...but maybe only if you live in Central New York. It opens wonderfully with a depiction of lacrosse as it was originally played, as "The Creator's Game." Producers Onondaga Indian Nation should be commended for filling the film with American Indian legend and values. Acting by the supporting cast was surprisingly good for a CNY film. The lead though needed more spark IMO. It is a formula film with a message worth hearing. Look for not so subtle messaging going on throughout the film like the color of uniforms etc.
This movie might be well viewed at the admission price but better viewd on DVD.
About Time
Terribly manipulative and heart warmingly evocative, this film dares to make you feel good. It seems once 21, our star Tim discovers he can travel in time and change what has happened in his life. One can imagine the possibilities to relive a situation that didn't go well. Sounds like the same old thing, but thanks to fine acting, undeniable magic between the players and a fairly good script from director Richard Curtis, it works. The triangle of Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy is undeniably and perceptively real.
This movie is well viewed at the admission price - but be careful you just may hug the person sitting next to you when its over.
The Family
My Dad used to tell me the story of a turtle and a scorpion who needed to get across the stream. It is the same story only with DeNiro. Flash forward to the Manzoni's, a notorious mafia family who get relocated to Normandy, France under the witness protection program. I like Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron and John D'Leo for good performances in the film. Here is who I do not like - director Luc Besson for taking the story too far and Tommy Lee Jones for mailing in the same old actor.
This movie might be better viewed with a 2 for 1 ticket coupon.
Machete Kills
In this sequel to Machete, the seemingly invincible scary looking, fairly one-dimensional Mexican (Danny Trejo) is recruited by the U.S. government to help track down an arms dealer in Mexico who's looking to launch a weapon into space. The film from director Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, Desperado) is what you expect - grind house debauchery of the most weird and expensive kind. Performances by Amber Heard, Michelle Rodriguez and William Sadler make this movie. Mel Gibson and Carlos - maybe not!
This movie is well viewed at the admission price basically because I like films with intestines.
Masterpeice: Mr Selfridge
I was surprised to like “Mr. Selfridge,” on PBS’s “Masterpiece Classic.” At first I thought it was Jeremy Piven who returns to TV after his Emmy and Golden Globe wins for his performance as Ari Gold in the hit HBO comedy series “Entourage.” It is not (but it helped). Piven plays Gordon Selfridge, the over the top American founder of the Selfridge Department Store in London. The story is set in the early 1900s and pulls off the angst and chaos of department store life from the top and from the very bottom. It is TV at its best.
This TV show is worth the price of cable.