The Double Review

The Double  Starring Jesse Eisenberg Directed by Richard Ayoade

The Double
Starring Jesse Eisenberg
Directed by Richard Ayoade

Eisenberg gives a hell of permance

People believe Eisenberg can’t show a range of emotions or change his voice tone in movie but they should really see this movie. Eisenberg is fantastic in it.  The Double starts Jesse Eisenberg who stars as Simon James.  Richard Ayoade directed the film, and his picture is below.

Richard Ayoade

Richard Ayoade

The movie begins with Eisenberg, Simon James, a lonely government worker with no happiness in his life. He follows the same routine every day. He has this crush on a coworker, Mia Wasikowska, and precedes to find a way to go out to dinner with her.  They form a connection and things are looking up for his bleak lifestyle.  Simon is not notice by his coworkers and most think he is odd. One day at work, a new company employee looks identical to him in every way except for the confidence that the new employee displays. His life is taken over by the doppelganger.

The double has a lot of strong points that made the movie sensational.  First of all, Eisenberg plays a complete badass in the film. The doppelganger is a bad ass who sleeps with anybody and brown noses his way to the top of the company. His name is James and Simon is the good awkward to nice guy.  Simon has no confidence what so ever and too nice that people walk all over him. Eisenberg made you feel for both characters in hatred and love.  Another strong point was Richard Ayoade.  Ayoade co-wrote the script and infused his brand of humor in the dialogue and in specific sequences. However, he shot the film in multiple different ways that gave this film not a set film style to it.  The visuals are dark, there is a espionage plot, and noir crime drama going on. There are science fiction moments. He did a hell of job directing his movie. He will be a big name Hollywood director in a few years

The film had specific themes such as loneliness and dissatisfaction in life. Simon wants to be loved and noticed by his co-workers especially by his boss.. James wants the opposite. He is one of the people who want success at any cost and doesn’t care how he gets it. Suicide is a predominant  issue in the film as is self esteem. Bad self esteem leads to depression which could lead to suicide.  Eisenberg displayed a wide range of emotions which made all of themes come to life.

The only negative of the film is the beginning fifteen minutes is kind of slow.  It takes about fifteen to twenty minutes to get see the doppelganger to show up. It is not a big negative because the last hour of the movie is speculator.  Overall,The Double gets a 4.5 out of 5  for me.

It is a great movie and everybody should catch it on Netflix if it comes out on Netflix.

Hercules Review

Hercules starting The Rock Directed by Brett Rattner

Hercules starting The Rock
Directed by Brett Ratner

Ugh, at least it is not as bad as Transformers or The Amazing Spider-man 2.

Hercules stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the title character. He doesn’t do a bad job as Hercules either and was enthusiastic about seeing him as Hercules. It was decent movie.  The special effects were good and the action was fun. However, it would have been nice to cut out 15 minutes of the action for more story development with the characters.

Hercules starts after Hercules completed the 12 labors and killed his family. He is a loner with a band of mercenaries. The Mercenaries themselves are quite important and loyal to Hercules.  He gets contracted by a King to stop a rebellion.  Hercules agrees to this and discovers what he doesn’t understand the full picture.   The biggest positive of the movie are the characters.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is a great Hercules. He portrays a very trouble, stoic, and tough warrior.  He can punch a man off his horse with no effort. Ratner did a wonderful job of directing Johnson to show a range of emotions as Hercules.  His band of mercenaries are the most entertaining parts of the movie.  Ian McShane and Rufus Sewell did a wonderful of adding humor and chemistry with Johnson to make the story much more entertaining.   The reason why Hercules is a failure because there is a lack of a story.

The story did set the tone as a humorous action movie but there is no substance to it.  As much as I thought Hercules was cool as a character, there was no emotionally attachment to him or any of the characters.  The five actors who were the mercenaries did have chemistry but it was underutilized for action sequences.  From the start of the movie, it is an action movie with no story development. Lethal Weapon, Captain America 2, and Edge of Tomorrow develop with their stories and each of them have intense action scenes. The audience felt no emotional attachment with main characters because there was a lack of suspense. Hercules had no suspense and didn’t care if a character died.

Overall, Hercules is somewhat entertaining because of the Rock and his fellow actors. It lacks any kind of substance or suspense in story development.  I kept checking my phone hoping the movie would end.  Hercules gets a 2.5 out of 5.

Sinister Six Scheduled for November 11th, 2016

The original sinister six  Dr. Octopus, Vulture, Mysterio, Sandman,  Kraven the Hunter,  Electro

The original sinister six
Dr. Octopus, Vulture, Mysterio, Sandman, Kraven the Hunter, Electro

There will be a Sinister Six Movie!

Who are the Sinister Six? They are a team up of Spider-man’s most deadly super-villains.  Originally, Doctor Octavius put the call out that he wanted to meet with every super villain that Spider-man defeated.  The Vulture, Mysterio, Sandman, Kraven the Hunter, and Electro all came to meet with Doc Oct. They formed the Sinister Six. They were defeated by Spider-man but individually because he can’t defeat them as a team.

Drew Goodard, who directed of Cabin in the Woods, is directing the Sinister Six.  He also wrote Cloverfield, episodes of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Lost,  and Alias.  We can assume that Harry Osborn who is the Green Goblin will be the leader of Sinister Six. Rhino will be part of the Sinister Six as indicated by the last film.  Truthfully, Goddard has stated that he doesn’t know who will be the six because he hasn’t finish the screenplay yet.

The Amazing Spider-man 2 was awful like Batman and Robin. However, The Amazing Spider-man 3 will open in June 10th, 2018.  The Sinister Six will give Sony time to correct some mistakes that The Amazing Spider-man 2 made like jamming different tones into a movie. The Rhino and Electro was written as campy characters but the Green Goblin was dark and vengeful.  Hopefully the Sinister Six will set the tone for The Amazing Spider-man 3.  I do believe this would be the perfect movie to introduce characters like Eddie Brock and Jonah Jameson.  Hopefully Sony announces more at Comic Con.

Possible Members of the Sinister Six

amazing-spider-man-2-green-goblin

Green Goblin

The Green Goblin is a safe bet for the Sinister Six.  The end of the Amazing Spider-man 2, Harry Osborn wanted to put together a team and wanted to keep it small. The Rhino shows up a few moments later.  The Amazing Spider-man films set up Oscorp to be financial backer and supplier for the Sinister Six.

John-Malkovich-The-Vulture-Spider-Man.JPG

The Vulture

Adrian Toomes is elderly man who found out his business partner was backstabbing him. He steals a the Vulture suit and discovers he can fly and has super strength.  He crosses paths with Spider-man most of the time and has a great deal of money. He would be a challenge to Spider-man because like Green Goblin. His ability to fly makes it hard for Spider-man to escape his clutches often.  He will likely be a member.

mysterioklum1

Mysterio

Quention Beck is a specialist with Special Effects and visuals.  He tried being an actor but failed horribly. He decided to take up a life of crime when his special effects gadgets made him able to steal money.  He uses holographic devices and illusions to defeat his enemies. He is one the villains like Doctor Octopus to almost defeat Spider-man by himself.  The end credits maybe hinted at Mysterio being a member of the Sinister Six in film.

Rhino

Rhino

The Rhino is a Russian mobster. The suit allows him crash through walls and destroy buildings with a single punch. He is impervious to pain in that suit. He will be the muscle. However, Paul Giamatti’s performance was so god awful; i hope the Rhino has a little role in the Sinister Six.

Sandman

Sandman

The Sandman might be one of the coolest Spider-Man villains. He is pretty indestructible. You can defeat him with water but he can always come back. He is also anti-hero who has helped Spider-man from time to time. He is immune to most chemical and physical attacks. Venom is has poisoned him but most of villains have never come close to destroying him.  His shape shifting ability makes one of the best enemies to use in film.

spider_man__origin_of_the_hunter_1

Kraven the Hunter

Kraven is a strong physical foe for Spider-man. A serum that he took gave him superior human strength, flexibly, and superhuman senses abilities.  He also been an anti-hero when it has suited his purpose. He also almost defeated Spider-man on several occasions.  Marc Webb, the director of the Amazing Spider-man films, mention that Kraven is top choice for a villain in the next Spider-man movie. It is a safe bet that he will be there.

spidey_vs_doc_ock

Doc Oct

First, there could be no sinister six film without Doc Oct.  Doctor Octavius is sometimes mention as the greatest Spider-man villain next to the Green Goblin and Venom.  He is a scientist that built 4 mechanical arms to help him with his experiments.  An radioactive accident wrapped his mind and turned him into a life of crime. Doc Oct has developed countless abilities which makes him tougher to defeat Spider-man.  Doc Oct is the smartest of Spider-man’s foes and appreciates  Spidey’s scientific intellect.  He is the brains of the Sinister Six.  I would say he will be in the Sinister Six as a set up character.

The-Amazing-Spider-Man-2-Electro

 Electro

Personalty, I loved Electro in The Amazing Spider-man 2.  Jamie Fox did an excellent job of portraying him given what he had to work with. My issue was the story telling because the story telling in the movie was pathetic. Electro is an unstoppable force. He could steal the power from the whole world if he wanted to. Fox is a popular actor who could come back but I guess we will wait and see.

Who would you like to see in Six Sinister movie? Comment Below and let me know

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Review

Andy Serkis as Caesar in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Andy Serkis as Caesar in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Caesar’s and Koba’s conflict represents contemporary human conflict

Dawn of The Planet of the Apes is a sequel to Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  Andy Serkis plays Caesar; Toby Kebbell plays Kobra; Jason Clarke stars as Malcolm; Gary Oldman as Dreyfus; Keri Russell as Ellie: are the main cast of the film. The protagonist is Caesar, and Koba is the antagonist. The trailers for film show Gary Oldman to be the bad guy, but he is really an reactionary human leader.  Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is one of the best films of the year.

It takes place ten years after it’s predecessor, Rise of the Planet of the Apes.  Rocket (Caesar’s second in command), Koba ( Caesar’s military right hand), Maurice (Orangutan from the first movie and most trusted advisor), and Caesar’s Blue Eyes are council members who advise Caesar in making decisions for the Ape Colony. They have built a home with rules, and Apes speak to each other through verbal or non verbal means.   Make no mistake Caesar rules the colony and has the final say on everything until humans show up. Malcolm, Ellie, and the other group member’s appearance in Caesar’s home causes a lot friction between the apes. They divide in the Ape Leadership which has the potential for war between Humans and Apes.

Caesar and his son, blue eyes

Caesar and his son, Blue Eyes

Andy Serkis nails it as Caesar.  His acting performance is one of the best interpretations of a heroic character on screen. Caesar is a strong leader. He raises his hand, and every ape shuts up. It is only when human beings show up that some apes like Koba cause friction with Caesar’s leadership ideals.  Caesar’s emotions are shown through the brilliance of Serkis’ facial expressions through his acting. and the brilliant job that the visual effects department did to add tears, happiness, anger, or any other emotion to Caesar’s face. Every actor who played an Ape displayed brilliant emotions in their facial features, and the audience definitely notices this.   Koba is the villain that steals the show.

Toby Kebbell as Koba

Toby Kebbell as Koba

Koba is a hurricane of destruction. His background is being a lab rat for most of his life until Caesar’s frees him in the first film.  He has a deep abiding hatred for human beings and you can understand why. He has so many scars on his body that makes it impossible not to sympathize for him; even through he kills humans.  Kebbell gave a great acting performance as Koba.  Koba is a great on screen villain, and the screenwriters and director crafted his story to make him so memorable.

Caesar, Koba, and Maurice on horses

Caesar, Koba, and Maurice on horses in front of the human colony

The screen writers: Mark Bomback, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver did an excellent job of crafting a story that has so many twists and turns. The purpose of the story to develop Caesar into a leader for an upcoming war.  Caesar’s son has the most character development, and he’s a strong emotional anchor in the film.  The film is spectacular from Matt Reeve’s direction. The camera shots of the apes on horseback were so perfect. It also constantly raining which symbolizes despair and foreshadows a lot.  Matt Reeves should get kudos for capturing such brilliant emotion from every actor who played an ape on screen. This creative team will be back for the sequel.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes gets a 5/5. It is one of the best movies of the year. It has great acting, storytelling, a great villain, kick ass hero, and the directing is awesome.  The visual effects are so fantastic, and it gives the audience more excitement for the sequel in two years.

Why Disney should consider Dr. Who showrunner, Stephen Moffat, for a Star Wars movie?

Dr. Who showrunner Stephen Moffat

Dr. Who showrunner Stephen Moffat

Stephen Moffat and Star Wars could be a match made in heaven

Stephen Moffat was rumored to be sought after to write and possibly direct the final installment of the new Star Wars trilogy. His wife took to twitter and shot the down the rumor this morning. Moffat is the show runner for Dr. Who and Sherlock. They are probably two of the most popular television shows in the world. Dr. Who has amassed thousands of new loyal fans under his reign. Sherlock only has 3 episodes per series and every episode has gained new viewers through word of mouth.  So why shouldn’t Disney should look at Stephen Moffat to write Star Wars movie?

His writing style is one of the best on television. He wrote the best Dr. Who episode called Blink in the show’s new series of episodes.  Doctor Who and Sherlock trailers tease you enough to let you think you know how a episode or series finale will play out.  Moffat cleverly writes a lot of twist and turns that leaves you guessing until the end.  He could bring this talent to Star Wars.  The man also an eye for talent. He cast Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Homles and Martin Freeman as Dr. Waston and both men have been nominated for an Emmy in every season that show aired.  Matt Smith won BFTAs as his portrayal as the Doctor in Doctor Who.  BFTA is the British equivalent for an Emmy.  All three actors have become or are gaining momentum as a lead actor in Hollywood. There are a few problems standing in the way of the potential beneficial deal.

First, this is a rumor only. Rumor sometimes turn out to be turn.  More  importantly Stephen Moffat might not be able or want to write or direct  Star Wars episode IX.  His schedule consists around Doctor Who. He has over seen Doctor Who for 4 years. He hired a new Doctor, Peter Capaldi who will be the Doctor probably for the next 3 to 5 years. It would be 2019 by then and Star Wars Episode IX would come out the same year.  He is also writes the Sherlock series which isn’t going anywhere. He is writing 2nd Adventures of TinTin movie which might come in 2016 to 2018ish as of right now.  His plate is so full. Would he good for Star Wars?

Moffat would be an excellent choice for Star Wars. I hope he does get the chance to write the finale of the new trilogy. He is a very talented and creative man. I could see him writing a better movie than Return of the Jedi.  All depends if he wants to do it and his schedule allows him to do it. This is also assuming that Disney wants him for the final installment of the new trilogy.

Side Note: Sherlock and Doctor Who are available on Netflix. He took over Doctor Who showrunner at the beginning of  series 5.  Blink trailer is at the bottom for anybody who is interested in this learning about Doctor Who or just watch it on Netflix. Watch Sherlock too on Netflix

Brandon Routh cast as the Atom for Arrow Season 3

Was formerly Superman now is the Atom

Was formerly Superman now is the Atom

Who is the Atom?

Brandon Routh, who played Superman in Superman Returns in 2006, is now taking the mantle of another superhero, The Atom.  He will be playing Ray Palmer in Arrow’s season three.  The press release from Warner Bros. Television states:

Routh is set to play the recurring role of Ray Palmer, also known as The Atom, in the show’s third season. His character is a scientist and inventor that will have an unexpected yet mysterious role in the lives of Oliver and Felicity.

A few other reports indicated that he will be in the applied sciences division of Queen Consolidated. It is implied so he will be a love interest for Felicity Smoak. The poor girl is 0-2 in the love department in the show’s history (Barry Allen has Iris and Oliver is too much of a playboy for her).  Felicity does need a nerdy science guy.  Who is the Atom?

The Atom is a superhero who can change his molecular size and density. Ray Palmer experimented with white Dwarf star matter in his lab discovering that he can shrink or enlarge his physical appearance.  The Atom is one of the most powerful superheroes in the DC universe. The reason being that he can alter molecular makeup. His utility belt allows him access to equipment that helps him in special situations.  He also can guide through the air and punch through a concrete wall.

The Atom is a character that never gets a lot of face time in the comics or media. It is one of the reasons why this casting is exciting. The writers of Arrow not bound by comic book lore. They can alter the character and make him fit their universe. Brandon Routh is a talented actor. He did get bad press for Superman Returns but it wasn’t his fault. Personally it was a good movie. The box office wasn’t there for Warner Bros but 400 million dollars is nothing to cry about either. His casting will bring in more people into the fold to watch the show.  Arrow returns on Oct 8th at 8 PM Est.

Side Note: On Justice League Unlimited he appears in several episodes; The Return, Dark Heart, and Clash. It is animated cartoon series which is on Netflix.

Coop’s top ten (Mid way through the year) favorite movies of the year

top ten

What are my top ten favorite movies of the year so far?

Next Thursday, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes will be finally out in theaters. It’s officially July which means the year is half way over. Time flies by so quickly.  I decided to make a top ten list of my favorite films of the year so far.

I rank this list by several categories: My overall enjoyment of the film, the acting, storytelling, themes and tone of the film, and if I would happily buy it on DVD if I had the money.

Honorable mention: The Fault in Our Stars

August Waters played Ansel Elgot  Hazel Grace Lannicaster played Shailene Woodley

The Fault in Our Stars is a beautifully crafted film that made me cry. The film had excellent acting, themes, storytelling, and while I would probably buy it on DVD. The other ten films on my listed gave me more enjoyment then this movie. However, let it be know in my opinion, The Fault in Our Stars is a damn good movie.  It missed the cut ever so slightly.

10: 22 Jump Street

22 Jump Street starting Johan Hill Channing Tatum.  Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller

22 Jump Street starting Johan Hill Channing Tatum.
Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller

22 Jump Street is a sequel that is better than its predecessor.  Channing Tatum and Johan Hill do a wonderful job with being hilarious.  Phil Lord and Chris Miller are on a roll with comedy because Ghostbusters 3 is next on their plate.  The story is the same as the 21st Jump Street. It is not of a negative of the film. I saw it again last night and realized how much every actor takes at shots at themselves in the film with witty dialogue.  I would buy this movie on blue ray and force my mom to watch it.  Also if you have doubts about Channing Tatum as Gambit then watch the chase sequence at the end of this movie. He kicks major ass.

9. The Lego Movie

Lego Movie starting Chris Pratt and Will Ferrell.  Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller

Lego Movie starting Chris Pratt and Will Ferrell.
Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller

I saw this movie 3 times in theaters. It was every bit as funny as each time.  The story was great and the theme song gets suck in your head. It’s out on blue ray, and I don’t have it yet. I will get it eventually.  Overall, the ensemble cast does such a great job with their voice work that it will make you hit on the floor laughing constantly. The reason its ahead of 22 Jump Street because the theme of the movie. It is about a father-son dynamic and how adults lose their ability to imagine worlds like children.  It also gave me a tear in my eye.

8. Neighbors

starting Seth Rogen and Zac Efron

Seth Rogen and Zac Efron

Neighbors is my favorite studio comedy of the year. I have two independent comedies above it.  The reason why I love Neighbors more than the Lego Movie because of two reasons. First this movie is all about growing up and becoming an adult after college. Dave Franco’s character gets this lesson in life.  Secondly, Rose Byrne plays the wife and unlike most mainstream comedies her character is so important in a male led film. She drives the action and comedy. I will gladly buy this on DVD. I would love everybody’s acting in it. The story was great. My favorite part of the film is the last 15 minutes with the fireworks.

7. Locke

Locke

Locke is Tom Hardy’s one man trick and pony show.  His face is only one that graces the screen while all other characters call him through a hands free phone. Tom Hardy gave an acting performance that should him get nominated for best actor. Through his facial expressions we could see: pain, anguish, frustration, and other negative emotions. He also displayed a collective coolness and calming presence that gave you the sense that everything will be OK feeling in the theater. The film was written and directed by Steven Knight (who is now writing the script for World War Z 2).  Locke’s theme is that one bad night can change your life either for good or for worse.  I have a friend in Texas who would love this film and it will go into my blue ray collection.

6. The Grand Budapest Hotel

Grand Budapest Hotel characters

Grand Budapest Hotel characters

I loved the Grand Budapest Hotel. It’s a dark and witty comedy. The ensemble cast is perfect, and my mom and I watched it again on Tuesday Night.  There are several reasons why I love this movie so much. First, Ralph Fiennes made me laugh in everytime he spoke that he delivered. He’s such a centric actor. Two, Adrian Brody and William Defoe play two perfect villains.  Their characters are spectacular in the film and each actor delivers a sadistic performance. Finally, this film could win or be nominated for best cinematography and best picture of the year.  I saw this film twice in theaters. It is still as funny as the first time; however, the reason why it doesn’t come at number 5 on the list because….

5. Noah

Starring Russell Crowe

Starring Russell Crowe

because given the choice between getting the DVD between Noah or Grand Budapest Hotel; I would choose Noah.  The film stars Russell Crowe, Logan Lerman, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins, and Ray Winstone.  The story telling, the acting, the themes, the directing, and spectacular visuals made this film so great.  Darren Aronofsky did a wonderful job taking this biblical bland story and adding multiple layers too its basic story.  Honesty, it is a great movie because my best friend in Texas loved it. She is very religious and admitted that they played with some facts. However, the overall film is spectacular to her.  She and I both agree that this film is a cinematic representation on how much man made technology is destroying our planet. I suggest buying Noah either on DVD or Redboxing it for the night.

4. Captain America 2: The Winter Solider

Captain America 2: the Winter Solider by Marvel  Director by Joe and Anthony Russo Starting Chris Evans

Captain America 2: the Winter Solider by Marvel
Director by Joe and Anthony Russo
Starting Chris Evans

So if you would have asked me in April if Captain America would have be my favorite movie in July, my answer would be hell yea! However, three other movies next on my list were just better in my opinion and pleasant surprises.  Listen, Marvel made a Jason Bourne type superhero movie with espionage and twist and turns that made you keep guessing throughout the movie. The superhero flick was not only shot beautifully but the fight choreography was spectacular (Michael Bay needs to take notice). I loved everything about Captain America 2. It is better than the Avengers. It really is Marvel’s studios best film. Falcon was a welcome addition and showed that one day we can have a Robin in a Batman movie. I will watch this blue ray religiously when it comes out in September.

3. Chef

CHEF_OS

Jon Favreau wrote, starred in, and directed Chef.  Chef is about Carl Casper’s fall from grace from a famous kitchen chef in a well renown restaurant in LA to being fired after tweeting with a national renown food critic.  Here is the tweet for your amusement;

The movie is hilarious and every actor did a great job. It would be my favorite film of the year so far if I didn’t like the next two films so much more. Favreau crafted a beautiful story that deals with themes of redemption, reinvention of a person’s life, and father son relationships. The cast includes Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, and Robert Downey, Jr. Emjay  Anthony plays Percy the son and made me feel emotionally connected to a little kid. The music in the film will have you dancing since it is Latina. I don’t know when the film comes out on Blue-ray or DVD, but I will buy and watch twice in a 24 hour period.

2. X-Men: Days of Future Past

The poster for X-Men Days of Future Past

The poster for X-Men Days of Future Past

What can’t you love about this Superhero movie? Yes, this story is a big nod to the fans, and they deserve it. Singer and Kinberg realized the shit that X-Men fans sat through with Wolverine: Origins and X-Men 3. They corrected the mistakes and handed the franchise to a younger talented cast that will be making new X-Men films for years to come. I also loved Xavier’s character development. He and Mystique are the integral part of the story.  However, the show stealer was Quicksilver. Quicksilver was brilliant.and so much fun. Youtube the Quicksilver scene from X-Men: Days of Future Past, and you will laugh your ass off.  I can’t wait for X-Men to come out on DVD. The theme of this movie is learning to how grow into a better man after you fall from grace.

1: Edge of Tomorrow

Edge of Tomorrow directed by Doug Liman Starts Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt

Edge of Tomorrow directed by Doug Liman
Starts Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt

I seen this film twice in theaters and came out smiling and wowed both times. I did get a little bored for a few minutes in X-Men and Captain America 2.  However,  I never got bored watching Edge of Tomorrow. I felt the cause of this was: the action, the editing, the storytelling, the visuals,  the acting, the music, and the directing. It looked like it was going to suck from the trailers. This movie blew me away. I can’t wait to own this sucker on DVD. I would make my friends sit down and watch it. Edge of Tomorrow’s theme is about how one man can be weak and timid then find encourage to become a hero. I noticed some visual miscues with X-Men: Days of Future Past also. Edge of Tomorrow is visually stunning and there are visual miscues that i saw.  The resets are edited in such a way that gives you the imitation of each moment is new.  Tom Cruise does a hell of acting job. Emily Blunt, omg, I knew she was good in Adjustment Bureau but she is so talented in this movie. You will walk out of the theater with a smile after seeing this movie.

Movies I can’t wait to see that coming out are coming out soon: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (July 11th), Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1st), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Aug 8th), The Expendables (Aug 15th),  This Where I Leave You (Sept 19th), The Judge (Oct 10th), and Gone Girl (Oct 3rd)

What is your favorite movie of the year? Comment below and let me know

Californication Series Review

Californication created Tom Kapinos  Starting David Duchovny, Evan Handler, Natascha McElhone, Pamela Adlon

Californication created Tom Kapinos
Starting David Duchovny, Evan Handler, Natascha McElhone, Pamela Adlon

Californication is the perfect show about life as a writer!

Californication, at its core, is about a life of struggling author who faces many obstacles. These obstacles include: drugs and sex addiction, parental-child relationships, divorce, constant cheating, and trying to reconcile with his one true love. David Duchovny stars Hank Moody. Moody’s first love is Karen, Natascha McElhone. His best friend is his agent, Charlie Runkle, and Karen’s best friend is Marcy Runkle, Pamela Adlon.  Throughout the show, Hank hits so many brick walls that cause turmoil and triumph in his life.

  In the pilot, Hank is a struggling author who hasn’t had an original idea in awhile. He meets a young girl, Mia (Madeline Zima), in a book store. He is no longer with Karen; therefore Mia and Hank have sex. At the end of the intimate session; she punches him and runs off. Hank comes up with the idea of a new book called “Fucking and Punching.”  Mia turns out to be 17 and Karen’s fiance’s daughter. Hank gives his first draft of his manuscript to Karen for her to read.  Mia reads it, steals it, and turns it into an agent as her own work. Hank tells Charlie but they can’t act on it because of the implications of Hank sleeping with a underage girl. From that moment on; Hank’s life becomes a constant struggle. He dates or sleeps with many different women. His abuse of drugs and alcohol gets him nearly killed or in trouble with the law. As his life implodes, Charlie’s, Marcy’s, Karen’s, and Hank’s daughter Becca’s (Madeleine Martin) lives implode also.  Moody is really a supernova of destruction waiting to happen.

Overall, the adult themes are the beauty of this television show. It might be one of the most realistic television shows ever. On average only a million people watched this show per week. It survived 7 seasons on TV and made for great television. Personally, I felt that Tom Kapinos, the creator, was writing about his life and his struggles. People face so many challenges in their lives daily. The stress of fiances, their careers or job, and  their children take years off people’s lives. It was one of the reasons why I connected with Californication. We see a struggling author have to reinvent himself from plain old author to screenwriter, educator, recovering drug addict, and working on a television show. It’s a constant struggle of balancing a career, several addictions, and a difficult personal life with his daughter, friends, and ex lover that Hank finds himself in.

Overall, I would recommend Californication to watch especially if you do have addictions, internal conflicts with your self esteem, or want to be a writer. The show has so many hilarious moments in it. It’s geared towards adults which most shows aren’t on network TV.  It’s not only for adults but its audience are the intelligent types who have a wicked sense of humor also. We obviously know from Duck Dynasty, The Real Housewives, and Honey Boo that some people will watch anything nonsensical. Californication is no where near like this with it’s sexual and drug content.

Californication had many guest stars ranging from Marlyin Manson, Kathleen Turner, Heather Graham, and Rob Lowe. Each of these guest stars deal with a different aspect of Moody’s life. Manson is symbol between his daughter’s love for music and Hank’s struggle battling addiction. Graham is a former lover in Hank’s life. The life of an author is difficult.

People glamorize authors such as John Grisham, Tom Clancy, Stephen King, and J.K. Rowling. Each of those authors had a difficult periods of their lives before they became successful. For example, Grisham was a representative in Congress; King was an alcoholic; Rowling a single mother barely making a living; and Clancy was a struggling businessman became he published “The Hunt for Red October.” Californication nailed all of these realistic life points..  A couple of the storylines in the previous seasons where after season 4. However, season seven was a reminded of season 1. Season 1 might be the best. I would give a 4/5

It’s one of my favorite shows on television. It will be in my top 25 because some of the sex scenes are so hysterically outrageous.