Pacific Rim Movie Review (2013)

The Good: From the very beginning, you are caught up to how the world got into the monstrous predicament. The film does such a good job catching you up to current events, that you almost feel like you watched a prequel. You immediately get a sense at how society, or the world, has changed. Idris Elba delivers a solid and very commanding performance. I think that his "Cancelling the Apocalypse" speech may end up becoming more memorable as time goes on. (You still remember "THIS IS SPARTA" don't you?) Charlie Day (from It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) brings in some chuckle-worthy comic relief. Oh and most importantly, everything in this movie is big. No, let me try again...BIG! The camera work really helps you get a sense for just how big the monsters and robots really are.

The Bad: The acting, except for Idris Elba, was a little plain, but let's be honest, you only care about the monsters and robots anyway. The 3D visuals were almost non-existent! The story line wasn't really deep, and had quite a few predictable turns.

The Reason: This movie was basically Transformers meets GODZILLA!!!!...but better. The way they scaled the monsters and robots really makes you look back at Transformers and raise an eyebrow. This is probably one of the few movies that I really think should only be seen in a theater because the loud sounds and big picture screen are the only thing that does the movie true justice. Again, please do not waste your money on the 3D version. Also there is an extra scene after the first set of credits. I would say that this movie is entertaining and worth the watch in the theaters. If you rent it, you may feel like you missed out. Kind of like if you didn't see Avatar on the big screen. I think many people will be pleasantly surprised, especially if you go in with low expectations the way I did.

The Rating: 8.5/10

The Lone Ranger Movie Review (2013)

The Good: Johnny Depp provides nice comic relief as Tonto. He's pretty much Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean except dressed as an Indian. The film does a really good job describing the origin story of the Lone Ranger for those who are unfamiliar. It was nice hearing this film's interpretation of "kemosabe", and the Horse, Silver, is really weird. (in a funny way)

The Bad: The film is about 30 mins too long (run time of about 2.5 hrs) The plot really wasn't that deep, and the big twist at the end is pretty predictable. There seems to be two big climatic points in the movie. Once the first one is over(the big train scene), that's when you'll start to realize just how long this movie feels. Also, since the story is being retold within the movie, there are some choppy points, that may make it a little hard to connect the dots of the story.

The Reason: I didn't grow up watching the Lone Ranger, but I suspect that those who did will appreciate this movie much more than those who didn't. This wasn't a bad movie, but it just wasn't exciting or even suspenseful. It was entertaining, but nothing I'd center my entire night around. I also don't think that this movie will be making people fall in love with Westerns again, but instead just have a few nostalgic moments. (Especially when they play the Lone Ranger theme music) I'm not sure just how "kid friendly" this movie is because there is some killing and even cannibalism. (so parents just be advised) Rent this, and if you're desperate to see it, make it a matinee watch.

The Rating: 6.5/10

World War Z Movie Review (2013)

The Good: Doesn't take long for this movie to pick up the suspense. Within the first 15 minutes chaos is already beginning to ensue. The 3D scenes practically jump out at you, even if you see it coming. There are some really good scenes that will make you jump and possibly scare you. The plot does a good job of telling you about how the society and world has changed through the eyes of the main character played by Brad Pitt.

The Bad: Like in many movies, the children are annoying as usual. I'm not sure if it was just my theater but some of the audio was kind of difficult to make out. There are a few characters with thick accents and it makes it a little hard to determine what they are saying. The story line was also pretty predictable. Also, even though it's not the movie's fault, but a lot of the scenes lose their impact IF you've already seen the trailer. The trailer gives A LOT of the good scenes away, so when that part is coming up, you're thinking "Oh...here comes the part when...". (Never a good thing)

The Reason: Overall this movie was entertaining. If you like zombie flicks then you'll probably enjoy this. The zombies are fast as ever in this. However it's not a very gory movie that you'd expect from a zombie movie. (It is only PG-13) If you watch this, I'd recommend the 3D, unless you're a scaredy cat. Not something I'd make a mad dash for at the theaters, but if you went, I don't think you'd regret it. This would also make an excellent rental if you are on the fence about seeing this after reading this review. As a bonus, I think that after you watch this you should definitely read the book, World War Z by Max Brooks.

The Rating: 8/10

Man of Steel Movie Review (2013)

The Good:

The character development goes much deeper than any other Superman film to date. His background, his alien family history, and what makes Superman who he is, is done in a nice thoughtful way. (Similarly to how Batman: The Dark Knight's story was told except with a different directorial vision) The action stays true to what you'd expect from a comic book filled with super powered individuals. (Crazy destruction) The moral decisions that Superman (Spoiler, aka Clark Kent) has to face really strips away from the "Boy scout" image the character has had for so long. He's much more realistic, given the "alien circumstances" that is. Russel Crowe and Kevin Costner both played wonderful father figures. Henry Cavill really does look, talk and act like a genuine Superman (chiseled chin, hair, and all)

The Bad: 

While a lot of the super powered action stays true to the comic world, some of it went by so fast it was a bit hard to follow at times. The directors take a slight deviation from the traditional origin story of Superman and his relationship with Lois, so that choice may be hit or miss for some viewers. Some may notice it, or not, but there are MANY constant and deliberate references to Superman being like Jesus. (most blatantly in the church scene) The only reason this is considered as a bad is because subtle hints are one thing, but they really poured it on. Also there are a few secret hints in the movie, that unless you did some research prior, you'll completely miss. (ie: the hint of Batman related stuff in the movie)

Beyond that, I don't think that this version of Superman is really fully developed. His character and motivations never really seem to grow. He constantly seems at a cross roads and even when he does finally take action it still seems muddled.

The Why: 

Bottom line, I believe this movie would've made Christopher Reeves proud. After the last horrendous Superman Returns theater BOMB, I think this will definitely bring Superman back into the good graces of the public. (btw: the sequel is already officially confirmed to be made) This movie is about 2.5 hours long, so I wouldn't recommend watching it late at night. It's not fast paced so if you're getting tired, you'll miss some things, and it may ruin the movie experience for you. This is a safe bet to go watch in 3D at the movies this weekend. You’ll probably also enjoy it more if you happen to catch it on DVD as well. Oh and don't bother waiting till the end...there's no ending credit scene.

The Rating: 7.5/10

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The Purge Movie Review (2013)

The Good: The plot was very unique and interesting. The theme of what's morally right or wrong is definitely a thought provoking one to think about while watching. The moral decisions that had to be made will really challenge your own sense of morality. The suspense will keep you till the end. There are a good couple of "BOO! AHHH!" moments. Also the ending is very different and may be unpredictable.

The Bad: The kids were STUPID and annoying as you could probably tell from the trailer. You don't know whether they are that dumb or if their parents should've done something else besides "time outs" when they were younger. There are some very predictable moments from the beginning, but you let it pass because it's obviously there to set up things later in the movie. The different ending may not woo the average movie goer, and I'm afraid some people may not appreciate the intent behind it.

The Reason: This movie delivers exactly what people expected and it's purpose...to be unique. What's important to take here is that this movie is more so about it's theme and NOT so much about all the killing and violence. The constant theme of society vs morality is an interesting one that goes much deeper than the shocking, edge of your seat, thriller many people may be expecting. I think that if someone were to watch this, just keep in mind "What if society really was this way...would I Purge? Would I support the Purge?". Seeing as though this movie will make some people think more so than entertain, I think it will be debatable on how well this movie will be received. Personally, I say this is worth the watch mainly because this movie's theme will be unlike any movie we've seen as of late.

The Rating: 7.5/10