Anchorman 2 Movie Review (2014)

The Good: Will Ferrell delivers as expected. Surprisingly enough, Paul Rudd was actually was a little funnier this time around too. The jokes were a plenty and coming from various characters. The "Black Family Dinner" scene was hilarious. The surprise cameos from a long list of celebrities were a nice surprise and probably one the best highlights of the movie. (News Team Battle Royal was great)

The Bad: Entirely too much of the character "Brick" played by Steve Carell. What made his character funny in the first movie was that he gave us intensely idiotic moments in small doses throughout the movie. More did not equal better in his case. That includes his "love story" as well. 90% of his solo scenes could have been saved as deleted scenes for the Blu-Ray DVD or something. Also, I just wasn't sold on Meagan Good's character. Something about her, maybe her acting in general, just didn't mesh well. I suppose "Will Ferrell Comedy" just isn't for her. Lastly this movie seemed to drag out a bit too long. The Light House scene probably could've been deleted as well.

The Reason: There are a couple of things to know prior to watching this film. Will Ferrell has a very particular and niche style of comedy. If you don't like his previous movies, you won't like this. Many of his jokes take time to marinate, or often times a 2nd viewing of the film, to really sink in. That is why I will not consider this movie as "epic" because, as with his other films, they do not always get instant comedic gratification. For example, after reminiscing with friends and/or rewatching the first Anchorman again was I able to fully appreciate and laugh at the "Suit Jump". (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UwhCWJlqkk) So should you go watch this? Depends. If you like Will Ferrell or any of his movies, then absolutely you should. As for the "Bad" that I mentioned above, if you're a fan of his work, you'll be forgiving and give it a pass. Otherwise this was a good watch. Oh and there is a bonus scene at the very end of the credits...not really worth your time to stay for.

The Rating: 7/10

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Movie Review

The Good: The plot surely thickens this time around. We have an extra element to the story line that hints towards a much bigger event that's about to unfold. The opponents, all the Victors from The Hunger Games in the past are much more difficult than ever before. The obstacles and perils they face are definitely more Victors have to face are more dangerous and a bit more suspenseful.

The Bad: Even though the ante was turned up a bit with more dangerous opponents and difficult challenges, it seems as though they were hurried along. We meet the new opponents but, unlike in the first film, they don't seem properly developed. It's like we're just told "Those guys are really smart, and those guys are really mean, and those guys can hide really well."

The Reason: There doesn't seem to be much to say about this movie because it honestly didn't feel like a sequel. It felt more like a part 1.5 rather than a part 2. After watching it all, I simply felt like the whole movie was just setup for the next upcoming movie. (And yes they leave you hanging at the end) There are no after credit scenes, so don't waste your time looking for them. With all that said, the movie wasn't bad at all. It was pretty good if you're a fan of the genre, the books, or just the first movie. I would probably just suggest that this movie be viewed as a rental...maybe even when the 3rd movie comes out so that way you can just watch them in succession. Good movie, but not worth the rush to the theaters because it's a movie that spends so much time setting up the next movie, it doesn't do well as a stand alone movie.

The Rating: 7/10

The Best Man Holiday Movie Review (2014)

The Good: The writing for this movie is genuine, believable and extremely well developed. Along with that, the character development was exceptional. Each character is given just enough time to give us a deeper look with their individual stories. There was nothing that was over the top or eccentric. (Tyler Perry PLEASE take notes)

The acting from every single actor was off the charts. Every character will have you feel some type of way. Even though I can't note every single actor, I will say that Terrance Howard was excellent comic relief. Rarely, if ever at all, could you sense that someone was "acting". The director does an equally amazing job with smooth transitional fades all the way to close-up shots that capture the raw emotion throughout the movie. You almost feel as if you're part of the family or friends.

The biggest testament I can give to this movie is that it completely broke the stereotypical stigma attached to "black movies". (Movies with predominantly black casts) That stigma usually would involve corny jokes, poor acting, and plot twists that you can see coming from a mile away. In this film, it doesn't matter what you see coming because it'll still hit you emotionally one way or another. You won't find that quality in very many films nowadays.

The Bad: N/A

The Reason: Probably one of the best descriptions I could give this movie is "REAL". This is one of the few movies that I had absolutely no control over my emotions. When the director wants you to laugh, you will, and if they want you to cry, you may just fight back a few tears. The authentic relationships that have been portrayed and developed help drive this movie from beginning to end. Even though it wouldn't hurt, you don't need to re-watch the original because they recap enough of it for you. This is the type of movie you should run to go see, get the dvd, and go watch it again 3-5 years from now. You've probably heard rave reviews about this movie already, and I'm here to say they're all justified. If anyone else tells you differently you point them to this page, and I'll set them straight. lol


The Rating: 10/10

The Raid Movie Review (2014)

The Good: The action is as realistic a as they come. The fight scenes and the choreography is what keeps your attention the most. You'll sit there wondering, "Are they hitting each other for real?" ... (Sometimes the answer is YES!) The action is fast paced, but slow enough for you to keep up. The cinematography by the director is on point because you get a complete sense of the gritty, dirty atmosphere that the main characters have to battle out of to survive.

The Bad: Storyline was weak, and left little to the imagination. (But who watches a Martial Arts movie for the storyline? ) The movie is a Korean movie, which means that it has subtitles. Once again, there's not much to the plot so the subtitles are minor, so don't let them bother you. I'll save you the trouble and translate the whole movie for the impatient ones. "We've got to get out of here!".... "No, we must finish what we've started". That's all you need to know and just watch them all kick butt.

The Reason: This martial arts film...I'm sorry, I don't feel right calling it "martial arts" because I think that carries an action movie stereotype that this film doesn't really fit. If you've seen Ong Bak, then you'll know what I mean. This movie uses an unorthodox, street fighting style that is very refreshing to watch for you action flick lovers. Definitely worth the watch, and I'm sure more than a few scenes will make you go "OUCH!" "Whoa!" and "Yeah that had to hurt". Rent it!

The Rating: 8/10

Thor 2: The Dark World Movie Review (2014)

The Good: Unlike the previous Thor movie, we're finally given a bit more depth into Thor's world of Asgard. The character development of Loki goes a little deeper and may change the audience's opinion of him. Rene Russo (Playing Thor's mother) was actually a bit surprising as a character, in a good way, with her supporting role. The enemies, which I'd like to call the JABAWOCKEEZ Elves, were kind of cool with the type of anti-matter weapons. One thing this sequel emphasized a bit more was the use of Thor's hammer and the damage it can cause. Also, in this sequel, you can tell that there are many more comic relief sequences that were inserted in the movie. Plenty of chuckles to go around.

The Bad: The action scenes seemed less "epic", despite the fact that you had more action scenes compared to the first movie. There was absolutely no reason to see this in 3D. Maybe to see some flying debris? O_o Even though this time around we see more character development in the main characters, most of the storyline is kind of predictable. Don't expect that many twists and turns...well maybe one, but that's it.

The Reason: I think this movie will obviously do well due to the success of the Avengers movies, but this movie may calm down the hype just a tad. I think that most viewers who enjoyed the first Thor, will also enjoy Thor 2, but just don't expect the movie to blow you away. It's a good watch, but honestly I think that many people can wait to see this later. If you must watch it, just don't pay extra for the 3D version. Oh and there are TWO after credit, and after-after credit bonus scenes. The first one is more than likely a set up for Guardians of the Galaxy (comic fans will probably appreciate that scene more) and the second one is just a little add on scene just because. Marvel fans, go see this...casual movie fans, wait for the rental.

The Rating: 7.5/10