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

Carrie Movie Review (2013)

The Good: Probably the best aspect of this movie is the fact that it doesn't deviate too far away from the original Carrie (1976) film, and still remakes the content to be very modern. It doesn't take very long for the suspense to pick up in the beginning. One of my favorite additions to this remake is the character development is a little deeper than in the original. This time around we get to see just how horrible Carrie suffers from the "Mean Girls" treatment from her fellow classmates, in a more contemporary sense of public humiliation. The mother ( Julian Moore) has a bit more depth to her character which draws an interesting line between her religious zealous and/or just mental illness. This movie gets a bit more graphic than the original towards the end and the "smashing" visuals were a nice surprise. Lastly, Carrie's powers in this movie are increased 10x! She may as well join the X-Men Movies.

The Bad: While it's nice to see Carrie's powers expanded, they are a bit all over the place and didn't really make sense. In the original she simply had telekinesis, but the fact that her powers are equivalent to that of a Marvel comic book superhero, it makes it just a tad bit harder to believe. The original story line kept Carrie's powers as potentially a scientific phenomenon, while this more modern version blurs the lines on whether this was natural or purely demonic. You'll almost get the sense that the director just gave her powers just for the sake of doing so, rather than keeping it within the context of the movie. There was a little bit of over-acting on the part of Chloe Grace Moretz only in the very beginning of the film. Rather than acting like a social outcast, she acts like she's a newborn child. Lastly, I felt a little disappointed at the "They're all gonna laugh at you" line. Just didn't have the same pizzazz I was hoping for.

The Reason: First and foremost, if you haven't watched the original 1976 version, please do. I highly recommend it. It'll give you a much better sense of appreciation of how far we've come and how well this remake really made the modern transition. I still think the average movie goer will enjoy this even if this is the first time you've ever heard of Carrie. While you don't have to run to see this in the theaters, I highly doubt you'll be disappointed if you did. Good theater watch, worth the money, and even better rental if you decide to wait.

The Rating: 8.5/10