Showing posts with label 2014 Movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2014 Movie. Show all posts

Movies Anywhere: Gone Girl Review


Can we talk about how amazing Movie Anywhere is? At last all my movies are together! I don't have to worry whether the my movies are available in whichever current streaming platform I'm using. Movie Anywhere is available with all platforms, retails, and most studios like Disney and Universal Studios.

I was given the opportunity to test run this app with Gone Girl and boy did I love it! I was able to get access the movie on my Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV Stick and also on the PlayStation using Vudu. How amazing is that? When I received the invitation, my first thought was, OMG FINALLY! And truly, it is the answer to our movie lover prayers.

So not only did I test my streaming platforms, but I also tested the app on my iPad, my iPhone and my Chromecast. I was able to move from one room to the other without stopping the movie. I loved that experience. Especially since you don't want to miss out on the memorizing scenes of Gone Girl. The woman is a psycho yet brilliant.

As you all may know, Gone Girl was released in 2014 and the story follows Gillian Flynn’s third novel. The story of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike), a woman who mysteriously disappears from the house she shares with her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) in North Carthage, Missouri on their fifth wedding anniversary. As Nick expresses, or lack of, concern for his missing wife than one might expect, and as the clues are being placed together, he becomes the main prime suspect of her disappearance.

The cast for Gone Girl is remarkable. The story is well told, sharp and unsettling as the novel with excellent performances all round. The main structure of the book remains the same in the movie along with the ominous and ironic message that Nick and Amy ultimately deserve each other. It's a movie that book lovers and movie-adaption lovers would finally agree in.

So if you haven't watched Gone Girl and haven't downloaded Movie Anywhere, this is the perfect way to start streaming your movies anywhere!

#Miami Get Your Passes for Me and Earl and the Dying Girl @ AMC Aventura #MeAndEarl




I know real life is rough and sometimes we cannot attend screenings. If you missed yesterday's screening for Me and Earl and The Dying Girl, we have great news!

Here’s another chance!
Winner of the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL is the uniquely funny, moving story of Greg (Thomas Mann), a high school senior who is trying to blend in anonymously, avoiding deeper relationships as a survival strategy for navigating the social minefield that is teenage life. He even describes his constant companion Earl (RJ Cyler), with whom he makes short film parodies of classic movies, as more of a 'co-worker’ than a best friend. But when Greg’s mom (Connie Britton) insists he spend time with Rachel (Olivia Cooke) – a girl in his class who has just been diagnosed with cancer - he slowly discovers how worthwhile the true bonds of friendship can be.




Click Movie Poster to enter this code: M622OUAT



Don't forget to enter to win: a box set of goodies in which includes a poster, selfie stick, tshirt and pillow:

Movie Review: The Best of Me


The Best of Me

Theatrical Release Date: October 17th 2014
Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: February 3rd 2015
Director: Michael Hoffman
Writers: J. Mills Goodloe (screenplay), Will Fetters (screenplay)
Based on the Novel Written by: Nicholas Sparks
Main Cast: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato, Gerald McRaney
Genres: Drama | Romance
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for sexuality, violence, some drug content and brief strong language
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Official Sites: Website | Facebook | Twitter | IMDb
From Nicholas Sparks, this is the story of high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Also available: the special Tears of Joy edition with an all-new ending!



The Best of Me didn't fail to bring out those big fat tears during heart-felt moments! I love every single movie that has been adapted from a Nicholas Sparks' novel including this one now. Most of the books I've read before the movie releases but this time around, I had not. So I really enjoyed the "not knowing" feeling. From start to finish it was a solid performance.

The story begins in present tense but you'll soon discover, you go back in time to when the main characters met and their relationship began and what lead up to the present day. I enjoyed those glimpse, it helped me understand the grown up versions and what made them choose certain directions in their paths. You really do connect with both young and older versions of Amanda and Dawson. But if I had to choose which version captured my heart right away it was the young ones played by Liana Liberato and Luke Bracey. They had amazing chemistry. Their young love took me back in time and brought sweet memories forward again. Sparks really created two great characters that I'm sure were easy to translate into movie magic.

If your not familiar with the novel then let me give you a short version of the story. Dawson and Amanda are brought back together when the man that protected and saved Dawson passes away. They are called by the lawyer in charge of the estate to come and listen to what their beloved friend Tuck left them. They of course are surprised to see one another after several years (21 years). And all this puts so much into motion again. But at the same time you begin to see those glimpse into the past and begin to understand why they aren't together anymore. How does a love that strong, not stay together. This is why you will want to see The Best of Me, to understand. So when time continues to pass and they finally spread their friend's ashes in his old garden then fix up again, Tuck from heaven above helps these two folks open their hearts again.

Just remember though this is adapted from a Nicholas Sparks' novel, so tissue on hand is a requirement and yes wait for "that" moment. Because we know the Sparks' books have "that" moment. And The Best of Me doesn't fail to bring "that" moment and them some.







Own it today on Blu-ray/DVD:

Movie Review: Tim Burton's Big Eyes + #BigEyes Screenplay


Big Eyes

Release Date: December 25th 2014
Director: Tim Burton
Writers: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski
Main Cast: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter, Danny Huston, Jason Schwartzman, Terence Stamp
Genres: Biography | Drama
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief strong language

Official Sites: Web | Facebook | IMDb

From the whimsical mind of director Tim Burton, BIG EYES tells the outrageous true story of one of the most epic art frauds in history. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, painter Walter Keane (Christoph Waltz) had reached success beyond belief, revolutionizing the commercialization of popular art with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The bizarre and shocking truth would eventually be discovered though: Walter’s works were actually not created by him at all, but by his wife Margaret (Amy Adams). The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a colossal lie that had fooled the entire world. A tale too incredible to be fiction, BIG EYES centers on Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, who was catapulted to international fame while taking credit for her work.



Big Eyes is a biographical film based on the life and work of American artist Margaret Keane, whose work gained prominence between 1950 and 1960. Her art is best known for the over sized pancake eyes on the women and children in her paintings, hence the title of the film. The film captures Keane’s life during the years of her courtship, marriage and divorce from Walter Keane.

Big Eyes is an underdog story. The film starts with Keane as a single mother, desperate to find employment and caring for a daughter with her only skill being her art. But, that isn’t what makes Keane an underdog. She is an underdog because she lacks a voice in every place other than her paintings. She meets and falls in love with a man who has nothing but voice, setting the plot the film.

The film starts slow. It was frustrating to watch Keane repeatedly shoved into obscurity time and again. We want Keane to tell the truth, fight back, or take a stand and she doesn’t take a stand. Then we see how successful and financially rich Kean is becoming and we forget that she is oppressed. The we see she is sitting in a dark and smoky room again, and we remember, that’s right, she was supposed to have taken a stand by now and she hasn’t and we are frustrated again with Keane. I think the effect of interchanging with light with the dark in Keane’s world works well. It is believable. Her life wasn’t all bad; it just wasn’t perfect, and along the way, the audience gets a peek at the art world that we might not otherwise get.

The film is immensely interesting and entertaining. I appreciated what I was introduced to an American artist which I had not previously known existed and I appreciated how well the two characters were portrayed. Margaret Keane is played by Amy Adams. I enjoyed the softness that Adams brought to the role. As much as the audience is predisposed to root for the heroine, it is Walter Keane, played by Christoph Waltz who really shines. Walter Keane was shown to be sly and charming and hateful, but difficult to hate given that he was so sly and so charming. It was the give and take between these two characters that makes the film really enjoyable.

I recommend you look for this off the beaten path when it opens. Even if it isn’t something you would normally watch, Big Eyes is something worth broadening your horizons. You will not be disappointed.




Big Eyes
The Screenplay
Released: December 16th 2014
Publisher: Vintage Books

About the Book:
WITH AN INTERVIEW WITH MARGARET KEANE
The full screenplay by award-winning Ed Wood writers Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski for acclaimed director Tim Burton's film Big Eyes, starring Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz.

A rare close-up look into a corner of the 1950s and '60s art world and a perfectly observed account of a dysfunctional marriage, Big Eyes tells the true story of Margaret Keane, an artist who lived and worked in virtual slavery while her husband, Walter, gained fame and fortune passing himself off as the creator of his wife's wildly popular paintings. The story of their toxic relationship would culminate in a Hawaiian courtroom, as Margaret ultimately fights to save her name and reclaim her art, during a heated public court battle.

This edition, illustrated with photos throughout, contains the complete screenplay, an afterword by the screenwriters, and an interview with Margaret Keane, the real-life subject of Big Eyes, by Tyler Stallings.

Movie Review: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

The Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

Release Date: December 19th 2014
Director: Shawn Levy
Writers: David Guion (screenplay), Michael Handelman (screenplay), Mark Friedman (story), David Guion (story), Michael Handelman (story), Thomas Lennon (characters), Robert Ben Garant (characters).
Main Cast: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Steve Coogan, Ricky Gervais, Dan Stevens, Rebel Wilson, Ben Kingsley
Genres: Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language
Official Sites: Website | Facebook | Twitter | IMDb
Get ready for the wildest and most adventure-filled Night At the Museum ever as Larry (Ben Stiller) spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever.



Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb is the third, and final, installment of the Night at the Museum saga. It follows Night at the Museum and Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. This last chapter is an entertaining and fitting end to the series.

The entire cast is back for the last hurrah, Larry Daily (Ben Stiller), Dexter, Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Sacagawea (Mizuo Peck), Octavius (Steve Coogan), and Jedediah (Owen Wilson) set off on a mission to save the magic which allows them to come to life. Their mission takes the entire cast to London and the British Museum where Ahkmenrah’s Tablet wakes a museum full of artifacts that have never before been awake. It makes for a fun ride.

The ensemble’s comedy bits are funny even in this “third time’s the charm” adventure. There are a few subplots which are great in keeping the story moving. I could watch a new movie with just Octavius and Jedediah (the miniatures), and still be very entertained. Hilarious! Dexter is always funny. And, of course, it was nice to see Robin Williams in a new movie one last time.

Aside from the comedy, there are some family themes which many of us can appreciate. Through Larry’s relationship with his son, there were positive messages about growing up, making the right choices in life and fulfilling one’s dreams. Any movie which might serve to inspire my children is okay with me.

The special effects are outstanding. I was blown away by the constellations in the observatory. Usually it takes 3D effects to make a movie come to life, but this film could not have been made any better. There is a scene at near the end with Larry and Dexter which made me mist-up a bit. The effects are done so well that I forgot that a lot of that is CGI.

Don’t miss this one. It is a lot of fun. Great for all ages. Wonderful for the holidays. When the film was over I was sad that I wouldn’t see a fourth installment of the hijinks. That’s how much my family and I enjoyed it.



Movie News: Wild Now Playing in Select Theaters - #WildMovie


Fox Searchlight's highly anticipated new film, WILD, is now playing in select theaters around the country! 

In WILD, director Jean-Marc Vallee (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon (WALK THE LINE) and Academy Award nominated screenwriter Nick Hornby (AN EDUCATION) bring bestselling author Cheryl Strayed’s extraordinary adventure to the screen. After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction and the destruction of her marriage, Strayed makes a rash decision. Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Academy Award nominee Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own. WILD powerfully reveals her terrors and pleasures --as she forges ahead on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.

Find out WHERE and WHEN you can see WILD: http://bit.ly/1qaSSBl
Buy tickets to see WILD: http://fandan.co/120gXzv 


Be sure to visit a brand new interactive site on behalf of WILD, and meet Monster – the enormous backpack that accompanies Cheryl on her 1100 mile trek along the Pacific Crest Trail. Find out exactly what Monster carried during Cheryl's journey to self-discovery at: http://www.MonsterOnMyBack.com/


WILD

Release: December 3, 2014 (NY & LA) / December 5, 2014 (Expansion)
Directed By: Jean-Marc Vallée
Screenplay By: Nick Hornby
Based On The Book By: Cheryl Strayed
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Michiel Huisman, Gaby Hoffmann, Kevin Rankin, W. Earl Brown, Mo McRae, Keene Mcrae
In WILD, director Jean-Marc Vallee (DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon (WALK THE LINE) and Academy Award nominated screenwriter Nick Hornby (AN EDUCATION) bring bestselling author Cheryl Strayed’s extraordinary adventure to the screen. After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction and the destruction of her marriage, Strayed makes a rash decision. Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Academy Award nominee Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own. WILD powerfully reveals her terrors and pleasures --as she forges ahead on a journey that maddens, strengthens, and ultimately heals her.
OFFICIAL SOCIALS: WebFacebook | Twitter | Instagram | #WildMovie

Movie Review: Penguins of Madagascar


Penguins of Madagascar

Release Date: November 26th 2014
Director: Eric Darnell, Simon J. Smith
Writers: John Aboud, Michael Colton, Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath, Brandon Sawyer
Main Cast: Tom McGrath, Chris Miller, Chris Knights, John Malkovich, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ken Jeong, Annett Mahendru, Peter Stormare
Genres: Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for mild action and some rude humor
Studio: Dreamworks Animation

Official Sites: Web | Facebook | Twitter | IMDb

Discover the secrets of the most entertaining and mysterious birds in the global espionage game: Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private now must join forces with the chic spy organization, the North Wind, led by Agent Classified (we could tell you his name, but then … you know), voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch to stop the villainous Dr. Octavius Brine, voiced by John Malkovich, from taking over the world.



It was no surprise that the whole theater would be laughing out loud as we watched the Penguins doing what the Penguins do best. Get stuck in a bind and work themselves out of it. From the youngest movie goer to the oldest, not one single person was quiet, myself included.

I really loved what they did with the humor. They weaved in adult humor, that only adults would get throughout the whole film in certain sayings or names called out. Everything about the movie was great. The storyline from start to finish kept as busy following along and cracking up. The animation is so vibrant and well done. The 3D effects were comfortable, nothing that was to much to handle on the eyes. The sound effects and music paired very well to the movie itself. The voice-overs were chosen well for each character. All in all, the movie as great. A must-see with the whole family.

In this Dreamworks Animation movie we watch how the 4 penguins came to be a group. And we see how they ended up away from were they were born. Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private end up surviving the impossible and becoming the spy Penguins that they are. Then after years and there stint in Madagascar, they are come across another spy organization, and they must team up to save all the Penguins from Zoos around the world from the evil Dr. Octavius Brine. Of course teaming up with The North Wind, isn't as easy as it sounds. But slowly and surely they finally end up making it all came together and saving the day. And of course I love that the egg that was almost abandoned before he was born, saved the day in the end. Good job Private.

Highly recommend to go out and see this film this holiday season. Your kiddos and yourself will be happy that you do. Be careful where you place the popcorn, because you might end of spilling it from all the uncontrollable laughter.





From Left to Right: Alex, Armani and Casen

Alex: The movie was super funny the whole time. 

Armani & Casen: It was funny and our favorite part was when the Penguins did the dance and were slapping each other butts. (uncontrollable laughter)


Movie Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1


The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

Release Date: November 21nd 2014
Director: Francis Lawrence
Writers: Peter Craig (screenplay), Danny Strong (screenplay), Suzanne Collins (novel & adaptation)
Main Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone, with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland
Genres: Adventure | Sci-Fi
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images and thematic material
Studios: Color Force | Lionsgate 

Official Sites: Web | Facebook | IMDb | Twitter
The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Danny Strong and Peter Craig and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the third in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has over 65 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate presents, a Color Force / Lionsgate production, a Francis Lawrence film.

The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Danny Strong and Peter Craig and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the third in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has over 65 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.



Lionsgate presents, a Color Force / Lionsgate production, a Francis Lawrence film.



The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 is the highly anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. At the end of Catching Fire we left Katniss after she had just done the most rebellious act to date-shot an arrow at the quarter quells arena, blowing it to pieces. We also leave knowing that Peeta is now in the hands of the capital-what will befall him? Mockingjay starts with Katniss in District 13, with one goal on her mind. Getting Peeta back to safety.

I had my doubts when it came to Mockingjay, to me it is the weakest book in the series and I wasn't completely sure that they needed to split it into two films. I thought they could cut down most of the first part-what I call the boring half-and give us more action from the second half of the book. Oh my gosh am I thankful that they are splitting it into two movies. They somehow made the first half of the book really entertaining. I was on the edge of my seat from the start of the film. Halfway through I was glad that they had made it two films because they were able to show us parts of the story that we miss in the book. As a fan of the book and the story that is The Hunger Games I was very pleased with everything that they put into the movie.

Francis Lawrence--be still my heart. He is one of my all time favorite directors and his work with The Hunger Games series has only made me love him even more. He has such precise camera angles-he makes you feel everything the characters feel. If they are uncomfortable he gets the camera right up in the actors space so the audience feels uncomfortable. There are multiple times when he uses this technique-and not to just make you feel uncomfortable; to also make you feel sadness, anger, despair and excitement. One of my favorite things about this film is the editing, don't judge. I want to be an editor one day and so I take notice in the way a scene gets put together. The tiny details not many people notice. The sound editing within this movie was phenomenal. There were multiple times when I wanted to applaud the work of the audio editors because the sound was always on point. From my own personal experience sound editing is one of the most difficult tasks to take on, and for me that was not an issue within this film.

A lot of talk has been going around about Jennifer Lawrence and how she is a horrible singer. This is mainly coming from her. And once you see this movie you will realize that she is a liar. Her singing was beautiful and it was perfect for the feeling of the scene. When she sang "The Hanging Tree" I got chills and almost cried. This to me was one of the most powerful parts of the whole film, it brought every aspect of the film together and, to me, made me realize the enormity of what was really happening. Of course I am a crybaby while watching films, and this one was no different. I cried three or four times just because of how perfect it was, how similar to the book it was, and just the performances from the actors alone. I could bore you with all the perfect performances within this film, from Jennifer to Julianne Moore, but I would rather you experience their performances for yourself.






Movie Review: A24's #Laggies


Laggies

Release Date: October 24th 2014
Director: Lynn Shelton
Writer: Andrea Seigel
Main Cast: Keira Knightley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Sam Rockwell, Mark Webber, Ellie Kemper, Jeff Garlin, Gretchen Mol, and Kaitlyn Dever
Genres: Comedy | Romance
MPAA Rating: Rated R for language, some sexual material and teen partying
Studio: A24 Films

Official Sites: Web | Facebook | IMDb | Twitter | Instagram
SYNOPSIS: Overeducated and underemployed, 28 year old Megan (Keira Knightley) is in the throes of a quarterlife crisis. Squarely into adulthood with no career prospects, no particular motivation to think about her future and no one to relate to, Megan is comfortable lagging a few steps behind – while her friends check off milestones and celebrate their new grown-up status. When her high-school sweetheart (Mark Webber) proposes, Megan panics and– given an unexpected opportunity to escape for a week – hides out in the home of her new friend, 16-year old Annika (Chloë Grace Moretz) and Annika’s world-weary single dad Craig (Sam Rockwell)



I had the wonderful opportunity to preview ‘Laggies’ which stars Keira Knightley, Chloë Grace Moretz and Sam Rockwell.

Keira Knightley, who is best known for her role in movies like Pirates of the Caribbean and Pride and Prejudice, fits like a snug pair of gloves in this role as Megan a twenty-something woman who is not in any hurry to be a grown up.

Megan, her high-school sweetheart and her bff’s have long since graduated. New jobs, families and grown-up responsibilities fill their days now. Well, not Megan’s days, she prefers to spend her days hiding out at her parent’s home watching television.

Megan unexpectedly friends Annika (Chloe Grace Moretz) and her group of friends. One problem, they are all still in high- school. Things take an interesting turn when Megan’s boyfriend proposes to her and she is confronted with what she fears the most, her future. Her solution? Megan decides to take a break to decide her next steps in life. She has and extended sleep over at Annika’s house and things get slightly more complicated when Annika’s dad (Sam Rockwell) finds her camping out in his daughter’s room.

Laggies was funny, it was touching and completely adorable. Megan’s quirkiness made her easy to relate to and the chemistry between Keira and Chloe was spot on! Laggies reminds us that it’s ok to slow down in life and not take yourself so seriously, to have fun, to live a little and take time to feed the turtles!




Here is a picture from Laggies "Girls Night Out" event I attended before screening.
A photo posted by Yara @ Once Upon a Twilight (@twilightsdance) on


Movie Review: Before I Go To Sleep


Before I Go To Sleep

Release Date: October 31st 2014
Director: Rowan Joffe
Writers: Rowan Joffe (screenplay), S. J. Watson (novel)
Main Cast: Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth, Mark Strong
Genres: Mystery | Thriller
MPAA Rating: Rated R for some brutal violence and language
Studio: Clarius Entertainment

Official Sites: Web | Facebook | IMDb | Twitter

Synopsis: A taut thriller based on the worldwide best-selling novel by S.J. Watson, BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP is the story of a woman (Nicole Kidman) who wakes up every day with no memory as the result of a traumatic accident in her past. One day, terrifying new truths begin to emerge that make her question everything she thinks she knows about her life - as well as everyone in it, including her doctor (Mark Strong) and even her husband (Colin Firth).



Before I Go to Sleep is a psychological thriller based on the 2011 novel by the same name. The novel is authored by S.J. Watson and has been called a “world-wide bestseller.” The film stars Hollywood heavyweights Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. I refer to it as a “psychological thriller” because that is what it is supposed to be, but it is not so much a “thriller” as much as it is a puzzle with all the corners already fit into place. We know what is going to be the end-product, but it is still fun to assemble and we are happy when the finished puzzle looks just like what we thought in the beginning.

In the film, Christine (Kidman) awakens panicked and afraid. She is unfamiliar with her surroundings and her company, a man by the name of Ben (Firth). It is through Ben that Christine learns that she was in a car accident ten years ago and that she is an amnesiac, who has to be reminded every day whom she is married to and what her age is, 40. Her brain re-sets every night. Every morning she wakes thinking she is a graduate student in her twenties. At the moment when Christine begins to accept her predicament, the phone rings. Dr. Nasch (Strong) is calling to remind Christine that he is treating her amnesia. She should find a hidden camera and, then, call him back. Nothing is as it seems.

In order to get the audience to fill-in the gaps of Christine’s memory, it is necessary to flash back and forward repeatedly. Some are traditional flashbacks, while others come across as muddled memories. The effect is easy to follow in this film. It is as if the viewer has a first-person perspective. Viewers see only what Christine sees and know only what Christine knows. My only concern about Christine is that the panic and frenzy from the beginning of the film turns into determination and stoicism. The leap is too fast in a movie that is as short as this is.

That criticism aside, it is not a horrible film. But, the book was probably better. The film comes across as predictable. That is why I referred to is as a semi-complete puzzle. In the first few minutes of the film, everyone knows how it is going to end. But we assemble the puzzle nonetheless. Kidman, Firth and Strong all have solid performances, though not one that would qualify the film as a show stopper or an award-winner. See if for date night or girls’ night. See it because it’s Halloween and you are too afraid of full-blown horror flicks. Or see it because you like puzzles. Just do not expect to be blown away. Before I Go to Sleep opens Friday, October 31st.




Movie Review: Gone Girl


Gone Girl

Release Date: October 3rd 2014
Director: David Fincher
Writers: Gillian Flynn (screenplay & novel)
Main Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry
Genres: Drama | Mystery | Thriller
MPAA Rating: Rated R for a scene of bloody violence, some strong sexual content/nudity, and language
Studio: 20th Century Fox Film Corporation

Official Sites: IMDb | Website | Facebook | Twitter

On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne reports that his wife, Amy, has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick's portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife? Written by Twentieth Century Fox


Stunned. A deer in headlights. I am positive that is the look that was on my face when the ending credits began to roll. I had read the book in 2013 so I was aware of how the story would play out. I just had no idea that it would be portrayed so perfectly on screen.

Nick and Amy Dunne, their marriage has fallen apart to say the least. Beginning as most do with smiles across a crowded room, romantic gestures, steamy sex in the most unexpected places, the fun stuff that makes you feel numb to the world around you because all that matters is you and your new person.

And then reality sets in. A young couple caring for a sick parent, the loss of a job, the stress of a failing business and infidelity. That’s just about enough to make anyone go insane. In our story, it is Amy who loses her mind, while Nick remains oblivious to the fact that she has had enough. Don’t mess with Amy, she won’t stay the victim for long.

Amy is gone, missing from her home. Nick, he is the main suspect. How did things get this bad? The real story of love gone wrong unfolds, Nick isn’t the perfect husband. Amy is not the perfect wife.

This movie will keep you wondering. It will surprise and shock you. By the middle of the movie I remembered how much I disliked Amy. Amazing Amy is a bitch and that is putting it nicely!

You don’t have to have read the book to follow the movie, it does well as a stand alone. It does have its’ moments that are obviously not for younger teens, some brief sex scenes and some pretty intense acts of violence that don’t last long on screen but definitely made a lasting impression in my memory!

Gone Girl is long, so grab your snacks and settle in. This is going to take you on a long, unbelievable ride you aren’t soon to forget!






Have you read the novel???


Movie Review: 23 Blast


23 Blast

Release Date: October 24th 2014
Director: Dylan Baker
Writers: Bram Hoover, Toni Hoover
Main Cast: Dylan Baker, Mark Hapka, Bram Hoover, Stephen Lang, Alexa Vega, Kim Zimmer, Max Alder
Genres: Drama | Family | Sports 
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some teen drinking
Distributor: Ocean Avenue Entertainment

Official Sites: IMDb | Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Synopsis: When a high school football star is suddenly stricken with irreversible, total blindness, he must decide whether to live a safe, protected life or to summon the courage through playing football to step back into the world. 23 Blast is based on the amazing, true story of Travis Freeman. A typical teenager growing up in a small town in Kentucky, Travis is a local hero on and off the field. In the prime of his youth, he is unexpectedly stricken with an infection that destroys his optic nerve; he becomes blind overnight. Under the influence of parents who love him, a physical therapist who challenges him, a coach who inspires him, and a best friend who he cannot bear to leave behind, Travis shows us what true bravery is by competing on the gridiron, helping his team advance to the State playoffs. We follow Travis and Jerry Baker, his closest friend, from the time they meet on the football field as kids through high school. Jerry’s attraction to the dark side of teenage temptations threatens to pull the friends apart. It is only on the football field where they truly connect.


Blast 23 was a feel good movie that I almost didn’t want to end.

The movie is based on the life of a high school football player who became blind due to a virus. He was determined to live life alone until his friends, coach, and an unlikely person, his therapist. The therapist was amazing. She would push him to be independent and to continue doing everything he had done in the past like; laundry, cleaning his room, picking out his clothes. His coach asked him about rejoining the team and the thought was almost daunting. He finally did it, even with parents and other towns’ people saying that it was a bad idea. The end of the movie was an ending to remember. All of the nay-sayers were shown that anything is possible as long as you have the support of the people around you.




Rachel and I enjoyed this movie thoroughly from start to finish. It's a great movie to see with the family and definitely for that hardcore football fan. The movie has such a strong message that stays with you long after you have seen it which is "never give up". It's not just about the game, it's about the team and the community, because if none of those are behind you, then the team and yourself will fail.

So to see how everyone came together and helped Dylan get back to the one thing they knew he could play with his eyes closed, which is football was just amazing. Just because he did loose his vision doesn't mean his world ended, even though at times he felt that way, but he never let the darkness swallow him.

23 Blast is a feel-good movie with tons of excitement and believable characters that do justice to the real life players that did experience this years ago in their small town. I recommend to everyone to go see it. And its perfect, right in the middle of football season.






The autobiography that inspired the movie 23 Blast

Houston Movie Passes: Camp X-Ray @ Alamo Drafthouse Mason Park 11/14-11/17




CAMP X-RAY

A young woman joins the military to be part of something bigger than herself and her small town roots. But she ends up as a new guard at Guantanamo Bay instead, where her mission is far from black and white. Surrounded by hostile jihadists and aggressive squadmates, she strikes up an unusual friendship with one of the detainees. A story of two people, on opposite sides of a war, struggling to find their way through the ethical quagmire of Guantanamo Bay. And in the process, they form an unlikely bond that changes them both.

Director: Peter Sattler
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Payman Maadi, Lane Garrison, John Carroll Lynch and Tara Holt
Run Time: 118 Minutes
Rated: R




We are excited to share this giveaway for Camp X-Ray movie passes. We have 3 pairs of Run of Engagement passes to award our Houston readers that love Twilight's Kristen Stewart. Camp X-Ray will only be playing in Houston at the Alamo Drafthouse Mason Park from November 14th through November 17th. The passes will be valid to use Mon- Thurs while the movie is in the theater.

Movie News: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 World Premiere Announcement



Before sharing the press release for the premiere, let's check out the "Return to District 12" TV Spot. See Katniss ‘Return to District 12’ in the all new preview from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 unlocked by fans exclusively on Twitter.



#MockingjayTickets

Alright settled down, my heart speeds up to knowing next month this will finally be happening. Below you will find never-before-seen details about the Mockingjay Part 1 World Press Tour and Gift with movie ticket purchase.


LIONSGATE TO DEBUT THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART 1 AT WORLD PREMIERE IN LONDON ON NOVEMBER 10, 2014
World Press Tour Kicks Off in Beijing on November 1

Official Press Release:

VANCOUVER, BC, and SANTA MONICA, CA, October 16, 2014 – Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, today unveiled plans to debut the year’s most anticipated film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, in the UK, Asia and North America. The film, the third in the global blockbuster Hunger Games film franchise, opens in theaters worldwide on November 21, 2014 and will hold its world premiere in London, England on November 10th. Beginning in Beijing, the cast including Academy Award®-winner Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, director Francis Lawrence and producers Nina Jacobson and Jon Kilik, will embark on a World Press Tour with stops in Seoul, London, New York and Los Angeles.
Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore, Natalie Dormer, Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland will join the delegation in London for the film’s UK world premiere in Leicester Square. Fans in the U.S. who purchase tickets on Fandango October 29th during the first 24 hours of advance sales will be entered for a chance to win a trip to the London Premiere. All purchases on AMCTheaters.com, Cinemark.com, Fandango.com, and MovieTickets.com in the first 24 hours will receive a free download of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire on VUDU.
All of the cast will reconvene for the Los Angeles premiere, which will take place on November 17th at the Nokia Live Theater.
The first Hunger Games film generated nearly $700 million at the worldwide box office. The second film in the franchise, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, was the #1 domestic film of 2013 and the 10th highest-grossing North American release of all time, grossing over $860 million around the world and bringing the combined global box office of the first two films to over $1.5 billion.
The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 is directed by Francis Lawrence from a screenplay by Peter Craig and Danny Strong, from an adaptation by Suzanne Collins and produced by Nina Jacobson's Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the third in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has over 65 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.
About Lionsgate
Lionsgate, home to The Hunger GamesTwilight and Divergent franchises, is a premier next generation global content leader with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms and international distribution and sales. Lionsgate currently has more than 30 television shows on over 20 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as the multiple Emmy Award-winning Mad Men and Nurse Jackie, the comedy Anger Management, the broadcast network series Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show and the critically-acclaimed hit series Orange is the New Black.
Its feature film business has been fueled by such recent successes as the blockbuster first two installments of The Hunger Games franchise, The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the first installment of the Divergent franchise, Now You See MeKevin Hart: Let Me ExplainWarm BodiesThe PossessionSinister, Roadside Attractions' A Most Wanted Man, Lionsgate/Codeblack Films’ Addicted and Pantelion Films' breakout hit Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.
Lionsgate's home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company's core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

Movie Review: The Book of Life


The Book of Life

Release Date: October 17th 2014
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Director: Jorge R. Gutierrez
Writers: Jorge R. Gutierrez, Doug Langdale
Main Cast: Zoë Saldana, Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Diego Luna, Ice Cube
Music By: Gustavo Santaolalla
Genres: Animation | Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Romance
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for mild action, rude humor, some thematic elements and brief scary images

Official Sites: IMDb | Facebook | Twitter | Website

Storyline: From producer Guillermo del Toro and director Jorge Gutierrez comes an animated comedy with a unique visual style. THE BOOK OF LIFE is the journey of Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart.

Before choosing which path to follow, he embarks on an incredible adventure that spans three fantastical worlds where he must face his greatest fears. Rich with a fresh take on pop music favorites, THE BOOK OF LIFE encourages us to celebrate the past while looking forward to the future.



This was one of the most colorful and entertaining children’s movies I have seen in a long time! The Book of Life begins with a group of misfits taking a field trip to a museum, they are led to a secret entrance to the museum by a beautiful lady. Once inside she proceeds to tell them the story of our three main characters, Manolo, Maria and Joaquin.

A wager has been made. A bet between La Muerte and Xibalba for who will win the heart of Maria (Zoë Saldana). If it is Joaquin (Channing Tatum) then Xibalba gets to rule the Land of the Remebered. If it is Manolo (Diego Luna) then Xibalba has to stay in the Land of the Forgotten.

I saw this movie as a preview with my kids and we just loved it, the characters were so funny and full of sass! The story of the Day of the Dead is not one that I have seen played out but it was shown for all its’ glory. The scenery, the music, the colors of celebration, the music. The very opinionated little abuelita sitting in the corner knitting in every other scene... hysterical!

Did I mention the music? Well music plays a big part in the movie but not enough that I would consider it a musical, but let me tell you when Joaquin busts out with Radiohead’s “Creep”, well that did it for me! The cast is rounded out with voice-overs from such a diverse group of actors and actresses including Ron Perlman, Christina Applegate, Danny Trejo, Hector Elizondo and Ice Cube.

I took my 12 and 23 year old daughters and my 9 year old grandson and we all laughed just about the whole way through. Refreshing and fun for kids of all ages.



New James Marsden Featurette from Nicholas Sparks' The Best of Me Film



THE BEST OF ME

Release: October 17, 2014
Director: Michael Hoffman
Writers: Screenplay by Will Fetters and J. Mills Goodloe, based upon the Novel by Nicholas Sparks
Cast: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato, Caroline Goodall, Sebastian Arcelus, Jon Tenney and Gerald McRaney
Producers: Denise DiNovi, Alison Greenspan, Nicholas Sparks, Ryan Kavanaugh, Theresa Park
Executive Producers: Tucker Tooley, Robbie Brenner, Ron Burkle, Jason Colbeck
Synopsis: Based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.

Learn more about THE BEST OF ME on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Hashtag: #TheBestOfMe

James Marsden and Nicholas Sparks meet again in this October's most anticipated love story, THE BEST OF ME. The upcoming romantic drama stars Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato—and Relativity Studios has just released a brand new FEATURETTE celebrating James Marsden as Dawson Cole. Download the featurette NOW to watch the heartthrob take you behind-the-scenes on the set of THE BEST OF ME – and hear what Michelle Monaghan has to say about her leading man.

Based on the bestselling novel by acclaimed author Nicholas Sparks, The Best of Me tells the story of Dawson and Amanda, two former high school sweethearts who find themselves reunited after 20 years apart, when they return to their small town for the funeral of a beloved friend. Their bittersweet reunion reignites the love they've never forgotten, but soon they discover the forces that drove them apart twenty years ago live on, posing even more serious threats today. Spanning decades, this epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances.

Be sure to check out THE BEST OF ME in theaters nationwide on October 17th!




Read the novel before the movie hit theaters:


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