Don't let this be the End - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

The Hunger Games: 

Mockingjay - Part 2

 


     The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

     Rated: PG-13

     Release Date: November 20th, 2015

     Running Time: 137 Minutes









     Don't let this be the end.  That is how I felt when I walked out of the most recent(and final) installment of the Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2.  A film series that I never had any intention on seeing when it first came out.  My initial reaction of "another book to film adaptation" was turned fairly quick after the first film had me walking away fairly surprised.

     Following the events of Mockingjay - Part 1, (Spoiler Alert) Katniss was almost choked to death; Peeta is being an asshole; and I still don't like President Coin (played by Julianne Moore) because you can just tell that she is a downright two faced bitch.  The story continues of the Rebels attempting to overtake the capital with all force necessary, while President Snow (Donald Sutherland) sits back in his lovely mansion as all hell breaks loose around the city.  So between the action scenes, some mutts,  and the silly love triangle between Katniss, Gale, and Peeta, It is safe to say that this film lived up to the hype.

     You don't have to be a fan of the books or even read them to enjoy this series.  If you read the books then you know what to expect, if you haven't, it is sure going to be a surefire hit of the Holiday Season.  Overall, it is only 4 movies which grasp you from the beginning all the way to the end.  My only problem, I thought the movie was going to bed four times with different blackout scenes. I highly recommend this film to at least be watched once if not multiple times by yourself or with a group of friends.

Bootleg Rating: A

 

R.I.P.D

R.I.P.D (Rest in Peace Department)

Rated: PG:13

Release Date: July 19th, 2013

96 Minutes











     Rest in Peace Department is a fairly original movie by my standards.  Starring Ryan Reynolds, and Jeff Bridges, with supporting cast of Kevin Bacon and the periodic appearance of model Marisa Miller.  We have Nick (Reynolds) who is a Boston Police Officer, who is slain in the line of duty.  After a freeze moment, Nick awakens, realizes he is dead, and is brought into a new part of life.  Nick is given an ultimatum, to join the R.I.P.D or go into judgement.  Naturally choosing to join the force, Nick meets his new partner who is a southern hick named Roy (Bridges). Once they become acclimated to each other, you go on a ride of searching for monsters who want to bring the death back to life (in a sense).

     R.I.P.D has a few moments where the plot line slows down slightly, but overall, you are given a great deal of action, along with comedic one liners from Reynolds and Bridges a like.  I loved Bridges trying to play the bad-ass hick cop since he knew everything that was going on, and Reynolds (while out of his normal realm of films) did a half decent job as well.  The action scenes were on point, the dialogue worked in most cases, and camera work was well done with bringing shots of above face to point of view.

     I recommend this film as a way to kill some time, it gives you pleasure of enjoying Ryan Reynolds as an Asian, as well as Bridges playing a hot supermodel (Marisa Miller).  If you are in a theater with reclining seats, then you will be in heaven of relaxing and not worrying about a damn thing.  The film overall was average, but entertainment is something we all go to the movies to enjoy.

Bootleg Rating: C+

Grown ups 2

Grown Ups 2

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: July 12th, 2013

Running Time: 101 Minutes









     

    
      Grown Ups 2,  a movie which could have had potential to be as decent as the first installment falls flat on its face.  The film is about Lenny (Sandler) moving back home with his family, friends, and schizo bus drivers, the only thing left is to experience is a lot of party crashers and Stone Cold Steve Austin with a wig.  Bringing back the cast of Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, and David Spade, one could assume that chemistry between all parties involved would make due for the length of the film.  While Chemistry is definitely there, all the jokes feel forced, do not make sense, and rather pointless.

     If I thought I could not stand Taylor Lautner from the Twilight Movies,  I can not stand him even more in this film as he is a self righteous fraternity douche-bag.  The one and only bright spot in the film was the part played by Nick Swardson, who play a bus driver named Nick.  The character was a complete tool, and how Swardson portrayed him was the only justice given because he was very comical.  If you like Adam Sandler and the supporting cast, you can give it a shot for a few laughs, but I recommend you wait for television, because we all know this movie was clearly to make a paycheck.
     


     

Bootleg Rating: D

     

This is the end

This is the End

Rated: R

Release Date: June 12th, 2013

Running Time: 107 Minutes

 This is the End; a film where laughs are plenty, and idiots are everywhere, is about Seth Rogen, and that guy from “She’s out of my league” (Jay Baruchel) going to a party at James Franco’s house.  During the party, Seth and that guy from the other movie listed above go to get some food from the convenience store a couple blocks away.  While at the convenience store, some crazy shit goes down; blue lights from the sky, huge cracks in the ground, and celebrities falling into a massive pit into a fire of hell.  After the excitement of watching actors and actresses a-like falling to their doom (or Michael Cera getting impaled); You are left with James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Craig Robinson, Danny McBride, and Jay Baruchel.  All stuck in Franco’s house, they strive to find out what is going on in the world they are living in.  With a potential apocalypse at hand, the guys find whatever means necessary to somehow make it into heaven.

     For a movie which primarily makes its mark on having a great deal of celebrities, the effects were awesome.  Watching fire raise from the depths of hell, a devilish Jonah Hill, and a demon with a penis the size of California, you cannot go wrong with the dark ambiance throughout the entirety of the movie.  CGI has become very prominent in the film industry and will only continue to do so in the future.

     This is the end is definitely a film that any comedy fan will enjoy.  After the ending credits, the only thing coming to your mind will be either (That was hilarious) or (What the hell did I just watch), possibly even both.  Crude Jokes between all the characters is flawless, and the appearances of Emma Watson bring my wand to the ready.  No Matter your opinion of the actors themselves, this is a must see comedy of the summer.  If you don’t like it, then your movie taste sucks. 

Bootleg Rating: B+

Despicable Me 2

Despicable Me 2

Rated: PG

Release Date: July 3rd, 2013

Running Time: 98 Minutes

     

     The sequel to the 2010’s highly acclaimed “Despicable Me” is finally here.  Despicable Me 2 brings back the story of Gru (Steve Carell), but this time being summoned to work for the good guys!  After accepting invitation to help the Anti-Villain League with his new partner Lucy (Kristen Wiig) to find the person responsible for the theft of an item which can cause more treachery, they begin an adventure which leads to new beginnings.

     A film that is made more for the children has become a feat for the kids as well as adults.  The minions never cease to amaze, as their antics are absolutely hysterical, even with slight innuendo.  The 3D animation is pretty decent, as it is better in children’s films. (Stay right after the credits)  Animation once started off not as clear to the viewers, yet as the future looms, films like Despicable Me 2 are bringing animation to a whole new level with colors, contrast, and clarity. 

     Despicable Me 2 did not hit the nail on the head with the sequel, but the movie itself is worth every watch as it is a well put together follow up to the original.  Originality is hard to come by in movies now and days, but when “Despicable Me” made its way into theaters, Hollywood’s heads turned with the success that was unprecedented.  Even with being a disappointing sequel, it will still become a hit this summer for families and worth a watch for the minions alone.

Bootleg Rating: B-

MAN OF STEEL

Man of Steel

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: June 14th, 2013

Running Time: 143 Minutes












    
     First things first, Man of Steel was awesome, there is not much else for me to say but since this is a review, i'll get on with it.  With a well put together cast, Henry Cavill (Clark Kent/Superman), Lois Lane (Amy Adams) , Jor-El (Russell Crowe) and smaller parts by Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, and Kevin Costner, Zack Snyder has hit the nail on the head.  While Snyder may have had some help from producer Christopher Nolan as we all know from The Dark Knight Trilogy,  the dark feel, as well as dramatics made this film great from beginning to end.

      Born on the planet of Krypton, on the verge of destruction, a baby boy named Kal-El is sent away to planet Earth.  As he grows older, Kal-El/Clark by his human name learns that he is not from planet Earth.  Growing with abilities that  no man on Earth can possibly have, Clark learns that he is not only different but a hero in disguise.  Honing in on what his legacy will become, Clark will do anything to save the planet from destruction.  

     In terms of a reboot of a popular superhero movie, Man of Steel had astounding cinematography, from visuals of space to the darker setting, what more could you ask for.  Special effects in the movie were well put together also,  with explosions to the left and right, cars in the air, and even a tornado, you would think Michael Bay would have been attached to this film in some way.  None the less, we know everyone who is a die hard will have a problem with Superman not having the red spandex on the pants, but who cares, he looked bad ass no matter what way you try to swing it. 


     You do not have to be a superhero fan to enjoy this movie.  You do not even need to know back-story to enjoy this movie.  As you are taken into the early life of Superman, one can only appreciate how well Snyder has brought this film to life.  No question it will become a hit in the box office, so when the film is released, go watch it because you will not be disappointed because a symbol of hope is all you need. 

Bootleg Rating: A

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Star Trek: Into Darkness

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: May 16th, 2013

Running Time: 132 Minutes










     
     Star Trek: Into Darkness, is the sequel to 2009's Star Trek which follows the story of the Star fleet crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise.  Captain Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto) Uhura (Zoe Saldana) find themselves in a peculiar situation where a rogue Star fleet operative named Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch) causes mayhem.  The crew of Enterprise goes after Khan on a manhunt near a planet inhabited by a people on the bring of war with Earth.  The journey brings a lot of action, suspense, and twists to make this mission one to never forget.
   
     The story itself in this particular Star Trek film was good.  J.J. Abrams has done a very good job in regards to visuals and directing to make this one of the best movies of the summer season.  Cinematography was amazing, as the views from space, to all the action sequences flowed flawlessly.  I am not a big Star Trek fan and I never have been, however, this movie was very well made, and i could not complain one bit even at the end.  I recommend this film for Trek fans or not, as it is action packed, with a good story, and brief humor as well.

Bootleg Rating: B+