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+

The Hangover 3

The Hangover 3

Rated: R

Release Date: May 23rd, 2013

Running Time: 100 Minutes

             The Wolf pack is back!!!  In this third and final installment of director Todd Phillips trilogy, The Hangover, we have Doug, Phil, Alan, and Stu (Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms) who reconvene at the funeral of Alan’s father.  The family decides that it is time for Alan to have an intervention, and on the drive to the resort for Alan to remake himself, the guys get rammed by a Van, where inside is an Assassin named Marshall (John Goodman). Marshall claims that Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) has stolen $21 Million dollars from him, and because Alan still has connection with Mr. Chow, they could be the best chance to retrieve the money. Unfortunately, Doug is taken as hostage because if the guys do not follow through with the request, Doug will be killed. Leading them to Las Vegas once again, the wolf pack will do anything to save their friend. 

                A typical film with a great deal of laughs, no matter how ridiculous some of the jokes are is what makes this one of the better comedies which was average at best, that has come out over the past couple years.  While the cinematography was not as big of a factor, the effects of Las Vegas Skyline were a sight to see.  Everyone likes a good comedy movie to get the laughs flowing, and this one has just enough debauchery to leave the theater satisfied.  No matter how stupid or typical this film may be,  I recommend this it for any comedy fan, because a laughs are more entertaining than sitting through a dull movie. 

Bootleg Rating: C+

FAST AND FURIOUS 6

Fast and Furious 6

Rating: PG-13

Release Date: May 24th, 2013

Running Time: 130 Minutes

               

            
               Fast and Furious 6 (Also known as Furious 6) is the newest installment of the Fast and Furious franchise with some big shoes to fill.  Back in 2011, Fast Five hit theaters and impressed the box office with an astounding gross profit of over 200 Million dollars.  Now, two years later, Fast 6 is upon us, and it definitely filled the shoes left over by its predecessor.  Anyone familiar with the franchise is aware of the death of Letty (Michelle Rodriquez) in the fourth installment of the film.  However after watching the ending credits of Fast Five, you become shocked when you find out that Letty is not dead as we are left with the anticipation of the next film.

                You start off with some flashbacks of all the characters from the previous films, and then you come back to real time.  Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) is living the dream without a care in the world, on a beach, with more money than he knows what to do with.  When Hobbs (Dwaine “The Rock” Johnson), brings him a job to help him take care of Owen Shaw (Luke Evans).  At first Toretto says no but then he is shown the picture of Letty.  Within that whole sequence, Toretto believes that Letty is dead, but then decides to help Hobbs, under the condition that he finds out what happened to her.  Here, Letty is working with Shaw, and Toretto is willing to do whatever it takes to get her back.  Working with Hobbs, Toretto and the rest of the gang including (Paul walker, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Tyrese Gibson) go to London and engage in firepower, racing, and tanks. 

                With Justin Lin directing this film, which he has done since Tokyo drift (The third installment), we have become accustomed to good filmmaking, and Fast 6 does just that.  The series is not as much about racing anymore, but still has the nice cars, laughable one liner’s, and a good soundtrack.  The action scenes cause you to laugh and while a lot of stunts are conceivably flat out crazy, they leave you satisfied. 

                Overall I highly recommend this film for anyone who has enjoyed the Fast and Furious franchise since the first installment arrived in theaters back in 2001.  There comes a time, when some franchises must come to an end, but this one still has enough force to go out with a bang, especially with the after credits scene. (Woops)  From L.A. to Tokyo, something is bound to drive you crazy.  Now many will be happy to know a seventh film is in the works and due to be released next year.  Will this be the final chapter of the Fast and the Furious Franchise with all parts put together?  Maybe or maybe not, but that is a long time to wait to try and put together all the pieces of the story of family, friends, and high speed chases. 

Bootleg Rating: B+

The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: May 10th, 2013

Running Time: 143 Minutes

     "The Great Gatsby", based of F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel, has spawned four movies, and on May 10th 2013, a fifth film will be released.  The story is about a young man named "Nick Carraway" (Tobey Maguire) who has come home from war and wants to establish himself in the bond business.  Moving into a tiny house in Long Island, New York, Nick learns that he is the neighbor of "Jay Gatsby" (Leonardo DiCaprio) who lives in a mansion and brings Nick into his world of Parties, Riches, Tragedy, and Hope.

     With as many different renditions of the movie, "The Great Gatsby" began in a well mannered way, and has very fantastic visuals.  The special effects from fireworks, to crazy driving bring this film to life.  The only problem I had with the film is the use of 3D technology.  It was not needed, a couple of scenes did look pretty stellar, but with theaters charging more than enough money for movie tickets as it is, "The Great Gatsby" will be just as an amazing experience in 2D. 

     Even if you are unaware of the story-line and just want to see the film because of the actors involved,  "The Great Gatsby is a phenomenal movie.  Movies that are taking place during the roaring twenties usually do not appeal to me but this one did in a big way.  If you ever wanted to believe that you can go from absolutely nothing to everything you ever wanted, then give this one a whirl, because all HOPE is possible. 

Bootleg Rating: A