FINDING DORY REVIEW

The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish reunites with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.

Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks, and Ed O’Neill

Directed by: Andrew Stanton, and Angus MacLane

Written by: Andrew Stanton  

  In 2003, Disney introduced audiences to a small clownfish named Nemo, his father Marlin, and their new friend Dory in the underwater adventure“Finding Nemo.” While Nemo won the hearts of many, it was clear Dory stole the show. The forgetful fish was down right hilarious mostly because she couldn’t remember much for more than a few seconds. Now the three fish are back in “Finding Dory,” where Dory is the center of the story.

 Nemo is a cute little clownfish, but nothing will prepare audiences for Dory as a child. She has a tiny body, which leaves audiences clued to her bright eyes. There is plenty of the young Dory, as the movie is filled with flashbacks to her childhood. Dory uses these flashbacks to help get her through her current adventure, which is to find her parents.

 Instead of traveling all over the ocean this time, the adventure quickly narrows to the Marine Life Institute. Along with her flashbacks, she gets some help from some new friends in order to navigate her way through the institute in search of her parents. Each of her new friends have some of the same silliness that Dory has, including Hank. Hank is a very serious octopus, who provides the most help to Dory because he’s on his own adventure. Oh and don’t worry, audiences will get to see some old friends too, including a certain bunch in a bonus scene after the credits.

  Overall, there are some similarities between “Finding Nemo,” and “Finding Dory,” especially in how this adventure begins. However, there are enough differences for the audience to enjoy. The only problem for this movie is that Dory isn’t quite as hilarious this time around mostly because she acts more aware of her memory loss, and tries harder to remember things. In turn, the new characters are asked to make up of some the comedic slack, and they do a decent job of it. Audiences waited a long time for this movie, and they won’t be disappointed. I give it 4 stars!

  HorrO

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION REVIEW

 Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate - an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Jeremy Renner, and Simon Pegg

Directed by: Christopher McQuarrie

Written by: Christopher McQuarrie, and Drew Pearce

  After "Mission Impossible 3" in 2006 many thought the franchise would end there. However, in 2011 came "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol," which seemed to revive the franchise. To no surprise another movie would be on its way in the form of "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation." Ghost Protocol set the bar high, so could Rogue Nation continue the new found momentum for this franchise?

There's nowhere else to start when talking about Mission Impossible other than with the action. The action made Ghost Protocol, and it does the same for Rogue Nation. There are several fantastic action scenes, starting with a funny one right off the bat. Ethan (Tom Cruise) jumps on a plane, and is hanging on for his life as Benji (Simon Pegg) tries to remotely open the door to the plane.

 

The action gets much more intense than that. Of course there's a car chase, and it doesn't disappoint. It's a nice high-speed chase involving a bunch of motorcycles, and a smooth BMW. In a scene that's a little different, Ethan has to dive into a sealed chamber with no scuba tank. He only has a few minutes to hold his breath, and accomplish his dangerous mission. That's pretty suspenseful, but nothing like the ending scene.

 

The ending is all set up by a great story. This mission really does seem impossible until the very end. The Syndicate has a step on Ethan the entire time. It doesn't help that the U.S. government takes aim at Ethan and the team as well. One of the great things about the story is the involvement of Ilsa (Rebecca Ferguson). The audience continues to wonder whose side she's on, as she plays both sides throughout.

As expected, the acting isn't a problem. Tom does a terrific job, as he seems to have found it very comfortable playing Ethan. Also, he does a great job in the action scenes. Rebecca does a nice job of never giving away her character's intentions. Simon is always welcome with his well-timed humor. Jeremy completes it all with his serious role as William Brandt.

There's no doubt that both Ghost Protocol and Rogue Nation are action packed movies. The action has carried the franchise to new heights. In "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation," the action just gets bigger, and bigger. Tom has taken the challenge with many of the stunts, and has done an awesome job. It doesn't hurt that a great cast surrounds him. With that said, I give this movie 4 stars!

HorrO 

BY THE SEA - New Trailer Starring Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt

The new trailer for Universal Pictures’ BY THE SEA has just debuted online.

Written, directed and produced by Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie Pitt, BY THE SEA serves as her directorial follow-up to Universal Pictures’ epic UNBROKEN. 

The dramatic film stars Brad Pitt and Jolie Pitt, who are supported by an international ensemble led by Mélanie Laurent, Melvil Poupaud, Niels Arestrup and Richard Bohringer. 

Watch the trailer: http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/universal/bythesea/ 

BY THE SEA – In Theaters November 13

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #ByTheSea

BY THE SEA has been rated R (Restricted – Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) for strong sexuality, nudity, and language

Synopsis:

Written, directed and produced by Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie Pitt, By the Sea serves as her directorial follow-up to Universal Pictures’ epic Unbroken.  The dramatic film stars Brad Pitt and Jolie Pitt, who are supported by an international ensemble led by Mélanie Laurent, Melvil Poupaud, Niels Arestrup and Richard Bohringer. 

By the Sea follows an American writer named Roland (Pitt) and his wife, Vanessa (Jolie Pitt), who arrive in a tranquil and picturesque seaside resort in 1970s France, their marriage in apparent crisis.  As they spend time with fellow travelers, including young newlyweds Lea (Laurent) and François (Poupaud), and village locals Michel (Arestrup) and Patrice (Bohringer), the couple begins to come to terms with unresolved issues in their own lives.

In its style, and its treatment of themes of the human experience, By the Sea is inspired by European cinema and theater of the ’60s and ’70s.

Jolie Pitt is joined behind the scenes by a key crew that includes cinematographer Christian Berger (The White Ribbon), who used his Cine Reflect Lighting System to shoot the film; production designer Jon Hutman (Unbroken); editor Patricia Rommel (The Lives of Others); and costume designer Ellen Mirojnick (Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps).  Pitt joins her in production duties, while Chris Brigham (Inception), Holly Goline-Sadowski (Unbroken) and Michael Vieira (Unbroken) serve as executive producers. 

Genre: Drama        

Cast: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Pitt, Mélanie Laurent, Melvil Poupaud, Niels Arestrup and Richard Bohringer

Written and Directed by: Angelina Jolie Pitt

Produced by: Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie Pitt

Executive Producers: Chris Brigham, Michael Vieira, Holly Goline-Sadowski

See Marvel's Ant-Man...In Lego Bricks!

See Marvel’s Ant-Man…in Lego bricks!  Lego celebrates this miniature hero with supersize strength!

Check it out on Lego’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/LEGO

ANT-MAN

MARVEL STUDIOS

Website and Mobile site: http://marvel.com/antman 

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/antman 

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AntMan 

Genre: Action-Adventure

Rating: PG-13 

U.S. Release date: July 17, 2015  

Running Time: 117 min.

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Tip “T.I.” Harris, Wood Harris, Judy Greer, David Dastmalchian and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym

Director: Peyton Reed

Producer: Kevin Feige, p.g.a.

Executive Producers: Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Michael Grillo, Stan Lee, Edgar Wright

Story by: Edgar Wright & Joe Cornish

Screenplay by: Edgar Wright & Joe Cornish and Adam McKay & Paul Rudd  

STORY SYNOPSIS:

The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Marvel’s “Ant-Man” stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang aka Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Tip “T.I.” Harris as Dave, Wood Harris as Gale, Judy Greer as Maggie, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, and Michael Douglas as Dr. Hank Pym. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, p.g.a., Marvel’s “Ant-Man” delivers a high-stakes, tension-filled adventure on July 17, 2015. 

ANT-MAN REVIEW

Armed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, and Corey Stoll

Directed: Peyton Reed

Written by: Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd, Stan Lee (comicbook), Larry Lieber (comic book), Jack Kirby

  The Avengers movies were gigantic. The Iron Man movies were colossal. The Captain America and Thor movies were huge. Now enters “Ant-Man,” featuring one of the tiniest super heroes around. While Ant-Man might be small, can "Ant-Man" accomplish big things in theaters?

Not to take anything away from Paul Rudd, who plays Scott Lang/Ant-Man, but I honestly was concerned about him playing a super hero. Sorry, but I just didn't see it. Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Chris Evans seem to fit their roles at first glance. Well, I was wrong because Paul ends up playing the part just right. I thought he would take it too far in the comedic route, but he handles the seriousness and action scenes with no problems.

  Actually, the entire cast fills their roles just perfectly. How can you go wrong with Michael Douglas, who plays Dr. Hank Pym? Evangeline Lilly, who plays Hope, proves she has come a long way since 'Lost.' Corey Stoll plays the villain, Darren Cross/Yellowjacket. He does an excellent job of giving the audience a villain they can hate more and more as the movie progresses. And not to be lost in the shuffle are Scott's gang of con men, played by Michael Pena, David Dastmalchian, and T.I. All three, but particularly Michael, deliver the perfect well-timed humor.

While there isn't a shortage of humor, this is a super hero movie, so where's all of the action? Well that's the biggest complaint I have with it. Being the first in this apparent franchise, the audience has to sit through the typical set up of how the regular guy becomes the super hero. Don't get me wrong it's not boring. It just would have be nice to see another action scene or two earlier on. Maybe replace one of the continuous ant training scenes with action somewhere else.

However they make up for any perceived lack of early action by super sizing the ending action. The audience finally gets to witness the show down between Ant-Man and Yellowjacket. There's plenty of fighting, a giant explosion, and a few surprises. One of the best parts is when miniature Ant-Man and Yellowjacket are fighting on a Thomas the Train play set. It's hilarious when the camera pans out and the audience gets to view the train set almost as if a ghost was playing with it. Another great trick they do through out the movie is having Ant-Man change from big to small, and small to big in a flash.  

This couldn't be a Marvel movie without a tie in to another super hero movie! There's a terrific scene where Ant-Man and Falcon come face to face for the first time. While Ant-Man tries to play the "I'm a super hero too" role, Falcon isn't buying it. The two square off in an exciting fight that will leave the audience waiting for round 2! While Ant-Man isn't part of the Avengers yet, he still has his own team. He has an army of ants, each able to do something unique in order to help him with his mission. The most fun is watching him fly on one of their backs.

"Ant-Man" turns out to be a welcome addition to the current Marvel roster. No, it's not at the gigantic level some of the other films, but it does enough to hold it's own. Paul Rudd proves that he can play a super hero. The entire cast plays their roles perfectly. While it might have been nice to see a little more action early on, they end it with a super sized bang! It will be fun to see how Ant-Man is incorporated in the upcoming Marvel movies. With that said, I give it 4 stars!

  HorrO

***There are 2 post credit scenes so stay until the very end***