Unbroken

It has been a glorious holiday so far, and I hope everyone else is having an amazing one too. I went to see some of the new movies, which entered theaters of this holiday movie season, and I went to see "Wild" starring Reese Witherspoon. Unfortunately, it was sold out, so instead of going home decided to see this one. Now, was it a good substitution or should have just gone home instead? Lets find out:

Unbroken- This is a true story about the life of American Olympian named Louis Zamperini played by new comer Jack O'Connell. Angelina Jolie gets her directing debut, and this is truly one amazing story of strong will on another level. Especially, when most people would've given up the sheer will to live.

The plot- You follow him when he was young getting in trouble with the law. Then his older brother convinced him to join the track team, and every day he trained Louis to increase his speed and endurance. Louis becomes so good he becomes an American Olympian, but dreams of winning the gold have to wait when World War II begins. Louis enlists into the air force, and on a rescue search for a fallen plane over the ocean. Louis' plane loses it's engines, and crashes into the ocean. From this point on the audience witnesses this man's struggle to hold onto life.

The acting was very well done. One of the scenes, which blew my mind was when Louis, and the other two surviving pilots were floating on a life raft. A medium sized shark is swimming by the raft, and the three men grab it by the tail, wrestling it into the raft. They killed it, and ate it. I mean, don't get me wrong, there were some powerful moments, but there were sometimes the movie just dragged on and on.

Final Verdict- 6.5/10, I did enjoy the movie, but I don't see myself running out to buy a copy of it on DVD. This is a good movie, but not pay 10 to 13 dollars to watch in theaters type. Save your money, Netflix all the way for this one.

Thats it for now, maybe i'll get a chance this week to see the movie, "Wild" the one i previously wanted to watch. For now this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

Now that my semester drawn to a close, i was able to finally get out there and see some movies. Its been awhile since i have seen one, and the inner nerd in me had my sights set on seeing the biggest nerd franchise of our generation. The final installment of "The Hobbit," so did everything come to a perfect ending, or did it shame the franchise that has been going on for nearly 14 years? Lets find out:

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies- As I have previously stated this franchise has been going on for nearly 14 years, and with that, it is odd to see it come to an end. I'm sure, in the future, more fantasy based movies will arise to satisfy people whom enjoy this genre, and put money in Hollywood's pockets. The special effects still blow me away, because these CGI effects are off the chain, and they still get me to say holy crap when something happens.

The Plot- This movie wastes absolutely no time, and takes place exactly after the second movie with the dragon, Smaug, attacking the town. Everyone is fleeing from the town, while Thorin Oakenshield is slipping into madness as the dragon sickness, from the cursed gold, is over taking him. While the Orcs are making their the ultimate attack on the Dwarven city to finally crush the Oakenshield bloodline once and for all.

The acting is top notch like it always has been in every one of these movies. The characters all get their moments to shine as the movie progresses. Then something happened during this movie I never thought would ever ever happen... Legolas actually runs out of arrows, and the face he makes when he does, even he can't believe it! Yes, it true kids, Mr. Infinite Arrows, runs out of arrows, and at the worst possible moment too. Not going to give it away! This movie had a very short amount of slow moments otherwise it was in your face action most of the time. Great fight scenes! Thorn vs. The White Orc on the frozen waterfall, top notch!

Final Verdict- 9/10, definitely a must see in theaters, because the surround sound and big screen does it justice. The characters are all likable, and get their moments to kick some ass!

This is it for now, and the holiday movies keep pouring in, and now that i have some free time I must get to reviewing again! This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Big Hero 6

Wow, its been quite some time since my last review, mostly because, well this school semester had me begging for mercy. Now, with that said I snuck off to see the newest animated movie "Big Hero 6." This movie was the first to be inspired by a marvel comic book for a Disney animated movie. Was it a good time, or did I wish the robot's batteries ran out for good? Let dive in shall we:

Big Hero 6- Back in the late 90's, when the first pixar movies started hitting the big screen, I remember saying wow this is really something. Nowadays, the computer generated movies blow those away. I mean, watch the first "Toy Story", and you will see what I mean how far they have come with the animated technology. I bring this up because the movie looked beautiful, a ton of eye humping candy to stimulate those senses.

The plot- Basically, a young boy named Hiro is super genius that is using his brains to hustle people in robot fighting. He is convinced by his older brother, to join the robotic school he is attending, and use his smarts to better society in some way. Hiro designs these tiny nanobots that respond to your every thought, through a head band. The tiny robots can take any form or shape, but when someone steals it for themselves to terrorize the city. Hiro and his friends set up to take the thief down by Hiro building super suits for each other them. Enter the Big Hero 6.

I thought the movie was decent, but nothing i would say I would watch again. I mean, if it was on TV i would watch, but I wouldn't go out of my way! Main reason is because, none of the characters, except for Baymaxx has that "it factor," where you are drawn into or make a connection to them. That's pretty rare for a Disney movie, but it does happen.. I mean there are some jokes, but mostly it was Baymaxx that got the big laughs through him being naive to human culture.

Final Verdict- 5.5/10- Characters were very forgettable, plot became cliche' and very obvious, and the movie was lacking something. I wouldn't see this in theaters.. save your cash and see it another way.

Thats it for now everyone, I am going to try to see another movie in the next couple of days. The school semester made it really rough, but the reviews must go on.. this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Fury

Well, still waiting for those big block busters to finally get here already, but I have to wait for the holidays. Until, then I am just sitting back catching some movies here and there. This is the first time in a long time I have seen a war picture in theaters. The last time was "Saving Private Ryan", so yeah, its been that long! Well, lets take a gander at this picture, was it a movie to remember, or was it a complete bomb? Let find out:

Fury- This movie takes place in the time period of WWII, and it really sets the tone right at the beginning. Not since "Saving Private Ryan" have I seen such true to life gruesome action scenes. I mean, I was terrified for the characters in the movie. Just seeing heads being torn off their bodies, or limbs being severed, not for the weak stomached.

The plot- Ok, basically, during WWII American tank technology was crap compared to German tank technology. This fact was demonstrated in one scene of the movie, where one German tank took on 4 American tanks, and it killed 3 out of the 4 before being taken down. Now, the story follows one tank crew, lead by "Wardaddy", played by Brad Pitt, and his crew, plus the slowly shrinking amount of tanks are fighting in Germany. They are capturing town after town leaving dead German soldiers behind them. Thats it.

I mean, the acting is top notch, the character development is superb, and the emotions during the whole movie, you just feel the hopelessness and despair of being in a war. The plot though, was kinda half assed, and to be honest, it didn't matter- because it was more about the people in the movie. How war was effecting them by breaking them down mentally, physically, and spiritually. This alone carries the movie into greatness, and maybe it overshadowed the plot.

I remember when I was young I always said I wanted to be in the tank, and it has to be the safest place on the battlefield. This movie shows how incredibly wrong I was in thinking that. The tank is basically a big, mobile iron coffin, and this movie shows just how crazy you would have to be to want to be inside these things. At the same time, showing you how devastating a tank can be on the battlefield.

Final Verdict- 8/10, the acting was tremendously well done, the special effects were top notch showing the gruesome truths about war. Highly recommend this film.

Thats all for now, this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Annabelle

Hey, hey... hey everyone welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and its that time of year when all the scary movies come out. I saw a scary movie where believe it or not, all of the scary scenes were NOT in the trailer.... I know, I know I was shocked too. Now did I enjoy this movie and was happy there was a lead in for another sequel, or did I want to burn that god damn doll along with this movie? Lets find out as we dive into this review:

Annabelle- First off, I had two little bastards talking during the entire movie, with that said.... Don't talk during the movie because it makes people like me want to rip your god damn throats out! Anyway, the movie is the prequel to the successful horror film "The Conjuring", which I thought was a great scary movie, and I remember giving it high scores in the Final Verdict. Now the prequel deals with the doll, Annabelle, from the previous movie, and its terrifying origin story.

The plot was a young couple, expecting a child, move into a new neighborhood. They are doing what many people do by starting a family together, and one night a pair of deranged psychos attack the couple in their home intending on killing them. Luckily, the police arrive in time to save the couple, but one of the psychos were able to place a curse as she laid dying. This is where the doll becomes possessed!

Now, the movie's running time is 1 hr. 39 mins... literally 45 minutes went by with the beginning scene with the psychos and one creepy scene. THAT IS IT! In a horror movie thats a life time before starting to scare people.

Then there was one really intense scene, with a chase up the stairs, if I say more I will ruin it, and the best scene in the movie. After that it was literally one pop scare after another, as if the movie was making up for lost time. Honestly, the magic from the first movie was lost, and the trailer for this movie was intense... but the movie failed to deliver!

Final Verdict- 4/10, The pop scares were intense, but by that time I was already pretty bored with the movie. Honestly, save your money and see this on cable or Netflix.

That is it for now, some movies coming out here and there, but I am mostly looking forward for the block busters to return this holiday season. Until then this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to.

The Maze Runner

Hello, everyone welcome back to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies. I have been away for a bit, I traveled Europe for the last 3 weeks of August, and I returned to a hard semester awaiting me. Now, I have gotten things in order it was time to see some of the latest movies. The thing about this time of year, there are no big block busters, but this is when you see all the horror movies for Halloween, romantic comedies, or some independent films. Usually, you can find a diamond in the rough, but mostly you dip your hand in and pull out a hunk of shit. Lets see if this movie was worth it, or should it have been left in the maze to rot.
 

The Maze Runner- During the coming attractions this summer this movie was advertised, and it really intrigued me on the premise of the film. I went in truly not expecting to be blown away, but I was still eager to see what this film had entailed for me. To be honest, it really didn't disappoint at all. The young actors for the film really gave a great performance all around. They were believable and the storyline didn't insult my intelligence, like many other films have in the past.

The plot- You start off, with a teenager waking up frantically on a rising elevator. You as the audience are just as confused as he is as he reaches the top, where he is greeted by a bunch of other young men standing above him, and he steps out to find himself in an unknown land with amnesia. The main teenager, Thomas, is played by Dylan O'Brien, where some people will recognize him from the "Teen Wolf" series, and he does a decent job acting in this film. He learns the ways these young men have survived by working together building a village for themselves. The entire village is surrounded by super high cement walls. An entrance opens every morning, which gives these boys access to a mysterious maze, and in this maze, mechanical monsters lurk. Thomas is convinced that inside the maze is where he will find answers to everyone's questions.

The maze gives off a terrifying vibe, within itself becoming a monster, and the movie does a great job of pushing that point to the audience. Watching some scenes as the maze moves walls and sections, you need to be in amazing shape to run around and survive. Otherwise, its game over and you will get cut in half or simply crushed.

Final Verdict- 7/10, it was put together well, and delivered some entertaining scenes. It was a good mind screw from beginning to end, which i really enjoyed, and it moved a decent pace. Good movie, worth paying 10 dollars for it.

That's it for now everyone, I will have some more reviews before the block busters return this holiday season. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Welcome everyone to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and today I am reviewing a movie belonging to a franchise I hold dear. It is very nostalgic to me, as I grew up watching Ninja Turtles every day after school and Saturday mornings. Now there were a ton of rumors how the movie was going to be done, and I finally was able to see the finished product. Now was it everything the heroes on the half shell should have been, or was I begging to go back to the original 1990 movie? Lets find out as we dive into this review:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-  Ok, for months after hearing all the rumors like the turtles being aliens, and other ways the writers were planning on changing the movie was driving me nuts. Please, don't destroy my childhood anymore... already destroyed Transformers for me. I have to say the new CGI turtles looked pretty decent, but a tad "hulked" out. I mean, they were freaking like 6'8" or 7' tall. To be honest, its hard to believe something that big and bulky could be an agile ninja moving with great stealth.

The plot, well, once it was revealed it truly sounded like something a Saturday morning cartoon villain would try. I mean, releasing a deadly virus to make the people of New York city deathly sick. Then they would use the exacted mutated blood from the turtles to create the antidote to make a fortune. The turtles have to stop Shedder and the foot clan from succeeding in their plans.

Ok, here are somethings that bothered me about the movie:

1) The movie felt rushed as all holy hell. It was like the writers were like, "Hey, you, the audience, you should already know who the turtles are, so lets race through the story." This made the origin story feel weak and really forced.

2) Every chance they got they needed to make a reference to how hot Megan Fox is...we get it, she's hot. I mean, her performance was decent, but nothing memorable. Honestly, any hot piece of ass with some decent acting ability could have filled her spot.

I did like the action sequences they were really top notch, and they really redeemed the movie for me. Plus, the relationships between the four turtles really showing how they were siblings interacting together. How they really loved and cared for one another, and of course all the one liners they had for one another. I liked when they were alone they acted immature, and less like big tough guys. Perfect example, is when they were in the elevator attacking the foot's home base. They began doing a song by clanking their weapons and making noises with their mouths. Classic!

Final Verdict- 6.5/10, It was a decent film for nostalgic reasons, but it had its flaws, nothing severe. If you are a fan of TMNT then check out this movie otherwise I would skip it.

This appears to be the end of summer block buster season, and it was a blast watching and reviewing all the movies. I mean, there will be some movies in the next couple of months, but the block busters won't be here until the holidays. I'm leaving for a month to see Europe, so I won't be here to review the remaining movies of the summer. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Guardians of the Galaxy

The summer block buster season is coming closer to an end. We are coming to the month, where the best of the best is thrown our way, and your favorite movie reviewer is there to get the info for you to save your money or not. Now this next movie, did i want to rejoice, or did I want to shoot a rocket into my eye? Lets find out as we dive into this review shall we:

Guardians of the Galaxy- To be honest, when i first heard about this movie I had mixed emotions, and I really leaned to not wanting to see it. Then I saw the trailers for it at the beginning of almost every movie this summer. I have to say I began to love the characters more and more. The trailer gave this very easy going, happy feeling with its perfect choice of a song, and the movie had that feeling literally the whole time.

The plot was simple yet engaging at the same time. It had the main character, Peter Quill aka Star Lord, stealing a mysterious floating orb from an old ruin. He is suddenly engaged by these men demanding he hands over the orb immediately. He is able to escape, but is now a wanted man! Then one by one enter all of the characters. Our heroes struggle to keep the orb, containing one of the infinity gems, away from a powerful villain named Ronan.

Each character had it own time to shine, and each had surprisingly enough time to show their personalities very well. Hell, in 2 hours and 2 minutes, there was a tremendous amount of character development. I mean, each of the five people you really kinda fell for them. Take the character, Rocket for example, you learn that he hates what he is, and hates the fact that he was even created. Don't you dare call him vermin or a pest! You really feel for him. The characters are, like I said, extremely likeable and charismatic. They all have their moments of comic relief and one liners. One of my many favorite lines in the movie was this:

Rocket: Don't bother explaining it to him. It will just go over his head.

Drax: It will never go over my head. I'm too fast! I will just catch it!

The line was delivered so well, with just a dry sense of humor that I just lost it when it was said. The movie overall was written well, and everything just flowed nicely. The action scenes were heart pounding with loads of eye candy, and then you mix that together with comic relief... BOOM, you got a hell of a combination there ladies and gentlemen for a summer block buster hit!






Final Verdict-10/10, It honestly has everything you want in a movie and more. Tons of action, great character development, and huge must see in theaters! Highly recommended for everyone!

That's it for now, loyal readers as I get ready to see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles this Friday... and I'll try to sneak that in before I go away to Europe for an entire month! This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Sex Tape

Welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and today I am reviewing another summer comedy. Did this movie make me want to cringe, or did it make me want to buy the "tape"? Sit back as we dive into this review shall we:

Sex Tape- Ah, another comedy for the summer, and I went to see this film during the matinee with my girlfriend. Glad that I did mostly because this is completely a couples movie. Poking fun at sex, the things men do in long term relationships, and what women do in long term relationships. Then it covers how that transpires over to getting married and having children.

The plot is a couple played by Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel meet and fall in love right away. Then they just can't seem to satisfy the sexual hunger the two have for each other. They have sex everywhere in every possible place imaginable.... then they get pregnant and get married. We fast forward to years later, where the couple is boggled down with everyday life, and they begin to miss the passion in their once vigorous sex life. They decide to make sex tape, and before the husband can delete it... it uploads for everyone of their friends, family, and even the wife's boss to see. They immediately begin to try on a quest to stop the uploading of the video to save themselves of embarrassment. Shenanigans ensue!

I like both Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel together, and I think they have great chemistry and a believable couple. I am glad they are back together again, much probably to do the movie having the same director from "Bad Teacher." Honestly, its a pretty squeaky clean comedy, and it doesn't have that many obscene scenes.... then again I could be desensitized, who knows!

 Final Verdict- 5/10, it was a nice feel good movie, some laughs, but not any hearty, gut busters like many other comedies i have seen in the past. Its worth seeing, but more of a Netflix or HBO movie.


That's its for now, Some big movies coming out that i really need to see, "Guardians of the Galaxy" and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".... the inner child in me is screaming to see this film. I still have to go see the new planet of the apes movie. Well until then, this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

How to Train Your Dragon 2

Hey, everyone and welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and today I am here to review the animated genre of movies. Probably a tad late on this one, since its been out for about 3 weeks already, but I figured I would still give my 2 cents. Nowadays, animated movies are becoming more and more for all ages with their hidden adult jokes, which seem to fly over all the youngsters heads, and the adults get to enjoy the movie on a different level. Well, lets get on with the review shall we:

 How to Train Your Dragon 2-  The first movie was incredible, with loveable characters, and a pretty straight forward, solid plot line. It became an instant favorite of mine, and if it is on TV, I always make sure I watch it. Now the second movie has come out continuing the story, a few years later, with the viking village continuing their lives with their new dragons. All the same voice actors return getting the movie onto the right start.

The plot is the chief of the village, played by Gerard Butler, wants to name his son, Hiccup played by Jay Baruchel, the future chief. Hiccup has other plans for himself, as he wants to discover the world with his dragon, Toothless, and continue creating new inventions to better the villager's lives. This of course causing friction between Hiccup and his father. One day, Hiccup learns there are new enemies capturing dragons for their own personal gain. These men are working for the villain, Drago played by Djimon Hounsou, and he plans on building a dragon army to rule to the world. During a brief scuffle with the villains Hiccup is rescued by a mysterious stranger whom lives amongst the dragons. Enter the new character of the movie, Hiccup's mother, which is revealed in the trailer, so no I didn't spoil anything.

The movie overall had the same chemistry with the characters, and I enjoyed them greatly. The visuals were bright and basic eye candy! The story line was a little weak, and seemed to start to fall flat when the mother was introduced. I mean, really she has been gone for 20 years, and she couldn't return to her family in that time. It was revealed there was an alpha dragon, so I'm pretty sure they could've survived fine without her. Plus, Hiccup and his father were so easily forgiving to her for pretty much choosing her love for dragons over her family. That's whole another can of worms, I will stay away from, because I could on an on about how ridiculous that plot appeared.


Final Verdict- 7/10, It was a good movie, but I felt the first one was much better. The visuals alone are worth seeing in theaters.


Thats it for now, loyal readers! More summer movies to conqueror as we are half way through this summer blockbuster season.... This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Hello, boys and girls and welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies. Today, I am reviewing another Michael Bay movie, which is taken from my childhood, a simpler time, and lets see if he smashed my favorite toys into the ground. Did my inner child scream for more, or did it just scream? Lets find out:

Transformers: Age of Extinction- So, this is the fourth installment of the Transformer franchise, and the fourth time Michael Bay is the director. What hasn't been said about these movies in the past that can't be said now? The plot takes place immediately following the big attack on Chicago, and the American government  has declared war on all Transformers, Autobot and Decepticon alike. Leading this crusade against the robots is played by Kelsey Grammer, who in my opinion played a really diabolical villain. I don't care what many people say, I really like Kelsey Grammer, and think he does a great job in whatever role he plays. Plus, hes teaming up with a Transformer, who was sent to collect Optimus Prime and others, so he can bring them back to the "creators."

Then we are shown the new humans the story will revolve around now. Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) and his daughter Tessa Yeager (Nicola Peltz), and probably the most forced comic relief, side kick, Lucas Flannery (TJ Miller).... i loved when he died, because I couldn't take another second of him! I know its a spoiler, but trust me he brings nothing to the film other than annoyance.

The action was like a sexual orgy for the eyes, with big robots and explosions, exactly like all the other previous films. The only things that ruined the film for me were:

1) No matter what happened to the main human characters they never received any injuries. For example, Bumblebee is doing like 60 mph, and transforms into his robot form, and he ejects Tessa out of him. She tumbles around, violently, along the black top coming to a stop, and shes completely unharmed, gets up and starts running. No road rash, not even a fucking scratch, but shes sweaty and basically glows on camera. There are more events in the movie like this... apparently when you hang with the transformers you become super human!

2) Constantly throwing Dinobots in our faces on the previews, the big cardboard cut outs, and everything advertised for this movie was pushing the big bad Dinobots. They are in the last 25 minutes of the movie, and Optimus simply releases them from the ship, a quick fight and boom they are helping. I felt cheated on waiting for so long to see the Dinobots on the silver screen.

Final Verdict- 7.5/10, its a decent movie, a guilty pleasure like the others, and they even set it up for a 5th installment. Its worth seeing on the big screen, but if you're not really a fan, then just wait for DVD or Netflix.


More movies on their way, even another movie from my childhood involving Michael Bay. Oh, well please don't suck! This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

They Came Together

Hey, everyone and welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and today we are going to tackle a movie genre I usually don't review. The infamous and formulaic romantic-comedy.... I mean I do watch them on occasion, and I don't see anything wrong with them. I just don't go and see them in the movies... because, well, the movies are expensive, and why go see something I already know the obvious ending too... Anyway, lets sit back as I review "They Came Together", lets dive in:

They Came Together- Ok, the girlfriend wanted to go see a romantic-comedy, so I said of course, lets do it! Well, getting ready to enjoy the movie with my lady, when this abomination begins. Basically, the plot, is two couples are on a double date. One fairly, new couple still very much in love, and a bored married couple. The new couple played by Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler are explaining how they met. Now, I have seen these two in previous films before and they are very funny people. Should be comedy gold, right? No! I get this awkward, telling of their story, and I think they were trying to be some sort of parody in the story. By making fun of stereotypical things in romantic-comedies, EXCEPT, it came off annoying and irritating.

My funny bone was no where near tickle... after watching this film for about 25 minutes, which was 25 minutes too long, my girlfriend and I looked at one another and said, "Lets get the fuck out of here." We went and got a refund and traded that in to see "Transformers 4: Age of Extinction." I'm literally writing this review while waiting in line for that movie.. hopefully that wont be a total suckfest like the movie we just left. Its been awhile since I have left the movie theater in the middle of a movie! FUCK THIS MOVIE! If you have read my blogs then you have witnessed me awarding a perfect 10/10 now feast your eyes on the FIRST EVER 1/10.

Final Verdict- 1/10, trying to be funny... only to come off like that annoying guy in the classroom you want to tell him to shut the fuck up! Don't see this movie!

I'll post my review on Transformers 4 tomorrow, until then this Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

22 Jumpstreet

Hey boys and girls, your favorite movie reviewer is back in action giving you a heads up on the featured films this summer season. Well, I went to see another comedy, yes, the third comedy this season... DEAR GOD, PLEASE don't let the only funny parts be in the trailer like the last two films....Oh, could I actually get a great laugh at this movie, please?...sigh. Well, lets see what i thought of this movie, and did it make me want to literally jump into the street? Lets find out:

22 Jumpstreet- Well, HOOO-FUCKING- RAY, finally a comedy that made me laugh and feel like my money wasn't wasted at theaters. Ok, let me calm down, first off, there were a ton of funny scenes, and not all of them were in the trailer. Gee, maybe "Neighbors and "A Million Ways to Die in the West" should take notes and learn how NOT to do that!

The entire cast has returned for this sequel, which I have stated time and time again you need coming out the gates, and everyone has the same bad ass chemistry they had in the first movie. Nothing has changed. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum both play off each other extremely well. Plus, you have Ice Cube, who has been playing the same character for the last 20 years. You know the "I'm a pissed off black guy and don't fuck with me." persona, which he plays in every movie except for the "Are We There Yet?" movie franchise.

The plot literally is the exact same as the first film, and the movie pokes fun at this, and I thought that was kinda funny. The only difference is this time our heroes are in college, and Channing Tatum gets into the "in crowd" and Jonah Hill was ostracized. Problems ensue only for them to realize how they love being friends! Besides the film, being literally the same movie, the laughs are there, and there were a few times I couldn't breathe. Especially, the scene involving Jonah Hill's sexual experience and Ice Cube... I can't any further or I'll ruin it, but it was comedy gold!

They poked fun of making more sequels, and if they do I hope they are as good as the first two films.

Final Verdict- 9/10, Highly recommended, if you enjoyed the first film then you will love this one.

Well, that's if for now as more films come out this month, and I can't wait to review them all... this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

Maleficent

Hey everyone, well, I was able to see all the current blockbusters I really wanted to view. Well, until next month, lol... anyway, I saw the newest movie released by Disney. Now, did I want run for the hills while watching this, or was it an impressive twist on an old fairy tale? Lets find out as I review "Maleficent."

Maleficent- Well, I was blown away when I first saw the trailer for his movie months ago. The lines that got me to say, "I need to see this movie." Was the young Aurora walks up to the dark forest,

"Come out, I know you're there," says the curious Aurora, "Don't be afraid."

"I'm not afraid," Maleficent replies.

"Then come out."

"Then you'll be afraid."

Chills ran down my spine and I said yup need to see this film. Angelina Jolie nailed this part, and she really gave a presence that she would eat your heart. Her face is so angelic, it really helped to sell her appearance as this angel/fairy character. I think her performance as the Maleficent was amazing. She had charisma and a sense of evil from a tortured soul. She made you believe this character is real, if you get what I'm trying to say. She blew this part out of the water, and thats probably because she was the only big name in the cast. Most of the other actors I feel anyone could've played their parts to be honest.

This movie, had all the characters from the fairy tale, like the 3 little fairies, Prince Philip, and Aurora with her royal family. Now without giving too much away in the review, the twist in this film is it actually gets you to root for Maleficent. When I watched "Sleeping Beauty" as a youth, I was like fuck this evil bitch! Then after I saw how Maleficent was wronged and betrayed by the King. I was like yeah fuck that baby! She deserves to be curse!

Funny how, when things are shown at a different perspective, suddenly you could be rooting for the "villain." The only complaint I have about the movie is it was too short! 1 hour 37 minutes. It was such a engrossing storyline that it just flew by, and before you knew it.. poof it was gone!






Final Verdict- 9.5/10, Strongly urge people to see this movie. It was a great twist, and done so very well. If I go on anymore about this film I'll give too much away.

That's it for now everyone, see you all in June for the next round of summer block buster films to come out in theaters, and I'll be there waiting to review them all. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Hey, everyone, welcome back to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and today I am reviewing the second comedy to come out this summer blockbuster season. These are tricky genres due to majority of time people see all the good parts in the trailers. Now did i enjoy this movie, or did I hope to die in the west from this stink fest? Lets find out as we dive in:

A Million Ways to Die in the West- I did have high hopes for this movie as I went to see it, because I laughed every time I saw the trailers for it. When the movie began I found it pretty funny, but then I noticed a pattern during the film. It was Seth MacFarlane dropping "F bombs" and setting up the next joke or pun. This formula works on family guy, but here I felt it didn't really work as well. Plus all the really really funny scenes I have already seen on the trailer, so my fears walking into the theater came true. I mean I enjoyed all the actors in the movie, but Seth needs to stick to voice acting with all his crazy voices.

The plot is really simple Seth MacFarlane is a sheep herder whom loses his wife to another man. Plus everyone seems to want to kill him over the silliest reasons. He uses wacky antics to resolve each encounter throughout the film. Then you watch some of the most gruesome death scenes as you see how people die in the west. Then he meets Charlize Theron, and she shows him the ways of the gun fighter as hes in a dual to the death with Liam Leeson's character.

I don't know thought the movie was funny at times it was lacking something, and i really couldn't put my finger on it. I thought the movie "Ted" was far better, and wished I enjoyed this film as much as that one. Oh well, I guess.


Final Verdict- 4.5/10 It was funny, but most of the best parts were already revealed. Some cool cameos through the film, which redeemed this movie at times, but honestly save your money and wait for cable or Netflix for this one.


Thats it for now as I go literally right now for breakfast and then go see "Maleficent" , so I can review that movie asap for you guys. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Godzilla

Hey everyone welcome back to Phil Goes to the Movies, and today I am reviewing a nostalgic genre. The good old monster fights, destroying cities, and people running in a panic state. Oh, I loved those! Especially, "Godzilla" movies, and the cheesy special effects...oh, good times! Back in 1998, I went to see the Matthew Broderick version, and well it was a god damn disaster! This time I am hoping they got it right, lets find out as we dive into this review:



Godzilla- Well, went into this movie with high hopes... ok, first off I wanted to see Godzilla, not a movie about a soldier, played by Kick Ass himself, Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Following this guy around mostly, with his little love story...sigh!

The little kid inside me was like, "Time for monsters, yet?"

Movie replies, "Shut up! Watch the soldier! Monsters are coming!"

I only got to see glimpses of the monster until the final fight, which was the last 20 minutes of the movie, and by then I felt like it wasn't enough!

Bryan Cranston was shown to be this big character for the movie as he appears alot in the trailer. He has a few scenes, but again its mostly about the soldier... I felt like they were pushing Bryan Cranston in your face, and all the scenes from the fights in the last 20 minutes of the film to get you come see the movie! I guess they were trying to appeal to the "Pacific Rim" crowd, another shit movie, don't get me started on that one!


Final Verdict- 6/10, Honestly, wait until HBO or Netflix releases this, and save yourself your money! The characters were well acted, but i felt it needed something more... it was lacking! The final fight was amazing between the monsters, but it took too long for the movie to get there!


This is it for now, I kept this review short because there really wasn't much to say about this film. Next week "Maleficent" is coming out along with "A Million Ways to Die in the West", and I'll be there to review them. So this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

X-MEN: Days of Future Past

Hey, everyone welcome to another edition to Phil Goes to the Movies, and I hope everyone really likes the new lay out of the blog. I want to thank an amazing woman I was blessed with for giving a woman's touch, and making this blog prettier on the eyes. Thank you sweet heart, I love you! Today, I return to review another super hero title. This is the second of the superhero movie block busters coming out this summer. Did it make me rejoice in its victory, or did I want to back in time to stop myself from ever seeing this movie? Lets dive in:

 X-MEN: Days of Future Past- Ok, when i saw this trailer back in January, I couldn't wait to see this movie. The songs chosen for it stirred emotion and got me amped up. Because when i was younger, three comics i loved to read were Spider-Man, Incredible Hulk, and X-MEN. Well, the casts from both the X-MEN trilogy and the newer X-MEN: Origin movies come to together in this film. I love everyone they chose to play the characters on the silver screen. I love it even more they are the same people for the last 10 years still playing this parts. So important for any kind of sequel to successfully work, so they were already on the right track.

The plot, real simple, is humanity created Sentinels to defeat the mutant threat once and for all, but the Sentinels designed to protect the human race turned on them. Now they have declared war on both human and mutant alike. Due to the fact that humans give birth to mutants, therefore, logic dictates destroy them all to wipe the threat for good. The surviving mutants devise a plan to send someone back in time to stop this terrible future from ever existing.

There was some really powerful scenes when the Sentinels were just unleashing on the mutants, and killing them just brutally. You felt the hopelessness they portrayed as each hero was being struck down one by one. The acting was top notch, and there were a lot of laughs here and there between characters with playful banter. Unfortunately, I can't go too deep about the things in this movie because it might give things away!

The only thing I had a problem with, and this is very small and very trivial. Kitty Pride aka Shadowcat, some how had the ability to send someone's conscience back into the past. I was unaware she had this "ability", but like i said its only something me as a fan had a problem with... so I'm just sharing as a fan.

Final Verdict- 9/10, it was hands down the best X-MEN movie to date. Brian Singer returning as director was the best thing for this franchise. I highly recommend for everyone to see this in theaters whenever they are able too.

More movies to come this summer block buster season, and I will be there for all of them for you guys. This way you know which movies are worth your hard earned money! For now this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

Neighbors

Hey everyone and welcome to another edition to Phil Goes to the Movies... today, I went to see one of the first comedies of the summer block buster season. Now, comedies, much like horror films are a tricky genre, and I'll tell you why that is... Majority of the time you see all the good stuff in the previews, and you're left with trash for the rest of the film. Now did this movie leave me with trash, or did I enjoy hanging out with my neighbors? Lets found out as we dive into this review:

Neighbors- Okay, so the people that brought you, "This is the End," which I loved, brings us their newest comedy. Now, I remember seeing the trailer thinking i have to see this movie. The moment that sold me was when I saw Seth Rogen, being launched into the air by something attached to his office chair. Plus when I went to see the movie opening night, it was sold out, and other websites gave this movie great reviews. I was really ready to sit down and laugh my ass off!

The plot pretty simple, this fraternity, Delta PSI moves into the house next door to a couple, played by Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne. They try approaching the frat boys by trying to be cool and edgy, but they come off corny and well I'll say it "OLD." A some what understanding is made, but the frat boys proceed to shit all over it. In turn making the couple call the cops on them due to the noise from too much partying. This sets the tone for the entire film! Shenanigans ensue!

I was expecting to laugh my ass off, and I got a few giggles, and laughs here and there. At no time did I have one of those gut busting laughing spells, where you can't breathe and tear up from laughing so hard. When I watched "21 Jumpstreet", this happened multiple times during the movie, but not during "Neighbors" not at all. For starters, I really didn't give two shits about the main couple. They had shit chemistry, and well maybe its me, but I'm kinda getting tired of Seth Rogen. He's been playing the same freaking guy for like 10 years now! I dunno, maybe all the hype ruined the movie for me, because I was expecting a ton more from this film. Instead, all I got was a drunken frat boy taking a shit on my chest as I slept AKA a real stinker!


Final Verdict- 5/10, its an average comedy at best. I mean, you could wait for it to come out on DVD, or you could go see it in theaters. I feel its a one time watch, yet this film is very forgettable with nothing making it stick out in your mind or any kind of quotable lines.


That's all for now, there are four more titles coming out this month alone, I'm really looking forward too, "Godzilla", "X-Men: Days of Future Past", "Maleficent", and "A Million Ways to Die in the West." I'll be there to review them all! For now this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Sooooo, excited for this summer block buster season, so many movies I want to see. Welcome back everyone for another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies. Today, I am reviewing one of my favorite superheroes of all time, Spider-Man. Now, did the sequel make me want jump for joy, or did it make me want to hang myself with web shooters? Lets find out as we swing into this review:

The Amazing Spider-Man 2- Ok, I was one of those people that were pissed off when I saw the trailer for this film because they did show waaaay too much. Even though, I practically saw the movie for free, thanks to the jackass editor of trailer I went to see it anyway. Now, its hard to really review this movie without giving too much away, so I will do the best I can not to ruin it for my readers. Before, I dive in, people have been asking me, who do i prefer as Spider-Man, Toby McGuire or Andrew Garfield? Ok, real quick, I like both actors and their betrayals of the character. I do enjoy Andrew Garfield more, I guess because the writing for the character is just better. I believe thats the fairest way to decide. Because, if Toby's version wasn't written so EMO, it would have been a harder choice between the two. Okay, I got that out of the way, back to the review.

The plot continues a little bit in the future, where Peter and Gwen are graduated high school, and time seems to be moving along as they as continue their romance. Peter is seeing Gwen's father more and more guilt stricken from the promise Peter made to the dying man to stay away from Gwen Stacy. This causes a rift in their relationship as it being tested constantly in the film. At the same time, dealing with other issues in Peter Parker's life such as family and returning friends. Plus, finding out more about his parents.

The villains, Jamie Foxx is a talented actor, so it was no surprise to me that he would play a great part as the murderous, unstable Electro. I loved the way he looked and he moved around, with that freaky theme song he had playing every time he was on screen. When he use his powers it was visually stimulating to say the least. Dane DeHaan, played a very different Harry Osborn, where in the comics Harry was always shown as a meek character, and this version portrayed him as a ruthless business man-getting what he wants... SPOILER, Rhino is in the movie the last 5 minutes of the movie, so no big loss there, not sure why they said there was 3 villains in this movie where it felt more like 1.5 villains.

I had some issues with the movie, but they were small nothing to really deter me. One that stands out in my mind the most, is the scene, where Gwen Stacy insists on helping Peter defeat Electro. She states like 2 to 3 times only she knows how to get the system back online. When she gets to the room, theres a plastic cover, with big red letters on it saying,"MASTER RESET." Really? Spider-Man couldn't have figured that out? Was there a great amount of training to learn how to pull a freaking lever?

Final Verdict- 8/10, I enjoyed watching Spider-Man swing through the city, the fight scenes were eye candy to watch, and I really liked the people chosen for their roles.


Go see this film yes, its the movie is long, but what big block buster isn't in the 2 hour plus mark anymore? Well thats it for me for now, many more reviews on their way... This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

Oculus

Hey everyone, welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, moving right along with all the movies coming out this season. I went to see a horror film, now I have to say i usually don't go and see these types of movies in theaters. Now heres why, usually they are freaking terrible and I lose out on my hard earned money. Sometimes you get that rare gem, like "Insidious" or "The Conjuring", and sometimes you get crap... anyhow, Lets see if which side of the coin I felt this movie fell onto as we dive in:

Oculus- Well, I went into the movie looking to be scared, or at least get some cheap jump scares thrown at me. I was optimistic to say the least, and the movie starts off right away with children being terrorized in their house hold. They are running around away from a man with a gun, that turns out to be their father. Some evil presence is chasing them as well, and before you can really get a grasp on what is happening, BOOM! You are transported to ten years later following the brother and sister.

The sister, I'm assuming, is an antique dealer as she pulls some strings to get her hands on this strange antique mirror. While, it's being ready to fixed and shipped out, she approaches the mirror, and it shows her it has terrifying powers. Her brother is being released from a mental institute, from the events of the night ten years ago. She immediately wastes no time asking him if he would fulfill his promise to her. The sister reveals to the brother she found the mirror, and she needs help destroying it. The siblings go back to their childhood home, with the mirror, where they need to face the demons of their past, and relive the night of their parents' deaths. The sister has set up all of these precautions, to protect herself and her brother from this evil, energy vampire mirror. She goes on telling all this investigating she has done on the mirror. Discovering everyone that has owned the mirror has died some terrible way. She even has pictures to back up her claims. Of course, the brother doesn't believe her, but he apparently is suffering from suppressed memories.

Now, apparently the mirror can't be smashed, due to it having the ability to screw with your mind. It plays the ultimate mind games with you, controlling you to the point you where you will always fail in destroying it. The sister has designed this "fail safe" a 20 pound anchor with additional 20 pound weights on it, hanging from the ceiling. Its on a timer, so no matter what it will swing killing the mirror... FORESHADOWING AT ITS FINEST!

Now the plot starts out really solid.... Unfortunately, it gets stupid from here... instead of just destroying the mirror and being done with it, this girl wants to "out smart" this demonic mirror. She "feeds" it by allowing it to feed off a dog. The dog leaves the house never to return, and this makes the dog the smartest character in the movie! After gathering enough energy it begins to take over the minds of the siblings slowly. So smash it now right? Nope! They have realized over and over again its gaining more strength off of them, and deceiving them more and more. Smash it now, right? Nope, lets continue to play right into the mirror's hands! Fucking dumb!

The movie started off as a scary movie only to turn into a frustrating psychological thriller. Every time they had an opportunity to smash the mirror, they would do the exact opposite. I became bored half way through the movie as it was just beating around the obvious ending! Its been a long time when a movie ended and I can hear the people in the theater saying, "This sucks." or "Fuck this movie." Definitely wanted my money back after this shit show!

Final Verdict- 3/10- the lowest score ever given in the history of Phil Goes to the Movies. Super strong beginning, only to dive into a downward spiral of garbage, with a super crap, "gee, didn't see that coming" ending! Save your money, and watch this when it comes on cable. The only good thing to come out of this movie, was seeing the sister, a super hot redhead in a nighty.


Thats it for now, boys and girls, as I return to hopefully redeem my trust in movies on the next review. So many more movies coming out, and I will be there to give my honest reviews. For now this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Welcome one and all to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and I am here to review yet another superhero movie. Seems like there are going to be many superhero movies this year, and I'll be there to review them all. Today, I'm looking at "Captain America: The Winter Soldier". Did it deliver, or did I want to throw myself into traffic after watching it? Lets find out as we dive into this review.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier-  This would be the 3rd movie involving the characters post "The Avengers". Seeing how the last two were quite the lack luster, I was really hoping this one would hit home. The best part is the characters have already been established in a few movies already, so all the set up is out of the way. This means we get to the good stuff right away, and this movie wasted no time with the action. Right off the bat, Captain America and the Black Widow are teaming up to rescue some captured agents of shield from some terrorists. This scene was so well done, in my opinion, due to the chemistry between the two characters. One by one they take out the armed guards as they have some witty banter. This just made it appear more as if the characters were extremely comfortable in their element.

One thing this movie did right was it gave each character a chance to shine. I got a chance to see more development of the Black Widow as she showed she's incredible intelligent as well as a bad ass in combat. I especially loved how she kept trying to set up Captain America, romantically, when she kicking people across the room, and she doesn't even bat an eye lash in the process. The one thing I found comical was no matter what happened to her, her hair never became messed up. She was shot, thrown around, nearly blown to pieces, and countless other stuff, her hair never seemed to be out of place.... maybe thats her super power!

The newest edition to the line up of superheroes is Falcon played by Anthony Mackie. He really gave off that feeling he would do anything for a brother in arms. He was very likeable and again the chemistry between him and Chris Evans was believable and honest. I really like the look they gave him over the really cheesy comic verison.

The fight scenes in this movie were fantastic, and it really showed Captain America's superior fighting capabilities in hand to hand combat. The only thing that rubbed me the wrong way, and its really small.... but i gotta bring it up! Theres a scene in the movie where a bad guy is shooting a gatling gun at our hero, the captain. Now, Captain America is using the trademark shield to block the bullets and run at him. Soooo not a single bullet dared to hit something other than the shield... my point is his legs are completely unprotected. I'm not a combat expert, buuuut if a super solider was coming at me, blocking all my bullets with his shield. I would aim for the unprotected KNEE CAPS, just saying! I guess, when your name is thug #33, you don't think of these things.... oh well!

The villain, played by Sebastian Stan, his character was actually pretty bad ass as the Winter Soldier. It was nice to see that, post "The Avengers" we finally had a villain that could leave an impact. Now, I can forgive this guy, for being the villain in the movie, "The Covenant"... you are redeemed sir!

Final Verdict- 8.5/10, it had many moments of seeing the super heroes as just people, which was very well done. The action scenes were really well done, and the actors were all well chosen for their parts. I would definitely recommend seeing this in theaters, and this movie got me pretty pumped for the Avengers 2.

Well, thats all for now boys and girls, still have a plethora of movies i wanna see this coming blockbuster season. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

300: Rise of an Empire

Heellloooo! Its has certain been a bit since i have done a review, but the spring movies are starting and I'm here to review. Welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and today I am looking at the blockbuster 300: Rise of an Empire. Now, did it deliver a great movie like the first, or did it fall flat like a set of CGI abs? Lets dive in shall we:

300 Rise of an Empire- Ok, now i was a huge fan of the first 300 movie, and i found myself quoting many lines from it. I even went out and bought a copy of it as soon as it came out on dvd. Now, when i saw there was going to be a sequel, I was really excited to see how the story would continue from the death of Leonidas. Well, the first action scene opens up, with people being slaughtered by Greek soldiers wearing blue capes this time. Ok, the coordinated fight scenes were awesome, except one thing that kept distracting the hell out of me. It was the CGI blood! Every 12 seconds, i have to see all this fake ass digital blood, and yes, I am aware they don't use real blood in movies. Now, in this case it would've been better to see something more realistic, and not this computerized crap! I mean, every attack with a sword, literally caused an explosion of blood, which looked over the top and ridiculous... pretty much ruining the moment for me!

Now for the plot, well this time we follow, Themistocles, played by Sullivan Stapleton, he's attempting to reunite Greece to fight, as one country, against Xerxes. He says together they can defeat the god king, and for all of them to stop caring about their individual wants and needs. Themistocles even stands before the council insulting them, and telling them what he plans to do with or without their assistance. Swear to christ, i have seen something like this before... now, what was it? Oh, yeah thats right, its called Braveheart, where William Wallace did the exact same freaking thing. Except when Mel Gibson did it, he had a thing called charisma, and this new leading man, Mr. Stapleton, does not.

Plus, another thing that bugged me was how they said Spartans are the strongest and fiercest of all the Greek soldiers. Ok, but these guys weren't Spartans, and the feats of physical impossibilities they demonstrated contradicted everything said in the first film. Cause, hell one guy jumps off a cliff, about 20 feet high, onto a ship slashing a guy without breaking a leg. Then all of his buddies do the same thing. Then i watch them throw Persians around like rag dolls, where some fire fighters i know, personally, who are very strong men couldn't whip fully grown men around like this. So then, all Greeks are supermen? If that's the case then why would they need to ban together if they have super human powers... aka fucking dumb!

Anyway the movie tries to link the first and second films together by events taking place the same time the legendary 300 were at the hot gates. While doing all these flashbacks about characters and such... I don't freaking know! How about just telling me a story and stop trying to lean on the first movie as a crutch. I mean, making references are one thing, but I dunno... the plot sucks, there, I said it!

Now, we have a new villain added to the mix, this bad ass woman general, whose skills with a sword are unmatched to any man alive. This female general is played by Eva Green, and she's a tyrant in her ways of achieving victory. Now, after they spent literally, the whole movie building her up to be this bad ass. I was expecting more from her, than what she did. Basically, in a nut shell, she talks a big game then has an awkward sex scene with, Themistocles, and then some bullshit sword fight later on in the film. I felt like she was forcing the idea, she's "crazy" rather than just making it appear natural. Once again, another movie created another very forgettable villain. I always push the fact that an action movie needs two things right off the bat or it fails. A charismatic hero and a villain that stands out amongst the rest. Oops, they dropped the ball on both... like I dropped money to see this film.

Final Verdict- 4/10, It was barely average at best, honestly, it didn't deliver anywhere near on the same level as the first movie. The blood effects were annoying as hell, and characters I could careless about them! Do not see this in theaters save 10 dollars, yet if you must see it... then wait until dvd or any other way to watch the film.


Well, that's it for now boys and girls, I will return with more reviews as more and more blockbusters start releasing. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

American Hustle

Holy shit, its that time again to review another movie... welcome back to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies. I had some extra time to check another movie, which came out during the holidays, so this review will finally close out the holiday season movie reviews. Then we go through that lull until the month of May, where big business, movie companies begin slamming us with all the summer block busters, and they seem to start earlier and earlier every year. I enjoy this because it means less of a lull, but I'm veering off and starting to ramble... Today, I want to look at the movie, "American Hustle", was it any good and worth the price? Or did this movie hustle me out of my money? Lets dive in....

American Hustle- I wasn't sure about the movie's plot other than it had some big stars and was set in the 70's. I imagined with the word "hustle" in the title, there had to be some sort of douche baggery going on, and I'm assuming some betrayal between the cast of characters. Well, the movie opens up telling the story of Irving Rosenfeld, played by Christian Bale, and how he learned early in life how easy it is to hustle people out of their money. He later on meets up with a girl named, Sydney Prosser, played by the beautiful Amy Adams, she is a hustler as well by constantly changing her identities to get what she wants. These two characters refer to hustling people, or being con men to simply surviving or they are survivors. The chemistry between these two characters is real and genuine. Watching them take people for their money, was damn near poetic, but one day they try to take the wrong person. They are caught by FBI agent, Richie DiMaso, played by Bradley Cooper, and he pretty much forces them to work for him to take down crooked politicians.

That's the plot for the most hand, and it seems to just flow as you (person watching the film) get lost into this world of betrayal and deceit. The acting was amazing on all sides of the spectrum, and you really felt as though these characters were real. Christian Bale, yes he played a shitty batman, but this guy what he does with his body for a role is astounding. He lost all the muscle he gained from playing the dark knight, to a frumpy guy with a gut. Its obvious hes dedicated to any role he takes on, which is really respectable, and just shows the level he will go to play whatever role. Amy Adams, dear lord, can you say sex symbol? She was gorgeous! She had me confused the entire movie where her true motives lied, and you she was truly loyal too. Not to mention, Jennifer Lawrence, playing a completely different role from what I'm used to seeing her, where she plays a very ditzy woman, and she thinks everyone around her are the stupid ones. Sad thing is I know a few women like this in real life, sigh... they do exist!

Overall, I can't see any of these actors not getting some kind of rewards for this movie. I mean, their acting made all the characters seem true to life. There was some sex scenes,which they were done tastefully, leaving it to the imagination, but then again there was enough Amy Adams' side boob to last a life time!


Final Verdict- 9.5/10, The movie was a little slow at times, but the acting from all the actors made up for it. The characters were genuine and realistic! The only thing i wish it had was some more action at times to help the slow moments. Highly recommend to see this movie in theaters.

That's it, for now my friends... I am getting some requests lately to check certain movies out for people, and its kinda getting exciting where people actually give a shit what i think about a particular movie. I will try to review some of the requests soon, and if you have any requests feel free to contact me to ask either my opinion or to review a certain film for you. Until then, this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

Anchorman 2

Hey, everyone welcome back to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and I will be closing out the holiday season with this film. Yes, there are other movies out right now, but i can see them some other time. Plus, I'm limited on time to see the other films i wanted to review... oh well, lets focus on the movie at hand, "Anchorman 2". Was the movie hilarious? Or should this news team be canceled for good? Lets dive in shall we....

Anchorman 2- I was a big fan of the first film, and remember laughing my ass off when seeing it for the first time. Hell, i still laugh at the jokes to this day, and my friends and I still make movie references and quotes to one another. When I found out, there was going to be a sequel I was excited at the same time concerned. Here's why... It's extremely rare for a sequel, especially a comedy, to be as good as the original, so i went into the theater open minded and eager to see what was in store for me.

The plot seemed to make as much sense as any other Will Ferrell movie, and it appeared to have some thought put into this one. The movie did follow the number 1 rule for sequels, and that is to recast all of the actors and actresses from the first movie. Everyone returns to replay their characters, which i was very happy to see, and of course Steve Carell returns as Brick Tamland, my favorite of all them. The jokes were spot on as I laughed a lot during the film, but the one scene I was almost unable to catch my breath. The scene in the RV, where the news team is all sitting in the back talking about good times, and they realized cruise control doesn't steer only maintains speed. Use your imagination from there.... but it was my favorite scene of the movie!

Plus, there were far more cameos in this film, than the last first movie, and it was so over the top it was awesome. Hell, even the trident makes a return... great stuff!

The one main thing I didn't like about the film, was how they recycled many of the jokes from the first movie. Yes, they were funny! No where near as funny as they were the first time they were used. The Austin Power movies were guilty of this as well, and i guess they figure if it's not broken don't fix it. Now if there was an Anchorman 3, there better be newer jokes!

The movie also seemed to drag on at times with the story, yes it was funny, but it could've been sped up a bit. It was like this up and down feeling, when the movie was good it was good, and when it was bad, you get the point!

Final Verdict- 7.5/10, The movie was good, and it was great to see all the characters again up to all new shenanigans. Unfortunately, I say wait to see this film on DVD, I mean it was good, but not worth 10 bucks to see it.

Well, that's it for now ladies and gentlemen, stay tuned for more reviews coming your way. There are a lot of good movies coming this year, and I will be here to review them for you all... For now, this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!

47 Ronin

Hey, hey, hey, welcome back to another addition of Phil Goes to the Movies, and I am here to review some of the last films of the holiday season. Then we have that long break until the summer season, where i will review all of those block buster movies as well, but lets get to the movie at hand. Did "47 Ronin", impress me? Or did make me wanna find the nearest, sharpest object and plunge it into my eyes? Lets dive in:


47 Ronin- After watching the coming attractions for this film, I was blown away by the beautiful cinematography. The landscapes with its luscious and rich forests and grasslands, seemed to really stand out. The colors chosen for all the costuming, for the characters, really seemed to pop for my eyes to bask in it. At this point, you understand I'm pushing how great the movie was visually. Now a movie needs to be more than just eye candy, right? Well, this movie delivers more than just a pretty face... First off, the action sequences were really well done, and yes, there weren't many of them. However, when it was time for a fight, I was not disappointed. The fight scenes were fast pace and choreographed very well. The opening scene, where the samurai were battling this magical, beast of burden, and it was very appealing to the senses. The special effects were really top notch in this film... lately movies have become lazy with CGI making way too noticeable, but this movie pulled it off no problem.

The actors and actresses chosen for this movie did an amazing job, the characters really felt genuine and deep. The emotions of pain, loss, and anger were really delivered well in their whole hearted performances. Of course, they had some familiar faces, such as Hiroyuki Sanada, who played the captain of the samurai in "The Last Samurai". Weird, how he returned to play another bad ass captain of the samurai in this film.... what can we say, give this guy a blade and he will kick some ass. Then of course we have, which shocked me, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, you might remember him from his role as, Shang Tsung, in "Mortal Kombat", playing the Emperor.

Now for the 500 pound gorilla in the room, Keanu Reeves, playing the role of a white male ronin in an all Asian cast. Ok, first off, he really didn't do that bad, in fact, he was great for the character he portrayed. The story explained he was the child of an interracial relationship, and he was considered a half bred by the people around him. This character didn't steal the show making him the sole hero, which i really thought was a great way going about it, and he shared the position of hero with the other characters. Unlike, in "The Last Samurai", where the white guy was the last remaining hero, which caused a lot of controversy when it was in theaters, and I thought it was funny how people were offended by the ending. Even though, it was titled "The Last Samurai", starring Tom Cruise.... what the hell did you think was going to happen?

Now with all that said, I would have to say, my favorite character in the film had to be the shape shifting witch, played by Rinko Kikuchi. She was sexy as she was creepy, and she really stole each scene in my opinion. They gave her two color eyes, and she became a white tailed fox one scene, and in the other she merely a dress blowing in the wind. A great villain for the film.



Final Verdict- 7/10, I really enjoyed the film as a whole, but if i were hanging with some friends and they wanted to watch a movie. The choices were random others and this film, it would depend on the other choices. I'm not saying this movie is terrible by no means. I'm just saying it was better than the average action movie, and seeing it once was good enough for me! If it was on HBO, i wouldn't turn it off, but i wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again.

That's all for now, I have a few more films i want to review before closing the doors on the holiday movie season. Until then, this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!