Avengers 2: Age of Ultron

Oh, man, I am excited...so excited! Its that time of year again, summer blockbuster season, and your favorite reviewer is here to give the low down on the big summer blockbusters. Well, the season gets a huge HULK sized kick off with this film, so lets start the review:

Avengers 2: Age of Ultron- Well, the first "Avengers" film was astounding! It's even rated it a 10/10 on my Final Verdict scores. Now, three years of seeing screen shots of the filming of the movie, rumors being throwing around on the internet, and then adding to the mix some awesome trailers. I was very much hyped for this film, and I think all of that might been my downfall. It's a Marvel movie even if it wasn't the greatest, I have noticed walking at least satisfied and got my moneys worth.

Plot- I'm not sure what the time frame is exactly in the world of the Avengers, but they have been busy since the big attack on New York City. Captain America calls the shots at S.H.I.E.L.D., and leads the team. After an opening battle scene, Bruce Banner and Tony Stark discover an A.I. inside the scepter from the first film. Things happen, boom Ultron, save the world, honestly, if I go any further I will spoil things.

The cast, has the same amazing chemistry they did in all the films, which I love the most, and I am so glad that wasn't lost or tarnished in anyway. The problem I have with this film is, well, it wasn't really that over the top. Sure, the fight between Hulk and Iron Man is really good, but the team fights, really seemed redundant at this point. Yes, they were fighting a horde of robots at the end of the movie, BUT WE HAVE SEEN THIS ALREADY... How is this DIFFERENT from fighting a horde of aliens like the first film? Plus, there was so much being thrown into the mix, I thought i needed to bring a pen and paper to take notes. This way I can go back if I missed any of the plot to read later!

Final Verdict- 8.5/10, Go, see the movie. I mean, its still a comic nerd's wet dream, but the big climax scenes become redundant quickly.

More movies to go, This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

50 Shades of Grey

Hey, hey, hey, everyone it has been a bit since my last review, but I'm back baby! I had a request from an old friend to review this movie, and who am I to deny him an honest review. Well, lets get on with it:

50 Shades of Grey- Ok, in the laws of math a negative multiplied by another negative creates a positive. This cannot be used in the world of literature. For example, when a crap author inspires another crap author you will not get something amazing. Then again, there are these people out there who support this type of crap. Oh, well, I guess thats why i'm writing a blog and they are millionaires! Sigh!

Plot- Well, this billionaire playboy, super sexy model type man meets the very typical, innocent, sexy, librarian type woman. Now, right after they have an encounter he becomes interested with her. He then chases her out of lust, and he starts immediately controlling her over the phone. Later on he gives her an actual list of things he would want to do with her. Shes agrees to do some of the kinky acts, and the two proceed in acting out some intense S and M engagements.

Ok, huge problem right off the bat, the two main actors have ZERO chemistry. Now, I know this is inspired by Twilight, but that movie had something going on in the back ground to help push it along. For example, when will the vampires and werewolves begin fighting one another. If Bella and Edward have a half-breed baby, the vatican will come and kill them. I can't believe I used Twilight in a positive way, sigh. Anyway, this movie doesn't have that... it just has this relationship with sex. Whoopie DOO! I could have gotten the same out of watching soft core porn on Cinemax. Plus, no woman would allow a man to dominate them like this gentleman does so quickly. One scene, he calls her and finds out shes drinking and demands she stop immediately. No girl I know, would allow such a thing to happen. They would just hung the phone like nothing happened. Especially, with a guy they just met, oh wait hes filthy rich... never mind the woman would deal with it!

Final Verdict- 2/10 Freaking snore fest... I would say save your money and watch this on Netflix, which you pay a month payment, but you're still required to still sit there wasting your time!

This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

American Sniper

Hey, everyone, how are we today? I been really busy taking care of a few things here and there for everyday issues. I was able to see this telling of a true story of an American hero. Honestly, I have noticed there are many of these true life stories being made lately. Anyway, was this movie a snore fest, or did it move me at all? Lets find out:

American Sniper- Well, I have been hearing such great things about this movie I had to check it out myself. It seems as if Hollywood isn't rebooting old movies, they are making true stories based on true events. This has to be the third one I have seen in the past month and a half. The other two being, "Unbroken" and "Wild". This one, however, didn't drag like the other movies did, and maybe because there were so many things happening. Seeing through the eyes of a sniper, and what was expected of them in modern warfare. It really was eye opening and jaw dropping.

The plot- You follow the true life story of Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper), during his time of service in Afghanistan. He earns the nick name "The Legend", due to his many confirmed kills. He served four tours of duty, which were all voluntary, and you have really respect this type of patriotism. Then you watch as he tries to desperately adjust to civilian life after his time in the war, such as being a husband, friend, and father to his children.

Bradley Cooper has come along way since his days of "Wedding Crashers" and "The Hangover". He has given an amazing performance, and he packed on 40 pounds of muscle for his role as a navy seal. I could honestly see him getting at least a nomination for this role. There was one pretty funny moment (not intentional), where his character and the wife were arguing, and he was holding the baby. It was really obvious the baby was a doll, and it was very distracting. When you see this movie, trust me you will see it. Plus, its been a long time since I have seen a movie, when it ended the movie theater was completely silent. This should give an idea of the impact this movie had on the audience.

Final Verdict- 9/10- Very inspiring film, great acting all around, a must see

This is it for now boys and girls, I will return with more reviews soon enough, this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Wild

Well, finally got to see the movie my lady wanted to see, and to be honest I had no idea what to expect. I usually don't run to see the "chick flicks", but I promise that being said it will not deter me from giving an honest review. Lets dive in shall we:

Wild- Another tale of a true story for this holiday movie season. The acting was really genuine from all the actors and actresses involved in this film. Reese Witherspoon gave an academy award winning performance. It was really outside of her usual acting range and a things she's never done-namely nudity! Laura Dern portrayal of the care free, loving life mother appeared very natural.

The Plot-  Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon), has decided to take a personal journey down the Pacific Crest Trail, which is over 1200 miles, and along her adventure she remembers all the things from her past good and bad. Each memory you see flash backs of her mother giving advice, or her abusive father. Another time you see her addiction to heroine, and how she cheated on her husband multiple times. She meets many people along the trail, in her search for her own divinity, as she is able to put her demons to bed.

Overall the movie, though intriguing, with plenty of character development, it came off slow sometimes. I mean, a bear attack or something would've sped things up a tad. The movie really didn't need to be 2 hours, but then again what do i know. Regardless, I can see myself watching this movie again. Its worth the price of admission, but then again it couldn't hurt to watch it on Netflix.

Final Verdict- 8/10- great acting and there were some memorial scenes.

That is it for now, some really great dramas coming out in the month of January, and I'll be there to review as many as I can before school starts again. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

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!

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!

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!

Frozen

Hey, boys and girls guess where i went on this extremely cold December night! Yes, its true i went to the movies.... i know, i know it wasn't hard to figure out, but welcome to another edition of Phil Goes to the Movies! This time around i dive into the newest Disney animated feature, and the question did it hold up to all the other Disney animated features before it? Or was it left out in the cold? Lets dive in shall we:


Frozen- I went to this movie not really sure what to expect to be completely honest, so i was open to see what disney had in store for me. First off, I want to say this movie was by far one of the most beautiful eye candy animated films i have seen in a long time. The way the ice appeared as if it was real, and the back grounds were jaw dropping. Disney seemed to stick with its roots with this feature, because the music was extremely emotional, and the women they cast to sing were astounding. The one song, "Let it go" you could just literally feel, the passion of a young girl allowing herself to be truly free after years of fearing her magical powers. The characters were all extremely likeable, ranging from the sisters to Christoph and his reindeer, and of course the loveable snow man, Olaf.

Unfortunately, heres where disney done fucked up... the movie felt extremely rushed. Nothing was really explained! Here's one thing i think should have been explained, WHERE THE HELL DID THE MAGICAL ICE POWERS COME FROM? This is never explained at all, you are just suppose to except it, and this young princess has to carry this heavy burden of these powers. After nearly killing her younger sister, the ice princess must live in seclusion, away from her younger sister and the world fearing what havoc her powers might inflict.

Another thing is, where was the villain in this movie? If you seen the movie, yes, we know who the villain is, but by the time that character is introduced to be the villain the movie is nearly over! In the beginning of the movie, they seemed to hint towards, the ice princess would become evil or she might unlock something evil with her powers. Unfortunately, nothing like that came up or remotely close to it, and it could have opened a whole another spectrum on the movie.

When the movie would actually try to push some character development or actual plot, it would explode into another song. Ok, the songs are performed amazingly, but they don't mean dick after they are done and the movie hasn't gone anywhere. Stop singing and tell me a freaking story... try explaining to me like i dunno... where the ice powers came from? How did the king know the rock trolls? Why didn't the rock trolls remember, the sister when she revisited them again later in years? Honestly, nothing is explained, its like you sit in a roller coaster, and you just fly through the movie.

"Hi, i have some questions for you, Movie," said Phil

"No, time! Lets sing!" replied the Movie.

"No, seriously, stop for a second!" Phil demands,"Where did the ice powers come from?"

"Here, look a funny snow man," says the Movie,"Listen to me sing again."

"Sigh, fuck it! Sure, sing again i guess."

Now, heres where some people are going to be like, "Really, Phil?" The snow man, Olaf, I liked the character he was funny and extremely likeable, BUT he didn't really add anything to the story. Honestly, the movie would have been fine without him... i mean don't get me wrong, the idea of the little guy melting made me want to jump in the movie and save him, myself.

Final Verdict- 7/10- The visuals and songs were unforgettable and breath taking, but the movie lacked a lot of things. Yes, it did show the empowerment of women and the sisters' love for one another. The movie felt like it was written by a 14 year old girl, that left out a lot explanations about plot points. I still say to go see the movie to experience on the big screen and stereo sound, but go during the day for the matinee.

This is it for now, next time i am going to conqueror and review the newest installment of the Hobbit coming out next week... This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have too!