Jul 17 2015

Ant-Man

Just released from prison, professional cat burglar Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is looking to go straight with the hope of getting to see his young daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson). Convinced to make one last score by housemates Luis (Michael Pena), Dave (T.I.), and Kurt (David Dastmalchian), Scott discovers a special suit with amazing powers and the ability to shrink to the size of an ant. Now a reluctant semi anti-hero Scott/Ant-Man will have to learn the origins and potential of the suit from it’s inventor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), and his untrusting daughter Hope (Evangeline Lilly). Armed with this new knowledge it appears Scott will be responsible for stopping Dr. Pym’s protege, Daren Cross (Corey Stoll), from selling the secrets of the Pym particle to evil superpower Hydra. But, what if this one ant can’t move this rubber tree plant? antman Delving into the world of Marvel once again to unearth yet another Comic character Director Peyton Reed has managed to assemble the pieces of this spirited underdog story with semi tongue in cheek. Well cast, Paul Rudd strikes the balance of average Joe with a sense of humor capable of turning on a dime to become a superhero and the film succeeds because of it. Scaling back from giant meteors crashing into the earth or dimensional portals opening up to swallow our universe Ant-Man stays ironically well sized to deliver punches, explosions, and train car hopping on a much more reduced scale; roughly Lionel size HO for those of you train buffs out there. This fun romp of a summer popcorn chomper stands up and delivers, and, from a cinematic angle, for the first time in a long time the 3D perspective actually makes sense. Comic fans, it’s worthy of your time, Ant-Man is rated PG-13.


Jul 17 2015

Mr. Holmes

Retired 30 years, an aged Sherlock Holmes (Ian McKellen) is haunted by his last case and the sadness that surrounds its outcome; all the while, Holmes is dogged by a slowly failing mind and faculties. But, with the help of his housekeeper Mrs. Munro (Laura Linney) and her young son Roger (Milo Parker) perhaps there will be solace? And, what about peace of mind for the grown son of a Japanese politician (Hiroyuki Sanada), will Holmes be able to write one more story to appease the family?Holmes Directed by Bill Condon this beautiful homage to the man the myth the legend, Sherlock Holmes, is lovingly crafted to show new but completely logical dimensions around Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original work, all based around Mitch Cullin’s novel. And, for McKellen, heart wrenching highs and lows are found rounding out a fantastic performance that entrances, humors, and brings the viewer effectively into a freshly post World War II world. Excellent work by Linney does not go unnoticed either. Delicate scoring by Carter Burwell dances throughout the film adding further depth. One of the Summer’s smartest and most worthwhile films to date, this is one fully worthy of your attention. Mr. Holmes is rated PG.


Jul 10 2015

Amy

Digging into rarely seen footage, family videos, unheard audio cuts and other rarities, this retelling of the short life of Amy Winehouse points out those who shine twice as bright burn out twice as fast; a tragedy to the music industry overall. Careful and thoughtful insight offers a new found respect for the artist often thought to be a brash train wreck of substance abuse, poor manners, and an unkempt bed. Worthy of your attention and a fine tribute to an artist snuffed out way before her prime. Amy is rated R. Amy