Aug 15 2014

The Expendables 3

The elite military specialists/mercenaries for hire known as the the Expendables face their most difficult opponent to date, the Expendables co-founder turned notorious arms trader, Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson). Now it’s up to team leader Barney (Sylvester Stallone) and his band of badasses to put an end to things; but, this mission will require extra help, young blood, and some old friends. Can the Expendables in fact stop one of their own and what about the the clash of new tech and savvy vs. old school braun? expendables3 Once again Hollywood’s roughest and toughest come out for another quintessential movie for action lovers, this time exercising the talents of Wesley Snipes, Harrison Ford, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Glen Powell, Antonio Banderas, Victor Ortiz, Jet Li, Ronda Rousey, and Kellan Lutz. Directed by relative newcomer Patrick Hughes and partially written by Stallone the tone and timbre of this latest installment fits right in with the rest of the franchise, a little quirky, able to make fun of itself, and all about that action boss. And, while there’s little to no new ground tilled in the plot line, the film’s light spirit ultimately makes for an easy watch as our favorite tough guys and girls roll with the punches and deliver one liners over and over; special nods to Banderas and Snipes, puss n’ boots personified really is as fun as it sounds and Snipes still has his edge just as sharp as we all remember, it might even be argued these two save the film and keep things interesting while the not so special effects and explosions droll on incessantly. Bottom line, we’re talking pulpy fun here, it’s not nutritious, it’s not filet mignon, but it sure is filling…sort of. Miraculously coming in with a PG-13 rating the Expendables 3 is out in theaters now.


Aug 8 2014

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Years since surviving a tragic laboratory fire, four turtles subject to mutagen tests, Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael (Pete Ploszek/Johnny Knoxville, Jeremy Howard, Noel Fisher, Alan Ritchson) have grown into humanoid versions of their original bodies. But growing up in the sewers of New York wasn’t always easy, former lab rat and adopted father, Splinter (Danny Woodburn/Tony Shalhoub), wisely spent their formative years teaching the turtles the ways of the ninjutsu for discipline and protection. But now, like most teenagers, the desire to get out of the house and explore the world has taken hold, before long vigilantes are made. As luck would have it, their timing couldn’t be better, the evil foot clan led by Master Shredder (Tohoru Masamune) has just launched plans to infect the city with a deadly virus. Will the turtles have what it takes to stop the terror and what about saving the woman who originally saved them, April O’Neil (Megan Fox)?turtles Shot using a large amount of motion capture technology, this reboot of the Ninja Turtle franchise manages to embrace new technology and newer pop culture yet maintain a fair amount of the original charm of the Ninja Turtles from 25 years ago. Of course, like many reboots we’ve seen in the last ten years, TMNT embraces a significantly darker world with grizzly potential for human casualties. Still, a delicate balance between the absurd/levity and darkness somehow manages to keep this film from the gallows; although, particularly violent scenes may make this a bit of a push for younger audiences. Slight departures from earlier established plot lines do make for a few raised eyebrows for sticklers about mutant mythos. Lack of creativity in the storyline is also a valid concern, but come on, this is a film about giant mutant ninja turtles, how seriously do you really want to take this? Maybe a matinee if you’ve exhausted your other action options at the theatre, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is rated PG-13.


Aug 8 2014

The Hundred-Foot Journey

After leaving their homeland under political distress the Kadam family eventually relocates to a small French village in search of creating a better life. For eldest son and accomplished Indian cook, Hassan (Manish Dayal), the move looks like a bleak choice; however, right across the street from the family’s new restaurant is the up scale french cuisine restaurant of Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). Oddly seduced by the ways of French cooking Hassan begins to teach himself the lessons of the Cordon Bleu; with a little assistance from sous chef and love interest, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), a fine chef is in the making. But, before Hassan can achieve greatness, approval from Papa (Om Puri) will be necessary. Breaking family tradition and winning the approval of Madame Mallory are just the first few challenges Hassan will face, will he ever win the heart of Marguerite, will he ascend to his destined greatness, and will Madame Mallory receive another prized star in the Michelin Guide for her restaurant?100foot Based on Richard Morais’s book, this light romance doesn’t break any rules, barriers, or expectations; the end result however is still endearing and plays out enough charming fabricated and predictable moments to remain palatable. Performances from the ensemble are all on par, although Helen Mirren’s dialect coach may have needed a bit more time to really dial things in, this is splitting hairs. So, lighter fare for the romance lovers, perhaps this Oprah backed option might make a matinee option. The Hundred-Foot Journey is rated PG.