X-Men: Days of Future Trailer

This doesn't come out until next year, but BAYBAY...I CAN'T WAIT!!!!  From the trailer it looks like it's where X-Men: The First Class and X-Men: The Last Stand meet.  Who cares what's it's about, really?  I'm all for it!!!

The Counselor - The WTH!!!

You ever watched a movie, left the theatre, and thought, "what the heck"?  That's how I felt after watching Ridley Scott's The Counselor.  I left baffled and confused, and I was pretty much that way throughout the entire film.

Where to start?  I don't really know what was happening in the movie, but I'll tell you what I got.  A Texas lawyer, known as The Counselor,  played by Michael Fassbender, makes some sort of deal, I'm assuming illegal, with this flashy man, simply named Reiner, who makes a lot of money, which I also will assume, illegally.  Reiner is played by a spikey-haired, Versace-wearing Javier Bardem.  Reiner's woman of the moment is Cameron Diaz.  I never learned her name.  I also never learned her purpose other than by any means necessary fouling up their deal and getting someone's money.  Brad Pitt plays some sort of Texas middle-man.  He's in and out of the movie, and I never really understood his role either.

I assume all dealings are illegal because the movie takes place in Juarez, Texas and somewhere in Mexico.  There is a lot of mention of The Cartel.  What the deal was, and who else is involved?  I have no clue.  I just know that something goes wrong when Rosie Perez's son is murdered for whatever he had in his helmet.  I couldn't tell if Rosie Perez, one of The Counselor's clients, is in on it or not.  She's just randomly inserted in the movie too.  Once things begin to go wrong for whatever reason The Counselor simply wants to protect his new fiance played by the funny-looking and funny-talking Penelope Cruz from The Cartel, and then all hell breaks loose.

I apologize if I'm rambling or if this synopsis seams all over the place, but that's how the movie feels.  Last time I saw a Ridely Scott movie, I was praising it.  Last week, Michael Fassbender was one of my favorite characters in the movie.  Together, you would think this movie would be amazing.  It was amazingly confusing.  At one point Reiner tells a story about Cameron Diaz's character having sex with his car.  It was randomly inserted in this movie, and was pointless.  The only thing I did like about the movie was Cameron Diaz's wardrobe.  Her looks rivaled any skinny chick's on a catwalk.  I loved EVERYTHING she wore, and her hair was giving me Cruella Deville 3.0.  I loved it!  That's about the only thing.

I need someone else to go The Counselor just so they can try to explain it to me.  Other than that, pass on this one.  Maybe Ridley needs to stick with alien movies because this one was just too WTH for me.

Escape Plan - A well executed one!

Escape Plan is a man's movie.  It's full of fist fights, gunfire, Stallone, and Arnold.  I'm not a man, but I loved it!  I think everyone in the theater did.  Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger are definitely getting old, but they don't seem to let that stop them, and in this movie, you won't really care.

Escape Plan is a clever movie about a clever man named Ray Breslin, played by Stallone, who breaks out of prisons for a living in an effort to help these prisons fix these cracks in their security.  He is hired by the FBI to attempt to break out of a private prison that is off the radar and holds the deadliest of the deadliest.  While inside, Breslin begins to realize there is more to the story, and with the help of Rottamayer, Arnold's character, they devise an escape plan.

Stallone's face looks like his figure at the wax museum and Arnold looks slightly dashing with grey hair, but with the age and many years of acting you would think that both's skills as actors would have improved, but to no avail.  That's ok; the speed at which this movie moves, you really won't mind just like you weren't bothered when you saw Terminator 50, Rocky 100, or Rambo 3000.

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Jim "Jesus" Caviezel, and Sam "The Cardinal" Neil will have to be the eye candy and the best actors on the screen.  Yes, I'm putting Fitty in the field of one of the better actors in the movie.  As soon as he can fully open his mouth, he'll be a damn fine actor.  Jim plays Warden Hobbs, and him as a bad guys is very interesting and intriguing.  He plays a nasty evil cunning villain, and I liked it!  I typically do have a thing for the bad guy.

Look, is this a cinematic work of art?  No, but will you be entertained?  Heck yeah!  Escape Plan played well on the things we like about an action movie, and the things we expect to see in a Stallone and Schwarzenegger film.  People fight, guns shoot, there's blood, and Arnold says something classic.  This movie was well executed, even if the escape plan was not.  Go see it.  You'll enjoy it!!!

12 Years a Slave - 12 reasons to watch

I really have to stop watching slave movies and black oppression movies for awhile.  It is too gut-wrenching for me.  I always find myself thanking God that I wasn't born during that time, and asking for forgiveness towards those that did harm back then and now.  It puts me in a state that only a drink, food, or a comedy can change.  The movie, 12 Years a Slave, is no different.  It definitely had me feeling some type of way, but I'm glad I saw it.  So will you, and here's 12 reasons why:

12.  The story is a little different than other slave stories we've seen.  Instead of Africans being kidnapped and sold into slavery, Solomon Northup, an America and free black man, was kidnapped in Washington, DC and sold into slavery.  Because he was born free and never experienced slavery, he had a tougher time assimilating.  He knew who he was, were he was, and he was more willing to fight back than a stranger in a strange land where everyone is speaking a strange language.

11.  It's based on a true story.  I typically don't like movies based on a true story because now I can just google it and find out how it ends which is why I'm not eager to see the Captain Phillips movie.  The difference here is that we rarely get a first hand account of what slavery was like.  These days it's some white man's Hollywood interpretation.  No thanks, I'll pass.  But, I really got a sense of how tough this was for him and some of the struggles when you are born free rather than born a slave.

10.  It's directed by a black man, Steve McQueen, and Lord knows we need more of them out there so that we can have quality movies on the market featuring quality black acting.  Raise your hand if you're over Madea and Tyler Perry.

9.  We have to support good black movies, and this is one of them.  There was no coonery or befoolery; just strong black men and women fighting to stay alive.

8.  The list of phenomenal actors in this movie is quite lengthy.  Chiwetel Ejiofor is the lead actor as Solomon, and his emotions are so gripping, you will have to fight back the tears and keep yourself from cheering.  This movie also star Alfre Woodard, Paul Giamonte, scene stealer Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Sarah Paulson, and new comer to the American film, Lupita Nyongo.

7.  The last two women on this list are just amazing as their portrayals as the slave owner's wife and the slave he fancies.  Sarah Paulson as Mary Epps was not having it.  She did not want her husband sleeping with the negras as she called it.  Lupita Nyongo is the beautiful and extra chocolaty Patsey.  Master Epps has a thing for Patsey, and can't keep his hands off of her.  She hates every second.  Patsey can't stand how much the wife despises her because of her husband, and she doesn't want to deal with his torture and rape.  It was great to get those point of views for once.

6.  Did I meantion Brad Pitt is in this movie?  He is scruffy and extremely yummy looking.  Too bad he's only on the screen for about 10 minutes.  That'll be enough for most.

5.  The slave fights back.  There isn't a lot of revenge killing like in Django, but Solomon, aka Pratt, fights back.  We all love it when the slave says, "oh hell no," grabs the whip, and whips the overseer.  You have that collective cheering in the movie.  That'll pick you up after watching a man get beat for absolutely no reason.

4.  It'll make you want to read the book.  I'm sure the book is better as they usually are, but I really am intrigued and eager to add the autobiography, Twelve Years a Slave, to my Kindle.

3.  This was a well directed and well acted movie.  The movie, 12 Years a Slave, is long, about 2 and half hours, but it's worth it.  At first I thought it was a little slow, but the pace was necessary to get in all of the information and help your form attachments to the characters.

2.  It's moving and thought-provoking.  This movie really makes you think about how it can take just one person to change things and make a difference.  It really takes you through droves of emotions.  Bring the tissues because if you are the sensitive type, you'll need them.

1.  It's just a good movie.  It has the whole package:  interesting plot, great acting and directing, and a story that moves you.  It's a definitely a must see, but again I think I'm down for something a little more light, fun, or ridiculously stupid and scary after this.

Baggage Claim - Catch the next flight

Ever wondered what a poorly written Jennifer Aniston type movie would be like with a cast of colorful yummy black men and a marginally cute chick as the lead?  Yeah well, me either, but that's basically what you get in Baggage Claim.

Baggage Claim starring Paula Patton, aka Robin Thicke's high wifey, is about a flight attendant named Montana who's mother puts so much pressure on her to get married.  With the help of her friends, they come up with this ridiculous plan to get a proposal before her younger sister's wedding by circumventing all flights that her former boyfriends are on to try and spark something new with each one. Montana eventually discovers what she really wants for herself and realizes her Mr. Right is closer than she thought.  I know.  I said it was ridiculous.  I mean, are we really supposed to believe that an ex is going to propose after one brief meeting?  Are we really supposed to believe that Paula Patton can carry a whole movie by herself?

With all the sexiness on the screen, this movie had potential.  The first to grace our eyes is our favorite black german, Boris Kodjoe.  We all know he's not the best actor, but who cares.  That man is foine!  He has limited lines and has a short stint on screen, but that's ok with me.  At least we get to see him in his skivvies.  Next we get the chocolaty Derek Luke, as William Wright, the next door neighbor and childhood friend dating Christina Milian's character, Taylor.  Trey Songz is up next, and although his true sexuality is constantly questioned, he's sexiness is not.  I was proud of his acting although his role wasn't a far stretch from his real life, but his scene made me laugh, and I loved seeing him all soaped up in the hot tube.  Then there was that perfect smile from Taye Diggs.  I didn't feel his character was much of a stretch from who he truly is.  He played a republican running for Congress who loves being in control and loves his dog, Juicy, more than being a good human being.  Diggs is nice to gaze upon, but I would never want to date him.  Lastly, Djimon Hounsou is the seemingly perfect african suitor.  He's handsome, wealthy, and wants to show Montana the world.  He can show me whatever he likes.  Ok!

Paula Patton is the huge problem with this movie.  I don't see the appeal that the men see.  She's kinda funny looking to me.  I think her neck looks like she's a linebacker for the 49ers (Forever Faithful), and her weird facial expressions took away from some of her beauty.  It didn't help that everyone in the movie had horrible make-up jobs.  She also seemed to over act, and wasn't ever convincing.  I found it sad that EVERYONE else acted better than she did, even the singers (Jill Scott, Trey, and Christina).  This might explain why we haven't seen much of her over the years.  She's just really not that good.

Jennifer Lewis is Montana's mom.  I really wish she would play a different character for once.  Lauren London is the little sister and Terrence J is her fiance.  He has such a baby face that his character is only a sophomore in college.  Nephew Tommy and LaLa Anthony round out this cast of color; both have very limited rolls and very few lines, like a total of 5.  And, although the cast is semi-star studded and there were a few laugh-out-loud moments, Baggage Claim should be lost with all the luggage at the airport.  It's too predictable and feels like something you've seen before and done better, so just catch the next flight.

Prisoners - Now that's how you make a thriller!!

I don't rave about most movies.  I either think they are bad, ok, or good enough.  It's rare that I think something is great or amazing.  Prisoners starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, and Terrence Howard is great and amazing!!!  I was on the edge of my seat, literally.

Prisoners is a crime-thriller about two families searching for their missing daughters.  They believe that the girls have been kidnapped by a young man with the IQ of a 10 year old because the girls were seen playing on his RV.  When the police have to let him go, the father of one of the girls (Jackman) decides to get answers on his own.  Meanwhile, the detective on the case (Gyllenhaal), discovers multiple clues that eventually leads to the truth.  That truth is as twisty and winding as the mazes that are ever present throughout the movie.

The answer is right in front of your face, but because there are so many emotions displayed by all of these fantastics actors, you can often over-look it.  We all know that Viola Davis is a fantastic actress which is evident here, but Hugh Jackman is the clear scene stealer.  His emotions are so raw and real that you feel his anger, his sadness, his fear, his need to protect, and his desire to find his daughter.  Terrence Howard is the other father, but he is the saddened, weary father who really doesn't know what to do or how to help.  He's kind of a punk.  I wanted to shake him and tell him to sack up.  Maria Bello plays Jackman's wife.  She's so distraught that she spends the majority of the movie drugged up and asleep.  Understandable.  Jake Gyllenhaal's character as the detective on this case struggles with finding the girls, keeping the parents from wilding out, and getting answers to the many clues that really make no sense until you see them all together.

Suspense and unexpected twist really take this thriller to the next level.  I truly enjoyed the raw emotions, the perfect plot, the incredible actors, and the movie as a whole.  They don't make great movies like this anymore.  There weren't any huge explosions, or sci-fi creatures, big car chase scenes, or tons of gun play.  It was a simple movie about how two families react to the kidnapping of their daughters, and how the detective on the case handles it.  But, it wasn't a simple situation by any means. It was a thriller like no other.

Riddick - I Am Riddick

It's hard to carry a movie all by yourself.  Will Smith did it in I Am Legend, but can Vin Diesel do it?   What do you think?  Ok, so Vin Diesel (I can't just call him Vin.  It's weird to me for some reason.) reprises his best role as Riddick.  I love the character of Riddick.  Yes he's vicious, murderous, solitary, and mostly uncaring, but there's something about his strength and athleticism that is mesmerizing.  Does that mean I want to see him solely on the big screen for about 45 minutes?  What do you think?

Riddick is the third major motion picture for this character.  In Pitch Black, he had to get off a planet while fighting killer beings, containing a merc (bounty hunter) from trying to kill him, and take some people along with him.  In The Chronicles of Riddick (my fav), Riddick has to not only take down the Necromongers, he also has to get off a super hot planet to do it before he's turned into ashes.  In Riddick, he has to once again, get off a planet, fight off mercs, and do so while fighting off murderous creatures.  Way to be original David Towhy.

Vin Diesel isn't a great actor which is why his dialogue is always limited.  I guess they thought he's so terrible now and out of shape that we won't give him anyone to talk to except an evolutionized dog for the first third of the movie.  Look, I did like watching Riddick prove how strong and resilient he is and make friends with a dog which was very I Am Legend like too, but the truth is, we came to watch him slice and dice folks.  You need people to do that.  Right?  I didn't appreciate having to wait so long for that to happen, almost two-thirds of the movie.  I, also, didn't appreciate the repetitiveness of the story.  I will say that when Riddick does get down to it, he does it like no other.  Those action scenes were great and gory, but again it wasn't anything we haven't already seen him do.

The Chronicles of Riddick had such a complex storyline, and think they were trying to go for that again, but it didn't work.  This movie wasn't a fail, it just wasn't a pass. SPOILER ALERT BUT NOT REALLY: In over two hours, Riddick only kills about 6 people, and it ends pretty much the way the others do.  I'm just hoping this was the last we'll see of Riddick.  I hope he finally makes it to Furya, and has several seats while he's there.