fbombmoviereview

21 Jump street Trailer

Being a fan of the 80′s and it’s television shows. I was curious to see how the TV series would translate on the big screen. But, like most TV series turned movie. They tried to make it funnier than the original.

When two young officers are reassigned to and undercover unit. Located at 21 Jump Street. Officers Schmidt and Jenko (Jonas Hill and Channing Tatum) are assigned a case. Their goal is to bring down a high school drug ring.

Overall the movie was entertaining. A little too long in the middle. But, worth checking out. Their are some great cameos from the original cast. I give this film a

Act of Valor Trailer

SEALs. The legendary Naval special warfare operators. Having served in a legendary Army unit. I have much respect for all service men and women. Their sacrifice is always remembered. In this film it highlights the sacrifices made by these men.

When I heard this film was being made. I had mixed emotions. On one hand I was very interested in seeing actual SEAL operators play themselves. Not some “Hollywood” type pretending to know how to “Clear” a room. But, on the other hand. I was afraid this would be used as a recruitment tool for the Navy. Leading this “Video game” generation on. Thinking that being a SEAL is a glamorous life. Personally knowing a couple SEALs. It is not the case. The selection process will break most men. Who are in great shape. Let alone 18 year old kids that play video games. But, after watching the film. I believe that the directors did a great job. Both with the portrayal of the SEALs and the hardships service men and women. To include families. The sacrifices that they endure. It is not a glamorous lifestyle. It is hardship only the dedicated shall pursue.

The film takes place in multiple locations. From the US to Africa. The SEALs are tasked with taking down a terrorist cell. Who’s actions will take down numerous cities in the US. Following the SEALs on their missions. You as the viewer get the insight of some of their techniques and maneuvers. I emphasize “some”.

This movie is an amazing insight into “Special Warfare”. It also will leave you in an emotional place. Because life is not always fun. You will have to embrace the sadness too. I give this film a

The devil existed and he needed a double because he was a coward. With a mind of a child and placed in a role of power, Uday Hussein lived his life as a diluted, sexual predator.

This film is based upon a true story.  Uday Hussein (Dominic Cooper) son of Saddam Hussein, forced his childhood friend Latif Yahia (Dominic Cooper) to be his body double.  What Latif becomes witness to will force him to stand up to the Devil.

The direction by Lee Tamahori is stunning. Bringing to life a true to life scarface. And Dominic Cooper’s dual role is something to marvel at. I loved this film. And has me intrigued to read more about this crazy situation. I give this film a solid

The Town Trailer

Well, well, well. Finally a Ben Affleck film I approve of. The key to a good Affleck film. Is he has to play his native Bostonian self. “Good will hunting” and now “The Town”. Both top notch films.

Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck) a native to the blue collar town of Charlestown. And the mastermind behind the family business of bank robbery. Doug and his short fused partner James Coughlin (Jeremy Renner) are the best at what they do. But, like all good things. It must come to an end. When taking down a local bank. They mistakenly take a hostage. Claire Keesey (Rebecca Hall) is a bank employee the gang takes hostage. After letting her go. James fears that she will give them up to the feds. James thoughts are to kill her. But, Doug wants to follow her and she is going to talk. Doug eventually makes contact with Claire. And from her a love affair blossoms. As Doug finds himself falling for Claire. He desperately wants to get out of the business. With the feds watching the gang like a hawk. Doug and crew are forced to do one last job.

I have to admit this film was well done. It is certainly a cross between “Heat” and “The Departed”. Though Affleck’s direction is not quite like Michael Mann (Heat) or Martin Scorcese The Departed). He did a great job. This is a film worth seeing. Hell, I may go see it again.

The Expendables Trailer

As a youth in the 80′s. I would sneak off to the local theater. Buy a ticket to some worthless PG film. Then sneak in to watch ass kicking films. Such as “Cobra”, “Predator”, “Raw Deal”. You name it. The cornier the lines and the bigger explosions the better. What red blooded American born in the 70′s didn’t. And if you didn’t. You were probably the kid I exacted my revenge on. While recreating the scenes in the neighborhood. So, once I saw the trailer for this film. I ripped my shirt. Tied it around my head like “Rambo”. Then proceeded to karate chop the dude sitting next to me. Stood above the poor shocked patron. And mouth the words “wrong seat b!tch”. Just kidding. Although that is what I thought.

The film is a throwback to 80′s action films. To include throwback actors. But, damn worth the price of admission. Stallone’s group of highly trained mercs (mercenaries) are hired by the C.I.A to remove a General in some hole in the wall country. Barney Ross (Stallone) and Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) fly down and do some recon. They are guided by the General’s daughter. But, once discovered by the General and his American financial backers. Lee and Barney are forced to fight there way out of the country. Once back home. Barney is stricken with guilt for leaving the daughter behind. And decides to go back and rescue her. And we know what that means. ASS KICKING TIME!

Now this movie may only resonate with my demographic. But, seeing as it beat out that lovey dovey soul searching “Eat, Pray, Love”. I think it appeals to a wider audience. And rumor of an “Expendables 2″ floating around. Only heightens my desire to play war in the backyard like I was 10 again. I give this film an F-YA based upon memories and those feelings captured as a youth. Certainly not for any acting or cinematic brilliance.

Salt Trailer
One would imagine. That a role designed with Tom Cruise in mind. Would be mediocre. But, insert the attractive Angelina Jolie. And it should improve. But, I hate to say it didn’t.
C.I.A agent Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) loyalty to the U.S. is questioned. When a Russian defector claims Salt is actually a Russian mole. Placed in the C.I.A to gain access to the Russian President. And assassinate him. When Salt is questioned about the allegations. She flees. Leading to a manhunt. And Salt trying to prove her innocence.
Now I must say this was a mediocre “Bourne” movie. The action scenes were far from believable. And the story line left me bored. Angelina anorexic stature left the reality of her actions in disbelief. She needs to pack on some muscle. Though I can’t say it was a horrible film. I will say that a DVD rental is your best bet.

The A-Team trailer
OK. As a child I lived for “The A-Team”. Owned all the action figures. Hell, I owned the van. Watched the show religiously. And even ate Mr. T cereal. So, when I heard they were going to make an “A-Team” film. I was excited. Beyond words.

Now like the reality of the aging process. I was a bit disappointed. Not saying it was bad. It was entertaining. But, being former military. I find too many faults in “Military” based films. So, I will put that aside. And give you a short breakdown.

Four former Iraq veterans are tried for war crimes. They all are found guilty and escape prison to clear their names. The cat and mouse game between the CIA and the U.S Army and “The A-Team”. Keeps you guessing and entertained.

Now it is has some flaws from the original T.V series. And I won’t get into that. But, all and all it was good. It kept me entertained. And that is all I wanted from my childhood heroes. I give this a

Law abiding citizen Trailer

You want action, demented kills and nail biter suspense. This has the majority of that. At times I found the film to have a similar feel to “Seven”. But, not as good.

When Clyde’s (Gerard Butler) family is murdered in front of him. He yields to Nick (Jamie Foxx) to put the killers away for life. When a deal is reached. And the murderer is set free after short jail sentence. Clyde takes justice into his own hands. Set out to bring the entire justice system to its knees. Clyde finds himself behind bars. But, what baffles Nick. Is the fact that Clyde is still able to reek havoc on the players involved in the case.

Although the film is entertaining. Somewhat creative. The ending is horrible. This a film for individuals who like action films. Don’t expect much more than that. I give this mild

Black Dynamite Trailer

Ahhhh Hell Yeah! Bring back “Blaxploitation” films. This is a throw back to the great films of it’s genre. With films like “Superfly”, “Shaft” and “Foxy Brown”. And who could forget the classic “Gayniggers from Outer Space”. Yes, that was a film. “Black Dynamite” brings back the pimpin’, hard hitting lifestyle to film.

When Black Dynamite’s brother is killed by Heroin dealing gangsters. This former C.I.A agent is given his license to kill. Set out to find his brother’s killers. Dynamite stumbles upon a government funded plan. Now Dynamite must stop this diabolical plan.

I absolutely enjoyed this film. It is what it is. A “blaxploitation” film. It pulls no punches or tries to hide that fact. With a stunning cast. Including Arsenio Hall, Tommy Davidson, Brian McKnight and Michael Jai White as “Black Dynamite”. This film is entertaining and laugh out loud hilarious. I want more of these films. I give this a Malt liquor tilting

(Rare) Apocalypse Now trailer

This is one of my top 5 films of all-time. I could watch this film over and over again. And still feel like I missed something. I am not sure why it resonates with me. Perhaps having a Father who served in Vietnam. Or it could be it questions our belief in God or God like figures. Anyway you slice it. The Film is brilliant. Francis Ford Coppola’s labor of love. Based upon Joesph Conrad’s novel “Heart of Darkness”.

Captain Willard (Martin Sheen) is tasked with the mission to head up river and assassinate a “God” like Green Beret. Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) has questioned the intent of the war. Defecting and creating his own tribe of warriors. Colonel Kurtz is wanted for war crimes. As Capt Willard makes his way up river. You are introduced to a cast of characters. One such character Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore (Robert Duvall) is the Officer in charge of 1st of the 7th Cav. A rag-tag group of veteran soldiers who fly in on helicopters and destroy their target. But, these soldiers enjoy their missions and their surfing. “Charlie don’t surf” proclaims LC Bill Kilgore. But in desperate need to get his mission accomplished. Capt Willard needs the Cav to get his boat into a dangerous area up river. The mission and this film is amazing.

I know I am not the only fan of this film. Based upon Anthony Bourdain’s references to this film. I would have to say he loves equally. This a must see film for all. But especially filmmakers. This filmed revolutionized the way films are made and watched. This gets the biggest