Quicky Review/ SPOILERS for: Transformers: Age of Extinction

     

  So for as long as I can remember my brother and I have been fans of Transformers. We watched most- if not all- the animated films and religiously followed the TV series. So when the Michael Bay brought us the live action version we had to watch it! We really got a kick out of the first movies, put up with the second and con't even remember the third one. But with this fourth installment in the live actions series, I would quickly sum it up with the script and humor of the first film, but the attempt to make a continuous plot line like in the second film. So overall I enjoyed myself, this was definitely an action sci-fi film. And you know, for as much crap as we give Michael Bay for his films, he has never once disappointed me in terms with the CGI and visual effects. This film was no exception.
         I actually have to hand it to Michael Bay with the improvement in the transformers character designs. He stayed true to the original characters, with only slight adaptations and artistic licensing. But overall they were very similar to the cartoons. Now, in this film several new characters were introduced and were very different to the previous designs from the previous movies. Making in much easier for a viewer to tell who was who. A huge problem within the second film where you didn't really know who to root for since they looked so much a like. They also spruced up and played with Bumblebee and Optimus' designs as well. I also need to give a shout to the Dinobots, since justice was served with them and my brother and I were so relived to see that. So that was good.

      Unlike the characters in this film. This is where the movie always, always falters for me. Especially in this film. Their were so many characters that I just couldn't stand like Tessa, Lucas and Shane. I cringed with how bad they were. Props to Mark Walberg for actually beating out Shia LaBeouf, I did really enjoy your screen time. As for Lucas, lets just say I deposed his character within the first five minutes into his introduction. Shane was annoying and had real promise, but that fell apart. While Tessa was a disgrace. Hollywood has been making such great strides with creating great female characters, especially within action films, but Tessa sort of brought all of the progress down. She was not only poorly acted, but also horribly written. Seriously the majority of her lines was screaming, "Daddy!" acting very pitiful and stupid. There was allusion to redeeming qualities, but none were seen. Tessa's existence really reminded about how much I actually enjoyed Megan Fox in these films. She could at least hold her own.
      Okay, the rant is out of the way now. Sorry, but I just needed to warn you about that.

       Now something that was noticeably different with this film as oppose to its predecessors was that it was setting up for something bigger, another squeal. Unlike in the previous films where there was this daunting new history and magical item that came with some special task that would be ultimately be solved. Ending with Optimus sending out a signal to other autobots a call to arms. In Age of Extinction there is reference to a bigger enemy. So the ending monologue was quite a bit different then the rest. This new take on the story makes this film much more intriguing, since you are left wanting more instead of knowing the inevitable sequel. We are getting an extended story then brief allusions to information in previous films. Which was a great move by the team.
      Sadly I did not stay for the ending credit scene, but all I will say is that their sort of this scene in the very beginning that is shrouded in mystery. Porbably set up for the next film.
        Overall, I had a blast watching this film and highly suggest watching it.

     

Quicky Review for: How To Train Your Dragon 2

      I finally got to see it! It sucked not being able to see it on its opening weekend, but I finally made it and I can't even begin to explain it. There are no words to describe the beauty that is this feature. Dreamworks knows how to make a film and also an equally amazing and heart throbbing sequel. Seriously, this the year of phenomenal sequels and How To Train Your Dragon Two is just the icing on top of the under appreciated vanilla cake.
       Okay, now I have begin to fawn over the movie somewhere. So lets begin with my favorite aspect. The animation. Dreamworks has to be my favorite animation studio in america. They create such flawless films, and the attention that is paid detail such as fine lines and whisping hairs is gorgeous. Definitely rivaling Pixar. With the five year time skip that this movie had it was absolutely required for our established characters to show some aging. Weather it be the slight changes to the males who bulked out and became taller. Even though I call bullcrap with twenty-year-old viking not being able to properly grow facial hair. They also made very subtle changes to their face structures so the y became a bit more angular. Where as the women received more curves, longer hair and breasts (to some extent). Not including the outfit changes each character got to match there personality and maturity. With the twin's costumes not changing to drastically, as compared to Astrid and Hiccup. Now the older characters got more sunken eyes, greying hair and either began to appear less bulky or more hunched over. Even Stoic had fine lines around his eyes, which I thought really added to his more nostalgic moments. Overall, the animation was fluid and awe-inspiring.

     

  On to the characters. Where I only really have one or so gripe. Astrid was not as much of an important character as I would have personally liked. Especially since there was a lot of alluding to a possible marriage between her and Hiccup, so i was a bit disappointed to not see that relationship developed more. But that also made it a bit better when Hiccup was saving his lover, but his people and friends. A bit more nobel, right? Also, I dearly appreciate the decision to make most of the kids from the previous film comic relief character. That fit there personalities greatly and allowed much more emphasis on the new characters and their relationships. Plus this also relieved some of the more climatic moments. Which made this movie much more serious and relatable as a movie. Since there were some rather intense moments, that made several audience members tear up. It also opened up more room for the dynamics between Stoic and Valka who were finally reunited! (Not spoilery its in the trailers!) And the moments between them were utterly adorable and such so lively. It brought up questions, but showed how care free and enchanting love is even after years of strain. If its true and strong, their won't be much animosity and it also sent the message how marriage is a partnership made up of two equals. A very important for today's youth. This leads to another shout out to Gobber who alludes to himself being gay in one scene, which I have to say is pretty daring in a children's movie. But its progress and I much enjoyed that plot twist.

        So the story and script was comical and layered with detail and themes. I couldn't possibly do any justice to the artistic masterpiece that is this film when it comes to explaining the overall plot and script. all I really have to say is that the script was hilarious and well timed, incorporating material from the previous movie and adding in new punchlines that kept running splendidly throughout the film. Now, I went into this film already anticipating what was to come so I didn't experience this film to its greatest extent. although with that said I still enjoyed myself and my expectations we exceed.
       How To Train Your Dragon is good for all ages, so don't make it an excuse!

Quicky Review of: X-Men: Days of Future Past

           

     So my friends and i wanted to go see a movie and this was the consensus. Personally I have never been a fan of the X-Men franchise and my background is very limited. So I did not particularity enjoy this film. I found it too long, horribly scripted, and I won't even go into the lack lack of continuity and plausible plot. Since X-Men is sort of know for throwing plot and continuity out the window and down the drain. Even though they did make an attempt to fix it with this film, but the got so far and in the end it didn't even matter. Which is why I won;t even go over the story, for I would enter spoilers territory.

                  What I did like was the visual effects and acting. Holy crap that cast was only made of all stars and I feel sorry for the lines that they were paid to utter. Although they all did a pretty good job with their delivery. Plus Jennifer Lawrence and the seventies is a surprisingly great combination. Also my favorite scene was probably the most unneeded, yet the most visually stunning. It was when Quicksilver was racing around and saving the day, but took the time to just troll all the attackers. He was quite childish, but dang did it look absolutely amazing. I have to hand it to the visual and special effects artists for that scene.

             My final thought is; where the heck is Magneto?

SPOILERS FOR: Wolf Children

         

       
   Now I have been waiting two years to see this film. I new that I should not stream it off of the internet and sadly missed when it was in theaters. So when I was at Best Buy this past weekend and saw it I just had to buy it. The me and another anime buddy sat down and watched this film.
                     For those of you who are not avid anime watchers you probably have never heard of Wolf Children and many viewers have found someone the content rather controversial. Mainly because Hana basically has sex with a wolf and then has his children. Although they shy over those details. And instead focus on Hana's upbringing of her two cubs, Yuki and Ame. Who as you would expect are children that run around the house and always full of energy, but with the twist of turning into wolves. Which usually is triggered by frustration, crankiness or great excitement. Which makes it rather difficult to conceal when in a big city like Tokyo so moves far out into the country side where her children have plenty of space to roam and won't fall victim to prying eyes. Until Yuki and Ame are old enough to properly control their shapeshifting and can go to school.

                    So I don't want to really give away the end since it was quite a twist for me and most of the embellished features of this film is the characters. Their individual character arcs are so relatable and heartwarming that every four seconds I was practically shrieking "Cute!" Since lets face it Yuki and Ame are the cutest things known to man. Making it perfectly understandable to how a parent can put up with
the spit fire and hassle that toddlers and kids are.

                      Let's begin with Yuki our narrator and eldest wolf child, who originally was a very boisterous girl who adored the outdoors and her wolf form. Always opting for it whenever possible.  Although that changes after Yuki enters elementary school and all the kids scream and run away from her when she finds a snake. So she has her mother sew her a cute new dress and Yuki settles into a life or girlhood. The really hits its climax with the introduction of Souhei who Yuki accidentally ends up scarring with her claws and then over the years a romance of sorts blossoms between them. Which I found personally a bit unsatisfying since I loved Yuki's outgoingness that sorts of fades as the movie progresses. Yet I still understand how adamant she was about starting school and socializing with other kids.

Now as for Ame who was always very cute and timid his character development is very essential to the film's overall climax. Since Ame was always frightened by his wolf side and hated changing into it, until one snowy day when he nearly died did he begin to love his inner wolf. Which leads to Ame spending most of his time in the mountains above their home, especially once he starts skipping school due to the boys that were bullying him. Ame embodies his father both in face, wolf and prescience. He appears very unimportant, but is actually just a very reserved person.

                      Hana, she is the mother that all women are and strive to be. She not only raises wolf children singlehandedly, but also stays completely independent from rebuilding their home to creating farm plots all by herself. So its amazing to watch her reaction once she begins to receive help from her neighbors. Since Hana is a very smart and independent woman who really knew how to stay collected and take on a situation head on. Seriously she was exhausted in most of

the scenes from work and raising children, but never once did she loose it. The only time we actually see not smiling was when her husband died. I absolutely loved her. The only question that really pops up to me about her is why she didn't talk more about her husband, who is an unnamed character. Since the narrator, Yuki, never addresses him by his name nor does Hana. Since it was quite obvious she was very passionately in love with him. Although from what we did see of him her was a very reserved character who was shrouded in mystery, maybe Hana was simply respecting that when talking about that to her kids.
                   Okay final thoughts. The animation and art style in gorgeous and breath taking. And in certain scenes very whimsical or rugged. It was awe-inspiring to watch the fluidity of this film and a quick shout out to the music. Set the tone phenomenally. If you haven't seen this film I highly suggest buying it. No matter your age or preferences you can still appreciate the story telling that is Wolf Children.

                     

SPOILERS for: Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2

       

 Puns, thats the reason this film was made. There I'm done, thats all you need to really know. Now go onto netflix and watch the crap out of it.
          Obviously such a vague description does not do this film justice, but hey I'm just gonna come out and say that this year is the year of good sequels. Beginning with the muppets, then this and soon we'll have How To Train Your Dragon on June 13th.
          So for those of you who are not familiar with the Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs franchise. This series follows the misadventures of aspiring scientist Flint Lockwood who is trying to finally gain acceptance from his peers on the island they live on called Swallow Falls. Where the trade is sardines, but is failing. So Flint creates this machine that can convert water into any food that is programmed. Turning this crummy town into a tourist hot spot and gaining him a girl and all the perks of being the hot item. But his machine back fires and begins creating bigger and bigger food that causes a horrid storm.

This is where the second film picks off, when the civilians are to move to San Franjose. Where Flint scores a job at his Idol's company and every six months a staff member gets a promotion to thinkonaut! Which Flint submits thousands of ideas, but fails, until his boss approaches him about returning to swallow falls that could possibly threaten Lady Liberty and the rest of the world. So Flint, his Dad, Steve, Manny, Brent and Sam Sparks. There they discover a world of foodimles that are threatened by Chester V and his company that is planning to use Flint's machine to mass produce his new power bar.

               Now you would be surprised is they failed and they don't. This film is a kids movie, but is so much fun to any pun enthusiasts like myself. Since the script and visuals are designed around them. Overall the plot wasn't to bad and I stayed engaged for the whole time it was on. With a few underlying focuses on father and son relationship dynamics, child idols/role models and a small illusion to the corruption of corporations.  I definitely suggest this film if you are in need of a laugh. Its funny, hilarious and visually pleasing. Plus the ending credits are made in three mediums and there is a great song playing. I might also mention the after credit cut seen between Barb and Steve.

Trailer Tracking: The Book of Life

                Well I already love animated movies and halloween, so a movie that puts two and two together is always a blast. Although this animated feature is not about Halloween, but the day after. The day of the dead. Where two spirits make a bet about who a girl will marry, but one sort of breaks the rules.

Now the main thing that grabbed my attention was the animation. It looks spectacular! The character designs are breath taking and there movements are fluid. Which allows me to assume that the animators and visual effects artists had quite a tedious task, but man it paid off. This film look so cute! I can not wait to see the epic misadventures of our protagonist who is determined to reunite himself with the love of his life!

SPOILERS for: G.B.F.

           

 Which is an acronym for Gay Best Friend, a trendy film the is focused around the objectification of Gay men. Which is done in such a heart warming and fun manner. Full with lovable and diverse characters that you really become attached to.
               So it begins with closeted Tanner who downloads an app called, "Gaydar" which functions like the hook-up app Hot or Not, but targeted towards gay men. Although this app is download by members of the GSA that is on the hunt for their first gay member. Thus outing Tanner, he blames his best friend Brent who pressured him into downloading the app. Giving the excuse that since he doesn't have a smart phone so he can't download it. Even though later in the fill he is using an I phone, so continuity slip up there. Which results in Tanner outing Brent to his mother, which he was planning to do in a more fabulous manner.
                  The next few days at school tanner is bullied and beaten up until the queens of the school take him under their wings so that they can become prom Queen. Or at least have him decide who deserves it. During these next few scene every possible stereotype is addressed and made fun of. We see a range of peoples reasoning to like or dislike Tanner for his sexual identify. Which reflects back onto tanner's character as he tries to fit into these social constructs that he just doesn't feel comfortable with. Leading to him being pressured into having sex with a Mormon boy who wants release before he settles down, then getting drunk at a party and making out with his best friend turned enemy.

                   In the end there is a LGBTQA inclusive prom that crowns Tanner as the first gay Prom King. He even makes up with his best friend, and they just hug it out.
                   Now I must draw attention to the amazing soundtrack that perfectly set every scene. It was fun and light, yet so fitting into today's music standards.
                    Something which I sadly find a bit rare in movies that emphasize character development is that the story seems a bit inconsistent. But G.B.F was not like that; this film feature a strong story line with a few subplots and phenomenal characters. Which sent out the message, "Yeah some people do fit within their stereotypes, but that still means that they are who they are, which is not an object." then goes, "A person is a person and not defined by there sexual identity or stereotypes surrounding them." A very powerful message that is back with characters such as Tanner the gay who doesn't fit into his social norms and Brent who does fit within such stereotypes.

                   This movie is available on Netflix and I highly suggest that you watch this film. It features so many great themes and details that you have to see to believe. Afterwards consider the reasons why this film had been given an R rating when I doesn't use any R-rated language, sex, or violence. You maybe surprised with what you find.

SPOILERS for: Abduction of Eden

               
An intense film that follows 19-year-old Hyun Jae as she is abducted and sold into human trafficking. Supposedly this is a true account of a woman who was in a brothel out in Las Vegas for two years. We witness her abduction at a gas station, first doctors appointment that extracted her braces and her first job that was starring in a porno.
               Although Eden, as she is renamed, only understood the gravity of her situation on her first attempt to escape. Where she runs into a yard where women are having a party, she is shoved onto the ground by her handler then taken away. The women did not even attempt to help her. Thats when she began to comply, through smiles and an act where she would pretend to be a Chinese girl who very little english. Aside from "I like you." and "Do you want to take control or me." She works at fraternity parties, private calls and even auctions. And when they weren't working they would usually clean houses. Her room mate is 15 and has been at the facility since she was 11 and warns Eden of the horrors of being old merchandise. There friendship blossoms and brings great comfort to Eden until she test positive on the routine pregnancy check-up. Then she is spirited away and not seen for quite some time.

               Leaving Eden to her own devices she decided to take back her graduation ring from the favorited prostitute who got it. This is when Eden and Vaughn's relationship beings to change. he threatens her and she gladly accepts the threat since she was old merchandise, preferring death over what would be in store for her as she got older. But then she offers to begin doing the books and counting money for the facility, since its something she is very talented at. Pushing of Vaughn's buttons by saying how he was losing respect from the prostitutes. So at an event Eden proves herself by calculating just how much money is owed and then finding two runaway girls. Then over the next nine months Eden is working in the office to decode orders over the phone, count the amount of money and be Vaughn's pet. Who he takes on outside jobs to deliver/receive drugs, pick up new girls, sell children and clean up after mishaps. There trust between each other changes when Vaughn teaches Eden how to drive while she is high on meth.

             Her escape is a true triumph and stroke of good luck. She answers a phone call one day and the parton asks for a price, a red flag that the person is a fed. She accepts the request and the next day they have to ship out. During the flurry Eden is taken to Vaughn's house where she takes the opportunity to spray his blunt with pest killer. Just before he takes a whiff he confides in Eden that he is proud of her stamina and thankful to have her trust. He actually seems excited to be starting his own brothel with her as his right hand. The she betrays him unwaveringly. As he chokes and cough she doesn't move to hell him or even stirs as he suffers. Eden the returns to her friend who had just given birth and rescues her.
           This movie in astonishing and eye opening into the underground crime world. One that is unforgiving and simply riddled with corruption. And yet Eden and a few other victim have been able to escape it. Which is captured so beautifully in this film, the power of perseverance. Some scenes are glossed over, but others are amplified. Allowing the actors to project their raw emotions, especially  Jamie Chung who showed so much fear, confusion, guilt, but still staid strong. Perfectly putting herself into a position that would benefit her escape. Since she wasn't expecting anyone to save her, she knew that she would have to do it herself. Which sort of makes you pity Vaughn who cherished her acquaintance and was so easily swindled by this girl. Seriously he was a veteran turned junkie and pimp, he knew that Eden would eventually try to betray him, but ignored the fact. And you couldn't say that Eden's actions we out of revenge, but done in order to save herself and her friend Janine. So if you haven't watch Abduction of Eden I highly recommend changing that.