Need for Speed

My View:  Need for Speed (2014)  PG-13  Fresh out of prison, Tobey (Aaron Paul), a mechanic and part-time street racer, is out for revenge. He, though, must first travel from New York to California via a Shelby Ford Mustang to race in the ultimate street race.  This film is downright stupid at times, with plot holes the size of the expensive race cars in the film.  The racing sequences are fun and fast, some based on the “Need for Speed” video games.  Unfortunately, for us, though, the plot and the dialogue also seem to come from video games.  Aaron Paul isn’t asked to do much with his part other than look tough while driving a fast car.  Imogen Poots, as the love interest in the film, is given even less to work with.  But, you don’t come to a film like this for acting or the plot, you come for the racing scenes, and it has plenty for an action fan to enjoy.  My Rating:  Cable  Need for Speed Facebook Page

My View:  Veronica Mars: The Movie  (2014)  PG-13  It’s been years since Veronica (Kristen Bell) has been a private eye or been back in her old hometown of Neptune. She has a good life in New York, but she is about to throw it all away when her old boyfriend, Logan (Jason Dohring), is accused of murder. I was a big fan of the show and admit that I did back the making of the movie through Kickstarter.  As a fan of the show, I really enjoyed this film.  It brings back many of the memorable characters from the TV series.  It retains the humor of the show, and Veronica continually quips the snarky remarks that she is known for.  It’s a fun ride and a very enjoyable mystery.  Be sure and stay through the first part of the closing credits for a bonus scene.    My Rating:  Full Price  Veronica Mars Website

Indiefest: The Grand Budapest Hotel  (2014)  R  Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes) is one of the best concierges in the world, and he works at the famous Grand Budapest Hotel. He hires Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori) as a lobby boy.  Now, Gustave and Zero are about to go on a great adventure.  An absolutely joyride of a film that takes a Wes Anderson (the director) type of film and adds the Marx Brothers to it.  Fiennes is hilarious in the role of the stuck up, pompous concierge with a heart of gold. Revolori, as the “Lobby Boy,” perfectly works off of the energy of Fiennes creating great chemistry between them.  The color scheme of the film is incredible and there is the typical Anderson use of different perspectives and camera angles that make his films look so unique.  There are a ton of cameos like Bill Murray, that just make this so much fun to watch.  It’s a film you might want to see twice because it’s jammed packed with so much stuff, you just might miss a thing or two on your first view.   My Rating:  I Would Pay to See It Again  The Grand Budapest Hotel Website

Indiefest:  Better Living Through Chemistry (2014)  R  Doug (Sam Rockwell) is a by-the book-pharmacist who is in a very unhappy marriage to Kara (Michelle Monaghan). Doug’s life changes when he meets Elizabeth (Olivia Wilde), a trophy wife customer who likes to party. Now, Doug is in for the ride of his life. This is a fun and funny film that had me guessing how it was going to end.  Olivia Wilde is becoming quite the actress, making some excellent Indie films, and she has a blast with the role of the boozy Elizabeth.  But, this is Sam Rockwell’s movie, and he exceeds in the part.  He reminds me of Bill Murray early in his career in films such as Stripes (1981) and Meatballs (1979). Rockwell gives us a winning performance of a man who starts as a man who is controlled by everyone but ends being in control of his life and his happiness.   My Rating:  Full Price  Better Living Through Chemistry Info

Indiefest:  Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me  (2014)    This is a documentary on the Broadway legend Elaine Stritch, who, at 87 years old, is still doing her one-woman show about her life. It’s a film that shows Stritch, warts and all.  She is struggling with old age, diabetes and alcoholism, while trying put on her show.  She is a force of nature on stage, but we see her struggle to survive outside of her performances.  It’s a fascinating film about an extremely determined, feisty woman who realizes that she doesn’t have much time left to perform on the stage she desperately loves.    My Rating:  Full Price  Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me Info

Forgotten Film:  Mona Lisa  (1986)  R  George (Bob Hoskins) is an ex-con who gets a job from his old crime boss, Mortwell (Michael Caine).  His job is to drive Simone (Cathy Tyson), a high-priced call girl, from job to job.  George and Simone develop a relationship that is only gets them in big trouble with Mortwell.  Tyson is beautiful and sensational as the headstrong Simone, but it’s Hoskins who dominates this film with his presence.  It’s an astounding piece of acting and well worth the Oscar nomination that he got for the role.  My Rating:  Full Price   Mona Lisa Info  

Weird Credits: From the credits of Need for Speed:  Hair Designer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Dom Hemingway  (2013)  R  After 12 years in prison, Dom (Jude Law) tries to fit back into society, including re-establishing his relationship with his daughter.  Jude Law running rampant for 2 hours as an ex-con?  I’m in!   Dom Hemingway Info

Until Next Time!