X-Men: Days of Future Past

My View: X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014) PG-13 Professor X  (Patrick Stewart) discovers that there is an event that could destroy both mutants and humans.  So, the X-Men send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) back in time to team up with the X-Men of the past to stop the event from happening.  This film is an exciting addition to the Marvel film universe that moves at a rip-roaring pace.  There are some great action sequences throughout the film with a couple of battle sequences that really use the full 3-D effects.  It also helps that the movie’s best actors, Jackman, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence, are the main characters in this film.  The storyline is well thought out and, with the best of the Marvel films, contains some humor to lighten the load.  I think any Sci-Fi fan is going to be happy with this film and, as usual with Marvel films, stay for an extra scene that appears after the credits.  My Rating: Full Price  X-Men: Days of Future Past Website

Indiefest: Chef  (2014)  R Chef Carl Casper (Jon Favreau) was once the toast of the culinary world.  But, Carl is stuck in a rut and loses his job when he tries to change up the menu.  He decides to travel with his ex-wife (Sofia Vergara) to take care of their son (Emjay Anthony) while she goes to meetings.  There, Carl discovers a used food truck and decides to buy it.  He then travels in the food truck, across country, back to L.A., taking his son on a trip they will never forget.  I loved this film about a man trying to find his passion for cooking and reconnect with his son.  This is a film that foodies will just eat up as there are extraordinary  shots of food being prepared and served. The biggest surprise of this movie is what a wonderfully restrained performance Sofia Vergara gives as the Carl’s ex-wife.  I also liked that Carl and his ex-wife communicate in an effort to work together for the benefit of their son (unlike other recent films where the couple just yells at each other; I’m looking at you Blended).  This is a road trip film that will make you want a grilled cheese sandwich right after you get out of the theatre.  My Rating:  Full Price  Chef Website 

My View: Blended  (2014) PG-13 Jim (Adam Sandler) and Lauren (Drew Barrymore) went on a blind date that turned out horribly.  Now they both find themselves stuck with each other and their families on a dream vacation to Africa.  What can go wrong?  This biggest problem with this film, and there are many, is that it can’t decide if it’s a family film or a film for frat boys.  Unfortunately, it’s both, and the mix isn’t good.  The film is almost two hours long but felt like three.  The chemistry that Sandler and Barrymore had isn’t there anymore.  I also didn’t think either parent was doing a good job to begin with (Barrymore lets her kid have a temper tantrum on the Little League field), so why should we root for them to get together?  I don’t think I laughed once as this film goes for the cheap and easy joke.  My guess is Sandler wanted to spend time in Africa, so he made this movie.  Next time, can we just see the family slide show?  My Rating:  You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again  Blended Website 

Forgotten Film:  The Commitments (1991) R Jimmy (Robert Arkins) is on a mission, and he won’t let anyone stop him.  He decides to form, “The World’s Hardest Working Band” and bring soul music to Ireland.  The music in this film is impressive and moving. Everyone on screen can actually sing and play instruments, and it shows on screen.  This is an entertaining and  lively film with some stunning performances.  If you like films that have lots of music, and you like to root for the underdog, then this one is for you.  My Rating: Full Price  The Commitments Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD/Blu-ray): 3 Days to Kill (2014) PG-13 Kevin Costner plays a Secret Service agent where he has to kill a wanted terrorist before he retires.  It’s a very strange film that doesn’t work on any level.  Costner has been making some good movies lately but this isn’t one of them. My Rating:  Cable  3 Days to Kill Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Only Lovers Left Alive: Prop Truck Driver

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)  Hey, who wouldn’t want to see a film with a raccoon that shoots high powered machine guns? Guardians of the Galaxy Website

Until Next Time!