The Maze Runner

My View:  The Maze Runner (2014) PG-13  Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) finds himself in an elevator with no memory of anything other than his name.  The doors open, and he’s in “The Glades,” a community of sixty boys surrounded by a hundred foot wall.  Their only shot at escape is from time to time a wall opens up to reveal a maze that no one has ever returned from.  I thought this was a high energy film with some impressive action sequences, some of which are quite scary. The lead is a little dull, but the supporting cast is top notch, and the storyline is very interesting.  I am looking forward to seeing the sequel as I want to get to know more about these characters. My Rating: Full Price  The Maze Runner Website

My View: This is Where I Leave You (2014) R  When their father dies, four grown siblings come back to their childhood home for a week of sitting Shiva (their father’s last request). Will the family survive, and what will be left of them? I enjoyed this film, mostly for the performances of the leads, Jason Bateman and Tina Fey, who plays his sister.  They have some charming moments as they try and deal with all the craziness that is going on around them.  There are some funny moments in the film, and while not all the ensemble pieces work, it’s a fun film to watch.  My Rating : Bargain Matinee  This Is Where I Leave You Website

Indiefest:  Tusk (2014) R  Podcaster Wallace Bryton (Justin Long) is missing after going out into the backwoods of Manitoba, and after interviewing a mysterious seafarer goes missing.  Wallace’s best friend, Teddy (Haley Joel Osment), and Wallace’s girlfriend (Genesis Rodriquez) team up with an ex-cop named Guy (Johnny Depp) to find him.  They aren’t going to like what they discover.   As I watched this film, one question kept coming up…how the heck did this film get made? This is a horrible film that is meant to be a comedy (which it isn’t funny) or a horror film (also not scary).   This film is just a big, gross mess of a movie.  And please, Johnny Depp, quite trying to be quirky and funny -  your appearance in this film just makes your weirdness worse. There is a bonus scene at the end of the film but don't watch it, it will make you regret your viewing of this film even more. My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again  Tusk Website

Indiefest:  My Old Lady (2014) PG-13  Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is an American who inherits an apartment in Paris.  It seems like a dream until he discovers a nightmare - an old lady (Maggie Smith) who refuses to leave.  I enjoyed the performances in this film, but its actors are let down by a script that is too longwinded.  There is nice chemistry between Kline and Smith, and both actors give it their all.  I just wish the filmmaker had cut some of their lines.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee  My Old Lady Website  

Forgotten Film:  Tremors (1990) PG-13  Kevin Bacon is a maintenance worker in a small town in Nevada.  A creature starts picking off the townspeople one by one.  Now it’s time for the town to fight back.  This is a funny, almost sweet comedic horror film that is just a blast to watch.  Reba McEntire as a gun-packing mama is so hilarious.  It’s stupid and funny, all at the same time. My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Tremors Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Tusk:  teddy photo double

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  The Good Lie (2014) PG-13 Reese Witherspoon plays an employment agency counselor who helps the “Lost Boys” of the Sudan resettle in America.  A feel good movie with Reese Witherspoon?  Yeah, you can sign me up for that one.  The Good Lie Website

Until Next Time!