Luke_McLaughlin

V/H/S takes a completely different spin on the horror genre with multiple episodic plots loosely connected through the findings of VHS tapes. Though extremely dated, even for its release date I may add, the concept is refreshing in comparison to other "found footage" pieces of the past few years. Though several of the episodic plots are legitimately scary, inventive, and suspenseful, others seem to be thrown together to make V/H/S a feature length film. Had the plots connected in a more rewarding way, the main story line been explained more fully, and the question of "why?" been addressed the film would succeed on all fronts. Story discrepancies aside, the acting is decent for low budget performers, special effects are simple yet stunning, and the use of perspective is appropriately and creatively used. For those interested in the horror genre this is an interesting watch. The payoff falls short, but the individual stories are worth a view.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby is an absolute comedic romp. There is no part of this film that was founded on a proper plot structure or deeply interesting characters, but all that aside this film is down right hilarious. Ferrell and Reilly are a brilliant comedic duo, McKay flexes his directing brilliance, and the rest of the cast produces laughs on top of laughs. It is crude, rude, and unfortunate at more times that seldom. If you like Ferrell, you'll love this, and if you hate Farrell avoid at all costs. Talladega Nights has a lot to offer, not in cinematic elements, but in laughs.

Going the Distance focuses on a tough subject (Long Distance Relationships), but does it in a way that is both charming and funny. It does however lack a proper balance of romance to comedy for the entirety of the film. A good romantic-comedy needs the proper balance of crude humor and actually touching moments. Going the Distance is full to the brim with inappropriate visuals and language, and because of this fact the touching moments are lost amongst the muck. Long delivers his usual awkward performance, and Barrymore does nothing out of the ordinary. Applegate and Day are highlights, but nothing on the acting front is truly something to ride home about. This is not an award winner, but it is a decent enough film to be watched a second time.

The Lone Ranger has good moments, but overall it is a film chalk full of pacing problems, blatant racism, and confusing flashbacks. The film starts off hot with an unbelievably cool train action scene. I found myself wondering why the critics had been so harsh on the pacing of the film, and then the next hour and twenty minutes occurred. In blatant terms, it was slow. The movie ends with another amazing action scene, but the middle drags on for an overwhelming length. Johnny Depp does not produce his best work here. Instead of portraying Tonto correctly, intelligent with a hint of crazy, he played him at times idiotic and down right stupid. Depp made the entirety of the Native American people look dumb, and because of it came across racist. Lastly, what were the flashbacks about? Why did we need to see Tonto as an old man, and what was the symbolism at the end? I missed it completely... The Lone Ranger will go down as one of the biggest box office flops of the summer, and after viewing it is understandable.

There are aspects of Red Tails that are thoroughly enjoyable, but the poor plot line and inseparable character traits ultimately led to its demise. In short, there are to many story lines to be properly understood. Had it focused on the love story/relationship between the two main men it could have worked. Had it focused purely on the historical elements it could have worked. Unfortunately, it tries to tackle all three and the result is a confusing, forced, unsatisfactory ending. There is so little exposition that all the characters seem to be carbon copies of one another. They are all pilots, yes, but what makes them unique? The special effects, like many movies from LucasFilms, are almost to extreme to be believed, but the sound and lighting were dead on. Red Tails is worth a watch if you enjoy war flicks, but if you aren't interested don't go out of your way to see this film.

Bug is a perfect example of an excellent stage play being properly transferred onto the silver screen. They cleverly kept Shannon from the hit play at Red Orchid, and Judd does an outstanding job in her demented role. The camera work is clean, and the set dressing it disturbingly breathtaking. It is not a horror, but a psychological thriller. It is thought provoking, nerve-wracking, and sad. Tracy Letts is a master at his craft, and if you are wanting a completely messed up flick, look no further.

The Ring is a clever script that doesn't quite come through in the clutch. It leaves so many questions unanswered at the end of the film that it is frustrating. However, the entire movie keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat wanting to know what will happen next. There are satisfying moments of suspense, tension, thrill, and fear. The film lacks exposition which hurts the main characters like-ability throughout, but despite the writing flaws Watts and Henderson do a decent job. The cinematography is breathtaking for a horror film and the sound mixing is exceptional. I have not indulged in the second of the series yet, but after this strong showing I will absolutely check it out. The Ring is a a few answers away from being a groundbreaking horror hit, and for die hard horror fans is a must see.

The Pool Boys flew under the radar, but I am glad i picked it up for my viewing pleasure. Lillard, who has always been one of my favorites, gives an excellent performance, and the rest of the supporting cast compliments him quite well. The story is completely improbable and for that I am knocking it down a bit. It is far from the greatest comedy ever made, but you can tell the guys who did American Pie were behind it. Characters, as mentioned above, were well developed and the soundtrack was unbelievable. If you are expecting a comedy as good as the first two American Pie's you'll come away disappointed, but if you go in with a clean plate it is easy to enjoy.

American Pie 2 is just as good as the original, if not better. The characters continue to be developed in the right direction, the producers take a step up in the soundtrack department, and the plot line is a pleasant change of pace from the original. It is rare for the "college age" genre to produce quality sequels, but American Pie 2 is the perfect example. It produces honest gut wrenching laughs and deserves to be watched for anyone that enjoys a good comedy.

American Pie came onto the scene shortly before the new millennium, and with the new millennium came a plethora of "college age" films. It was not the first of its kind, but it did help shape the way films of the like would be made for years to come. It may be crude and uncalled for from beginning to end, but it has delightful characters, a decent plot-line, and a stellar soundtrack. It is far from a cinematic masterpiece, but it is an easy-going watch for anyone that enjoys a good comedy.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is a cult classic waiting to happen. It has elements that look and feel like Garden State, Little Miss Sunshine, and other popular indie films that have premiered over the past ten years. Carell is the best he has been since the above mentioned Little Miss Sunshine, and Knightly is strangely perfect for her role. Don't walk into the film thinking it is going to be a romantic comedy because of the casting choices. This is a romance, an unorthodox romance, but a romance none the less. This film may not gain immediate acclaim, but as time passes it will grow in popularity. If you like romance Seeking a Friend for the End of the World is a must see.

Chernobyl Diaries is far from the Paranormal Activity series or Insidious, but it is a good film in its own right. View the film knowing that it is less for the scares and more for the anxiety. Appreciate it for what it is meant to be. The acting isn't great, but the camera work and setting are absolutely phenomenal. A+ cinematography on this film. Motion graphics not so much, but cinematography was excellent. In regards to the end, since everyone seemed to hate it to the bones, what did you think was going to happen? For once a horror film fully realizes that sometimes actions have consequences. Though it seemed like a no brainer story-wise, it played completely original on screen and I honor Peli for that. Chernobyl Diaries is not the greatest horror movie ever made, but it is worth a watch.

Why? All I want to know is why? There is nothing internally in the script that leads to its conclusion. Just because you can do something does not mean you should. Actions must have reason, end of story. The dialogue is extremely hard to understand, and I would have been completely lost had I not paused the film and read a synopsis in the middle. A part of me wonders if the filmmakers decided on the ending and than wrote the rest of the film after that. The use of foreshadowing is weak to the level of almost forced, the pacing is completely off, and the resolution is angering. Will I remember the ending of this film, absolutely because it was unjustified and it did in fact "chill me." I just wish I didn't have to sit through an hour and twenty-five minutes of choppy, unimportant dialogue to get there. However, this film has several redeeming factors. Though the plot and characters are a complete flop the visual and sound editing are spot on. The camera work is gorgeous, and the lighting is breathtaking. It is a pretty film, but not a good film. Unless you want to analyze shots for over an hour and then enjoy fifteen minutes of unexplained solid cinema, avoid Kill List.

Friends with Kids, though touching at moments, flat lined for the majority of the film. It took nearly an hour for the characters to actually meet any type of conflict. Things simmer, but nothing ever emerges from the early probable conflicts. In general the stakes were very low for the entirety of the first "act." It is obvious what is going to happen, and writer/producer/director/actor Jennifer Westfeldt keeps you waiting for the inevitable to happen way to long. The two main characters are generally uninteresting, and the other four equally interesting characters are never explored or fully developed. The directing was good in parts, but like many directors have demonstrated before, it is hard to direct yourself. Westfeldt is the obvious weak spot amongst the all-star ensemble. I wanted to feel more for the characters, but I didn't. I had extremely high hopes for this film, but when Megan Fox isn't the poorest actress on camera the film is going downhill fast.

The Change-Up is basically Freaky Friday only all of the humor has been replaced by raunchy sex and poop jokes. The female characters are weak and the male characters are complete and utter jackasses, but even more upsetting is the fact that none of the characters attempt to better their lives through positive action. The plot would lie stagnant if both male characters were smart enough to actually attempt to do the right thing. I expected great things from this movie, but the premise was not done in a way that made it likable. Leslie Mann saves this film, and without her the entire movie completely plummets into the ground. If you like raunchy comedy you'll probably enjoy The Change-Up, but it is not a movie for the girlfriend, wife, or kids.

Little Miss Sunshine, winner of the Sundance Film Festival in 2006, is a dark comedy about life, love, and finding purpose in life. It is delightfully simple, funny, and heartwarming. It will make you laugh, make you angry, and possibly cause you to shed a few tears. If you are into the indie genre Little Miss Sunshine is not only a must see, but a must purchase for your personal collection.

There is a special place in my heart for Hollywood budget films that look and feel like indie films. Wanderlust fits perfectly into that genre, along with many of Paul Rudd's recent projects. This film is well written, has interesting characters, and hits upon problems that many people can identify with. Though you may not be a nudist, a hippie, or a person that believes in free love, Wanderlust has something to offer. Whether it be learning to be yourself or discovering what the meaning of life is Wanderlust will leave you with a warm feeling. If you're into indie films I highly recommend this film.

Hot Fuzz is, without any doubt, the best comedic buddy cop film ever made. It strategically places golden nuggets throughout that are referenced over and over again throughout the movie. It can be watched countless times and still present new jokes to the viewer. It is written to an unbelievably polished level, the editing is sharp, the directing is fantastic, and the acting of the entire ensemble is absolutely unbelievable. Pegg, Frost, and Wright are masterminds. They proved it firstly in Shaun of the Dead and they continued that tradition with this brilliant film. It is crude yet sophisticated, simple yet complicated, funny yet heartbreaking, but most importantly comedy film making at its absolute finest. A must see.

Shaun of the Dead is clever, witty, and just as inventive as it is funny. It took what the world knew as a horror spoof and turned it on its end. It shaped the way we look at the horror/comedy genre and will continue to be at the top tier of the genre until another film like it is made. An absolute romp from start to finish that leaves you satisfied, but wanting more. A must see for horror, comedy, or movie lovers of the like.

I don't know what to say about Project X. Did it have a plot? No, but it didn't need one. Did it have any type of character development? No, but it didn't need it. This film feels like a documentary and an actual movie all at one time. It truly is an experience. The lighting is well done, the editing is snappy, the soundtrack is nothing short of epic, and the pure amount of extra participation is unprecedented. However, this movie is an absolute nightmare for anyone that is host to parties. I had anxiety from the start of the party to the moment the credits rolled. The only major problem with the film is the almost complete disregard for consequences. Putting text at the end will not discourage an over zealous viewer from throwing their own Project X. Even the father completely disregards his sons blatant disregard for authority. With all that being said I rate this right in the middle of the sliding scale. It is good, don't get me wrong, but it's not really a movie. It's an experience.

What did I just watch? The answer: 87 minutes of nudity, unneeded snap zooms, overly color corrected blue water, and absolutely zero plot or character development. I always try to find good in a film, but there are very few aspects of Piranha 3DD that made me enjoy it. The idea this film is based around is far-fetched to start with, but the creative team took it to an unfortunate extreme. Who was the protagonist? Who was the antagonist? What is stasis A and what is stasis B? Why do I care about any of the character's fates in this slaughterfest? If the director or any of the actors could answer these questions I would be impressed. It's a pandemonium of scenes spliced together and put on screen. This movie was made for the money not ratings, which is a shame. What is the Sci-fi/Horror genre becoming?

When I say that I was pleasantly surprised by R.I.P.D what I really mean is a terrible movie was just bad. The performances were completely lacking emotionally, but the comedy played well in some areas. Every other aspect was just ho-hum, nothing fantastic, but also nothing noticeably horrid. If it made more sense logically, looked better, and was given some time and care this could have been an O.K. film. Unfortunately, it did not get any of those aspects. I was surprised because it looked terrible in previews, and it was, but not to the level I expected.

I was pleasantly surprised with this film. The American Pie series was never the best plot-wise, but their characters are unforgettable. Many years have passed, but nothing has changed. The characters are slightly aged, but still humorous and specific. I will even pay the writers a complement and say this is the best written script of the series. However, the soundtrack is not nearly as epic as all the other films. I likely would have stopped watching the series after American Pie 2 had the soundtracks been lackluster. Not a home run, but exactly what the American Pie series needed, a solid conclusion.

A Nightmare on Elm Street is one of the greatest horror films ever made, and to this day its title character, Freddy, is one of the most commercialized figures in all of film. Is it one of the scariest movies ever made, absolutely not, but for 1984 it was truly groundbreaking. A Nightmare on Elm Street helped put the slasher genre on the forefront, and after its release the world never quite looked at scary movies the same. This film proved that Wes Craven was a master of horror, launched Johnny Depp's career, and established Englund's career making role. For those interested in the horror genre A Nightmare on Elm street is a must see.

Is Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj a cinematic masterpiece? No, not by a long shot, but it does complete what it set out to do. It is a raunchy, college age romp full of inaccurate depictions of college parties, classroom etiquette, and discipline. Had the story been a tad more ambitious I would possibly rank this film a bit higher, but the truth of the matter is the story has been done a million times over in the exact same way. The film is racist and/or sexist to everyone involved and because of this fact it is easier to excuse the frequent stabs the filmmakers take. This is far from the great film I have ever seen, but it is far from the worst as well.

The A-Team is a fun filled thrill ride from top to bottom, but its manic state can become overwhelming at times. Had the audience been able to catch their breath the witty dialogue and cleverly placed inside jokes from the television series would have shown through. Unfortunately, what the viewer walks away with is the permanent memory of explosions and badassery. If that is what you're into, which on certain days I would place myself in this category, The A-Team is right for you.

It is rare for a sequel to reach as high acclaim as its predecessor, and Jeepers Creepers 2 is no different. Jeepers Creepers 2, though scarier at moments than the original, uses dialogue to push along the story so often it becomes unbelievable. Even more upsetting is the fact that Silva blatantly ignores the most charming aspects of the first movie; the catchy theme song, BEATINGU license plate, and mummified truck go unmentioned and unseen. Instead of 2 idiotic teens you have twenty, and instead of a mysterious Creeper you get ones with hints of unneeded charisma. Not a terrible movie, but disappointing for a descent idea.

The Last Airbender was a complete and utter travesty. With a solid fan-base nothing could go wrong, right? Wrong. Shyamalan was handed pure gold with this film, but his lack of experience in action directing resulted in a film soiled by terrible adaptation, acting, directing, and shoddy special effects. If they do decide to go on with the trilogy with M. Night at the helms, it could be good night for The Last Airbender legacy.

Adventureland, though slow for many viewers taste, is a brilliantly written comedic drama that is delightfully carried by a stellar cast and witty, sharp dialogue. This cathartic film allows the viewer to set back and enjoy the simple aspects of life that we so often ignore.

Jeepers Creepers, though genuinely scary at times, falls short due to a plot structure riddled with anti-climactic thrills and unfortunately idiotic characters.