Guardians of the Galaxy

I went to go see this recently with one of my best friends. The film was getting good reviews, but I tried not to go in with really high expectations. I didn't go see this movie in 3D, but it did seem like it could be pretty cool in 3D, but I also think it could be pretty nauseating during some of the more heavy action scenes, so I would say invest in the extra dimension at your own discretion.

While I'm not the biggest fan of sci-fi films, this movie was an exception for the genre. Though the movie takes place in various planets and places in the galaxy, it was never too absurd and the straightforward plot helped make sure it wasn't too confusing or overwhelming. If you're not sure if a Marvel sci-fi movie is for you, I would recommend checking out the Thor movies and/or The Avengers. These movies add a decent amount of sci-fi elements to the plot (and the Thor movies largely take place on other planets). The only other thing I would recommend is Thor: The Dark World does contain a mid-credits scene of Guardians of the Galaxy, so if you get through to that, you can kind of get an idea of what this movie may be like. You don't need to see any of the previous Marvel movies in order to understand what goes on in this movie, but if you are interested in appreciating some of the details that they mention, watching The Avengers and the two Thor movies would be my recommendation. That being said, if you are a Marvel fan, they do tie in other Marvel movies and details from them for fans to appreciate.

What I enjoyed most about the film was that the main characters were all different and stood out from each other while being well-acted. Though all the characters were great, Chris Pratt (who plays Peter Quill) was definitely my favorite out of the Guardians. He acted his character so well in my personal opinion, that it didn't even seem like he was acting, just having a great time singing to classic songs and sassing a lot of the other characters in the movie. I also enjoyed that the plot was simple to understand, yet well-done and entertaining. The humor was present throughout the whole movie, which really kept it light and helped balance out the more serious moments in the movie (which were also well-done). Though this film had the standard big bad, borderline generic, villain (played by Lee Pace), it allowed for more attention to be sent towards the Guardians, who were more complex and had a stronger onscreen presence.

Overall, I really enjoyed the film and was really entertained by it. It had great moments of humor, action, and serious moments as well. The soundtrack of the movie is also a really great element in the film. It contains classic songs from the 70s and 80s (which is much of what I grew up listening to), and after leaving the theater, I can honestly say that I had the soundtrack on repeat for a long time. The movie had a straightforward plot that helped make sure the setting was never too overwhelming, and the main characters were well-acted and unique. I recommend checking this movie out if you're looking for a fun movie to see or if you really enjoy Marvel movies.

*There is an ending credits scene, but no mid-credits scene that other Marvel movies tend to have. Most of the ending credits scenes are usually just funny scenes or don't really contribute to the plot. This ending scene falls under this, it's nothing really mind-blowing, but you can stick it out to see it if you want.*

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTZ2Tp9yXyM

The Lego Movie

What I will first say about The Lego Movie is the fact that it did live up to the hype and good reviews that it was given. The animation was really cool and interesting because it really matched with how Legos are assembled in reality and the plot really does appeal to both kids and adults.

While this film is mostly geared towards children, there are messages and satire in this film that adults can take away from it too. Though the some of the messages in this movie are a bit cliched, the movie times them well enough where they fit right in with the story and adds a sort of powerful effect to what is going on in the film. There is also a large amount of satire and messages that poke fun on American society as a whole, whether it be from the quick scenes of overpriced coffee or the larger message of conformity and control that stand out in the beginning of the film but also plays out throughout the entire plot. This movie can be read on many levels, which is what sticks with me still to this day.

The plot as a whole is interesting, following an ordinary guy named Emmet (voiced by Chris Pratt) who suddenly discovers that he is the central figure in a prophecy to stop the evil Lord Business (voiced by Will Ferrell). The humor and jokes throughout the film can be found as funny to both kids and adults and the characters in the film are all unique and very fleshed-out.

My only critique is the sometimes dizzying animation. I did go see this in 3D, and the effects weren't anything special. I really liked how the animation was a form of stop-motion, fitting really well with how Legos can be assembled or taken apart. There are points though, when this animation can get a bit nauseating, especially in 3D. There is one scene that takes place on open ocean, were it did at a point did make me feel like the animation was a bit too much for my eyes to take in.

Overall, I really enjoyed this film. The plot, though it was a bit cliched at times, was really fun and it was really interesting to be able to view the plot on so many different levels. The animation, though it was a bit dizzying at certain points in the movie, was really cool and matched really well with the idea of how Legos are used. I would really recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good movie to see with kids or something that is unique from most movies currently out there.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj4GeCk5SBk

Warm Bodies

My sister and I watched this recently as just something to do. We had both seen this movie before and enjoyed it, so we decided to watch it again.

I am not a big fan of horror movies, but I wouldn't really classify this one as part of that genre. Yes there is a bit of horror movie violence but it's not over the top. This movie is really much more of an unconventional love story, and though I'm not the biggest fan of chick flicks/romance movies, the storyline was really unique. It follows the tale of a zombie named R (played by Nicholas Hoult) who falls in love with a human girl (played by Teresa Palmer).

What I enjoyed about this movie was how the movie was narrated. Because R can't speak, the audience goes through the movie with R's internal point of view. His thoughts are easy to connect to and his point of view adds to the comedic parts of the movie. The movie has it's funny moments and it tends to stay on the lighter side of things. I also really liked how the movie was an interesting take on Romeo and Juliet, which can be seen through the characters names and certain events that occur throughout the movie.

Overall, I liked this movie and thought it was really interesting. While it was a romance movie and once and a while tended to have those usual cliches found in those kinds of movies, I liked how it was a different spin on that genre. I enjoyed the internal narration of R and how it really kept the plot moving. I thought this film was a unique one and I recommend it to anyone looking for a romance movie, a comedy, or just something interesting.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07s-cNFffDM

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2

I really enjoyed the first film (see my review below, or click the "Cloudy" tag at the bottom of this review to see both reviews), so I was pretty excited to see the sequel. This film basically picks off right where the first one ended, but it does back up a little so that way you can quickly catch up to what is going on.

While I did enjoy this film, I will say that the first film is better. The sequel does use the same humor that was found in the first one, and this film really takes creativity to the max. The effort that was made to create all of the food hybrids really add a fun vibe to the movie. Kids will definitely enjoy this movie because of all the cute animal hybrids, the silly characters, and the pretty simple villain.

Overall, while I did enjoy this movie, the first one is definitely better. I liked how the plot of the sequel easily transitioned from the first and developed from there. I think that those who liked the first will like the second, but not as much. I would definitely recommend watching the first one because while this movie does do a quick backtrack of what happened in the first movie, the first film gives you an idea of what humor is used and what the characters are like. This will allow you to decide whether or not you want to watch the sequel. I would recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a kids movie to watch and anyone who enjoyed the first film.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw6dECrl-BE

Step Brothers

This is one of those movies that I have seen multiple times and one that I quote with my sister on almost a daily basis. I usually like most of Will Ferrell's films, and this just happens to be one of them. I would say that this is a movie that I find stupid yet funny. There are some funny lines and scenes and the plot is interesting. I really enjoyed the concept of two men who never really grow up and are extremely immature, and both main actors portray it really well. Overall, this movie is kind of dumb, but if you are entertained by these sort of movies, you might like it. I would recommend it to those who like Will Ferrell movies and those who are looking for a silly comedy to watch.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CewglxElBK0

Who Framed Roger Rabbit

I watched this today to pass the time in waiting for my next class. I remember watching this movie as a kid, but I couldn't remember much of what went on. I don't really know how appropriate it is for kids, so I would recommend watching it first and then deciding whether or not to show it to kids. I will say that this movie is technically impressive. It has animated cartoons interacting with real people, and it is really well done. The real-life characters and the cartoons react well to each other and it blends the worlds of Toontown and Hollywood very seamlessly. This was a fun movie to watch, and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a fun and cool comedy to watch.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYNqYC_jNAg

Crazy, Stupid, Love.

I am not a huge fan of chick flicks, I mostly try to avoid them at all costs. I was a little reluctant when I first went to see this movie, but it got good reviews so my family decided to go see it. Turns out it was a really well-done movie with a well-acted cast and a really good plot. On my first day back at school, my friends and I decided to watch this movie, and it was still enjoyable to watch. It creates a great balance between humor and romance, in which neither overpowers the other. Usually when I watch a chick flick, I get pretty bored because they usually have the same generic plot points and aren't really creative. This movie weaves a great plot through multiple characters trying to find love, but you never feel lost with what each character is looking for and it ends with a funny climax and a good conclusion. I would really recommend this to anyone who is looking for a chick flick or a good romantic comedy.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iCwtxJejik

We're the Millers

I saw this as a last minute bonding with my sister before I left for school, and we both found it to be really funny. There were some really funny lines that were said throughout the movie, and the idea for the plot was a funny one. While it was a funny plot, some parts of it were kind of generic to any other comedy. The scene stealer is definitely the kid the main character hires as his son, and it was really interesting/funny to see Jennifer Aniston play a stripper. While I didn't find it as funny as This Is The End (check out my review below!), it was still pretty funny. I would recommend this movie to anyone looking for a funny movie to watch.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vsy5KzsieQ

O Brother, Where Art Thou?

I bought this movie for 25 cents at a local sale as a Father's Day present for my dad, and my parents and I decided to watch it last week. I thought it was really cool to have it based on The Odessey by Homer. Even though I've never read the book, there are some parts that were recognizably from the book, such as the sirens. The movie was funny and interesting, and while sometimes I did get confused with what was going on in it, I enjoyed the twisted plot. Once and a while it was also hard to understand what the main characters were saying because of their thick accents and the speed of which they were talking. Overall I did enjoy the movie, and I would recommend it to anyone who likes The Odessey, is looking for something different, and anyone looking for a dramedy.

Oscar Nominee: Best Adapted Screenplay 2001

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1C2gCXo4Gs

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Just recently saw this movie again while on vacation because my dad had never seen it (even though I've owned the movie for like 2-3 years). I find it to be a really funny movie and I really like the jokes that are made throughout the movie.There are also moments where there are quick one-liners said that you may only hear after watching the movie more than once. Overall it is just one of those movies that I could watch repeatedly and enjoy every single time.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPH0ct2oXBg

The Heat

 Just saw this movie yesterday with my family to get something out of a really rainy day. Plot-wise, the movie was average. None of it really blew my mind; there wasn't anything really original about the plot or the main characters. There were a lot of good lines that were said during the movie, especially those spoken by Melissa McCarthy's character. I enjoyed the movie because of the one-liners, but overall it was just an average comedy.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST16k80bDYE

This Is The End

I recently saw this movie with my mom and my sister, and it was probably one of the funniest movies I've seen since Bridesmaids. It was so interesting to see a movie where the stars in it play exaggerated versions of themselves and try to survive the apocalypse. Most of the jokes made during the movie were hilarious and the cast of characters were hilarious as well. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a good laugh.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yma-g4gTwlE