Blue Ruin (2013)

Blue RuinA revenge flick of the highest order. The story is straight forward and to the point, but that’s not evident until after the first few scenes unfold with a severe lack of dialogue and a mounting cache of visual hints that draw you in. Ultimately and not long after these beautifully shot establishing scenes does it become apparent that this a Appalachian Mountain/Virginia family vengeance tale, that is to say, an ugly and violent dispute that will not end until one or both sides have paid a violent and bloody price. (more…)

Posted by on June 27th, 2014
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Chef (2014)

Chef3Been meaning to get to this one for awhile, but dread the thought of bitching about a movie with so much going for it. Short, sweet and to the point is the my aim for this write up. Short, sweet and to the point also describes the second half of John Favreau’s follow up to Cowboys and Aliens, with an emphasis on the sweet and not enough on the short. The first half of the film is a beautiful thing. Favreau plays the head chef in an upscale bistro. There is strife and (more…)

Posted by on June 25th, 2014
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Million Dollar Arm (2014)

MillionDollarArmIf you’re anything like me, live action movies that are slathered in the Disney brand are a huge red flag. Especially when sports are involved. You don’t need to look farther than Miracle  (a great story, but a soft delivery) or Invincible (good story, no punch) to find prime examples of where my concern derives from. If Disney live action sports movies where a race of people, I’d be a proud bigot. (more…)

Posted by on June 9th, 2014
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Dog Pound (2010) Now on Instant

Dog PoundAll the words you’d hope to find in a description of a movie about a juvenile detention center. Gritty, raw and incredibly well defined characters make this an intense viewing experience if not an enjoyable one. Can’t remember the last time I felt so invigorated by an onscreen beat down as I did here. A modern day Bad Boys. The Sean Penn one, not the Michael Bay one.

Should Watch

4 0f 5 (Watch at your own risk and you should know that prison rape is not avoided.)  (more…)

Posted by on June 9th, 2014
File under Reviews