Thursday, December 12, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
MICHIGAN CHRONICLE - LEGACY IN MOTION GALA
The Reel Hustler was on site for the Michigan Chronicle - Legacy In Motion Gala that was held down at the newly renovated Cobo Conference Center in Downtown Detroit. This is an annual event that the Michigan Chronicle holds to honor, reflect and give respect to those that standout and are making things happen in the City Of Detroit. The black tie event was filled with the city's elite movers and shakers, some who were past award recipients and some awardees to come but all were there for the cause to pay homage to this years honorees which included Lifetime Achievement Award winner Berry Gordy, the founder and mastermind behind the hit making machine Motown Records which launched the careers of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5 and countless of others. Then there was the 2013 Newsmaker of the Year Award winner Mayor Elect Mike Duggan, Company of the Year Award to Quicken Loans Prestige Automotive, Community Spirit Award to Starr Commonwealth and the 2013 Newsmakers Award to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, US Congressman Gary Peters and Bishop P.A. Brooks with the celebrity broadcast journalist and hometown native Ed Gordon serving as Master of Ceremonies.
Hiram E. Jackson, Publisher and CEO for the Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media hosted an exceptional event and asked how he pulled off getting Berry Gordy to return to Detroit he says it was actually easy when after meeting Mr Gordy in New York at a function some years ago and learned that Gordy's first job was delivering the Michigan Chronicle and that this was a good opportunity to honor him for his work in promoting Detroit.
During a time when Detroit has been taking a lot of criticism from the national media about the dilapidated state of some of the city's areas and of course the bankruptcy issues I wondered that night where were the national media journalists to cover this event? Why weren't these legends, dignitaries, movers and shakers who are constantly trying to move Detroit forward to a promising future not being acknowledged on the likes of CNN, etc....
Well I encourage all to look forward to next years event, because it will only get better. Feel free to contact the Michigan Chronicle regarding Legacy In Motion at 313-963-5522.
Cornelius aka The Reel Hustler
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
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Here's the link to get a preview of her calender: https://vimeo.com/75149578
Friday, November 15, 2013
THE BEST MAN HOLIDAY
It has been 15 years since the a group of nine college friends have gotten together, with life's challenges taking them all in different directions from parenting, professional athleticism, politics, book writing and reality television for some of them, the timing to reunite had become complicated. But under the insistence of Mia (Calhoun) and her husband Lance (Chestnut) the group reunites for a holiday retreat at Mia and Lance's huge luxurious mansion (sorry but it was more like a hotel, housing all those people...LOL). Although they have been apart for awhile and missed each others fellowship, joy does not come without pain as old wounds are opened and new issues arise which will test the core of their friendship. Will this be a holiday to remember bringing them back together or the final straw to disengage their friendship forever?
Reel Talk:
WOW!!! It has been 15 years since The Best Man was presented on theater screens in 1999. Now I say this all the time that sequels are normally tough to following up on a good movie, but producer, director and writer Malcolm D. Lee did his thang (yes I said thang) with this film even if it did take 15 years. This movie has it all, eye candy for the men and women, laughter and crying and everything is at the right balance and timing. And then to get the entire cast from the original film and they all still look good if not better some 15 years later is amazing.Great story, great cast and just an all around great movie but kind of confused as to why it was given an R rating. I am going to be brutally honest, this film is an Oscar nominee worthy movie that will unfortunately not get that recognition. The story alone is worth the nod and the cast, well the performances were superb from everyone but there can only be one winner. As I mentioned this film will probably not get nominated for any Oscars but we can make it a winner by going out to see and support this great movie! Be forewarned that when you are at the concession stand before the movie starts, grab a few extra napkins.
Starring: Morris Chestnut, Monica Calhoun, Taye Diggs, Sanaa Lathan, Terrence Howard, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, Regina Hall, Melissa De Sousa and Eddie Cibrian
Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee
Rated: R
I give it 5 corn dogs and a soda on the side!
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
THOR: THE DARK WORLD
Even thou now that his brother, the deceitful Loki (Hiddleston) is imprisoned, Thor (Hemsworth) still fights along side his fellow band of warriors to successfully protect his realm of Asgard as well as his allied worlds. But soon his world and Earth along with the other planets are threatened by a group of menacing Dwarfts led by Malekith (Eccleston) who are trying to retrieve some pure concentrated evil, that if he gains access he could take over all the realms casting them into complete darkness. So Thor must now reunite with Jane Foster (Portman) and her team who unknowingly have come in contact with the evil substance. With only a short amount of time they must find the substance before the Dwarfts to prevent the annihilation of their worlds, it is so drastic that Thor must even enlist the help of Loki who may turn on him at any given moment.
Reel Talk:
Hemsworth and fellow cast mates are back for another Marvel Comics movie mania thriller. Is it as good as the first Thor? No not as good but not that bad either, just good enough to keep you entertained. Lots of action and visually good, billed also in 3D but of course there is no real reason for that because there are no real 3D effects. The performances are good, but Tom Hiddleson as Loki is a scene stealer as in the previous one and the Avengers. A good movie that won't let down the Marvel Comic's nation of fans. As always stay past the credits to get the teaser for the next movie.
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Idris Elba and Christopher Eccleston
Directed by: Alan Taylor
Rated: PG-13
I give 3 and a half eaten corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
LAST VEGAS
Billy (Douglas), Paddy (De Niro), Archie (Freeman) and Sam (Kline) has been best friends since they were kids back on the streets of their old hood, now in their 70's each one living aboard and trying to cope with life as a senior citizen. Well when Billy the only one to never have gotten married decides to marry a very, very young lady (well under half his age), he along with his longtime friends decide to head to Vegas for his bachelor party/ While in Vegas the four pals, with Billy and Paddy having to work through some past differences set out to make this a weekend of a lifetime, which at their ages may be the last time for any one of them..
Reel Talk:
This movie is The Hangover on Geritol! Here you have four veteran Academy Award winning actors who unselfishly come together with the younger talent s of Romany Malco and Jerry Ferrara to make one hilariously funny film. There is no one upstaging the other but rather each contributing their performance to allow for a good movie. Good movie, good cast, good chemistry that is worth the admission.
Starring: Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline, Mary Streenburgen, Romany Malco and Jerry Ferrara
Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Sunday, November 3, 2013
12 YEARS A SLAVE
Solomon Northup (Ejiofor) is a free, well to do and respected black man in upstate New York who after parting ways with his wife and 2 children joins up with two white men who request he joins them to perform in their musical group. After the performance the men get Solomon drunk only for him to wake up realizing that he has been sold into slavery. Having been born a free man his eyes are quickly opened to the cruel and brutal treatment of a slave at the hands of the various plantation owners he encounters. During his time as a slave his only goal is to survive and stay alive with hopes of seeing his family again but that may not happen if it is up to plantation master Ford (Fassbender) who is the most ruthless owner he has worked for.
Reel Talk:
Based on a true story, this is a hard picture and not recommended for those who are easily traumatized by the cruel treatment of black people at the hands of white people during that period. This is a great movie but it is depressingly great. Well acted by an all star cast, but the brutality inflicted upon the slaves is graphic and hard to cope with by some. Django was good for laughs but there is no laughing for this film, it depicts the true harsh realism of how bad things were for blacks acquired as slaves, families divided with no possibility of ever reconnecting and the brutal beatings at the end of a whip. While this is a excellent movie, I hope that this is the last one involving slavery of blacks because we do not need to be constantly reminded how bad our ancestors were treated. You don't see movies that continue reminding the Jews about their mistreatment during the Holocaust. Worth the admission for some great acting but be warned that this is a graphic movie.
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender, Sarah Paulson and Brad Pitt
Directed by: Steve McQueen
Rated: R
I give it 5 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
STAGE PLAY: HE'S MY HUSBAND. NO HE'S MY MAN...
Christina Chatine who also has a cameo role on the stage presents an emotionally filled play that rides like a roller coaster, you go from happy, sad, mad and then you will laugh. Two of the male characters Rodney D. Story who plays Carl and Stephone Terrell who plays Marty will have you rolling with laughter, they provide the majority of the humor to the play. The rest of the cast was very versed on their roles as they did well during their performances. There were some scenes that could have been omitted trimming the time down some (remember my speciality is reviewing movies which average time length is 1 hr 45 mins). But overall I was thoroughly impress with the play and the messages that it delivered regarding relationships with God, marriage, your children and friends. Also that every reckless action comes with consequences that can even be fatal. Job well done to Christina Chatine who says she's on Tyler Perry's heels so he needs to make room.
Cast: Chiquetta Bunts, Rodney D. Story, Chanae Jordan, Stephone Terrell, Christiana Chatine, Pepper Holton, Nedra Spencer, Chayil Chanda, Edward Dunbar, Ayriel LaTauja, Nakaya Thompson and Andreana Beard
Monday, October 21, 2013
ESCAPE PLAN
Ray Breslin (Stallone) has an interesting career, his job is to be placed into maximum security prisons and then break out of them exposing security loop holes in the systems. After his last escapade he is approached by a CIA agent who wants him to go into a new state of the art maximum security prison that he nor his team even know where it's located. Once inside he realizes that instead of this being a job it is more a setup for him to never get out. Unlike his previous stints in previous prisons his skills will be tested to the limit and he must also join alliance with Emil Rottmayer (Schwaznegger) an inmate that Warden Hobbes (Caviezel) is trying to extract the secrets to the where about of his crime czar boss. Together the two will encounter harsh and brutal treatment in order that they can exercise their escape plan so that Ray can find out who set him up.
Reel Talk:
First off....who takes a job getting locked into prisons trying to find a way out? Secondly I went into this screening thinking that with these two old time action stars (Stallone & Schwarzenegger) who star together for the first time in a full featured film, this would be a cheese fest movie. Well of course there was the occasional corny dialog but surprisingly this was a good movie. Sure these guys are old and it shows in their facial features but physical appearance these guys are fit, even to the point of embarrassing my physic...LOL. Then you got Jim Caviezel as the evil warden who was out cold in his performance. A good story along with a good cast makes for a good movie. Worth opening the wallet and plunking down the cash for this action movie showcasing these two fossils.
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jim Caviezel, Amy Ryan, Vincent D'Onofrio, 50 Cent and Vinnie Jones
Directed by: Mikael Hafstrom
Rated: R
I give it 3 and a half eaten corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
THE FIFTH ESTATE
Daniel Berg (Bruhl) a young computer nerd while at a computer convention befriends an ambitious and rebellious Julian Assange (Cumberbatch) and together the two launch Wikileaks, a website that exposes the dirty little secrets of the world's conglomerate corporations leaked to them by anonymous tipsters. It doesn't take long before the site becomes the biggest whistle blowing website in the world that will threaten to expose the United States and their misdeeds that could jeopardize the lives of several key players and will pit the two computer hacks against each other for what each feels is the morally right thing to do...to expose or not expose the secrets?
Reel Talk:
Although this suspense story was based on a true story, it was still long, drawn out and boring! The story is interesting if you really care to know about Wikileaks but other than that you may be struggling to stay awake on this film. Honestly this would have been a good movie for the Lifetime channel with the commercials allowing you a much needed break. So this is one you can wait and catch on cable, save your cash.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Bruhl, Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie
Directed by: Bill Condon
Rated: R
I give it 2 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Sunday, October 13, 2013
THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER & PETE
On the gritty streets of New York City, survival is the name of the game and Mister (Brooks) and Pete (Dizon) must learn fast so they won't be devoured by the system. When Mister's heroin addicted mother Gloria (Hudson) gets arrested and Pete's mom who is also an addict is no where to be found, the two boys must become a team in order to fend for themselves for most the summer, doing whatever they have to do so they can eat and to avoid being captured by the authorities and placed in the state's system for homeless children. But the pair will learn that the streets are brutal and that all they have is each other as they will get no help from the various people they may know.
Reel Talk:
This was a depressingly good movie! Yes it was truly a depressing movie, the depiction of two boys hustling in the ghetto to survive, seeing their mothers prostituting to feed the heroin addiction that holds them and the fact that they don't even try to hide it from the boys. But it is still a good story of how the boys unite and work together to maintain for each other. The two young stars Skylan Brooks and Ethan Dizon along with Jennifer Hudson, put in outstanding performances. This is definitely a film to check out but be warned it will weigh on your heart.
Starring: Skylan Brooks, Ethan Dizon, Jennifer Hudson, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Jordin Sparks, Anthony Mackie and Jeffrey Wright
Directed by: George Tillman Jr.
Rated: R
I give it 4 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
CAPTAIN PHILLIPS
Captain Richard Phillips (Hanks) and his crew aboard the cargo vessel Maersk Alabama are in route to Africa during 2009 to drop off containers when they are chased by two skiffs occupied by Somali pirates. Able to ward off the initial attack Phillips and crew prepare for the possibility of a follow up attempt by the pirates led by the relentless Muse (Abdi) who has no choice because he can not return to his country empty handed. Upon Muse's second effort he along with three of his cohorts are able to take control of the Maersk Alabama only to run into complications that forces him and his team to take Phillips hostage aboard a motorized free fall lifeboat with hopes that they will get money for his release. Captain Phillips must use all his knowledge and resources to try to keep himself and the Somali crew alive while the Navy prepares to make their move on the lifeboat.
Reel Talk:
This movie based on the true events of the 2009 hijacking of Phillips' vessel by the ocean pirates is definitely an edge of the seat thriller. From the initial attack to the end this film is filled with intensity. Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi put in excellent performances as the two captains of their respected crews. There is no doubt that they may both be up for Oscar nominations for their worthy portrayals. This is a great movie worth every dollar for the admission. Be sure to get your snacks before the film starts because you will be glued to the screen otherwise.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Faysal Ahmed, Barkhad Abdirahman and Mahat M. Ali
Directed by: Paul Greengrass
Rated: PG-13
I give it 5 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Sunday, October 6, 2013
PARKLAND
This film is the latest depiction about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963 while in Dallas, Texas. From the moments leading up to his being shot to the post events of him being rushed to Parkland Hospital and the staff's attempt to save his life. It takes you into the lives of the many various people and the impact it had on their lives, there was the salesman who inadvertently filmed the shooting, the First Lady and the presidential staff, the doctors and nurses and then there is the family of the shooter Lee Harvey Oswald who would get shot and then rushed to the same hospital as his victim. Everyone was affected by this tragic event both directly and indirectly.
Reel Talk:
This was a good movie, very educational and insightful. I was not born when JFK was assassinated so my knowledge about it was naive. This gives light to some key people surrounding what happened on that fateful day. In talking with some of my movie reviewing colleagues they pointed out a few omissions that could have been entered into the movie but it was still a good solid movie, with a good solid cast. I recommend this movie, especially to those who appreciate revisiting or those willing to get the historical re-enactment to the events of that era. This is one that you can cash out.
Starring: Marcia Gay Harden, Zac Efron, Paul Giamatti, James Badge Dale, Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks and Jeremy Strong
Directed by: Peter Landesman
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustle
RUNNER RUNNER
Richie Furst (Timberlake) is a bright and ambitious student at Stanford University who happens to earn his money by being a bookie for an online gambling site. When he is forced to shut down his operation by the school's dean and unable to pay his tuition he resorts to gambling on the online site so that he can gain the money. But after mysteriously losing all his money on the site he decides to head to Costa Rica to confront the mastermind behind the gambling web page, tycoon Ivan Block (Affleck). Eventually he is taken in and under the wing of Block, putting him in the fast lane for success until he soon realizes that everything is not always as it appears. Now with FBI Agent Shavers (Mackie) trying to recruit him to help in bringing down Block and now his deep involvement with the criminal activity surrounding the gambling empire, he must figure a way to get out the clutches of both parties.
Reel Talk:
This movie is suppose to be based on actual events. My questions is, if these people (Block and his crew) were taking in millions and millions of dollars, why be greedy to the point of being busted? When is enough is enough? Mind boggling! This suspense thriller is a typical love of money film that is pretty predictable but I gotta say I enjoyed it. I also got to admit this is one of Ben Affleck's better performances in awhile. He actually does a good job as the bad guy gambling mogul Ivan Block, convincingly ruthless. A good thrill ride movie, worth the admission.
Starring: Justin Timberlake, Ben Affleck, Gemma Arterton and Anthony Mackie
Directed by: Brad Furman
Rated: R
I give it 3 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
GRAVITY
A pair of astronauts, veteran Matt Kowalski (Clooney) and rookie Ryan Stone (Bullock) are on assignment in outer space to repair a satellite post and while enjoying the breath taking view, they encounter a severe meteor debris shower that puts them in survival mode. The couple, faced with limited oxygen and limited options must work together in an attempt to reach a neighboring space station that would allow them any possibility of getting back to Earth. But the clock ticks as they must decide on what they each must sacrifice to further the chance for their fight to live.
Reel Talk:
The visual graphics for this movie is off the chain and may I suggest that you see this in Imax for an even better experience. But after you get through the early stages of the visual effects and the intensity from their initial outer space catastrophe it just fizzles out. At some point it is left up to Sandra Bullock to carry the movie but it may have been a little too much for her to burden. This does not mean that this is a bad movie. It is a good movie just not a great movie like it is being billed. Worth checking out just don't go in with high expectations.
Starring: George Clooney, Sandra Bullock and Ed Harris
Directed by: Alfonso Cuaron
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Monday, September 30, 2013
BAGGAGE CLAIM
Montana Moore (Patton) is a beautiful flight attendant who just can't find Mr. Right. With the upcoming wedding of her younger sister and the pressure of her mother (who has been wedded 5 times) to find a husband, she is facing a crisis. It is so bad that her friends and fellow flight mates Gail (Scott) and Sam (Brody) arrange for her to be on flights with some of her ex boyfriends hoping that one may have changed into a better candidate for her now. Flight after flight, city after city, will see ever meet her knight in shining armor?
Reel Talk:
I'm still trying to get the picture of Paula Patton's nude scene from 2 Guns out of my head...LOL! Anyway Paula and an all star cast of actors and actresses provide a pretty funny and entertaining movie, it is pretty predictable but still entertaining. Jill Scott and Adam Brody as her meddling friends and co-workers are hilarious. Yes this is an enjoyable movie, not a great movie but enjoyable, worth cashing in for a ticket or two. Good date movie!
Starring: Paula Patton, Derek Luke, Taye Diggs, Jill Scott, Adam Brody, Jennifer Lewis
Directed by: David E. Talbert
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
DON JON
Jon (Gordon-Levitt) is a handsome young man who is passionate about his family, his car and his friends and has the ability to date some of the most beautiful women living in his hometown of New Jersey, making him an idol to his boys. But despite all that makes him look like a perfect guy, he has one major flaw, he is addicted to Internet porn. As many gorgeous women he encounters, he gets the most fulfillment from his porn. When he meets the sexy Barbara (Johansson) he believes she will make the difference that turns things around in his life, but will it be for an improvement for his life or just to make her happy?
Reel Talk:
This was a pretty good movie, very entertaining. Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a good job with his roles as director and actor and regarding Scarlett Johansson all I can say is "WOW", this is by far the best she has looked in her films. Tony Danza as Jon's dad was hilarious. A good enjoyable movie worth catching and worth the admission price.
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza and Glenne Headly
Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated: R
I give it 3 corn dogs
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
RUSH
Rush is the true story of two Formula 1 race car drivers James Hunt (Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Bruhl) whose rivalry during the 70's propelled them to the top of the sport. James the reckless, hard partying womanizer and Niki the meticulous self indulged prude, both from different but similar backgrounds, upon their first meeting ignited a fierce rivalry that pushed each to the goal of being a champion. But the prize did not come without sacrifices from the dueling pair as they both paid heavy costs, personally and financially.
Reel Talk:
I must admit that I am not a fan of race cars, but this is not just about racing, it tells the story of both drivers from the start of their career to their end and director Ron Howard does a good job bringing their story to film.Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl put in good performances as both Hunt and Lauda. This movie will keep you engaged with a good story and the fast paced action on the raceway is intense. A must see film that's well worth the admission.
Starring: Chris Hemworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara
Directed by: Ron Howard
Rated: R
I give it 4 corn dogs
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
THE BUTLER
As a kid Cecil Gaines witnessed his father get murdered by a white man and then taken in to learn to be a server in the same man's house. Realizing he should leave before receiving the same fate as his dad, he sets out to fend for himself. After learning to become a diligent butler, an adult Cecil (Whitaker) while working at a luxury hotel in Washington is extended a job to work as a butler at the White House. While serving presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower (Williams) to Ronald Reagan (Rickman), he struggles to maintain his own house where his wife Gloria (Winfrey) is not happy and his son Louis (Oyelowo) becomes involved heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement jeopardizing his job at the state capital.
Reel Talk:
This film is a depiction of true events surrounding a butler who served 8 presidents before retiring. I gotta say this movie was awesome! With an all star cast with great to good performances all the way around. Director Lee Daniels does a great job engaging your emotions from happy, sad, mad and ecstatic. This is definitely an Oscar nomination film and a must see.
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo, Elijah Kelley, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robin Williams
Directed by: Lee Daniels
Rated: PG-13
I give it 5 corn dogs and a soda on the side.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Sunday, August 11, 2013
WE'RE THE MILLERS
Dave (Sudeikis) is a petty drug dealer who after getting robbed for his stash is given an offer that he can't refuse by his boss Brad (Helm) to smuggle some marijuana aboard a rented RV from Mexico to the United States. So as not to come across as being suspicious he enlist the help of Rose (Aniston) a financially strapped stripper, Kenny (Poulter) a 18 year old virgin and Casey (Roberts) a runaway teenage girl that prefers being homeless on the street than to be at home, so that they will portray his wife and kids, giving the appearance of a typical vacationing family. They soon realize that this is no walk in the park, when everything that can go wrong does and the drug smuggling family are soon caught between the law and the drug cartel.
Reel Talk:
This was a very funny movie! Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston and crew brought out their A game for this comedy action film. Yes it is a predictable movie but it still will catch you off guard to get some laughs out of you. Everyone contributes to the party, adding to the hilariousness of the movie. Oh and Jennifer Aniston, I'll buy that for a dollar! Laughter is good medicine and I prescribe this movie as a cure. LOL
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, Will Poulter, Emma Roberts, Ed Helms and Kathryn Hahn
Directed by: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Rated: R
I give it 4 corn dogs
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Saturday, August 10, 2013
ELYSIUM
Earth's population is a poor, disease filled environment that offers no cures or hope for those residing on it, while in space the rich and privileged take refuge on a station called Elysium. It offers the luxuries of life and a health option that re-generates and rejuvenates any ailments to the body. When Max (Damon), an ex-con trying to live the straight life, gets exposed to a high dosage of radiation and only haves 5 days to live, he takes back in with his old crime boss who is the only one who can get him to Elysium. But for him to even have the chance his body will be transformed to half man/ half machine, enhancing his powers to be able to fight the opposition that will stand in his way.
Reel Talk:
In this Sci-Fi suspense drama, Matt Damon takes on a different type of role as half man and half cyborg, but I can't say that it was a good fit for him. The movie most definitely lacks originality, it's like a take off of a lot of different Sci-Fi movies and very predictable. The action is cool but there are more lull periods than action, so it kinda makes for a somewhat boring movie. Jodie Foster does her role justice as the villainous overseer of Elysium. Overall just an OK movie, you can catch at the dollar matinee.
Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharito Copley, Alice Braga and William Fichtner
Directed by: Neil Blomkamp
Rated: R
I give it 3 corn dogs
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
PERCY JACKSON: SEA OF MONSTERS
When Camp Half-Blood, the safe haven for Poseidon's son Percy Jackson (Lerman) and the rest of his kind of half breeds becomes infiltrated and vulnerable under the control of one of Percy's old nemesis Luke (Abel), he must reunite with his friends to set out on a journey to the Sea Of Monsters to retrieve the Golden Fleece that will restore life to the tree that provides protection to their home. This voyage will be a challenging task as they encounter resistance from Luke and his crew, sea creatures and a giant man eating Cyclopes, all while trying to get the fleece and save his friend Grover (Jackson) who was kidnapped earlier.
Reel Talk:
This is the follow up to the 2010 movie Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief which reunites Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario and Brandon T. Jackson. Reprising their earlier roles they take on a new adventure and while this one is not as exciting as the first one it does offer some entertainment. The visual graphics are nice but not 3D worthy. Not as good as the The Lightning Thief, but will make for a good family movie.
Starring: Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Douglas Smith, Leven Rambin
Directed by: Thor Freudenthal
Rated: PG
I give it 2 and a half eaten corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
Friday, August 9, 2013
2 GUNS
Robert "Bobby" Trench (Washington) an undercover DEA officer and Micael "Stig" Stigman an undercover Naval Intelligence officer, were unknowingly partnered together to rob Cartel drug dealer Papi Greco (Olmos) of what was suppose to be a few millions but instead turned out to be several millions that didn't even belong to Papi. Now with people coming out the woodwork trying to get the money and kill them, they find out that they are both good guys and have been set up, so now they team up again to find out the culprit behind the robbery plot.
Reel Talk:
We've had previous buddy movie teams like Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte, Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker to name a few and now we have Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. Surprisingly the chemistry between the two works out pretty good. Although there is nothing original about the plot the two veteran actors bring their screen charisma that has gotten them where they are today to the table and meshed it together for a good enough suspense, action, comedy drama. There is also good support roles from co-stars Paula Patton, Bill Paxton and Edward James Olmos. A good, not great movie but enjoyable and worth cashing out at the theater.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, Fred Ward, Edward James Olmos and Robert John Burke
Directed by: Baltasar Kormakur
Rated: R
I give it 4 corn dogs
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
THE WOLVERINE
Plot:
While trying to cope with the pain of having had to kill his love Jean Gray (Janssen) from an earlier X-Men movie and the recurring nightmares of her wanting him, Logan/ The Wolverine (Jackman) to be with her begins to make him question if he wants to remain an immortal, he is summoned to Japan to visit a dying ex-soldier that he saved some time ago. Upon his visit there he realizes that he is in the middle of a coup that involves Mariko (Okamoto) the grand daughter of his dying requester. Now he must do what he can to protect her even while for some strange reason he is losing his ability to re-heal himself and becoming mortal.
Reel Talk:
Oh well....Hugh Jackman is back as The Wolverine. This movie was just a lame reason to make a few bucks rather than have him ready to go for the next X-Men movie. I mean they tried to offer up something different but it really just didn't work. This movie was very unimpressive with sub par action. Jackman portrayed the typical angered and embattled Wolverine only this time more powerless than before. I also have to say the same for the so called 3D effects as well. Why label it 3D when there are really no 3D effects in it. Have people sitting up in there with those big Ray Ban looking glasses for nothing. Unless you're just a Wolverine/ X-Men fan and want to stay on top of their installments this one can be a wait til cable movie.
Starring: Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Hiroyuki Sanada, Famke Janssen, Svettlana Khodchenkova and Hal Yamanouchi.
Directed by: James Mangold
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Hustler
FRUITVALE STATION
It's New Year's eve 2008 and a 22 year old Oscar Grant (Jordan) who has led a troublesome life in and out of prison wants to make a resolution to do better so that he can be around to enjoy a wholesome life with his girlfriend Sophina (Diaz) and their young daughter Tatiana (Neal). He also wants to make his mother proud of him after causing her so much pain during his checkered past. After enjoying a family gathering celebrating his mother's birthday, Oscar and his friends decide to take the railway into the city to celebrate the incoming new year together. Upon their return home the group encounters a scuffle on the railway and then they are detained by the police on the platform of the Fruitvale Station. Things would soon get completely out of hand leading to one of the officers fatally shooting a restrained, unarmed Oscar in his back.
Reel Talk:
This is a true story that did not get the national attention that it should have but now with the movie coming out on the heel of the verdict surrounding the Travon Martin/ George Zimmerman shooting trial, it sheds more light on the senseless racial profiling of our young men of color which in like these two cases have led to the brutal death of innocent young men. This movie will definitely trigger your emotions, especially if you have experienced scenarios such as I have related to the incidents in the movie. Michael B. Jordan does a great performance as the once troubled but then renewed Oscar Grant as well as the Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer as his mother. This is most definitely a must see movie and please be prepared to leave out of there feeling some type of emotions. I would strongly suggest that you have some napkins on hand.
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz, Octavia Spencer, Kevin Durand and Ariana Neal
Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Rated: R
I give it 5 corn dogs.
By: Corn Dog - The Reel Huster
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