CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

Plot:

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

DOUG E FRESH - LEGENDS of HIP HOP - DETROIT

Kenya Moore Hosts Catwalk 2013 Fashion For A Cause (Aids Awareness)

PARKLAND

Plot:

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

Plot:

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

Plot:

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

E-40 - CHUBB ROCK - LEGENDS of HIP HOP - DETROIT interviews