Getting sick at the this time of year happens, but it really hurts when you have a giant...very well done film festival and lots of screenings to get to as we start the rush towards awards season.
But I know, don't lament about being sick...you have a fun time with movies! I absolutely do! BUT...there are other things that are valuable to me too taking some of my time.
I mean there is family, friends, other work, shooting videos, tv, radio, production, fantasy football, raking leaves, fantasy football, the NFL, the MLB Playoffs (did you see that Royals/A's game the other night), fantasy football, screenings, screenings, screenings, and the list goes on...but who am I to complain? I am wonderfully blessed with the opportunities that I have been given.
But now -- let's get on to what I've missed recently....and get back up to speed.
Now I've done reviews on radio and tv but it seems that virtually none of my work has shown up here, hopefully this quick set of snapshots from my other appearances will give you what you are looking for!
September Releases
The Identical - Seth Green, Ashley Judd (PG)
No review - didn't screen for press and I didn't get back to it, sorry.
Falcon Rising - Michael Jai White, Neal McDonough (R)
I don't know, but call me crazy...I love Michael Jai White in this type of low budget action film. And having the always interesting Neal McDonough onboard didn't hurt (albeit in a small role). For this type of action/martial arts type movie...this worked (C+)
Dolphin Tale 2 - Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr. (PG)
Ok, look... I know we really didn't need a sequel here. I was afraid of the results going in, but it actually works. The characters are likable, Winter is likable, and despite some cheesy sequences, this is the type of film you take a family to. (B-)
The Drop - Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace (R)
Missed the screening (schedule conflict), have yet to get back to this one but will. I want to see this film.
No Good Deed - Idris Elba, Tarji P. Henson (PG-13)
No screening offered. Opened well at the box office, but struggled to maintain. Currently closing in on $50 Million, haven't got back to it, but may.The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby - Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy (R)
Ok, this isn't the happiest of films, but that doesn't matter. Great acting that had me at hello. I really dug this excursion and would love to see the bigger version of this film. (B)
The Maze Runner - Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario (PG-13)
No screening offered of this, but I caught up with it after the fact and found myself enjoying this new entry into the young adult market quite a lot. Fast paced and interesting storyline that will keep you wondering what's next. (B)
This is Where I Leave You - Jason Bateman, Tina Fey (R)
I just love Jason Bateman as much as a man crush can be. I even like the not so good offerings he has had. This film was funny and yet touching at times. May not be one of the best, but I still dug it. (B-)
Tusk - Justin Long, Michael Parks (R)
This new Kevin Smith offering has Kevin loving the critics and critics fawning all over it. I know I saw some good performances in this film but this Horror/Comedy just didn't do it for me. I couldn't really think of anyone to recommend it to. It is definitely like nothing you have seen recently on film. (C-)
A Walk Among the Tombstones - Liam Neeson, Boyd Hollbrook (R)
Not screened locally and I just haven't got back to it. My lovely wife loves Liam, so I'm sure I'll eventually get back to it.The Boxtrolls - Voices of Ben Kingsley, Toni Collette (PG)
I dug this, once it got going. Found a hard time getting into the story though. The messaging is great and let's face it...we just like saying JELLY!!! (B)
The Equalizer - Denzel Washington, Chloe Grace Moretz (R)
Denzel can do whatever he wants in my book! When he gets with Antoine Fuqua they do good work, and this is now exception. Harkens back to old school revenge flicks and I found myself wanting more Denzel. (B)
Believe Me - Alex Russell (PG-13)
Wanted to see this...was offered a screener...but it never came...sigh. (NR)
So there you have it - you are caught up on September ... My favorite from the month...it's close but I'd have to say The Maze Runner.
