In Case You Missed It

Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated!  It's been a crazy summer, but I am back.  I have  been slack in staying on top of your motion picture enjoyment and I apologize if you've suffered through a terrible movie or wasted your money due to my negligence. So...enough of that.  Before you rent another movie, check out these quick reviews!

Joe
This went straight to DVD for a reason.  With Tye Sheridan in a supporting role and a trailer that looked compelling, I had high hopes for this film.  There are some intense moments in the film, but it is so slow and meandering in its pacing, it fails to really grab hold.  What a shame! Strong potential, but sad to say it falls flat.

Non-Stop
Looking for a action-packed movie to enjoy on a Friday night?  This could be your ticket! Typical Liam Neeson thriller.  Don't expect an Academy Award winner, but it's quite entertaining.

Enemy
Don't waste your time or your money.  You can read several reviews from "educated" critics about how this film is a thoughtful metaphor of living under communism and crap like that. Bottom line for real people...this movie is dumb.  I hate that I wasted 90 minutes of my life.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Force yourself to sit through the first 20 minutes and then enjoy!  Seriously...the first 20 minutes are pretty bad, but it gets much better. Good message from a good movie. 

Bad Words
Though it has its moments, this was a bust at the box office and probably for good reason  It simply doesn't pack the comedy punch that many of Bateman's recent exploits have. Don't get me wrong. Jason Bateman is his typical self and I found myself laughing out loud several times. This just isn't as funny as Horrible Bosses or Identity Thief,  If you're in the mood for something different from Bateman, check out Disconnect.  It's really good!

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

They’ve done it again! The Marvel Universe just keeps getting better! Captain America: The Winter Soldier is simply an AWESOME film. If you are considering going to the theater for a weekend movie, you can't lose with this one!

The writing duo of Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely teamed up with Ed Brubaker to give us what is truly a tremendous sequel.  Famous for The First Avenger and the Narnia films, this team knows what they’re doing!

What makes this film different from its peers is that the story is so good!  All of the best superhero films manage to balance the child-like fun and adventure of a comic book with the serious tension of much weightier themes.  Benjamin Franklin once said, “Any society that would give up liberty to gain some measure of security will deserve neither and lose both.” The Winter Soldier, with the underpinnings of a political thriller playfully peppered with comic relief, ranks up there with the best of the genre.

Gone is director Joe Johnston from the first film. Enter co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo. I’m glad I didn’t know this going in because I would have been terrified. They’ve never done anything like this before and in fact, their only previous directing gigs were for tv sitcoms. With new directors, I’m always skeptical about how a film will turn out, but there is nothing to be concerned about here.  

The Russo Brothers, along with a fantastic team of writers, deliver a movie that flows seamlessly from the previous Avengers and Captain America films.  With a clever script, terrific visual effects, stellar cast, and more than a few twists, The Winter Soldier pushes a tremendous pace for its 136 minutes before leaving you wanting more as the credits roll.

Here's a few more fun facts:

I’ve never been into spoilers in movie reviews, so I won’t start now. However, I will say this: MMA fans have an awesome surprise in store. Kudos to the media and the Marvel studio for keeping this one under wraps!

A la Alfred Hitchcock, Stan Lee makes another cameo appearance as a security guard in a pretty funny scene.  Also, see if you spot Joss Whedon.

Fans of Marvel films probably know this already, but under no circumstances should you leave the theater before the house lights come up.  You have not one, but TWO bonus scenes. So stick around through the credits!  One sets up the next Avengers film, while the other alludes to the next Captain America installment.

So the bottom line is this: Captain America: The Winter Soldier is really freakin' great! 

Sabotage

For those of you who read my reviews regularly, you'll know that I'm a big fan of David Ayer's work, hailing End of Watch as the Best Film of 2012.  So when I saw the trailer for Sabotage, Ayer's latest work, I was anxiously awaiting its release.

For those of you who enjoy this film genre, let me start by saying you'll most likely like this movie. It is gritty, tough, and full of action, tattoos, and guns. Ultimately, the plot is a compelling one with a couple of twists an turns. However, the dialogue is clunky, the characters are only skin deep, and the story unfolds like a rusty lawn chair. While I enjoyed the movie, if I'm being honest,I must admit that I was more than a bit disappointed.  With Ayer at the helm, I had much higher expectations.


Arnold Schwarzenegger has been doing about one film per year since the 2010 when he took on the role of Trench in the ridiculous testosterone fest The Expendables.  Ayer's films all have a palpable realism to them, so when I saw Arnold was cast in the lead role of Sabotage, I wondered if he would be able to pull it off. Many of Schwarzenegger's best films had a certain over-the-top sense about them and, while admittedly campy, this cheesy quality made them fun and enjoyable. Sabotage, however, would require a different quality and unfortunately, I don't feel he adequately delivered.  Much of the dialogue came off as wooden, blocky and, much to my disappointment, uninspiring.

The rest of the cast is a rowdy array of ruffians, most of whom you'll recognize from previous roles. Sam Worthington, Josh Holloway, Terrence Howard, Max Martini, and Kevin Vance make up the bulk of Arnold's team. Rounding out the group is the underrated but wonderful Mireille Enos of World War Z and AMC's The Killing. She is really good...and tough...and really good.  The highlight however, was the surprisingly powerful presence of Joe Manganiello who plays Grinder. I don't know if this cat has the stuff to handle a leading role, but he was absolutely terrific here.

On a strange side note, I don't know if Ayer thinks he has figured out some magical movie formula, but his last three films have each been exactly 1hr and 49 minutes in length. #random

Sabotage will certainly be the most violent film you will see this year. (#beheading #murderbytrain #crucifixion  #throatslash) But what did you expect? It's about a group of rough-neck DEA agents who hunt down vicious criminals and kick in doors of cartel safe houses for a living. Do that enough and you tend to make some enemies.  As I like to say, this film is rated R for a good reason.Under no circumstances should anyone under the age of 18 see this movie.

Save your money and rent this film. Go see Captain America instead. Though I haven't see it yet, I'm almost positive it is a better choice.

The Lego Movie

My son is a Lego crack addict.  And so for his birthday, we decided to take the kids to see The Lego Movie. Being a big fan of fun in general, I guessed that I was going to enjoy it. However, I was not prepared for how MUCH I would enjoy it!!  The Lego Movie is flat out great and I would say that even if I didn't have children.

Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, the writing and directing team that brought you the kid-friendly Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs and the not-so-kid-friendly 21 Jump Street, have banded together once more to deliver The Lego Movie.  TLM is incredibly well-written, featuring a genuinely funny kid's script that is skillfully clever and smart enough for the adults in the room. It is replete with joke stacked upon joke, forcing you to pay close attention, and maybe even see it a second time. This dynamic duo will be around for a while!

Classified as an action-comedy, The Lego Movie tells the story of Emmet, an ordinary guy who gets caught up in a quest to save the Lego universe from the evil Lord Business.  Because I hate spoilers, I won't say anything other than that there is a major twist that, at least for me, spoke to me as a father.  Though the film is rated PG for some mild violence and rude humor, I never second-guessed allowing my 5 & 6 year to see it.  Nothing was too intense for young viewers. 

The Lego Movie is a visual extravaganza! I didn't bother to see it in 3D because...well, because 3D is terrible.  Featuring a blend of CG animation and actual Lego sets, what results is an incredibly rich and detailed look,  as if someone excruciatingly built and created stop-motion action akin to the old Rudolph special from my childhood. It's truly incredible cinematography and refreshingly different from anything I think I've ever seen.

The cast for TLM was simply awesome. Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Will Farrell, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Neeson, and Jonah Hill are only some of the notables bespectacling this star-studded triumph. And by the way, Morgan Freeman, who steals almost every scene, stars in his very first role in an animated film.

I could go on and on, but you get the idea! My ordinary opinion is to run out and see this movie! And don't worry...you'll only sing the theme song for about 2 days afterward.

300: Rise of an Empire

Directors make a difference.  A HUGE DIFFERENCE.  The decision to give that responsibility to Noam Murro for 300:Rise of an Empire was a terrible mistake. After the rousing success of 300, why the decision was made to give the director’s chair to Murro, someone who had never directed a major film before, is tremendously puzzling to me!

The director is not the film’s only flaw however.  Let me rant about 3D for a minute.  Those of you who know me are aware of my great disdain for the popular format.  There are so many scenes that are ruined because of trying to manipulate or accentuate a shot in order to maximize the 3D effect. Granted, there are a few shots that really benefit from 3D, and several films have worked, but for the most part I HATE 3D.   Much like Thor 2: The Dark World and Man of Steel, the 3D version of 300: Rise of an Empire is dark, muddy, and ultimately less attractive than it could have been.

To say this film is not as good as its predecessor is a major understatement. And for those of you who might be thinking, “Well, sequels are never as good as the original”, know this. Rise on Empire is not a sequel. Nor is it a prequel.  (The story actually runs parallel to 300.)  That sounds a little confusing, but it actually works and the result is a rather interesting one, at least as far as the story is concerned.

Ultimately, however, Rise of Empire is merely a decent movie with a decent cast that doesn’t quite resonate as well as its Snyder-directed sister film. It’s moderately well-written with much of the same sword-rattling boilerplate that feels left over from the Butler film.  The real draw of Rise lies with its visual effects and cinematography. (Honestly, many of the scenes are downright awesome.)  But even concussive drumbeats, visually stunning artwork, and incredibly well-choreographed fight scenes are not enough to save this ship from taking on water.

Sullivan Stapleton stars as Themistocles, a Greek general leading his men against the superior forces of the Persian invasion. Stapleton is not as compelling as Gerard Butler, but manages to adequately deliver in a role that will most likely lead to more action films.   Eva Green stars as Artemesia, the female commander of the Persian navy, whose character’s backstory is never fully leveraged.   For my money, Green fails to grab me as a believable villain. At times, she is quite bland, which is unfortunate because so much of the story hinges on her performance.   Lena Headey reprises her role as Queen Gorgo, the only other noteworthy character. Headey is fantastic and does her best to save the film. (Notice I don’t count Xerxes as noteworthy, due to the fact that his character is diminished and under-developed to the point of irrelevancy. And what a shame, seeing as he is the story’s primary antagonist.)

My ordinary opinion is to wait for the DVD on this one.  Fans of 300 will definitely want to see Rise of an Empire, but don’t feel like you must see it on the big screen.   If you must see it in the theater, certainly don’t waste the extra $3 on 3D.  (#3Dsucks.)

A New Joint Made for Smokin' - Smokin' Swine BBQ

I'm back!  I admittedly took a small hiatus from blogging...or I was a little busy, with a dash of extremely lazy, during my downtime the last few months.  Whatevs.  Any which way you cut it, I'm back and I have a brand new local restaurant for you - Smokin' Swine BBQ in the bustling metropolis of Hampton.

Full Disclosure Statement - I am NOT a BBQ enthusiast, snob, connoisseur, or junkie; I don't have a favorite type, blend, sauce, technique, or geographic preference.  I just like good food.  All types. I do not discriminate based on anything other than taste. So BOOM. Take that, BBQ purists.

Smokin' Swine BBQ planted their restaurant roots here on Main Street, Hampton.  They've been open for about 2 months, and seem to be picking up steam.  Which is a good thing, because not only would I like to see Hampton's little hamlet of a downtown grow, but I can walk to this place. And they seem to be doing a pretty good little business.

They occupy a beautiful, old storefront with large picture windows to let in the light on the front, and small, special events/function space in the back.  The feel of the place is warm and inviting, with the creaky wooden floors, bead board, exposed brick, and slight industrial feel. When we entered, we were warmly greeted and seated, and quickly served our beverages.  Pretty good start if you ask me.

Looking over their not so vast menu, I would say their proteins run the BBQ spectrum - chicken, pork and beef - and most come in the form of sandwiches and platters, as well as sliders.  Traditional BBQ preparations.  BUT, they have gone out of the BBQ box and have a BBQ burrito and Smoked BBQ potato.  Can't wait to try those two - I'll do anything for extra carbs in the form of a tuber, and I'm a sucker for anything in the form of a wrap. Mmmmm, I'm drooling just thinking about them.


When we went, we had the kiddos, so we were able to sample the kids menu.  And a note to all the 'rents out there, they have three kids items - pulled pork sandwich, grilled cheese, and good ole chicken tenders.  Can't go wrong with those choices!  Our bambinos had the grilled cheese and pulled pork, and both were fans.  Kids meals come with a drink and one side item.

As for Chris and I, we went for the pulled pork sandwich and brisket sandwich.  Both were quite delicious on their own, but were made better by the perfectly toasted Texas toast.  Who doesn't like a toasted bread slathered in butter?  Everything's betta with butta, people.  I would love to show you all the photos of our meals, but we forgot.  Whoopsies.

Their meat comes "dry", but if that's not your jam, instead you like it saucy, no fear.  Smokin' Swine makes five truly delish sauces from scratch.  The sauces fit all the major BBQ types, with vinegar, molasses, and mustard based sauces, as well as something I'm unfamiliar with - Alabama White, which tastes like ranch with a horseradish kick.  Being as I don't have a preference, I tried all five, and ALL were good.  Are they true to the region which they represent?  I dunno.  But they're good...real good.

The sides on offer are standard fare: beans, brunswick stew, slaw, fries, etc.  They were good, Chris said the brunswick stew was great.  I, however, was not a fan.  But, then again, in general, I don't like the stuff.  I'm a Yankee, what can I say.

They also have a good beer selection on draft, nice bar area with stools and large TVs, and homemade desserts.  AND, something I think is important - the bathrooms.  They were clean, well stocked, and had cool wooden sinks.  A clean bathroom makes me feel good about the place's kitchen.  Weird jump?  Not to me - if you keep your bathroom nice and tidy, it makes me think you probably do the same in the kitchen.  And I like my food coming from a tidy kitchen, don't you?

Overall, a nice, reasonably priced, tasty local restaurant.  Is it THE BEST BBQ ever?  No, I've had some I've preferred more, but not locally.  Shane's is good and this is probably on that level, but if I can support a local small business and go away with a satisfied belly, then I'm all for it.  It's definitely worth a try, folks.  But that's just my opinion.  What's yours?

Smokin' Swine BBQ
5 East Main Street, Hampton, GA

Lone Survivor

 

First things first...Go see this movie. It is just as good as everyone is saying it is. It is intense, unsettling, tense, and ultimately awe-inspiring.  Adapted from the book by Marcus Luttrell, Lone Survivor reminds us in shocking, up-close fashion, that the military have extremely difficult jobs and deserve our respect and gratitude.

From a directorial standpoint, Peter Berg, does a marvelous job. This is, by far, his best film to date.    Many former SEALS, including Marcus Luttrell, have attested to the films gritty authenticity. Having never served in the military, I will have to take their word on this. In fact, Luttrell said the only thing missing was the smell of the blood.  Interestingly, Lone Survivor focuses purely on the fated mission and the way these brave men respond under extreme duress. Unlike the acclaimed Black Hawk Down, there are no political undertones here. We are forced to exist in the moment with these men, rather than debate over the decisions and circumstances that put them there. Coupled with his 2007 film The Kingdom, Berg seems to have stumbled into his wheelhouse.

Relentless in nature, Lone Survivor, from its opening scene, grabs you by the throat and stands on your chest.  The middle 45 minutes of the film have been compared to Saving Private Ryan in raw emotion and frenzied intensity. I'll let you be the judge of that.  

From a casting standpoint, Lone Survivor is top-notch. Mark Wahlberg even lived with Marcus Luttrell for a period of time in order to learn more about the heroic soldier he was portraying onscreen. Ben Foster is Ben Foster, and by that I mean great. He doesn't get enough work in my opinion. He's fantastic, and this is no exception. 

Ultimately, it is difficult to say I enjoyed this film.   Instead, after the dust settled, I walked away feeling like I had been a part of an unflinching memorial to these brave soldiers and many like them who put their lives on the line daily for the preservation of our nation.