Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Review

3.5 Stars

Three years ago, the earthling Peter Quill A.K.A. Star Lord (Chris Pratt) acquired a mysterious orb that put his life in danger.  Hunted by the villain Ronan the Accuser, Quill assembled a team of intergalactic misfits who teamed up to stop Ronan and save the galaxy in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.  Quill was accompanied by Gamora (Zoe Saldana) a green orphan from an alien world raised to be an assassin; a physical brute named Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista); Groot (Vin Diesel) who is basically a giant walking tree with limited communication skills; and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) a raccoon bounty hunter / mercenary. 

In addition to an all-star cast, wonderful animation, and a fun movie based on a not-as-popularly known Marvel comic, Guardians of the Galaxy's success was aided in no small part to Peter Quill's awesome mix tape featuring songs like Hooked on a Feeling, Spirit in the Sky, Moonage Daydream, I Want You Back, Come and Get Your Love and Ain't No Mountain High Enough, to name a few.  The team is back to save the universe once again.

Groot is back and adorable.  Though the giant tree perished in Volume 1, Rocket replanted a piece of his friend that has produced the offspring, Baby Groot for Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2. The unspoken sexual tension (ala Sam and Diane from Cheers) between Quill and Gamora is palpable, but endearing and sweet.  And, as expected, another epic soundtrack accompanied this movie, including the ending credits from David Hasselhoff.  As a child, not knowing who his father was, Quill would tell other children that the Knight Rider was his dad.  But Volume 2 answers that question for us.

We don't learn too much from the preview.  We can tell the action and animation is at least on par with Volume 1.  It was.  We saw that the humorous one-liners would be flowing plentifully.  They were.  We know all our favorite characters are back and some new ones will be introduced.  But, we don't get too much of a plot reveal from the preview.  Well, if you don't want any spoilers, here where you stop reading.  

Volume 2 opens with Ego (Kurt Russell) and Meredith (Laura Haddock) driving in 1983 with the radio blasting and Meredith singing, truly where Peter got his passion for music.  The two young lovebirds run into the woods where Ego shows her a beautiful exotic blue plant.  As he vaguely describes what it is, she says she doesn't understand what he's saying but loves the way he says it.  She can't believe she fell for a space man.

Thirty-four years later, Star-Lord and his fellow Guardians have been hired to fight off an intergalactic monster trying to steal a valuable source of power.  It's a cute seen that is pretty much Baby Groot dancing while the Guardians take down the beast.  They return to collect their prize for a successful mission: Gamora's sister Nebula (Karen Gillan).  They don't get along and Gamora is going to turn her in for the bounty on her.  They don't make it that far as their ship is attacked by the very same creatures that employed them because Rocket, couldn't resist stealing some of the valuable cargo they were tasked to protect.  They set their course for the nearest safe planet, but they were outnumbered and it looked like all hope was lost until one solo ship appeared and the pursuing armada was completely decimated in an instant.  After crashing on the planet, their savior ship appears and Ego emerges, immediately revealing himself as Peter's father.  Ego, with his companion Mantis (Pom Klementieff) convince Peter, Gamora and Drax to return to his planet for further explanation while Rocket, Baby Groot and Nebula stay behind with the damaged ship.

That's where the big reveal happens.  Ego is not a human.  He is a god.  The planet is his and he is the only inhabitant, other than the alien orphan he has with him, Mantis.  He has fathered many children throughout the galaxy, but Peter is the only one who carried his god-gene that Ego needs to take over the universe.  The epic battle ensues on many levels, but culminates on Ego's planet as the Guardians again must save the Galaxy.  I won't tell you how it all ends, I think I've revealed enough plot-spoilers at this point.

Most of the star prediction was based on Volume 1 since the preview didn't reveal much about Volume 2.  But it was a successful preview for two reasons.  First, there was just too much to reveal.  I just scratched the surface of all the plot twists and reveals that are jam-packed into this sequel.  In addition to that, there are more characters and special appearances in the film.  But, if the preview clued you in to their roles, it wouldn't have been as fun when they popped up on screen.  So kudos for keeping those nuggets to themselves.  Second, it gave you enough to make you want to come see it.  Basically, the preview said, if you liked the first one, everything you loved about it will be in the second one.  And it was all there.  It was fun, original, enjoyable and more than just a sequel.  I gave Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 a 3.5 star prediction: worth the money in the theatres, something I'd watch again, and a contender for my home collection.  I was right on and I'm sticking with my 3.5 Stars.  Fans of the comic, fans of sci-fi action movies, fans of Marvel, fans of the first movie, they will all be quite pleased with Volume 2.  So, what movie will be on my mind next?  We shall see.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 Preview

Three years ago, the earthling Peter Quill A.K.A. Star Lord (Chris Pratt) acquired a mysterious orb that put his life in danger.  Hunted by the villain Ronan the Accuser, Quill assembled a team of intergalactic misfits who teamed up to stop Ronan and save the galaxy in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.  Quill was accompanied by Gamora (Zoe Saldana) a green ophan from an alien world raised to be an assassin; a physical brute named Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista); Groot (Vin Diesel) who is basically a giant walking tree with limited communication skills; and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) a racoon bounty hunter / mercenary.  

In addition to an all-star cast, wonderful animation, and a fun movie based on a not-as-popularly known Marvel comic, Guardians of the Galaxy's popularity was aided in no small part to Peter Quill's awesome mix tape featuring songs like Hooked on a Feeling, Spirit in the Sky, Moonage Daydream, I Want You Back, Come and Get Your Love and Ain't No Mountain High Enough, to name a few.  The team is back to save the universe once again, but with a few differences we can expect based on the preview:

First, Groot is back.  Though the giant tree perished in Volume 1, Rocket replanted a piece of his friend that has produced the adorable offspring, Baby Groot for Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2.  Second, though not clear from the preview, we will apparently be finding out the mysteries of Star-Lord's past.  Third, it appears the Guardians must appear and defend themselves in front of a Galactic Council that, of course, questions the need or value for such a group citing jealousy and fear as traits the galaxy doesn't need.  Fourth, we know it will be up to the Guardians to once again save the Galaxy.  And finally, we know we can expect another epic soundtrack to accompany this movie.

Other than that, we don't learn too much from the preview.  We can tell the action and animation is at least on par with Volume 1.  The humorous one-liners will be flowing plentifully.  We know all our favorite characters are back and some new ones will be introduced.  But, we don't get too much of a plot reveal from the preview.  So, most of the star prediction will have to be based on Volume 1.  It was fun, original, enjoyable and very well done and I have no reason to suspect Volume 2 will be anything less.  I'm giving Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2 a 3.5 star prediction: worth the money in the theatres, something I'd watch again, and a contender for my home collection.  So, am I right?  We shall see.

American Sniper Review

3.5 Stars

 

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in the biographical movie American Sniper directed by Clint Eastwood based on the autobiography written by Kyle who has the title of deadliest sniper in American history.  This is the 5th movie directed by Eastwood that has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture of the year.  He has won for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.  But this isn't like those movies.  This movie is based on Kyle's autobiographical account of his experiences in the war in Iraq following the 9/11 attacks against the United States.  Like Lone Survivor, Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker, and The Green Zone, this movie has to do with the United States' ongoing war in the Middle East.  Unlike those other movies, American Sniper is steeped with hot controversy over whether Kyle should be regarded as a hero or a monster.

Although Eastwood has said the film "wasn't political in nature", that hasn't stopped major politicians, the media and Hollywood from speaking out about American Sniper.  Political Comedian Bill Maher criticized the movie on his talk show saying "The Hurt Locker made $17 million because it's a little ambiguous and thoughtful."  He criticizes American Sniper as "lacking nuance."  Author Bret Stephens questioned whether Maher had actually seen the film and was surprised that was his impression.  Stephens felt the movie "treats what veterans and soldiers go through in a way that was subtle." On the same episode, Howard Dean commented that American Tea Partiers are angry and that's who is going to see this movie.  His comments grew criticism as well, most notably from actor Gary Sinise who felt the former governor was making "stupid blanket statements."

 

After watching the movie, I would have to agree with Stephens and wonder if Maher actually watched the movie before making his snarky, condescending comments about American Sniper.  It seemed he was confusing the man Chris Kyle with the movie which was based on Kyle's autobiography.  I agree with Stephens as well that this movie had more to do with the effects of the war on Kyle and his family and friends than it was a war movie.  There was nothing about this film that glorified war or made Kyle a hero.  It was sad to see Kyle become more and more obsessed with fulfilling his patriotic duty by returning to Iraq.  It was gut-wrenching to see him change and what his wife and children had to endure both without him home, and especially when he was home.

This is Bradley Cooper's third year in a row being nominated for an Oscar for his acting performance.  Though he did not win for American Hustle or Silver Linings Playbook, it's pretty clear why he was nominated this year.  Cooper gave another wonderful performance, but for me personally, one of the things I love about the best actors out there is their ability to make me forget that there's an actor playing a role.  They are so good at their portrayal of the character, I don't see the actor at all, but rather the character in the story.  And that's why I don't believe Cooper will win this year.  As much as I enjoyed the movie and his performance, I saw Cooper's portrayal of Kyle throughout the movie and not just Kyle.  I predicted 4 stars for American Sniper, but I'm going to lower it to 3.5.  I thought it was good, very good in the theatre. I might watch it again when it comes to DVD, but it probably won't be in my home collection. So, what movie is going to be on my mind next?  I'll give you a hint: it's an Oscar nomination.

American Sniper Preview

It's Oscar time again which means the race is on for me to see as many Oscar nominated movies that I can fit in before Sunday February 22nd.  The films nominated for Best Picture this year are American Sniper, Birdman, Boyhood, The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Imitation Game, Selma, The Theory of Everything, and Whiplash.  I'll be starting with American Sniper.

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in the biographical movie American Sniper directed by Clint Eastwood based on the autobiography written by Kyle who has the title of deadliest sniper in American history.  This is the 5th movie directed by Eastwood that has been nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture of the year.  He has won for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby.  But this isn't like those movies.  This movie is based on Kyle's autobiographical account of his experiences in the war in Iraq following the 9/11 attacks against the United States.  Like Lone Survivor, Zero Dark Thirty, The Hurt Locker, and The Green Zone, this movie has to do with the United States' ongoing war in the Middle East.  Unlike those other movies, American Sniper is steeped with hot controversy over whether Kyle should be regarded as a hero or a monster.

Although Eastwood has said the film "wasn't political in nature", that hasn't stopped major politicians, the media and Hollywood from speaking out about American Sniper.  Political Comedian Bill Maher criticized the movie on his talk show saying "The Hurt Locker made $17 million because it's a little ambiguous and thoughtful."  He criticizes American Sniper as "lacking nuance."  Author Bret Stephens questioned whether Maher had actually seen the film and was surprised that was his impression.  Stephens felt the movie "treats what veterans and soldiers go through in a way that was subtle." On the same episode, Howard Dean commented that American Tea Partiers are angry and that's who is going to see this movie.  His comments grew criticism as well, most notably from actor Gary Sinise who felt the former governor was making "stupid blanket statements."

This is Bradley Cooper's third year in a row being nominated for an Oscar for his acting performance.  Though he did not win for American Hustle or Silver Linings Playbook, judging by the preview, it's pretty clear why he was nominated this year.  From the preview, I don't quite understand why there is so much controversy as it appears to be one man's account of his experiences fighting in Iraq.  I'm sure I'll figure that part out when I watch the movie.  I'll also see if the brief glimpses we get at what looks like a gritty and powerful performance from Cooper sustains for the whole film.  I'm predicting 4 stars: it will be worth the money and has a good chance of making it to my home DVD collection.  Am I right?  We shall see.

Silver Linings Playbook Review

3.5 Stars

Silver Linings Playbook is the story of Pat Solatano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) who was just released from a court ordered stint at a mental institution. He was placed there as a result of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder which was decided after he beat up his wife Nikki's (Brea Bee) lover. Pat was released after eight months of treatment on the condition that he move back in with his parents in Philadelphia.  Pat has lost his house, his job and his wife (who also has a restraining order against him), he's a newly released mental patient, and supposed to be taking medications to help with his disorder.  Against all odds, Pat is determined to set things right and is convinced he can do it all by making healthy life choices rather than through self-medication.  On his journey, he finds he's not the only one with problems: his father Pat Solatano Sr. (Robert DeNiro) has become a bookie to pay the bills, his best friend Ronnie (John Ortiz) is quietly seething inside over his controlling wife Veronica (Julia Stiles), and Veronica's widowed sister Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) is a recovering sex addict.  But it's Tiffany who throws the biggest wrench into Pat's plan to get his job, his wife and his life back as they develop a love / hate relationship stemming from the help they find they can offer each other in their journeys.

The preview for Silver Linings Playbook is pretty spot on in it's representation of the movie.  I said that it looks like a cute, smart, sweet, heart-felt story of pain, recovery and growth.  It's exactly that.   I did think it was an original story: Pat Solatano Jr (Cooper) gets out of a court-ordered mental facility after beating the man his wife was cheating with. He moves in with his parents as part of the condition for his release.  His father (DeNiro) has turned to gambling to pay the bills which gets interesting with his OCD paired with severe superstition.  His best friend Ronnie (Ortiz) has lost the love and passion in his marriage and feels whipped by his wife Veronica (Stiles).  Veronica's sister Tiffany (Lawrence) has her own issues getting over her husband's death and being labeled as the town slut, a title she earned by sleeping with all of her co-workers.  Somehow, Pat and Tiffany find they just might have the ability to positively affect each other, help each other grow and heal, and somehow actually find they are perfect for each other.

My biggest concern was Bradley Cooper and his ability to pull off the lead role in a movie like this.  I thought he was funny as part of an ensemble in the Hangover movies, and I thought he was also good as part of an ensemble in the romantic comedy He's Just Not That Into You.  And he did a really good job in Silver Linings; but ultimately, it was basically taking his ensemble part in Not Into You and expanding it to a sole lead.  And the movie was on par with a movie like Not Into You as well.  And I thoroughly enjoyed that movie, as I did this one.  I thought DeNiro was great, as is to be expected.  I thought Jennifer Lawrence was smart and sharp and sexy and love her more and more with every role I see.  But I just don't see why this was nominated for 8 Oscars.  Again, I really enjoyed it, I give it 3.5 stars.  I'll probably watch it again, but doubt it will make it to my collection.  But Best Picture? Best Director? Best Actor?  I didn't see it.  Maybe best screenplay.  But I could be wrong.  We'll find out in a few weeks.  So what movie will be on my mind next?  We shall see.

Silver Linings Playbook Preview

Silver Linings Playbook is the story of Pat Solatano Jr. (Bradley Cooper) who was just released from a court ordered stint at a mental institution. He was placed there as a result of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder which was decided after he beat up his wife Nikki's (Brea Bee) lover. Pat was released after eight months of treatment on the condition that he move back in with his parents in Philadelphia.  Pat has lost his house, his job and his wife (who also has a restraining order against him), he's a newly released mental patient, and supposed to be taking medications to help with his disorder.  Against all odds, Pat is determined to set things right and is convinced he can do it all by making healthy life choices rather than through self-medication.  On his journey, he finds he's not the only one with problems: his father Pat Solatano Sr. (Robert DeNiro) has become a bookie to pay the bills, his best friend Ronnie (John Ortiz) is quietly seething inside over his controlling wife Veronica (Julia Stiles), and Veronica's widowed sister Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) is a recovering sex addict.  But it's Tiffany who throws the biggest wrench into Pat's plan to get his job, his wife and his life back as they develop a love / hate relationship stemming from the help they find they can offer each other in their journeys.

The preview makes Silver Linings Playbook as a cute, smart, sweet, heart-felt story of pain, recovery and growth in Pat Solatano Jr (Cooper) and those around him including his father (DeNiro), best friend (Ortiz) and friend / love interest (Lawrence).  Jennifer Lawrence is quickly making a name for herself with such movies as The Hunger Games and X-Men: First Class and looks to be on the rise to becoming one of the greats.  And what can you say about Robert DeNiro? He looks as sharp as ever.  My biggest concerns are Chris Tucker and Bradley Cooper in this movie.  I liked Cooper in the Hangover movies and think he's great as part of an ensemble cast like He's Just Not That Into You, but I'm not sure about him taking on the sole responsibility of leading man putting out an Oscar worthy performance.  And I just don't see Chris Tucker being a part of any Oscar worthy film.  But perhaps Director David Russell has what it takes to bring out Oscar performances from these men.  He certainly did in his last directing project with The Fighter, earning him an Oscar Nomination and Oscar wins for Christian Bale and Melissa Leo in their supporting roles.

So I'm optimistic but not getting my hopes up too much about Silver Linings Playbook.  It looks like a movie I'll enjoy.  I'm sure I'll laugh and even well up at some points.  Ultimately, though, it looks like it will be a 3 star movie that most likely won't be finding a home in my personal collection.  But I could be wrong.  Am I right?  We shall see.