Ed's Review Dot Com

Endgame Entertainment, Vendian Entertainment, KrautPack Entertainment,

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Scott Eastwood, Logan Marshall-Green, Timothy Olyphant, Ben Schnetzer, Lakeith Lee Stanfield, Rhys Ifans, Nicolas Cage

This biographical drama covers the life of Ed Snowden (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) for a period of about 10 years until he shocked the world by showing the world the scope of the data the U.S. Government was collecting on private citizens. It covers his love of his job with the CIA, and his relationship to his girlfriend Lindsay Mills (Shailene Woodley) which was doomed from the start because he couldn’t divulge what he was up to without putting her in danger, and she knew very well something major was going on, but had no clue. With a lot of background on the time, and the technical data collection, and the life in the CIA, it’s a very technical look into the events and the motivation behind what happened. Whether you look at Snowden as the devil, or as an American Hero, this will give you the background of what really went on.

I was a bit disappointed in this movie, although I have been anxious to see what it had to say. I think I have figured out why I was disappointed as I struggled to figure out why. I do not think I have ever seen a movie made by Oliver Stone that I was not disappointed with. I don’t mean to say he’s not a good director, or that he is not an amazing talent, but I am saying that his movies never seem to work for me. There must be something on a personal level that make these movies never click for me, even though I have always been excited about the subject matter. It’s just one of those things I guess. So what did I find wrong with this film? Well, typically when you watch a movie about a historical event you are given enough background for even a layman to understand what it all means. From the housing bubble and the stock market crash which was explained to us in a way that I was able to understand, to even the crash and investigations covered in the movie Sully which dealt with complicated issues of whether or not the right choices were made or not, was fairly easy to follow. But I feel, after this one, that I couldn’t really follow the technical gobbledygook that was thrown out at us at a feverish pace. Yet great detail of Ed’s relationship to Lindsay was explained in great detail which doesn’t seem to really have much to do with the story or the motives of Ed Snowden. I found at times it was really slow and hard to stay interested in, and at other times the scope and magnitude of the data that was being gathered was overwhelming and went past me way too fast. I suppose I could get more out of it by watching it again, but I am not sure I want to put myself through the slow parts again. I think it’s a very interesting subject and one very worthwhile to learn about, but I’m afraid this movie is a missed opportunity to explain the story to us normal folks out there. I work in IT and I still found it hard to follow. It’s a shame.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

2929 Productions, Chockstone Pictures, Nick Wechsler Productions,

Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Ifans, Toby Jones

George Pemberton (Bradley Cooper) lives in depression era North Carolina where he is trying to run the Pemberton lumber business. He’s a harsh boss, but he tries to be fair. He’s just not getting ahead due to some dumb decisions. When he meets the lovely Serena (Jennifer Lawrence), who is a stunning witty blonde who is all alone, he immediately falls for her, but she has many reservations. But she has a strong sense of business that leads to a very prosperous company at a time when money was hard to come by. But when Serena learns that George has an illegitimate child and she is barren, things turn sour pretty quickly.

This is a stunning film with beautiful views and the cinematography is top notch. There’s also astounding talent in this film with Bradley and Jennifer tearing up the screen whether they’re loving or fighting. This is, after all, primarily a love story after all. But if there’s anything that lacking in this film, it’s how the story is written. It’s not as catching as it should be, and we are not drawn in as much as we could be. Parts get boring, especially when Jennifer and Bradley are not together, and though they do their best, it’s not their fault. I think there should have been a bit more effort into the story to make it flow a little more clearly. This is a very beautiful love story and drama, well acted, and well shot. It’s well worth watching and I did enjoy it very much, but I feel like it could have been a lot better than it was. It’s an excellent film to study and draw your own opinions, but I felt as though they missed the mark a bit, and it could have been a home run. I do like Jennifer and Bradley together, and I feel with a slighter tighter story they would have nailed it.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Apatow Productions,

Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Alison Brie, Chris Pratt, Rhys Ifans, Chris Parnell, Mindy Kaling, Brian Posehn, Dakota Johnson, Mimi Kennedy, Kevin Hart, Adam Campbell, Jim Piddock, David Paymer, Jacki Weaver, Michael Ensign, Clement von Franckenstein, Jane Carr, Randall Park, Lauren Weedman

Tom Solomon (Jason Segel) and Violet (Emily Blunt) have been together for a year, living together in San Francisco. Tom has planned a very special night to propose to Violet, and she accepts. But setting the date is a whole ‘nother problem. Tom is a sous chef at a local restaurant and he is running the place while Violet is an experimental psychologist who is hoping for a grant. When that falls through, she takes a job in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tom supports her, and gives up his dream, but has a hard time fitting in and unable to find a decent job. Years go by, and by the time Violet is ready, Tom may have lost his will to get married. This is a romantic real-life story of two people who love each other, but just can’t seem to make it to the end together.

This was a really cute story, that is oddly happy and sad. The pain that these two have to go through is really real, and these two seem to pull it off perfectly. I am amazed at how good Emily Blunt is getting. She’s really good in this movie. It has really good fun, and really touching heartbreak. There are lots of colorful supporting characters, but these two pull off the lead so well, that it would be good anyway. So the addition of the rest of the cast just adds to our enjoyment.

If you’re in the mood for a cute little romantic comedy, this is a pretty good one. It was refreshing, and very enjoyable. I really liked it and recommend it.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Columbia Pictures, Laura Ziskin Productions, Marvel Enterprises,

Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Irfan Khan, Campbell Scott, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Embeth Davidtz, Chris Zylka, Max Charles

This reboot of the Spider-Man legend takes us to a much darker place, but gives a lot more sensible explanation of what is going on. Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield)’s mother and father bring him to his Aunt May and Uncle Ben (Sally Fields and Martin Sheen) to live for a while when they have to deal with a serious problem. Their house has been broken into by someone trying to find the key to his work and the answer to a puzzle that could not only be worth billions, but could save the lives of thousands and tens of thousands of people. They never return. Peter grows up and faces his own issues, but accidentally finds an old briefcase that was left with the answers in a secret compartment. Peter sets of to discover what it all means, and what happens to him is no fluke, but has been planned. Peter meets Gwen Stacy at school where he’s admired her for a long time and they find themselves attracted, but when Peter is turned to Spider-man, and Gwen’s father Captain Stacey of the NYPD has an intense hatred of this Spider-Man character, things heat up in a hurry. Not to mention that Gwen works for Peter’s Dad’s old partner, Dr. Curt Conners (Rhys Ifans) who is playing with fire trying to splice animal and human genes together, he sets off a horrible monster on New York and it’s up to Spidey to save the city.

This is definitely a 5 star film! In my opinion it’s much better than the other Spider-Man films combined. This is for many obvious reason. First, with the work of actors like Sally Field and Martin Sheen, their characters add levels of depth to the roles and make these minor characters a big part of the story. Furthermore Emma Stone is perfect for GWEN and she actually runs circles around the part played by Kirsten Dunst. This is hard for me to say because I am a big Kirsten Dunst fan, and typically like her very much, but Emma is such a perfect choice for this and she adds a ton to the role. Not to mention that there is much deeper and heartfelt romance in this story compared to the first ones.

But I am not saying this is a romance either, as the action and graphics are eye popping, and the mix of live action and CGI is so seamless that you can’t tell in anyway when it switches. It’s fantastic. You so believe it until suddenly you realize that what is happening cannot possibly be happening and it has to be CGI, but it’s so smooth a transition that it’s not noticeable. Then of course, the drama element, danger, and suspense is off the charts as well. This is such an awesome script. And then Andrew Garfield who we may possibly remember from The Social Network and some other smaller film and tv roles is a virtual newcomer to be playing this role and he, too, is perfect for the most part. Some of the time, as Spider-man he gets a little whiny and annoying….(spider-man should keep quiet when he’s in costume for the most part) he’s perfect when he’s Peter Parker. He plays the innocence of Harry Potter, the brains of a scientist, and the confusion of a young man trying to find his way, yet is able to get so angry that he’s completely believable. Andrew was a great choice.

I saw this in IMAX 3D, and it was really well worth it. IMAX 3D glasses have gotten so comfortable that within a few minutes I completely forgot I was wearing them. And the 3D is eye-popping in this film, and the sound literally shook the seats. Romance, dark evil, a boy who is learning what it means to be responsible, great action and adventure, stunning CGI and photography, giant screen, perfect sound system and a suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat for nearly 2 1/2 hours. Comedy? At least a dozen times the audience laughed out loud. There is a lot of good comedy in this film Mix in some horror, science fiction, and supernatural and you have a great film. WOW, there is no reason not to go out and see this one right away!!! And this is from a guy who doesn’t normally get excited over superhero films!

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Columbia Pictures, Relativity Media, Centropolis Entertainment,

Rhys Ifans, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, Xavier Samuel, Sebastian Armesto, Rafe Spall, Edward Hogg, Jamie Campbell Bower, Sam Reid

This historical drama explores the theory that William Shakespeare was an uneducated man who did not write any of his works which were actually ghost written by one, Edward De Vere, Earl of Oxford. Queen Elizabeth I has just ascended to the throne, and the Essex rebellion against her was in force. The plays carried a message, and they needed a lackey to put his name on the plays to avert the attention to the throne. Shakespeare was an actor, not a writer.

This theory has been around for a long time. When the previews for this film came out, it looked like an interesting concept, and one I was anxious to investigate. Then the film came out, and disappeared in no time taking in a single million on opening weekend. Costing 30 million, it took in a total of about 4 1/2. Not too good. When I finally got the chance to see this on DVD, I can see why. It was simply not interesting. I have to say I could not get into this film at all. I really tried, but it was BORING.

Granted I have never been a big fan of these period piece costume dramas. But this one just never got going for me. Now, the costumes are good. The scenery is good. I guess the problem is with the story. The film jumps back and forth, and is very difficult to follow. I understand a lot of other people found the same problem with it. It was very easy to get lost in what was going on. Constant time shifts without warning keeps you constantly in confusion.

All in all, this movie was a disappointment. Perhaps I expected more, but it didn’t deliver.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog