Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rated PG-13

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Director

James Gunn (Dawn of the Dead, Scooby-Doo, Slither)

Cast

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, David Bautista, Lee Pace, Vin Diesel

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

From the creators of "The Avengers," Marvel studios brings another beloved comic book ensemble to life on the big screen. In this adventure, Peter Quill, a rogue space outlaw steals a mysterious orb whose origins are slowly revealed as Quill joins forces with four other intergalactic misfits. 

Review Byte

Raves

• Mix between Star Trek and The Avengers, but different than both in the best of ways...and more enthusiastic
• Ensemble cast flowed very well together with individual quirks, all held together by the likable and funny Chris Pratt
• Family-friendly, sheer fun and thoroughly humorous for all ages
• Nostalgic and perfectly selected soundtrack leaves you wanting more

Rants

• Since the film is based on a comic book, much of the content is filled with space jargon and alludes to its comic book elements that is slightly difficult to follow
• Screen time hits around two hours, which is a fairly long feature, though most Marvel films tend to have similar running times
• Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt) was no doubt a breath of fresh air as the lead, but many golden moments were simplistically performed by Groot

Fun Fact

According to IMDB, Chris Pratt cites heroes Han Solo and Marty McFly as influences on his performance as Star-Lord/Peter Quill. This mixture essentially summarizes the feel of this witty adventure.

Final Consensus 

If this is still in theaters near you, definitely check it out. If not, check it out just the same. Pure fun. 

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Rated PG-13

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Director

Justin Lin (Fast & Furious, Tokyo Drift, Fast Five)

Cast

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

In this sixth installment of a blockbuster franchise, Hobbs approaches Dom Toretto with a job which requires re-assembling the old crew to take down a team of mercenaries in return of pardons and a chance to reunite with an old friend.

Review Byte

You walk into the movie expecting fast cars, cheesy one-liners, and amplified action sequences...you walk out with just that. This flick is well-aware of the kind of entertainment it's meant to be and doesn't fail to deliver just the kind of popcorn flick you expect to see...nothing more, nothing less. Yes, there are laughable moments in the movie that defy all forms of logic, but at this point it almost feels as if it comes with the franchise. Overall, this adrenaline-filled movie is no fine piece of film, but it doesn't pretend to be either.

Raves

• Follows the fresh, fast-paced attitude of Fast Five
• Embraces its mindless amusement
• The purpose of this franchise in the first place: fast cars and street races
• Gina Carano's fight scenes
• Post-credits scene (arguably, the best part of the movie)

Rants

• Absurd action sequences that ignore all laws of physics, gravity, etc...
• Almost non-existent acting
• Laughably cheese-tastic lines
• Longest. Runway. Ever.

Fun Fact
Needless to say, stay for the post-credits scene.

Final Consensus 

A definite must-watch for Fast & Furious fans. Otherwise, watch if you're in the mood for action or else it may come off as too mindless.

Pain & Gain (2013)

Rated R

Pain & Gain (2013)

Director

Michael Bay (Transformers, Armageddon, Bad Boys)

Cast

Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

A buff personal trainer hoping to attain the "American dream" recruits his gym buddies to pull off a kidnapping and extortion scheme. Chaos ensues. 

Review Byte

If you walk into this with minimal prior knowledge of the movie, a lot will make sense when "Directed by: Michael Bay" flashes before your eyes at the end when you're sitting there wondering what you just endured. This movie truly depicts the kind of entertainer Bay is, and the only words that seem to come to mind are "cheap" and "excessive." The movie's ambitions to come off as a dark comedy is evident, however it felt too mindless than comedic, and too off-putting than dark. 

Raves

• Quite the interesting subject matter (you'll find yourself periodically asking in reassurance if this is all really based on a true story)
• Seemingly never-ending twists and unexpected moments
• Sprinkles of irony here and there
• Dwayne Johnson's amusing portrayal of a gentle giant

Rants

• Poor attempts at finding humor in an otherwise heinous story of a true crime seems downright insensitive at times
• You will feel your IQ levels drop as the story progresses (this may have been done intentionally?)
• Michael Bay's signature style of shallow amplification with very little payoff is just too blatant

Fun Fact

In order to prepare for their roles, Wahlberg and Johnson altered their diets to include a combined number of about 17 meals per day. 

Final Consensus 

Only watch this movie after it gets released on DVD...or better yet, just skip it altogether.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Rated PG-13

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Director

Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, writer of Lethal Weapon franchise)

Cast

Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

This installment has Tony Stark facing his past with the threat of an international terrorist while battling an identity crisis after the events that took place in New York. 

Review Byte

Though a fun, action-filled flick with enough entertainment for the whole family, it lacks the usual stylish demeanor of the past films in the 'Iron Man' franchise. Iron Man 3 tackles a new, mature theme of self-discovery with Tony Stark questioning his identity outside of his suit. While it's an interesting and refreshing premise, it was poorly explored and executed. This chapter in the Iron Man series essentially comes off as simply a filler movie while we wait for the release of Avengers 2.

Raves

• Well-presented performances by key actors (specifically RDJ and Sir Kingsley) 
• Properly executed delivery of comedic lines and scenes
• 'The Mandarin'

Rants

• Plot not necessary to drive the progression of the 'Iron Man' series
• Lacks usual zeal that was present in the first and second Iron Man, which were both directed by Jon Favreau
• Absence of a kick-ass soundtrack (also presumably due to the change in director)

Fun Fact

Be sure to sit through the credits to catch the post-credit scene which features a familiar face.

Final Consensus

While skipping this wouldn't hinder your understanding of the 'Iron Man' storyline, it's a good popcorn flick to watch with the family or a group of friends.