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. 

Now You See Me (2013)

Rated PG-13

Now You See Me (2013)

Director

Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, The Transporter)

Cast

Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

Four magicians, dubbed the "Four Horsemen," become the target of FBI and Interpol when they start incorporating heists into their performances.

Review Byte

With a very promising premise, "Now You See Me" fails to deliver the polished slick heist flick it could have been. It still manages to be an entertaining magic movie if you set aside high expectations and any hopes of comparisons to "The Prestige" or "The Illusionist."

Raves

• Fun cast that keeps the plot moving
• Perfect for those looking for a fast-paced heist flick
• The compelling concept alone keeps you interested until the end

Rants

• The film doesn't live up to the potential that is presented in the trailer
• The climax is too far-fetched and vague to be ignored
• A movie that tries to be too smart for its own good, plot could have been presented in a much simpler fashion

Fun Fact

The card trick in the opening sequence was intentionally edited to make the audience pick the seven of diamonds.

Final Consensus 

If you're into heist flicks and need to pass time, go for it. Otherwise, find another movie. 

The Hangover Part III (2013)

Rated R

The Hangover Part III (2013)

Director
Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Starsky & Hutch, Old School)

Cast
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong, Justin Bartha

Twitter-fied Plot Summary
The Wolfpack returns for the third and final time after the death of Alan's father. What they believe to be a short road trip for Alan ends up being a frantic search for an old acquaintance when they are abruptly stopped by thugs.

Review Byte
Phillips takes a different route with this installment to avoid re-hashed jokes. What follows is just a poor attempt to continue a overworked franchise that should have ended two movies ago. It didn't have the seamless effort witnessed in the first 'Hangover' movie. At best, this was just a barely comedic adventure flick with familiar faces, nothing more.

Raves

• Better than the second film of this trilogy due to its fresh approach
• Appropriate storyline for those interested in simply watching continued shenanigans by the Wolfpack
• A nifty, nostalgic scene at the end

Rants

• Disappointing attempts at unfunny jokes
• Entire series felt like a "one-hit wonder" that just didn't know when to quit
• Relied too much on Galifianakis' character for laughs

Fun Fact
Stay for the post-credits scene, the only scene of the film that employs the signature "Hangover" style.

Final Consensus

Easily skippable, but if you're eager to watch this, wait for the DVD release and dive in with low expectations.

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.