"We're not critics. We're professional fan-girls." --- This blog is dedicated to movies and the entertainment industry. We use random selection to bring into light the best and worst of streaming films and entertainment news.
Production Companies:
FilmNation Entertainment, Premiere Picture, Echo Lake Entertainment, A Bigger
Boat, North by Northwest Entertainment
Producer: Adam
Betteridge, Peter Block, Rich Cowan, Mischa Jakupcak, Doug Mankoff, Mike
Marcus, Hans Ritter, David Rogers, Andrew Spaulding
Director: John
Carpenter
Writer: Michael
Rasmussen, Shawn Rasmussen
Actors: Amber
Heard, Mamie Gummer, Danielle Panabaker, Laura-Leigh, Lyndsy Fonseca, Mika
Boorem, Jared Harris, Sali Sayler, Susanna Burney, D.R. Anderson, Sean Cook,
Mark Chamberlin, Andrea Petty, Sydney Sweeney
Blurb from Netflix:
In this chilling thriller from director John Carpenter, a young woman is sent
to a mental institution with a past as dark and haunted as her own.
Selina’s Point of View:
I enjoyed The Ward.
It was a basic recipe for this kind of film, but it still held my attention and
a few of the jump scares even managed to catch me.
John Carpenter (Christine,
The Fog, The Thing) is a master of the horror genre, so it was easy to
expect something good from this film. I was pleasantly surprised by the cast, as
well.
Although it’s easy to admit that there was a lot of talent
among the cast, some I’d never seen in a horror situation and the others I was
simply impressed by the way they threw themselves into the roll. Amber Heard (Magic Mike XXL, Machete Kills, Zombieland)
was a fantastic leading lady and her physical acting was really good. There
were a few scenes that I didn’t quite believe, but the rest were outstanding.
Mamie Gummer (Manhattan,
The Good Wife, The End of the Tour) did insane pretty well and Laura-Leigh (We’re the Millers, The Client List, Lost
Angeles) was very good at tugging the heart strings. I was really pleased
to see Danielle Panabaker (This Isn’t
Funny, Time Lapse, Justified) and Lyndsy Fonseca (How I Met Your Mother, Agent Carter, Kick-Ass 2), however. I’m a
huge fan of The Flash (2014-)and Nikita (2010-2013) and it was great to
not only see the familiar faces but to enjoy their performances.
I believe there were some minor issues with some
characterizations, but I can’t really go into it without spoilers.
I would recommend this film to fans of the genre.
Cat’s Point of View:
As I started watching The Ward, I realized that I’d seen it
before. Somehow the poster and the blurb on Netflix hadn’t brought it to mind.
I’m pretty sure I’d caught it circulating around one of the cable movie
networks at some point.
Normally, I would say that it bodes ill for a film that I’d
forgotten watching it – but not so with this movie. I remember liking it the
first time around. Thankfully, I hadn’t remembered everything about it; so I
hadn’t spoiled myself on the ending. Bonus!
John Carpenter’s (In
the Mouth of Madness, Escape From L.A., Ghosts of Mars) name attached to a
project evokes a certain level of expectation. This is the man that has brought
us some of the classics of horror fare.
I’m not sure that this movie quite reached that expectation.
It got close, though, and was still quite enjoyable.
There were plenty of jump scares; however, I can’t say that
there was anything particularly unique regarding the asylum. It had some fairly
standard recipe elements. It did offer something unexpected in the back half of
the movie.
Let’s talk cast.
The award for the looniest loon in the loony bin goes to
Mamie Gummer (Stop-Loss, Cake, Ricki and
the Flash) for her portrayal of Emily. Her character had lighthearted
whimsy with an edge of darkness.
Danielle Panabaker (Sky
High, The Crazies, The Flash) was a fresh familiar face for me. I’m
enjoying her work in her current television projects, and look forward to
seeing her on the big screen more often. She has this bubbly smile that just
exudes approachability and warmth – yet she skillfully shed that in favor of
the ‘mean girl’ attitude in this film.
I’ve been impressed with Amber Heard (Never Back Down, Drive Angry, 3 Days to Kill), as well. I think she
was a brilliant casting for the strong willed Kristen.
Last, but certainly not least, I bring you to Jared Harris (From Within, The Quiet Ones, Poltergeist).
I’ve always found him rather interesting. I’m not sure that this movie was his
best performance, though. I don’t know – it might have just been the character
itself and the script. I’ve been enjoying him immensely on the current SYFY
original show The Expanse (2015-).
This movie is fairly tame as far as horror movies go, but I
think it’s worth a watch.
Production Companies:Flower Films, New
Line Cinema, Rickard Pictures
Director:Christian Ditter
Writers:Dana Fox, Abby
Kohn, Marc Silverstein, Liz Tuccillo
Actors:Dakota Johnson,
Alison Brie, Leslie Mann, Rebel Wilson, Damon Wayans Jr., Anders Holm, Jake
Lacy, Nicholas Braun, Nick Bateman
Genre:Comedy, Romance
Rated:R
This film promises to be a blend of
the hilariously inappropriate antics of Rebel Wilson (Bridesmaids, A Few Best Men, Pain & Gain) and the doe-eyed
naivety of Dakota Johnson(Beastly, Need for Speed, Black Mass).
The combination of innocent awkwardness with such a brazen and outgoing
personality should be interesting.I
don’t know that I’d recommend this as a Valentine’s date movie; but if you’re
out with friends instead of on a date, this might be fun.
19 – Forsaken (2/19)
Tag Line: Haunted by his past, searching for peace.
Production Companies: Minds Eye Entertainment, Panacea Entertainment, Falconer
Pictures, Moving Pictures Media, Rollercoaster Films, Vortex Words Pictures
Director: Jon Cassar
Writers: Brad Mirman
Actors: Demi Moore, Michael Wincott, Kiefer Sutherland, Donald
Sutherland, Brian Cox, Landon Liboiron, Jonny Rees, Siobhan Williams,
Christopher Rosamond, Michael Therriault
Genre: Drama, Western
Rated: R
I think this is the most excited
I’ve been for an upcoming western movie in a long time. I’m not sure how much
of it is nostalgia; considering Keifer Sutherland’s(The
Sentinel, 24, Pompeii) role in the Young
Guns (1988) movies.
Be that as it may, the cast looks
fantastic all the way around. I also can’t wait for the dynamic tension between
Keifer and his father, Donald Sutherland (An
American Haunting, Astro Boy, The Calling), that the trailer seems to
promise. This seems to have all the earmarks of a good western – the man pushed
too far, gunfights, saloon showdowns, and a sliver of romance on the side.
As a side note, I am also interested
to see Landon Liboiron’s (Altitude, Terra
Nova, Love Written in Blood) role in this film. I’m a big fan of his work
in Netflix’s Hemlock Grove
(2013-2015) and would love to see what he’s been up to since that series
finished.
18
– Zoolander 2(2/12)
Tag Line: Long time no Z.
Production Companies: Red Hour Films, Scott Rudin Productions
Director: Ben Stiller
Writers: Justin Theroux, Ben Stiller, Nicholas Stoller, John
Hamburg, Drake Sather
I’ve got a confession to make. I
never watched the first Zoolander
(2001).
I really can only take Will Ferrell (Blades of Glory, Land of the Lost, Megamind), Ben Stiller (School for Scoundrels, Tower Heist, While
We're Young), and Owen Wilson (The Darjeeling
Limited, Marmaduke, No Escape) in small doses. There’s no question that
they’re all funny comedic actors – it’s just not always my cup of tea.
That being said, I was really
entertained by the trailer. I also found Benedict Cumberbatch’s (Atonement, The Whistleblower, War Horse)
androgynous character hilariously intriguing. I think this would make a great
Valentine’s date movie.
17 – Eddie the Eagle (2/26)
Tag Line: Win or lose, always aim high
Production Companies: Marv Films, Saville Productions, Studio Babelsberg
Director: Dexter Fletcher
Writers: Sean Macaulay, Simon Kelton
Actors: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Tim
McInnerny
Genre: Biography, Historical Drama
Rated: NR
I’m a big fan of the Winter
Olympics. While skiing isn’t my thing, I inevitably end up watching a little of
it here and there because it’s spaced in between the Figure Skating
competitions. The ski jump just seems terrifying to me.
Who was the first
insane person that thought it was a great idea?? Without looking it up, I’d bet
you it was an adrenaline junkie that accidentally skied of a mountain, landed,
and then thought: “I’m alive! That was fun! Let’s do it again!”
I digress.
This looks to be a classic inspirational
underdog tale. While I don’t recognize a lot of the British actors (considering
it’s about a British ski jumper); Hugh Jackman (Real Steel, Prisoners, Pan) and Christopher Walken (Click, Stand Up Guys, The Family Fang)
feature prominently within the cast. That is a must-see combination.
16 – Standoff(2/12)
Tag Line: You don't look the devil in the face without taking the ride to the bottom floor.
Production Companies: Goldrush Entertainment, First Point Entertainment, Maple
Leaf Films
Director: Adam Alleca
Writers: Adam Alleca
Actors: Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne, Ella Ballentine, Joanna
Douglas, Jim Watson, John Tench, Laura de Carteret, Ted Atherton
Genre: Thriller
Rated: R
This film looks really intense. I
think this is going to be one of those movies in close-quarters where the small
cast shines.
Laurence Fishburne (Days of Wrath, Predators, Ride Along) is
scary as an antagonist. He has the ability to make all of his characters seem
like a badass – but he’s one you’d rather have on your side. Tough break for Thomas
Jane's (The Mist, Broken Horses, The
Expanse) character that has to go head to head with him to protect a little
girl.
15
– Tumbledown (2/5)
Tag Line: Turn the page. Start a new chapter.
Production Companies: Echo Films, Bron Studios, Hahnscape, Rusticator Pictures
Director: Sean Mewshaw
Writers: Sean Mewshaw, Desiree Van Til
Actors: Rebecca Hall, Joe Manganiello, Dianna Agron, Jason
Sudeikis, Blythe Danner
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rated: R
If you’re looking for a romantic,
yet funny movie for Valentine’s Day – this one might just fit the bill.
Right off the bat, I’ll just
shamelessly admit that part of the reason I’m jazzed about this movie is
because Joe Manganiello (Sabotage, True
Blood, Knight of Cups) is in it. I’m glad that this film will give him a
fresh platform to show audiences that he’s more than Chippendales material. I
think it’s going to be great fun to see him revisit his territorial alpha-male
side.
Rebecca Hall (The Prestige, Closed Circuit, Transcendence) and Jason Sudeikis (Hall Pass, Movie 43, Epic) seemed to
have great chemistry in their interaction shown in the trailer. The movie looks
both hilarious and adorable.
14
– Southbound(2/5)
Tag Line: All roads lead South.
Production Company: Willowbrook Regent Films
Directors: Roxanne Benjamin, David Bruckner, Patrick Horvath, Radio
Silence
Writers: Roxanne Benjamin, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, David Bruckner,
Susan Burke, Dallas Richard Hallam, Patrick Horvath
Actors: Kate Beahan, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Susan Burke, Zoe
Cooper, Gerald Downey, Karla Droege, Larry Fessenden, Dana Gould, Hassie
Harrison, Davey Johnson, Nathalie Love, Hannah Marks, Tipper Newton, Maria
Olsen, Kristina Pesic, Matt Peters, Anessa Ramsey
Genre: Horror
Rated: NR
The opening of the trailer grabbed
me with the statement that this film was “…from the minds that brought you the V/H/S Trilogy [2012-2014]…”
This movie appears to be a bit of a
horror anthology with five interconnected tales. I don’t have the same initial
investment as I might when I recognize members of the cast; however, the
concept of exploring the proverbial ‘highway to hell’ is intriguing.
The trailer promises some
psychological twists, jump scares, and also classic horror fare. This
definitely looks to be an interesting ride, if nothing else.
13
– Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong(2/12)
Tag Line: What happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time?
Production Company: Unbound Feet Productions
Director: Emily Ting
Writer: Emily Ting
Actors: Jamie Chung, Bryan Greenberg
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rated: NR
This looks like a really
heartwarming film that takes an intimate look at chance connections, timing,
and the landscape of Hong Kong at night.
The impression I’ve gotten from
the trailer is that the movie will likely contain a lot of traveling around the
city – whether by foot or other transportation – and the banter between the
main characters as they go along.
I like that it seems to be a bit of a role
reversal from what you’d expect – where it’s the American expat that is the
‘tour guide’ rather than someone that appears to be born native to the area.
12 – Dad's Army(2/5)
Tag Lines: The British Empire strikes back.
Production Company: DJ Films
Director: Oliver Parker
Writers: David Croft, Hamish McColl, Jimmy Perry
Actors: David Croft, Hamish McColl, Jimmy Perry
Actors: Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bill
Nighy, Michael Gambon, Mark Gatiss, Toby Jones, Tom Courtenay, Blake Harrison,
Sarah Lancashire, Alison Steadman, Bill Paterson, Daniel Mays, Emily Atack, Ian
Lavender
Genre: Comedy
Rated: NR
This movie looks like it’s full of
hilarious bumbling and wonderful dry British humor. I was sold with Bill Nighy’s
(Chalet Girl, Total Recall, Norm of the
North) involvement.
Add in Catherine Zeta-Jones (Rock of Ages, Side Effects, RED 2) and Toby Jones (The Rite, By the Gun, Wayward Pines), and
this film should really be a hoot.
11
– 4th Man Out (2/5)
Tag Line: Friends don’t let friends come out alone.
Production Companies: Tait Productions, Moving Pictures
Director: Andrew Nackman
Writer: Aaron Dancik
Actors: Parker Young, Evan Todd, Chord Overstreet, Jon Gabrus, Kate
Flannery, Jennifer Damiano
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: NR
From what I can see in the trailer,
this movie seems to be quite deserving of the accolades it has already received
from the film festival circuit. It’s a funny ‘dudes being dudes with their
dudes’ movie, but at the same time it’s also a heartwarming coming-out tale.
10 – The Veil(2/2)
Tag Line: None
Production Company: Blumhouse Productions
Director: Phil Joanou
Writer: Robert Ben Garant
Actors: Jessica Alba, Lily Rabe, Thomas Jane, Aleksa Palladino,
Jack De Sena, Reid Scott, Shannon Woodward, Meegan Warner, Lenny Jacobson,
Amber Friendly, David Sullivan
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
This movie looks like a really
creepy twist on the Jim Jones’ (1931-1978) cult’s Jonestown Massacre.
I am
excited to see Jessica Alba (Awake,
Machete, Entourage) and Lily Rabe (All
Good Things, Aftermath, American Horror Story) in this film. While Rabe is
no stranger to the supernatural, I haven’t seen Alba in anything from the
horror genre since probably 2008 with The
Eye.
I am also jazzed that Thomas Jane (LOL,
Vice, Before I Wake) is the dubious cult leader in this film. It’s a nice
bookend, considering he’s the protagonist his other movie released this month.
9 –
The Witch (2/19)
Tag Line: Evil takes many forms.
Production Companies: Parts and Labor, RT Features, Rooks Nest Entertainment,
Code Red Productions, Scythia Films, Maiden Voyage Pictures, Mott Street
Pictures, Pulse Films, Special Projects
Director: Robert Eggers
Writer: Robert Eggers
Actors: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey
Scrimshaw, Lucas Dawson, Ellie Grainger, Julian Richings, Bathsheba Garnett
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
I’d imagine that venturing out into
the great wide frontier was scary just as much as it was exciting for the
adventure of it. Settlers had a number of things of the natural world that had
to be guarded against to ensure survival.
When you add the supernatural into
it, things are bound to go haywire – especially among the religious fanatical
sort. That was the impression I got from the trailers, at least. Parts of the
trailers were odd, but I think that was intentional to add to the disturbing
vibe that this whole film seems to give off.
This one tops my horror selections
for this month out of phenomenal curiosity to see if it really is as unsettling
as the blurbs during the trailer promise it to be.
An unsettling settler movie! (I
couldn’t help it.)
8
– The Choice (2/5)
Tag Line: Let your heart decide.
Production Companies: Nicholas Sparks Productions, The Safran Company
Director: Ross Katz
Writers: Bryan Sipe, Nicholas Sparks
Actors: Teresa Palmer, Benjamin Walker, Alexandra Daddario, Maggie
Grace, Tom Welling, Tom Wilkinson, Noree Victoria, Rochelle Aycoth, Brad James,
Niki Davis, Brett Rice, Anna Enger, Jesse C. Boyd
Genre: Drama, Romance
Rated: PG-13
Out of all of the romance movies
coming out this month, I think this is the only one that’s going to make me
cry. I foresee a real full-on session of ugly-crying, to be honest. I think I
got misty even during the trailer. I’m a sap, ok? Moving on.
I’ve enjoyed the screen adaptations
of several other works by the same author that penned the book this was based
on. The bar is set high for good laughs, organic chemistry, and gut-wrenching
emotional moments. I doubt that it will disappoint.
7 –
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2/26)
Tag Line: The past returns with a vengeance.
Production Companies: China Film Group, Pegasus Taihe Entertainment, The
Weinstein Company, Yucaipa Films
Director: Woo-Ping Yuen
Writers: Du Lu Wang, John Fusco
Actors: Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Harry Shum Jr., Jason Scott
Lee, Eugenia Yuan, Juju Chan, Chris Pang, Darryl Quon, Roger Yuan
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama
Rated: PG-13
I absolutely adored the first Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000).
This movie promises to pick up a bit after that film left off. The
cinematography and fight choreography look as stunning as the original. This
might be a case where the sequel stands up to the original. I’m hoping for
that, at least.
I’m thrilled that Michelle Yeoh (The Children of Huang Shi, Kung Fu Panda 2,
Final Recipe) has returned to continue her role in this movie. Her
performance in the original was compelling and enjoyable, and she made that
wire-work look effortless. Also a bonus? This sequel is a Netflix original, so no having to buy ticket to see it as soon as it comes out.
6 –
Triple 9 (2/26)
Tag Line:The code on the
street is never black and white.
Production Companies: Worldview Entertainment, Anonymous Content, MadRiver
Picture
Director: John Hillcoat
Writer: Matt Cook
Actors: Gal Gadot, Teresa Palmer, Kate Winslet, Aaron Paul, Norman
Reedus, Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie,
Michael Kenneth Williams, Clifton Collins Jr.
Genre: Crime Thriller
Rated: R
Good grief, are you kidding me? This
cast is insane – insanely awesome, that is. This movie looks to be full of
action, thrills, camaraderie, and betrayal. Wonder Woman and Daryl Dixon in the
same movie, and they aren’t even the main characters. OK maybe not those characters
but, seriously - Norman (freaking) Reedus (Pandorum,
The Conspirator, Air)!!!
5
– Misconduct (2/5)
Tag Line: Ambition can be deadly.
Production Company: Mike and Marty Productions
Director: Shintaro Shimosawa
Writers: Simon Boyes, Adam Mason
Actors: Malin Akerman, Julia Stiles, Al Pacino, Alice Eve, Sir
Anthony Hopkins, Josh Duhamel, Byung-hun Lee
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Rated: R
This movie also has a stunning cast –
real powerhouses. Not only that, but it seems to be a compelling tale.
Josh Duhamel (Wings, You're Not You, Lost in the Sun) plays a lawyer that gets in
over his head and makes a few mistakes as well as powerful enemies. Just from
the footage in the trailer, I’m already invested to see whether or not he can
clear his name and/or catch the bad guys.
This has to be the most smugly
malevolent role I’ve seen Sir Anthony Hopkins (Slipstream, Hitchcock, Go With Me) in since his run as Hannibal
Lector.
Throw in another Oscar-winner with Al
Pacino (Righteous Kill, Stand Up Guys,
Manglehorn), and this is definitely a recipe for an awesome movie.
4
– Hail, Caesar! (2/5)
Tag Line: Lights. Camera. Abduction.
Production Companies: Mike Zoss Productions, Working Title Films
Directors: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Writers: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Actors: George Clooney, Josh Brolin, Scarlett Johansson, Channing
Tatum, Tilda Swinton, Ralph Piennes, Jonah Hill, Dolph Lundgren, Clancy Brown,
Emily Beecham, Christopher Lambert
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: PG-13
This movie flat-out looks hilarious.
Yet another movie with an amazing cast, as well. I love the film-noir feel of
it. From what I’ve seen of the trailers, it doesn’t take itself too seriously,
either.
This movie looks like it’s going to
be one epic flight of fantasy. That’s really the keyword here – fantasy. Let’s
suspend disbelief and just put aside the notion that Gerard Butler (Law Abiding Citizen, Chasing Mavericks,
Olympus Has Fallen) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones, Mama, The Other Woman), among other cast members,
don’t really look or sound Egyptian. (Though, I could listen to Butler talk all
day.)
The effects look spectacular and the
story seems grand on the scale of a Wrath
of the Titans-like (2012) level. This movie is one that you just have to
sit back and enjoy the storytelling aspect of it and the stunning visuals; and
pay no mind to the whole real-world parts that may or may not be accurate regarding
ethnicity, etc.
2 –
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2/5)
Tag Lines: For future. For love. For family. Everyone must fight.
Production Companies: Lionsgate, Cross Creek Pictures, QC Entertainment, Allison
Shearmur Productions, Handsomecharlie Films, MadRiver Pictures, Head Gear
Films, Darko Entertainment
Director: Burr Steers
Writers: Burr Steers, Jane Austen, Seth Grahame-Smith
Actors: Lily James, Lena Headey, Matt Smith, Douglas Booth,
Aisling Loftus, Jack Huston, Sam Riley, Charles Dance, Emma Greenwell, Bella
Heathcote, Suki Waterhouse, Ellie Bamber, Harmione Corfield, Millie Brady,
Sally Phillips
Genre: Action, Horror, Romance
Rated: PG-13
I have been waiting for this movie
to be released for what seems like forever.
Instantly, I thought the concept
was phenomenal. There are several movies out there that are a straight-telling
of the original tale from classic literature. However, this is a fresh take on
the story, complete with a zombie twist.
Who doesn’t love a good zombie movie,
right??? This movie is definitely a must-see.
1
– Deadpool (2/12)
Tag Line: Bad ass. Smart ass. Great ass.
Production Companies: Marvel Enterprises, TSG Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox
Film Corporation
Director: Tim Miller
Writers: Rob Liefeld, Fabian Nicieza, Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick
Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Gina Carano,
Ed Skrein, Stefan Kapicic, Rachel Sheen, Brianna Hildebrand, Stan Lee, Jed
Rees, Leslie Uggams
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi
Rated: R
Was there ever any doubt that this
would be the #1 this month?
Giddy anticipation would be an
accurate term for how I’ve felt regarding this movie since it was announced. I,
along with the majority of fans of the Marvelverse, didn’t like what they did
with Wade Wilson as a character in the last movie he was featured in. I think
this film is going to brilliantly redeem the character of Deadpool; giving the
‘merc with a mouth’ the full treatment he deserves.
Do I agree with the R-Rating? Hell
yes. There is no way on God’s green earth that any lesser rating would allow
the freedom to tell this story accurately. This comic character is irreverent, violent,
smart-mouthed, foul-mouthed, and occasionally obscene. Of course, he’s also
hilarious.
If I can make it to the theater at
all during the month of February – this is the movie I would pay to see.
