Airheads - 3 stars out of 10

Airheads - 3 stars out of 10

“Airheads” is exactly what you expect.  Just picture Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler, and Steve Buscemi as a group of unintelligent-nineties-surfer-loser musicians who are trying to get their demo played on the radio.  Yep, that’s “Airheads.”  I guess that the movie is okay for what it is, but when you compare the almost high-brow stupid humor in “Billy Madison” to this script, it’s just another bad Adam Sandler movie.  The film definitely gets bonus points for including Chris Farley and the studio hijacking plot works fairly well, but there comes a point where it’s clear that the writers were just trying to find a way to resolve the conflict.  Maybe people were really digging this movie during the prime of Sandler’s Saturday Night Live Career, but after movies like “Happy Gilmore” and “The Wedding Singer,” this one just feels like a weak stepping stone on his way to comic gold.

[Pictures: Yes, this movie is exactly what you think it is]

The Shaft (2001) - 1 star out of 10

The Shaft (2001) - 1 star out of 10
1200th review

Did this really happen?  “The Shaft” (a.k.a. “Down”?) is the most absurd premise since “Birdemic: Shock and Terror.”  Well, it actually came out nine years before “Birdemic” and managed to precede the recent trend of campy, absurd horror films.  The truly disturbing part is the $15 million budget.  There is no way that this film is intentionally bad.  The special effects, while not the most impressive in the world, were obviously an investment.  And what is Naomi Watts doing in this movie!?!?!?  I realize that she really struggled to make it in Hollywood for a while and this did come out before “Mulholland Drive” boosted her career, but then what are Dan Hedaya and Ron Perlman doing in it?  I truly believe that this was intended to be a serious film, so how did anybody think that this script was acceptable.  The dialogue is simply horrible, both due to the way that it is delivered through poor acting and the dialogue itself.  The premise is… well, this is a movie about a killer elevator.  With artificial intelligence.  And I don’t understand how anybody thought that this could be taken seriously:  “Now we’ve spent years establishing the fact that elevators are one of the safest modes of transportation.  We have to!  We live in a vertical world!  If we can’t trust elevators, what the [expletive] can we trust?”  I don't think that this far-fetched film will be scaring anybody away from riding elevators.  It has more elevator deaths than any other movie ever made, but their creativity is combated by overacting.  Proceed with caution if you elect to endure “The Shaft.”  It is fun to watch if you enjoy watching entertainingly bad films - I'll give it an extra star for unintentional comedic value - but you may want to drop your expectations before seeing it.

[Pictured: Nothing like a killer elevator that has a mind of its own...]

Hachi: A Dog's Tale - 7 stars out of 10

Hachi: A Dog's Tale - 7 stars out of 10

“Hachi” is a beautiful story because of its simplicity.  There are few films that portray loyalty in such a powerful and simple manner.  Even more powerful is the fact that this story is based on the actions of a real-life dog in the 1920’s.  The film never received a theatrical release in the United States but it is not lacking in quality.  It is filled with enjoyable performances by Richard Gere, Joan Allen, Jason Alexander, and the three Akita dogs that play Hachi at three different ages.  The interactions between the actors and dogs never seem to be forced; in fact, the entire thing feels very natural, as if the dogs were raised by the actors themselves.  It is that rare family-friendly film that appeals to all ages, whether it is a child who loves watching the cute puppy or the parent who is moved by the loyalty of this dog.  Every dog owner will be cuddling a little closer with their pup after this one.  “Hachi” isn’t a very well-known film but delivers the quality acting, tender emotions, and age-wide appropriateness that should make it a staple for every family.

[Pictured: It doesn't get much cuter than that]

OSCAR PREDICTIONS 2015

OSCAR PREDICTIONS 2015

Disclaimer: These are the films that I personally believe should win in each category, not my prediction of who I believe The Academy will choose.  Also, I did not see Song of the Sea, The Tale of Princess Kaguya, or Two Days, One Night.

Picture – Boyhood  (2nd Pick: The Theory of Everything, though Birdman will win if Boyhood does not)
Actor – Eddie Redmayne  (2nd Pick: Michael Keaton)
Actress – Julianne Moore  (2nd Pick: Rosamund Pike)
Supporting Actor – J.K. Simmons  (2nd Pick: Edward Norton)
Supporting Actress – Patricia Arquette  (2nd Pick: Emma Stone)  (Tough to leave off Meryl Streep)
Directing – Richard Linklater (Boyhood)  (2nd Pick: Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman))
Film Editing – Whiplash  (2nd Pick: Boyhood)  (tough to leave off American Sniper)
Cinematography – Birdman  (2nd Pick: The Grand Budapest Hotel)
Production Design – The Grand Budapest Hotel  (2nd Pick: Into the Woods)
Writing (Adapted Screenplay) – Whiplash  (2nd Pick: The Theory of Everything)
Writing (Original Screenplay) – Nightcrawler  (2nd Pick: Boyhood)
Animated Feature - Big Hero 6  (2nd Pick: How to Train Your Dragon 2)
Foreign Language – Ida  (2nd Pick: Leviathan)
Short Film (Animated) – Feast
Music (Original Score) – Interstellar  (2nd Pick: The Theory of Everything)
Music (Original Song) – I’m Not Gonna Miss You (from Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me)  (but 2nd Pick: Glory (from Selma) will win)  (It’s a shame that Lost Stars was the song nominated from Begin Again, there were many superior songs in that movie that could've won this category)
Costume Design – Inherent Vice (but The Grand Budapest Hotel will win)  (2nd Pick: Into the Woods)
Makeup and Hairstyling – The Grand Budapest Hotel  (2nd Pick: Guardians of the Galaxy)
Visual Effects – Interstellar  (2nd Pick: Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
Sound Editing – Interstellar  (2nd Pick: American Sniper)
Sound Mixing – Whiplash  (2nd Pick: Interstellar)


Movie Reviews for 2015 Oscar Nominees

American Sniper - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/american-sniper-10-stars-out-of-10.html
Begin Again - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2014/12/begin-again-2014-9-stars-out-of-10.html
Big Hero 6 - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/big-hero-6-7-stars-out-of-10.html
Birdman - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/birdman-or-unexpected-virtue-of.html
The Boxtrolls - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-boxtrolls-5-stars-out-of-10.html
Boyhood - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2014/11/boyhood-10-stars-out-of-10.html
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/dawn-of-planet-of-apes-2014-8-stars-out.html
Feast - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/feast-2014-9-stars-out-of-10.html
Foxcatcher - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/foxcatcher-6-stars-out-of-10.html
Gone Girl - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/gone-girl-10-stars-out-of-10.html
The Grand Budapest Hotel - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2014/12/the-grand-budapest-hotel-8-stars-out-of.html
Guardians of the Galaxy - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/guardians-of-galaxy-3-stars-out-of-10.html
How To Train Your Dragon 2 - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/how-to-train-your-dragon-2-4-stars-out.html
Ida - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/ida-6-stars-out-of-10.html
The Imitation Game - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-imitation-game-8-stars-out-of-10.html
Inherent Vice - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/inherent-vice-3-stars-out-of-10.html
Interstellar - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2014/11/interstellar-2014-10-stars-out-of-10.html
Into the Woods - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/into-woods-2014-8-stars-out-of-10.html
The Judge - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-judge-2014-6-stars-out-of-10.html
The Lego Movie - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-lego-movie-7-stars-out-of-10.html
Leviathan - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/leviathan-2014-5-stars-out-of-10.html
Maleficent - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/maleficent-2-stars-out-of-10.html
Mr. Turner - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/mr-turner-4-stars-out-of-10.html
Nightcrawler - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/nightcrawler-10-stars-out-of-10.html
Selma - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/selma-8-stars-out-of-10.html
Still Alice - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/still-alice-8-stars-out-of-10.html
The Theory of Everything - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-theory-of-everything-9-stars-out-of.html
Unbroken - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/unbroken-2014-7-stars-out-of-10.html
Virunga - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/01/virunga-6-stars-out-of-10.html
Whiplash - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/whiplash-2014-10-stars-out-of-10.html
Wild - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2015/02/wild-2014-4-stars-out-of-10.html
X-Men: Days of Future Past - http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2014/12/x-men-days-of-future-past-2014-10-stars.html

Unbroken (2014) - 7 stars out of 10

Unbroken (2014) - 7 stars out of 10

It was impossible to avoid spoilers in this review - my apologies.  “Unbroken” is a powerful depiction of life in the Japanese Prisoner of War camps during WWII.  I found it to be an even more powerful statement about bullying, but the main themes of this film are perseverance and forgiveness.  Louis Zamperini’s story is one that has inspired many, from his journey to the Olympics to his 47-day ocean survival to his suffering in three P.O.W. camps, and this film will allow his story to inspire millions more.  I approached the film with skepticism since it was directed by Angelina Jolie, but I was pleasantly surprised by many of her directorial choices and her ability to make the story flow from chapter to chapter.  The flashbacks properly create an emotional connection with Zamperini, the violence is tasteful, and “the lifting scene” will become one of those iconic Hollywood moments.   A lot of the movie is uninventive and clichéd, particularly the scenes on the plane and the scenes on the raft, but the P.O.W. scenes are what set this movie apart.  It is probably the best portrayal that I have seen, particularly when “The Bird” is introduced.  The strong performance by Miyavi makes the character a formidable villain, and Jack O’Connell brings a lot of heart to his interpretation of Zamperini.  His progressively diminishing physical state provides a visual representation of his mental well-being throughout the movie.  The acting keeps us in the moment for the entire 137-minute runtime and Jolie’s pacing drives the intensity from start to finish.  I have mixed feelings on Louis Zamperini’s request to leave his conversion to Christianity out of the film.  I understand that the film was able to reach a wider audience and avoid religious blacklisting by universalizing the faith that helped Louis to forgive his captors.  I also understand that people who are searching for answers can easily find out what transformed his life if they are inspired by his story.  Still, his Christianity defined the latter two-thirds of his life and it saddens me to see it left out for fear of automatic dismissal by the people who need to hear his story.  You have to question whether people would have been turned away if it was any other religion; in fact, any other belief system probably would’ve been celebrated.  Regardless, the story of Louis Zamperini’s survival and forgiveness is an inspiration and I’d highly recommend experiencing it for yourself.

[Pictured; The chemistry between these two is what develops the heart of O'Connell's character]

Foxcatcher - 5 stars out of 10

Foxcatcher - 5 stars out of 10

Maybe I had too high of an expectation for this film due to its five Oscar nominations, including two in acting categories, but “Foxcatcher” was a disappointment.  This is the story of eccentric millionaire John du Pont and his influence on Olympic wrestling… sort-of.  I can usually deal with the artistic liberties that writers take to enhance an historical story, but the inaccuracies really bothered me in this one.  I attribute this to the film’s progression of events being so dry that it almost felt like watching a documentary, especially with the actors’ performances being subtle and not overly emotive.  I enjoy films that create the sense of watching life happen before your eyes, but this only works in a historical film if the information is accurate.  The timeline doesn’t line up (the Schultz brothers never even lived at Foxcatcher at the same time), they make a big deal about the cocaine and then never address it again (probably because it wasn’t significant in real life), and the most important event of the film occurred seven years after the 1988 Olympics, not seven months as shown in the movie, which completely distorts the motivations of du Pont (not to mention that his motivations are never explained or explored).  To quote my wife, “If they weren’t going to make it accurate, they could have at least made it exciting.”  I get the acting choices made my Steve Carell, Mark Ruffalo, and Channing Tatum, but I don’t get the Oscar nominations.  Each actor has a brief opportunity to show their skills (Tatum and the mirror, Ruffalo at the end), but those moments are a small percentage of their screentime.  It is nice to see Carell breaking out of his shell since he absolutely possesses the ability to be a serious actor, but this was not his best showing.   As far as the homosexual undertones that allegedly exist between du Pont and Mark Shultz, I did not feel that they were apparent during the film.  If the writers wanted to paint du Pont as a homosexual and use that to explain the tension, they could have included some of the controversial events during his time at Villanova; instead, du Pont just comes off as an eccentric.  On a positive note, the set is dead on and the make-up is really impressive (Ruffalo looks exactly like Dave Schultz and Carell is successful transformed).  “Foxcatcher” is an interesting story that has helped me to become better informed on the Schultz brothers and the world of Olympic wrestling, but that is due to all of the research that I had to do afterwards and not the film itself.

[Pictured: Tatum and Ruffalo truly look the part]

The Boxtrolls - 5 stars out of 10

The Boxtrolls - 5 stars out of 10

“The Boxtrolls” was pretty much what I expected.  While it was a few steps above “ParaNorman” and the animation was very interesting, it just can’t compare with Tim Burton’s innovative stories.  I have the utmost respect for the stop-motion art form.  I believe that it is important for films like this one to be nominated for Best Animated Feature in order to legitimize the art form, but it simply cannot compete with the visual beauty of “How to Train Your Dragon 2” or the inventive storyline of “Big Hero 6.”  The Boxtroll characters themselves are pretty unique, but the whole “creatures from another world invading the human world” concept seems to have become a part of every one of these films (Corpse Bride, Nightmare Before Christmas, ParaNorman, Coraline…)  I did appreciate that the writers kept the dialogue family-friendly and even threw in a few decent jokes.  The film was worth watching just for the Curds Way pun.  The best part of the film was actually the post-credits scene (no spoiler here) in which they use time-lapse photography to show the complexity of shooting a simple scene.  If you see this film, make sure that you don’t miss it!  The voice acting is nothing special, with the exception of Ben Kingsley whose villainous voice drives the entire film.  I definitely wouldn’t give “The Boxtrolls” an Oscar, but I could actually see myself pulling this one out to show my children someday.

[Pictured: Don't miss the post-credits scene.  It's eye-opening and really cool!]