There are premises in movies that don’t always work. Then again, there are premises that work in the beginning but eventually fall apart. The new Hungarian drama White God is one of the latter and while it is fine from a stylistic standpoint, the plot itself is pretty ludicrous. In fact, it’s so silly that it pretty much borders on moronic. This is a film that could have been great but it takes a downward spiral in pretty unfortunate territory. If you are interested in fine Hungarian cinema then this film is not it. The only reason might be if you are a dog lover because this movie has lots of those.
Hot Tub Time Machine 2
Time travel is something film has tackled in more ways than one. The idea of traveling from one moment in time to another is a truly fascinating concept and one of the basic topics explored in science fiction. In 2010, Hot Tub Time Machine took that concept and added gross-out humor. John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson and Clark Duke played a ragtag group who stumble across a, well, hot tub time machine. The four men then embark on a wild adventure as they venture back to the 1980s and all hell breaks loose. While the film wasn’t a cinematic masterpiece, it did garner a strong cult following and for purposes of this review, an even more ridiculous sequel.
The Rewrite
The woes of the one-hit wonder have been cleverly documented on film all too well. Movies like Barton Fink and Wonder Boys have tackled the subject exquisitely and numerous scribes throughout history have fallen victim to this unfortunate case of writer’s block. The new rom-com The Rewrite is based on the possibility that a once great creator can become a bit frozen when it comes to creating. Throw in a quirky plot, a pleasant setting and a superb supporting cast and you definitely have something worth checking out. It is a film that doesn’t break any genre rules or offer anything particularly new, just a cute story and a fine cast of actors.
White Rabbit
For some reason, many psychological thrillers are set in the South or in parts of America that are rural, trailer park-littered or downright white trashy. It’s the go-to location for films that dig deep into the human mind and expose darkness, grit and in some cases, psychosis. White Rabbit is one such film and while it has a lot of the conventional thriller movie tropes, it does offer some fresh faces in the cast and some rather inventive filmmaking techniques. Not all audiences will find this picture appealing. In fact, it’s almost guaranteed that it will repel some and be considered in many instances, quite offensive. The psychological aspect can be a bit of a tough pill to swallow and the tension between the characters is palpable. Basically, it’s a dark film with a lot going for it.
A Convenient Truth
In 2006, Al Gore unloaded on us An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary film that hoped to enhance the public’s knowledge of global warming and stir change from us all. It was a very important film which shed light on a topic many of us don’t really think about. The film was a wake up call for many and it did shift people’s perceptions of Earth climate change and what can be done to save the planet. The new film A Convenient Truth takes a cue from the Al Gore film but this time, rather than being a documentary of supreme importance, it is a ludicrous “mockumentary” that aims to fulfill one mission: to make audiences laugh.
Enter the Dangerous Mind
The psychological thriller is one of cinema’s most reliable and entertaining genres. Characters riddled with mental problems can be the basis for fascinating stories and will certainly keep audiences on their toes. The indie shocker Enter the Dangerous Mind succeeds in continuing the genre’s tropes and it is a film that will probably require a few viewings to sink in and fully appreciate. It stars young Jake Hoffman (son of Dustin Hoffman) and his performance here is not only disturbing but powerfully genuine. Viewers should take note because this is a truly haunting and very well-crafted picture.
Blu-ray Review: Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League
The LEGO company is one of the most universally recognized and loved entities on the entire planet. The popular Danish toy company started out manufacturing children’s playthings in 1949 but over the decades (especially within the last few years), LEGO has extended its well-known empire to video games and animated feature films. With DC Comics and Marvel Comics partnering up with LEGO, children have certainly been treated to fun and imaginative entertainment in recent times. Last year’s insanely popular The Lego Movie brought the successful company to new heights and their newest direct-to-video animated film Lego DC Comics Super Heroes: Justice League vs. Bizarro League continues to ride that gravy train.
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1971
American history is filled with many fascinating moments, moments that have brought out the very best and very worst of humanity. The Cold War was an interesting time in the nation’s history and the new documentary 1971 focuses on a very specific event: March 8, 1971. On this date, a small group of civilians shook things up significantly by breaking into an FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania. This act of burglary was an attempt to expose some of J. Edgar Hoover shady agency’s many, many secrets. The film is both illuminating and gripping and even though it’s a documentary, it will have you on the edge of your seat because of its truly vivid cinematic style.
Above and Beyond
Heroism is something rarely seen in people these days. To sacrifice one’s safety for a greater good is an incredible sacrifice many are unwilling to go through. War is one of those instances when one must step up to the plate and complete their mission. Soldiers know this call and answer it on many occasions. The searing new documentary Above and Beyond tells the incredible true story of a random bunch of men who jeopardized their lives to make sure a struggling nation reached their dream of independence. It is a story that highlights true courage and it is a tale many probably don’t even know about.
Manny
Boxing is a sport that often brings out the very best in athletes. It is a controlled battle between two individuals where a coveted title is concerned and the moniker “champion” is bestowed on the victor. Filipino fighting sensation Manny Pacquiao has made headlines for his pound-for-pound progression, his fierce fists, and last but certainly least, his immense heart. The new documentary Manny takes an in-depth look into the famed boxer’s life from his humble upbringing to this worldwide celebrity. It is a film that shines a light on a talented man who basically rose from rags to riches.
Unger the Radar 