All Things Fall Apart Movie Review

All Things Fall Apart (DVD Release)

Directed by Mario Van Peebles

Written by Curtis Jackson and Brian A. Miller

Everyone remembers 50 Cent’s Twitter picture of a sickly and frail man. We later come to find out that this man is actually Curtis Jackson himself, and he lost 100 something pounds for a movie role. The revelation shocked millions of 50 Cent fans. After seeing this true commitment to a role from the rap star, I just thought “Oscar?” and thought I’d see previews for it on the television.

I saw it on the shelf a few weeks ago, and thought “Oh, it’s a creative low budget indie film”. On Friday I decided to watch it on Netflix, and see what it’s all about. Here’s my All Things Fall Apart review.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson plays Deon. He’s an all-star college running back who has all the skills you see in an NFL prospect, and that’s exactly where he’s bound. He’s a charismatic playboy off the field who gets all the girls, and takes advantage of the good things he has because he knows nothing else. His younger brother is left in his shadows, while Deon’s mother and boyfriend spend all their energy on rooting Deon to an NFL career (salary). His mother’s boyfriend (played by Mario Van Peebles) puts all his efforts into pushing Deon on to a career that he never got.

It all ends when Deon finds out he has cancer, and that he’ll never play football again. His once valued existence uncovers itself as a burden, when his family is forced to work overtime to pay for his medical bills. Deon, who is now left with nothing, must find a way to right his wrongs before he loses everyone and everything he loves.

It’s a great concept for an Oscar winning formula, but the talent wasn’t there. The screenplay for the film was written by 50 Cent and Brian A. Miller (Directed nothing you’ve seen), and lacks depth. There are a lot of silent parts to fill the film, and very subpar dialogue (typical of a TV movie). 50 Cent’s haunting physical appearance of a cancer patient is superb, but he doesn’t have the necessary acting skills to carry the meat and potatoes of this 2 hour drama (besides of few scenes where he cries). I was never able to connect on personal level with his character, and never really bought the emotions they wanted me to feel.

Mario Van Peebles and the mother (Lynn Whitfield) were by far the best parts of the film. They were constantly overshadowing the main character’s issues with their own personal demons (something that really disorients the viewers). The film’s end was very typical of an inspirational film with the protagonist running in glory and it ending that way (I was hoping for him to keel over on the field. It would have been a lot more effective).

All and all it was a ok film that would have gone much further if 50 Cent stayed behind the camera, and let a more seasoned actor portray the cancer stricken Deon (Also having to listen to Wanksta, didn’t help). But for a first stab at a screenplay, it wasn’t that bad.

4 out of 10

The Avengers Movie Review

The Avengers

Director: Joss Whedon

Written By: Joss Whedon

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L Jackson, and Tom Hiddleston.

Before Nick Fury, there was Joss Whedon.  Joss Whedon in the comic books is the one came up with the idea of the Avenger Initiative. No, not really but you’d think he did. In real life, Joss Whedon is the man who manages to write and direct character cluttered movies with extreme success. First it was Toy Story, and now it’s the long awaited Avengers.

Since studios started adapting comic book heroes, fans have been waiting for the day when they would release an Avengers movie. Finally it’s here and well worth the wait! If you’re a fan of the comic books, then the Avengers doesn’t disappoint. Joss Whedon stays close to home, and even looks to improve upon some past portrayals.

Who am I referring to specifically? The gamma radiation exposed Bruce Banner, which Ang Lee and Louis Leterrier failed to correctly portray in their films of the green beast (The Hulk 2003 and The Incredible Hulk 2008). Whedon instead goes back to the comics and TV Series to develop a far more source accurate super hero. Not to mention Mark Ruffalo is a great actor (which helps).

However, that’s not only part of the beauty that is the Avengers. Whedon manages to also write a witty and purely original script that invests enough time into each of our heroes’ character development (except Hawk-Eye). This allows us to see every move made by our heroes’ to be logical and tailored to their given background. The Avengers is well-built in this manner. Taking into consideration story before action (explosions, CGI, etc.).

Even with a star ensemble, Robert Downey Jr. manages to shine the brightest as playboy genius (Tony Stark). His comedic timing, and line delivery is hard to compete with. Both RDJ and Chris Evans (Captain America) share the most memorable moments in the film, as they try and come to terms with the differences that keep them from working together as a team. Tom Hiddleston is uncomfortably excellent as the exiled Asgard, Loki (Thor’s brother). Without his well executed performance, the film would have never had the balance necessary to succeed the way it did. His horrifying verbal exchange with Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) in the film is just one example of his dedicated performance.

When it’s all over, and you’ve caught both of the two extended scenes at the end of the movie (1^st is after the short credits, and 2^nd is after the extended credits) then you can truly appreciate the beautiful work done here. This by far is one of the best Super Hero flicks to be given the big screen treatment, and it gives me hope that those big budget studios still know how to make a quality film.

9 out of 10

21 Jump Street Movie Review

21 Jump Street

Directors: Phil Lord and Chris Miller

Starring: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Ice Cube, Brie Larson, and Dave Franco

When you think of Jonah Hill what comes to mind? For most it’s the crude and hilarious chubby guy who hit his first serious break in Moneyball opposite Brad Pitt this Oscar season. What about Channing Tatum? What comes to mind? Probably the model turned actor who often gets type casted as the perfect man in romantic comedies or dramas. Then why the hell would anyone want to team these two up together?

Perhaps because the two directors who did it are genius... literally.

In attempt to reboot the TV series from the late 80’s, Co-Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller had a better idea. Re-imagine the whole damn thing, and make their own masterpiece. Channing Tatum gets a break at his first leading comedic role, and even outshines the experienced Jonah Hill in this reboot of 21 Jump Street. Who knew two actors from opposite ends of the acting spectrum could have such great on camera chemistry. This is certainly the biggest surprise comedy of the 2012, and it sits up on the shelf next to The Hangover for best “Bro Comedies”.

Hill plays Schmidt, a once bullied high school nerd who joins the police force years after high school to toughen up. Tatum plays Jenko, one of Schmidt’s bullies who later join the police force because muscle and power is all he knows. It’s during the police academy where these two meet again, and soon after become great friends who help each other graduate from the academy. Once they graduate, the now partners find that being an officer of the law wasn’t what they expected (especially when you have to chase criminals in a park on a bicycle). After a mishap during an arrest, both partners are moved to a secret precinct known as 21 Jump Street. Jump Street is run by the trash talking Chief (Ice Cube), who puts them on an undercover mission as high school students. From here this is where scenes get raunchy and laugh out loud as Schmidt and Jenko try to relive their high school years (Scenes of Jonah Hill dressed up like Peter Pan are hysterical).

Although Hill and Tatum consistently steal the scene throughout the movie, other notable performances help make this movie a well paced time-bomb comedy. Ice Cube is great as Captain Dickson, and Caroline Aaron is hilarious as Hill’s on screen mother Annie Schmidt. (SPOILER ALERT) You also get an unexpected cameo from Johnny Depp who reveals himself near the climax of the film disguised as an older biker.

I don’t think of enough can be said about 21 Jump Street. It’s a MUST SEE theater watch, and it leaves you wanting even more at the very end of the film. Lucky for you, it’s already been confirmed that there will be a sequel being made by the same directors and writers.

8 out of 10

Tower Heist Review

Tower Heist

Director: Brett Ratner

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller, Casey Affleck, and Matthew Broderick

Finally, a Ben Stiller film that doesn’t rely on cheap laughs and awkward situations! Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers. However, Little Fockers was a clear reminder of how stale some jokes can really get and how far producers can really take any box office cash idea.

The concept behind Tower Heist doesn’t sound that original either. A group of guys want payback, so they rob from the rich. Hell, that’s sort of the concept of those 3 Ocean’s movies starring Clooney, Pitt, and Damon. The difference here is the execution. It still takes itself seriously, but with a group people who are truly nothing alike. Tower Heist is a modern day Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and I haven’t seen Eddie Murphy this funny since his RAW standup special back in the 80’s.

Eddie Murphy had me almost passing out with laughter from his crude, vile comments that he throws in thorough out the film. Eddie Murphy plays Slide, a lowlife thief who grew up in the same neighborhood as the main character, Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller). It’s the comedic chemistry between Stiller and Murphy that really makes the movie something special, and raises it above your average comedy flick.

Stiller and Murphy lead a great line-up of stars that include: Casey Affleck (Gone Baby Gone), Matthew Broderick (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), Alan Alda (NASH), and Gabourey Sidibe (Precious). This comedy is about hard working ex-hotel personnel who seek revenge on Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda), a Wall Street swindler who embezzled all of the hotel staff’s pensions. The film gets interesting when they bring aboard Slide (Eddie Murphy) to help with the stealing portion of the crime.

When I saw the trailers for this movie I wasn’t impressed. I knew the idea wasn’t original, and I wasn’t looking forward to another disappointing Ben Stiller or Eddie Murphy comedy. It wasn’t until I got some early movie feedback from friends and fellow critics alike, that I decided to see the movie. My opinions quickly changed as the movie progressed, and it became hard for me to hold back my laughter (just ask the girlfriend). This movie is anything but a disappointment. It may not be the Hangover, but it’s certainly much better than any Happy Madison production lately.

7.5 out of 10

50/50 Review

50/50

Written by Will Reiser
Directed by Jonathan Levine

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Anna Kendrick.

How do you face cancer? It’s no easy road. I couldn’t begin to devise a plan to deal with it if I was diagnosed myself. Adam wasn’t ready either. Nor was he ready to hear that his type of cancer gave him only a 50/50 chance of survival.

Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a 27 year old who writes pieces for AM radio, and works along side his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen). Adam lives with his girlfriend despite the fact that his best friend hates her guts. Adam’s girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard), a struggling painter who looks for the constant support from him struggles to deal with everything when the tables are turned and Adam needs the support. While sick at home, Rachael cheats on Adam at her art show, and Kyle (Seth Rogen) catches her in the act. Kyle makes sure to confront Adam about it in front of Rachael, where Kyle convinces Adam to throw her out.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a phenomenal job playing Adam, and I was able to feel every emotion that came into his head throughout his struggle. Anna Kendrick plays Adam’s inexperience psychologist, Katherine McCay and she does a perfect job at trying to counsel him, yet she is unable to avoid getting personally involved in his life outside of the sessions. Don’t worry, this isn’t just a great drama, this is a great warm feeling comedy. For example: After Rachael moves out, Kyle gets Adam to hook up with girls at a club after explaining to them that he has cancer, so that Adam can forget about what Rachael did to him. Seth Rogen helps keep this just as much of a comedy as it is a drama that you don’t want to miss. Also notable performances by: Angelica Huston, and Phillip Baker Hall. 50/50 sounds like a coin toss, but this film offers much more than heads and tails.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and maybe some of the other actors got nominated for the Golden Globes, or the much anticipated Academy Awards this coming winter.

9 out of 10

Let Me In Review

Let Me In (DVD Release)

Directed & Written by Matt Reeves
Starring: Kodi Smi-McPhee, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Richard Jenkins

I don’t usually watch horror films. Why? The reason is that most of them are predictable, or not horrifying at all. Ever since the 80’s, the horror film genre has been going down the drain. Yes, we’ve had Hostel, but that’s merely shock value horror. The days of meaningful horror films with some sort of heart behind it have been few and far in between. Horror films nowadays have been simplified down to shallow plot lines, and extensive death scenes. Mind games have gone out the window, and character development never stayed around (exception: Silence of the Lambs).

Especially vampire horror flicks. It used to be John Carpenter’s Vampires and today its Edward Cullen, the vampire who glitters in the light. After being dragged to the last three Twilights, I gave up on vampire films. The genre was dead, and I bought a rose for it’s grave. Until Let Me In caught my eye. After seeing Kickass, Chloe Moretz became the new Dakota Fanning to me. Although I failed to catch it in theaters, I made the first step toward queuing it on my Netflix.

Based off a remake of a 2008 Swedish film, Let Me In delivered all that of its predecessor, and much more. It tells the story of a bullied 12 year old boy, Owen who befriends a Vampire child in a New Mexico town in the 1980’s. What gives it away? The Los Alamos Memorial Hospital, and the reflection of Reagan speaking on a television after a man falls several stories out of a hospital window (you pick up the setting within 8 minutes of the movie). Anyways, I must say that the dialogue, and the chemistry that Owen (Kodi Smi-McPhee) and Abby (Chloe Moretz) have is great. Let Me In removes all of the impersonal interactions of horror norms, and instead we get to see the depth of both main characters. In the movie, Owen suffers with life between his parents getting a divorce, and kids at school maliciously beating him up (to the point of sever harm).

Abby serves the story as a reinforcer, who helps Owen overcome his everyday realities. Chloe Moretz’s quiet but yet insightful character provides chilling reminders that at times you have to do whatever’s necessary to survive (whether it be seeking your meal, or defending yourself against the elements that try to destroy you). At the beginning of the movie, Owen plays with an Rubix Cube and he struggles to solve it. Abby on the other hand solves it within a night. This maybe symbolizes the problems (or puzzles) that Owen has yet to figure out a solution for (but solves by the films end).

Let Me In proposed itself as a childhood romance horror film, and it fit it’s label to a T. It was probably best horror film that I’ve seen in the last couple of years. I recommend you open your eyes, and door to Let Me In. You won’t be disappointed at what shows up.

7.5 out of 10

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Review

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows - Part 1 / Part 2

Directed by: David Yates
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rubert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, and Michael Gambon

Doby? Doby. Doby! “Yes Sir?” Let me give you a recently worn sock for your freedom. First, I ask only that you wash it with Tide, because I  flew around all day as black mass of energy, and they rank of something terrible. “Aye, Sir”.

Okay, so that never happened in any of the 8 films, but I needed some way of leading myself into this movie review, and what better way than product plugging. Now on with the show. I will be first to tell you, that I was never really sold on the Harry Potter bandwagon. Never read a single J.K Rowling book, and never uttered “Winguardian Leviosa” with a plastic wand from Walmart. When the first film came out it was interesting but appealed more to my younger brother’s age group (he’s 2 ½ years younger than me). After that, I didn’t stay too in tuned with rest of the following films as they were released. It wasn’t until 2007, when I started to catch up to more recent films. I saw Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, and The Goblet of Fire. Still, the dark and emotionally in depth complex that you would expect from a transitioning group of magic bound friends from children to adults wasn’t there (Besides the death of Robert Pattinson character at the end of the Triwizard Tournament.)

Then finally, came The Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2. Both films are focused around the idea that Harry Potter needs to find all of these Horcruxes. The Horcruxes are seven objects in which Lord Voldemort split his soul into. As long as the Horcruxes survive, so does Lord Voldemort. These last two movies, a split from the final book are emotional wrenching, and filled with moral dilemmas that leave Harry, Ron, Hermoine, and even Severus Snape at the crossroads. In the last movie we learn the motivation behind Snape’s betrayal on Dumbledore. Something that Harry never could of imagined. All I will say is that for the last 7 films I always believed Snape was a sleeping villain. Someone who constantly convinces us that  he is on the side that counts, but still holds this poker face that you can’t help but question every step of the way.

The last two movies bring about jealously, envy, and most of all coming to terms with death. Martyring yourself for the sake of the ones you love. Knowing that cards have been dealt in your favor long enough, and that its time to ante up. Let’s not forget after all of the awkward tension, we finally get to see Ron and Hermoine kiss after destroying one of the Horcruxes in the snake’s chamber. We also get to see Neville Long Bottom (Yes, the kid who used to get potions blown up in his face) ultimately saving Ron and Hermoine but decapitating Nagini (Voldemort’s snake and Horecrux). Through out the vicious attack that falls upon Hogwarts Castle that leaves it ruins, Harry manages to trick Voldemort (who is now mortal) into a duel in which Harry destroys Voldemort forever. Part 2 leaves a triumphant end to such a long running story, but also brings ends to some of the audiences favorite characters. I’d say that these last two movies were a whole different level for Harry Potter movies to come before.

For the first time, I was able to feel the character’s tears, joys, and losses as I watched their comfort world torn to ruin. The most heart wrenching scene was in Part 1 when you watch Hermoine put a spell on her parents to erase any memory of her from their lives. It was that scene alone that set the tone for the best two Harry Potter of the series. I won’t spoil too much more of the plot, but I’ll just say that I highly recommend ANYONE to see the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and Part 2.

7 out of 10 for Deathly Hallows: Part 1

8.5 out of 10 for Deathly Hallows: Part 2