Movie Review: Side Effects

Synopsis:  "A young woman's world unravels when a drug prescribed by her psychiatrist has unexpected side effects." -IMDb.

Experience: This one was actually in my must watch list, for the theaters, but unfortunately I wasn't able to see it there. At first glance you think it's something possible in reality, which can be the case, but as you get further and further with this movie the plot seems to twist in the oddest way possible to you. I do not recommend for children to be or see this movie for there are sexual and violence scenes in it. If you are into mystery, suspense, plot twists then this is the movie for you. I'm going to put a small notation on this one- if you are the type of person to get freaked out with certain things that can actually happen in reality, then I don't recommend you seeing this one! Available on Netflix.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Preview: Side Effects Trailer
Links: None
Side note: Be aware of the side effects your medication have, if you take any- no joke intended! This movie review has been added to the "Movie Review" tab above. Available on Netflix!

Movie Review: Insidious Chapter 2

Synopsis: "INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 2, a terrifying sequel to the acclaimed horror film, which follows the haunted Lambert family as they seek to uncover the mysterious childhood secret that has left them dangerously connected to the spirit world." -Google.

Experience: This was definitely on my must watch list. If you enjoyed the first movie of it, then you will enjoy this one as well. In a sense you must watch the first movie in order to understand this one, so catch up by watching the first before going to see this one. Without giving away, some parts start to make sense in this one and other scenes they open up with more questions, but quickly are answered in this same movie. It's almost a puzzle movie, with of course mystery, backtrack, and of course horror.
Rating: 5/5
Preview: Insidious Chapter 2 Trailer
Links: None

Side note: This movie review has been added to the "Move Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: The Conjuring

Synopsis:  "Based on a true story, the film tells the horrifying tale of how world renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse. Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most terrifying case of their lives." --Google.

Experience: This one too was on my "Must watch" list. At first it does start off slow, but it does need to explain how everything began and the history of the investigators, since it was based on a true story. There is text in the beginning, end, and throughout the movie, but only for explanation so you must pay attention to those details. There were moments that it did alarm me and made my heart race and not many scary movies, of this nature, do that to me too often. The scary part of it all is that it is based on a true story, so just seeing it and well thinking it can happen does put an alarming feeling with such events to be more cautious. Even if you don't believe in such actions, this one might put you in between. The plot does go into place in every step into understanding why it happens in the first place. If you're into such movies, like these, then I do recommend it for you. If you're the believer type, but afraid of such events happening in reality.. then I really don't recommend it for you. I don't think children under 13 or so should watch it.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Preview: The Conjuring Trailer
Links: Ed and Lorraine Warren & CBS News.
Side note: I was actually ID-ed to get the tickets for this movie-- har har. This review has been posted on the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: The Heat

Synopsis: "Uptight and straight-laced, FBI Special Agent Sarah Ashburn is a methodical investigator with a reputation for excellence--and hyper-arrogance. Shannon Mullins, one of Boston P.D.'s "finest," is foul-mouthed and has a very short fuse, and uses her gut instinct and street smarts to catch the most elusive criminals. Neither has ever had a partner, or a friend for that matter. When these two wildly incompatible law officers join forces to bring down a ruthless drug lord, they become the last thing anyone expected: buddies." --iMDb.
 
Experience: This one was also on my "Must Watch" list. Let's just say, the previews do not do it justice. If you really want to laugh your head off in a movie every 5 minutes, then I suggest to go see this one ASAP. From beginning to end, literally, it has you laughing and not leaving you hanging. No, this movie is not a comedy act, it does have a plot line/story that sticks rather well with it all. Sandra Bullock acting as an uptight FBI agent is just her role, but learns to loosen up and well, Melissa McCarthy you just knew she was going to be the one to loosen Bullock's character up no matter what. What a great duo and a must to have a second movie with them together again soon, I hope. Literally, if you're into comedy movies and smart quirky put downs and the alike, then this is the movie for you!
Rating: 5/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - The Heat Trailer
Links: Rotten Tomatoes reviews
Side note: This review has been moved to the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: Pacific Rim

Synopsis:  "When legions of monstrous creatures, known as Kaiju, started rising from the sea, a war began that would take millions of lives and consume humanity's resources for years on end. To combat the giant Kaiju, a special type of weapon was devised: massive robots, called Jaegers, which are controlled simultaneously by two pilots whose minds are locked in a neural bridge." --iMDb.

Experience: This was on my "Must watch" list. I'm a big fan of Guillermo del Toro films and so this was a must watch. Basically it is action packed as its shown to be, there is some drama and also romance, but those don't dominate the whole movie, the action does. Mainly, you have two groups fighting each other and they need to find a solution to stop the wars. The action almost wants you to be part of this group, the Jaegers. Some of the monsters look like the creatures from his other movie, Pan's Labyrinth, if you look closely. All in all, if you enjoy action packed movies with robots and well Godzilla like creatures, then this is the movie for you! Or if you're just a fan of the director, Guillermo del Toro, then I still suggest going to see it.. whatever your reason is. I really liked how none of the other genre dominated the whole movie. They were known, but not consuming much time. 
Rating: 5/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - Pacific Rim Trailer
Links: 10 reasons to watch Pacific Rim
Side note: This review has been moved to the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: Epic!

Synopsis:  "'Epic' tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good and the forces of evil. When a teen age girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world... and ours." --Google.


Experience: I missed like 5-10 minutes of the beginning of the movie, so I wasn't able to see that part of it. This movie was in my "Must see" list and it was a very suitable movie to watch on Father's Day. Basically the girl has no relationship with her dad and well it grows during the movie. This movie has action, adventure, some romance, and of course comedy. Every genre was in the right place and at the right time and how the animation and effects were in it were amazing! The story line itself was remarkable and how the director/writer imagination literally goes outside the box. It is a great movie to watch with your children and well.. in general. This movie, according to Wikipedia, is based on a William Joyce's children's book The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs. If you're a bookworm or like reading the book version first, then it is a must read.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Preview: Epic Trailer
Links: Epic website
Side note: This movie review has been added to the "Movie Review" tabs above!

Movie Review: After Earth

Synopsis:  "A crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige and his legendary father Cypher stranded on Earth, 1,000 years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape. With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash." --IMDb

Experience: This was one of the movies on my "must see" list. It's a courageous, adventurous, and thrilling movie. It has of course action, drama, eye catching moments you think you got yourself into as well. It is a bit slow in the beginning, but it builds up in time. The beginning is explanation to what happened to Earth and the reason the movie came to be. Its sad to hear that it didn't do well in the box office, but you can do so much. I saw it as Avatar and Wall-E combined, but frankly I never saw Avatar and what I heard about it.. comes pretty close to it. It's scary to see how the Earth will be, if we don't take care of it the right way and I'm sure it's way out there, but what happened in the movie, could possibly happen in reality.. especially with the environment/atmosphere basically. If you life sci-fi, action, some drama, and adventure in your movie as genres then this movie is for you! A good famous line was said in this movie by Will Smith's character, "Fear is not real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do not misunderstand me. Danger is very real. But fear is a choice". He did go on with this quote a bit more in the movie and I wish there was a way for me to have written it down, 'cause it goes deep and really makes you not have fear with anything. "There's nothing to fear, but fear itself."
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Preview: After Earth trailer
Links: After Earth Official site
Side note: This review has been added to the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: Iron Man 3

Synopsis: "When Tony Stark's world is torn apart by a formidable terrorist called the Mandarin, he starts an odyssey of rebuilding and retribution." --IMDb.

Experience: Not part or in my must see "Movie list", but I gave it a try. I'm quite sure I've seen the others, but its a bit fuzzy. Anyways, I really liked it due to having many different genres mixed into one. There is drama, romance, comedy, and well obviously action and all fit quite well where they were placed. It starts with Tony Stark making a voice-over and going into a flashback and well the story follows. You get to understand his side to this madness of many Iron Man suits and well, new/old villains appear/reappear from his past. The action part really drags you in and makes you wait or wonder what will happen next, along with an odd twist involved due to the action. Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow do it again in this movie with their chemistry! I suggest staying till the end of credits, as everyone knows that Marvel movies do have an extra scene in the end after credits. If you like the combination of genres, Marvel movies, Iron Man, and or Robert Downey Jr then this is the movie for you. Or just like action movies with mecca involved and shiny toys.. boy crazy topics all in one, then go and watch it!
Rating:  5/5 stars
Preview:  Iron Man 3 trailer
Links: Official Iron Man 3 website
Side note: This review has been added to the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: Greystone Park

Synopsis:  "The haunting tale of an abandoned asylum and 3 film making friends explore the asylum whether or not they believe in ghosts. Legend has it that anyone who ventures into the hospital will go mad".

Experience: My sister heard about it through Darkness Radio station and available in Netflix/Dvd. What it is about is what it is about, with a twist of a famous director Oliver Stone's son, Sean Stone, taking the lead in directing. You get to know about the place right away and it's background and then the adventure begins. I was drawn to it for the first half of it and understanding it, but it got confusing as it went on. Sadly, by the end of it all I was totally confused. The horror genre and feel is there, but it lacked explanation with the story line and some scenes shown. Filmed as a documentary format, but yet some scenes didn't fit in. If you're up for a confusing scare or like scary documentary movies then this one is for you. Better luck next time Sean Stone!
Rating:  2/5 stars
Preview: Greystone Park Trailer
Links: None.
Side note: This movie review has been added to the "Movie Reviews" tab above and was seen through Netflix.

Movie Review: The Forgotten

Synopsis: "Reeling from the loss of her 8 year old son, a woman seeks help from a therapist - who claims the boy was merely a figment of her imagination".

Experience: Another tear jerk-er for sure. It is a bit confusing to begin with and wondering what's going on as well, which is part of movies I love the most. If you're confused or just have the same reactions/feelings as the character(s), then you're hooked and the movie will be a great one. The story builds up and starts to be put together. The bond that is put to the test is a strong one and honestly the most interesting miracle known to man. It's an action adventure with mystery and sci-fi all in one. If you like those genre's mixed in one, this one is for you. This one was seen through Netflix.
Rating:  4/5 stars
Preview: The Forgotten Trailer
Links: N/A
Side note: This movie review has been added to the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: What Dreams May Come

Synopsis:  "Deceased physician Chris Nielson risks eternal damnation by leaving heaven to save his distraught wife after she commits suicide and ends up in hell".

Experience: I saw this one on Netflix while browsing what they had new in it. Once I read the description, I knew I had to see it or have I seen it? It basically talks about death and how to cope with it. I love how they blended actual artwork into the movie itself, basically bringing the art alive. From death and how to cope with it, to soul mates and the strong bond/connection that they have even after death or during it. The special effects are amazing and phenomenal. I do have to say that have tissues by you, it is a tear jerk-er all the way.
Rating: 5/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - What Dreams May Come trailer
Links: None.
Side note: This movie review have been added to the "Movie Review" tab above. I saw this movie last summer during my time in Mexico, but I only saw the middle of it. It was seen through Netflix!

Movie Review: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Synopsis:  "Superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone and Anton Marvelton have ruled the Las Vegas strip for years, raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt's growing ego. But lately the duo's greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they've grown to loathe each other." -IMDB.

Experience: This one wasn't on my must see list, but I gave it a try. I asked my parents what type of movie they wanted to see, genre wise, and they picked comedy. So at first it starts slow, but every movie starts that way to build up the story. It was funny throughout the whole show and it shows what friendships are about and what they mean. It is an old vs new magic tricks along with what are magic tricks or just world records kind of "tricks". Kind of like David Copperfield vs Chris Angel type of competition/deal. Funny, witty and some lessons to be learned, but if you like comedy movies or just Steve Carell movies, then this one is for you. Jim Carrey looks totally different here, I must say.
Rating:  4/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - The Incredible Burt Wonderstone
Links: N/A
Side note: This review has been added to the "movie reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: Identity Thief

 Synopsis: "Unlimited funds have allowed Diana to live it up on the outskirts of Miami, where the queen of retail buys whatever strikes her fancy. There's only one glitch: The ID she's using to finance these sprees reads "Sandy Bigelow Patterson" and it belongs to an accounts rep who lives halfway across the U.S." --Google.

Experience: One from my must see list! Of course, as usual, you get introduced to the characters and well how everything starts and I got to give to you, I laughed all the way throughout the movie. What you see is what you get type of deal and if you love comedy movies, then this one is the one for you. You do get some points that will get to you and it will turn into a 360 on you the next. I love her witty remarks and moves and yet, it seems all too clever for actual thieves to get ideas off this movie or maybe the movie got the ideas from actual thieves. Lessons to be learned from this movie, but all in all very funny throughout.
Rating: 5 /5 stars
Preview: Youtube - Identity Thief trailer
Links: How to secure your identity
Side note:  This review has been posted on the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: Cronos

Synopsis:   "A mysterious device designed to provide its owner with eternal life resurfaces after four hundred years, leaving a trail of destruction in its path." --IMDb.

Experience: I dug through Guillermo del Toro's filmography and noticed this film on it. It was one of his very first movies he has ever done and directed, written too. Once I read what it was about and saw the trailer for it, I was hooked. I never once got grossed out in any of his movies, so this one took the cake.. or whichever expression you like using, when you cover your face in disgust. Anyways, this one is another version or his vision on eternal life and how to go about it. Very clever how he thought about it and brought it to the screen.. very different from what many other movies of its nature have done. Gore-ish, scary, eye catching, and very well thought out in all the storyline and characters. It is in Spanish, but there are English subtitles or vice versa, but even with or without subtitles you would understand what is going on. If you enjoy his movies, like I do and would like to see his very first one.. then I suggest seeing this one.
Rating:  5/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - Cronos trailer
Links: Cronos - Rotten Tomatoes reviews
Side note: You might be able to get this movie sent to you by Netflix on dvd, for its not available on your streaming device app. I saw it through Youtube itself the whole movie with no wait or pauses or links to another youtube video(s) for completion. Just click here or type "Cronos Pelicula Completa" (aka Cronos complete movie) on Youtube site browser. This is also the first time Guillermo del Toro worked with Ron Perlman. They later on work together again for Hell Boy movies.

Movie Review: MAMA

Synopsis:  "Annabel and Lucas are faced with the challenge of raising his young nieces that were left alone in the forest for 5 years.... but how alone were they?" --IMDb.

Experience: This was one of the must see movies in my list! I couldn't resist watching it because it is obviously by Guillermo Del Toro. I love his movies, so it was a must. The movie itself was at times creepy, but it did catch your attention. The whole movie gave me the feeling of a Silent Hill type and that is great in my view. You get a mystery, horror, supernatural and suspense type of movie all wrapped in one. If you like any of those genres or just the fact that Guillermo Del Toro produced it, then this is the movie for you! There are some sad parts in the movie, so be warned with those.
Rating:  5/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - Mama trailer
Links: Rotten Tomatoes - some spoilers, MAMA Official site, Wikipedia - spoiler alert.
Side note: Don't know who Guillermo Del Toro is? Check out Pan's Labyrinth, The Devils Backbone, The Orphanage, HellBoy and Don't be Afraid of the Dark. His site filled with lots of info of him and the films he made.

Movie Review: The Devil Inside

Synopsis: "In Italy, a woman becomes involved in a series of unauthorized exorcisms during her mission to discover what happened to her mother, who allegedly murdered three people during her own exorcism." --IMDb.

Experience: This was one of the movies I wanted to see in the theaters last year, but missed out on it. It's filmed in documentary form and its the typical exorcism type of movie. It does catch your attention because of the plot and the suspense it leads to. There are some scenes that are disturbing to watch, so if you don't like these type of movies then this movie is NOT for you! Most main scenes were shown in the previews, so you get what you see mostly. Reason I gave it the rating I did is cause one main disturbing scene that happens right around the middle of it. If you see it, you'll know which scene I'm talking about.
Rating:  3/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - The Devil Inside
Links: The Rossi Files
Side note: I saw this movie in Netflix, so it is easily found to watch on the app/site. This review has been added to the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: A Haunted House

Synopsis: "Young couple Malcolm and Kisha who have just moved in to their dream house. As they settle in, they quickly find they're not alone."

Experience: This one was in my must-see movie list for this new year. As I figured, it was going to be funny and well, it was. If you really love to laugh your head, or butt, off and just want to see a movie of the comedy nature.. this movie is for you! I can honestly say I laughed a lot and very hard throughout the whole movie. It is a movie made in a documentary form (aka the main characters film it all) and of course it is making fun of other scary movies. It makes fun of "The Devil Inside", "Paranormal Activity" series and several characters make fun of the people they "act" as. There is a lot of sexual references in it, but all in good making fun of nature. If you liked the "scary movies" franchise, then you'll enjoy this one. Of course Marlon Wayans starred in it, but he also directed/produced it as well. Enjoy it and literally laugh your a$$ off!!
Rating:  5/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - A Haunted House
Links: Reviews - some spoil alerts
Side note: There is a lot of sexual scenes shown and language. Sure they are make fun of sexual scenes, but I DO NOT recommend children under the age of 13/14 to see it and also the language!! This review has been added to the "Movie Review" tab above.

Movie Review: The Hobbit - An Unexpected Journey

Synopsis:  The adventure follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. 

Experience: I was waiting for this movie to come out, ever since I saw previews of it last year or just knew Peter Jackson was going make another movie. Alas, I was able to see it on Christmas Day and I enjoyed it so much! Let's just say, if you enjoyed the Lord of the Rings Trilogy movies then you will enjoy this one and how it all started! You do see previous characters appear and of course new ones as well and the adventures they go through attract you and keep you on the edge of your seat.. as if you are part of the group. The scenery.. just beautiful once again and the music, some very familiar, but perfect!! It is close to 3 hours, just like the others, so be warned if you're not the type to sit for that long. Also, the ending keeps you in your seats edge.. you will see why if you haven't yet!
Rating: ***** 5/5 stars
Preview: Youtube - The Hobbit
Links: The Hobbit, The Hobbit Blog
Side note: This movie review has been added to the "Movie Reviews" tab above.

Movie Review: Silent Hill Revelation 3D

Synopsis:    "When her father disappears, Heather Mason is drawn into a strange and terrifying alternate reality that holds answers to the horrific nightmares that have plagued her since childhood."


Experience: After visiting a haunted house with friends of mine, we decided to see this movie yesterday evening. All in all, it somewhat followed the game itself. More changes were made, character wise, but the plot still stayed the same. Music from the actual games were used, but some were remixed with other Silent Hill songs or remixed completely still keeping the melody and point of the song. Great effects and battle scenes, to the point that you root for a particular character towards the end of movie. Sean Bean (known for Lord of the Rings trilogy series and first Silent Hill movie), once again played the father roll and does well for the part and the rest of the cast are known for tv shows, newcomers, or video game series. We do get a view of Radha Mitchell, who did play the mother in the first Silent Hill movie as her character again and Deborah Unger as Dahlia character again. There is explanation throughout the movie, if you have never seen the first movie or never played the game series, so you don't really have to worry about it. Great effects, battle scenes, great acting from all the actors, great 3D effects in some points of the movie (you almost feel like reaching out and grabbing some ashes) and I can definitely say I know how Heather felt when going through Silent Hill... the Haunted House experience made me feel like I was in Silent Hill in some moments, especially if I went dressed like her to it! Minor down sides to it was changes to a particular character and remixes of songs from the games during some scenes.

Rating: ***** 5/5 stars
Preview: Silent Hill: Revelation 3D
Links: Facebook page, Review by Geek Smash (spoilers)
Side note: Funny thing happened in the theater. A guy fell asleep during the movie and his snores were beyond loud, to the point that all of us in the room laughed at them. I laughed, so did my friends, but it ticked me off the most! Hopefully this doesn't happen to you and enjoy the movie!!

This post has been added to the "Movie Reviews" tab!!

Movie review: Sinister

Synopsis:
                "A true crime novelist discovers a box of mysterious, disturbing home movies that plunge his family into a nightmarish experience."

Well, the first try in seeing this movie was a bomb. I did wanted to see it, it's on my must see list, but the weather got to the theater and shut off their electricity! Oddly enough another friend of mine in California got to see it and the power there went off too. We only stepped in front of the doors and well, got told to turn around since there was no power. So, we decided to try it again today and wha-laa! Anyways, the story goes a bit slow and talkative in the beginning, yet that's a good sign to most movies. It gradually built up from time to time and I found myself grabbed onto it as well. If you love mystery mixed with horror/suspense movies or genres, then this is the movie for you. There is no gore scenes shown directly, only the blurred out version of it will be. I was drawn to it, as in I caught myself asking some of the same questions the main character had during his investigations. Some scenes were jumpy, but you collected yourself quickly from them. The whole plot was growing in every minute and many questions were brought up as well. Ethan Hawke played his father and novelist role very well to the point in it all being realistic and making it all seem like the movie was based on true events, but we all know its not. So if you like Paranormal Activity and Insidious, then like I said...this is the movie for you! 5 out of 5 is my rate for this movie! Unexpected ending or endings, great acting, great growing suspense, some good comedy...yes you heard right and if you need more convincing... check out this article I found about this movie on E! online. But bewared with that link... SPOILER ALERTS!! Thanks and enjoy!