Category Archives: Uncategorized
‘Batman v Superman’ – Snapshot Review
Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
151 minutes, Rated PG-13
Critical rating: 3 stars out of 4
Directed by: Zack Snyder (“300,” “Watchmen,” “Man of Steel”)
Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg and Gal Gadot
Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action throughout, and some sensuality
The story: The movie is set after 2013’s “Man of Steel” in a world that has come to love Superman’s (Henry Cavill) heroic deeds but fear his immense power. One of the people most concerned about Superman’s extraordinary abilities is Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), the billionaire businessman who moonlights as Batman. Wayne watched as Superman battled the Kryptonian super villain Zod, laying waste to much of Metropolis in the process. Although Superman didn’t intend on the destruction, Wayne takes it personally because many of his employees were killed when a building was destroyed. At the same time, Superman is growing increasingly concerned about Batman’s vigilante tactics. This, and some meddling by Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg), leads to a showdown between the two heroes.
The scoop: The film boasts plenty of silly moments, but it’s also a lot of fun. Director Zack Snyder’s visuals are beautiful, and he allows time for the cast to develop their characters. Cavill and Affleck are good, as is Gal Gadot who makes an appearance as Wonder Woman. Although some plot points strain credibility, viewers willing to go for the ride can have plenty of fun.
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Ryan Reynolds and T.J. Miller on ‘Deadpool’
Forrest recently interviewed Ryan Reynolds and T.J. Miller about their box office smash “Deadpool” and the full conversation is up on his new YouTube channel, Forrest on Film.
Here’s hoping you enjoy!
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Check out Forrest’s new YouTube channel: Forrest on Film
Considering the fact that I’ve been offering broadcast film reviews to the public for years, I probably should have started a YouTube channel long ago. Well, better late than never. A recent interview with Ryan Reynolds and T.J. Miller, about the film “Deadpool,” inspired me to make the launch. In the future, I plan to populate the channel with movie reviews, other film related insights and the occasional interview. So, pop by and subscribe if you like what you see: http://www.youtube.com/forresthartmanFILM
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Winners of the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards
The Critics’ Choice Awards were handed out Sunday in Santa Monica. Following is a full list of winners.
FILM
BEST PICTURE: Spotlight
BEST ACTOR: Leonardo DiCaprio – The Revenant
BEST ACTRESS: Brie Larson – Room
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Sylvester Stallone – Creed
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Alicia Vikander – The Danish Girl
BEST YOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS: Jacob Tremblay – Room
BEST ACTING ENSEMBLE: Spotlight
BEST DIRECTOR: George Miller – Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy – Spotlight
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: Charles Randolph and Adam McKay – The Big Short
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: The Revenant – Emmanuel Lubezki
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN: Mad Max: Fury Road – Colin Gibson
BEST EDITING: Mad Max: Fury Road – Margaret Sixel
BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Mad Max: Fury Road – Jenny Beavan
BEST HAIR & MAKEUP: Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE: Inside Out
BEST ACTION MOVIE: Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE: Tom Hardy – Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE: Charlize Theron – Mad Max: Fury Road
BEST COMEDY: The Big Short
BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY: Christian Bale – The Big Short
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY: Amy Schumer – Trainwreck
BEST SCI-FI/HORROR MOVIE: Ex Machina
BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM: Son of Saul
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE: Amy
BEST SONG: Furious 7 – “See You Again”
BEST SCORE: The Hateful Eight – Ennio Morricone
TELEVISION
BEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES: Jeffrey Tambor – Transparent
BEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES: Rami Malek – Mr. Robot
BEST ACTOR IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES: Idris Elba – Luther
BEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES: Rachel Bloom – Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
BEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES: Carrie Coon – The Leftovers
BEST ACTRESS IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES: Kirsten Dunst – Fargo
BEST COMEDY SERIES: Master of None
BEST DRAMA SERIES: Mr. Robot
BEST GUEST ACTOR/ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES: Timothy Olyphant – The Grinder
BEST GUEST ACTOR/ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES: Margo Martindale – The Good Wife
BEST MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES: Fargo
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES: Andre Braugher – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES: Christian Slater – Mr. Robot
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES: Jesse Plemons – Fargo
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES: Mayim Bialik – The Big Bang Theory
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES: Constance Zimmer – UnREAL
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MOVIE MADE FOR TELEVISION OR LIMITED SERIES: Jean Smart – Fargo
BEST ANIMATION SERIES: BoJack Horseman
BEST REALITY SHOW – COMPETITION: The Voice
BEST REALITY SHOW HOST: James Lipton – Inside the Actors Studio
BEST STRUCTURED REALITY SHOW: Shark Tank
BEST TALK SHOW: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
BEST UNSTRUCTURED REALITY SHOW: Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Filed under Movie News, Uncategorized
‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ – Snapshot Review
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
135 minutes, Rated PG-13
Critical rating: 4 stars out of 5
The scoop: Decades after “Return of the Jedi” everyone in the “Star Wars” universe is searching for Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). This includes his sister, Leia (Carrie Fisher), his friends Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and a sinister new political movement known as the First Order. A handful of new characters are also drawn into the action, and they clearly represent the future of the franchise. To say more would undoubtedly spoil things for fans, so my lips are sealed.
Although no movie could live up to the hype surrounding “The Force Awakens,” it is a solid work that recalls the original, 1977 picture at every turn. In fact, one can argue that director J.J. Abrams has gone too far with his visual and plotting homages. But there’s really no need to complain. The “Star Wars” movies are space operas, and melodrama and a dash of predictability have always been part of the formula. Bottom line: “The Force Awakens” is a good film with a good cast, and it’s a must see for anyone who loved the earlier movies.
Warning: Those who plan to see the film after opening day will do well to avoid social media and websites that reveal spoilers. There are some major plot points that you’re better off discovering on your own.
Directed by: JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Mission Impossible III, Super 8)
Starring: Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Harrison Ford, Peter Mayhew, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill
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‘Max’ snapshot review
After his brother is killed in combat, Justin Wincott (Josh Wiggins) agrees to take ownership of his dog.
Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers
MAX
Critical rating: 2½ stars out of four
Directed by: Boaz Yakin (“Safe”)
Starring: Josh Wiggins, Thomas Haden Church, Lauren Graham, Luke Kleintank, Mia Xitalia, Dejon LaQuake and Robbie Amell
Rated: PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements
The story: When a U.S. Marine dog handler is killed in combat, his dog – a Belgian Malinois – won’t work with anyone else. The dead Marine’s brother (Josh Wiggins) agrees to work with the animal rather than watch the military put it down.
The scoop: The plot is far-fetched and director Boaz Yakin relies heavily on melodrama and sentimentality. This will bother some viewers, but dog lovers should enjoy the film’s moving tribute to the loyalty of canines and the wonderful bond they develop with owners.
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‘Jurassic World’ review on Action News Now
June 12, I talked about “Jurassic World” during a short segment on Action News Now in Northern California. Click on the link to watch: http://www.actionnewsnow.com/videoplayer/?video_id=8051&categories
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‘Jurassic World’ snapshot review
JURASSIC WORLD
Critical rating: 3½ stars out of four
Directed by: Colin Trevorrow (“Safety Not Guaranteed”)
Produced by: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson
Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril
The story: Years after the events depicted in the original “Jurassic Park” films, businessmen have figured out a way to make a dinosaur-themed amusement park a reality. Sadly, interest in the facility is dwindling, so scientists up the ante by creating a genetically altered predator that’s as big as a T-Rex but smarter and considerably more dangerous. The creature is meant to create excitement and attract more visitors. Instead, it escapes.
The scoop: “Jurassic World” has all the requirements of a first-rate, summer blockbuster. It is action-packed, entertaining and filled with jaw-dropping special effects. Like most films in its genre, there is some silliness, but that’s no big deal thanks to an excellent cast and solid direction by director Colin Trevorrow.
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