Tag Archives: Jesse Eisenberg
‘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.
Filed under Movie Reviews, Uncategorized
Snapshot review: ‘American Ultra’
AMERICAN ULTRA
Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart star in the action-comedy “American Ultra.”
Photo courtesy of EPK.tv
Critical rating: 2½ stars out of four
Directed by: Nima Nourizadeh (“Project X”)
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Topher Grace, Connie Britton, Walton Goggins, John Leguizamo and Bill Pullman
Rated: R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexual content
The story: “American Ultra” is an entertaining action-comedy about a youthful slacker (Jesse Eisenberg) who easily dispatches two assassins that attempt to kill him, leading to the realization that he is really a former CIA agent who had his mind wiped. His loyal girlfriend (Kristen Stewart) is along for the ride.
The scoop: There are funny moments, and director Nima Nourizadeh mixes them with sequences of brutally graphic violence. Viewers will have a good time if they can look beyond the glaring plot problems and focus on the solid performances and Nourizadeh’s emphasis of style over substance. Those who demand more from their filmmakers will see “American Ultra” for what it is: a lightweight Tarantino clone.
Filed under Movie Reviews, Snapshot Reviews
Video Verdict: ‘Rio 2’ and ‘Under the Skin’
Blu, Jewel and their children soar through the air with Rafael, Nico and Pedro in a scene from “Rio 2.”
This week’s home video releases are anchored by a sequel to the 2011 animated hit “Rio.”
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: ‘Now You See Me’
Jesse Eisenberg plays magician J. Daniel Atlas in the suspense film “Now You See Me.”
It’s a quiet week for home video, with only one major theatrical release moving to the small screen.
Filed under Video Verdict
Video Verdict: ‘Taken 2,’ ‘To Rome With Love,’ ‘The Possession’
Liam Neeson reprises the role of former CIA agent Bryan Mills in the action thriller “Taken 2.”
This week’s home video releases include a new Woody Allen dramedy, a horror film starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan and a sequel to the hit movie “Taken.”
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Video Verdict: ’30 Minutes or Less,’ ‘Our Idiot Brother,’ ‘The Smurfs,’ ‘One Day’
Jesse Eisenberg, left, and Aziz Ansari play regular guys who are forced to commit a bank robbery in the offbeat comedy “30 Minutes or Less.”
This week’s major home video releases include an Anne Hathaway romance, a big-screen take on the Smurfs and two offbeat comedies.
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Video Verdict: ‘Rio,’ ‘Soul Surfer’
This week’s home video crop is led by two family friendly offerings. One is an inspirational, live-action movie based on a true story. The other is a big-budget, animated feature bolstered by a star-studded voice cast.
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Video Verdict: ‘The Social Network,’ ‘Alpha and Omega,’ ‘Piranha’
Jesse Eisenberg, left, and Joseph Mazzello enjoy some screen time in “The Social Network.” The film, directed by David Fincher, is one of the best reviewed of the year.
This week’s home video releases include a computer-animated kids’ flick, a horror movie with a fishy twist and an award-winning drama that ranked among the best theatrical releases of 2010.
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Video Verdict: ‘Adventureland,’ ‘Rudo y Cursi,’ ‘Goodbye Solo,’ ‘Sunshine Cleaning’
Diego Luna, left, and Gael Garcia Bernal portray up-and-coming soccer stars in the Mexican drama "Rudo y Cursi."
It’s a great week for home video, with a handful of mainstream titles supplemented by an exceptional independent film and an equally good foreign offering.
Filed under Video Verdict
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