Movie Reviews and Ratings

‘Jurassic Park 3D’: Official poster released!

2012/11/07 at 12:00am

‘Jurassic Park 3D’: Official poster released!

11.7.2012 | By Jack Rico |

Perhaps my favorite film of all time, if not my top 5 of all time, is Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. I always had a fascination with dinosaurs when I was wee ol’ boy, but of course, the mere thought of ever seeing one move implicated time traveling. Not in this lifetime. But when I stood in line at the theaters back in the summer of 1993 in Queens, NY, I thought I traveled back in time and was there to see a dinosaur in the flesh. That is the power this movie had on me back then and still holds over me today.

So you could just imagine how I reacted when I heard that the re-release in 3D was coming for 2013. It gives me another chance to relive some very happy memories.

Arriving in theaters next summer, Jurassic Park is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary. The 1993 dinosaur Steven Spielberg/Michael Crichton classic, has been digitally restored and will be re-released in 3D next April.

The Jurassic Park Facebook page has unveiled this brand new poster for the release, featuring the iconic gigantic wooden doors re-stamped with a 3D logo.

If you never saw the film or just need a refresher, the plot goes like this: Huge advancements in scientific technology have been able to create an island full of living dinosaurs. John Hammond has invited four individuals, plus his two grandchildren to join him at Jurassic Park. But will everything go to plan? Especially when one of the parks own workers attempt to steal the dinosaurs embryos, and have to shut down all the electricity in the process. It’s now a race for survival with everyone located all over the island.

The re-release of another classic – Raiders of the Lost Ark – made $3 million dollars at the box office for 1 week. I think Jurassic Park will do just as much if not better!

By Mack Chico

2012/11/07 at 12:00am

Movies

‘The Hobbit’: 17 new character posters

11.7.2012 | By Mack Chico |

It’s getting closer to release date for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and that means it’s time to discover even more goodies. 17 character posters were released and give us another look at the characters that populate this world. It’s looking pretty good!

The movie stars Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Jed Brophy as Nori, Adam Brown as Ori, Mark Hadlow as Dori, John Callen as Oin, Peter Hambleton as Gloin, Dean O’Gorman as Fili, Aidan Turner as Kili, Stephen Hunter as Bombur, James Nesbitt as Bofur, William Kircher as Bifur, Ken Stott as Balin, Graham Mctavish as Dwalin, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The movie is directed by Peter Jackson.

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. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever…Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released to theaters on December 14, 2012.

‘Wreck-It Ralph’ scores first place at the box office!

By Karen Posada

2012/11/05 at 12:00am

Movies

‘Wreck-It Ralph’ scores first place at the box office!

11.5.2012 | By Karen Posada |

Disney’s ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ opens at number one in the box office with $49.1 million dollars. The much anticipated cartoon film had no problem getting here, since it has received great reviews and its colorful story easily captivates kids and adults. The studio is gearing up for the upcoming holidays!

Denzel Washington’s ‘Flight’ opened at number two with $25 million dollars; he certainly attracts a crowd. Director Robert Zemeckis reminds the public that he still has it with this adult film that not only pleased many, but also has a lot of Oscar buzz around it.

‘Argo’ has been up and down the box office and once again it’s at number three with $10.2 million dollars. This is another film that has gotten a lot of Oscar buzz and has achieved a grand total of $75.9 million dollars after being in theaters for four weeks.

The Top 10 in the Box Office are:

1. Wreck-It Ralph – $49.1 mil

2. Flight – $25 mil

3. Argo – $10.2 mil

4. The Man With the Iron Fists – $8.2 mil

5. Taken 2 – $6 mil

6. Cloud Atlas – $5.2 mil

7. Hotel Transylvania – $4.5 mil

8. Paranormal Activity 4 $4.3 mil

9. Here Comes the Boom – $3.6 mil

10. Silent Hill: Revelation 3D – $3.3 mil

Top 10 Hispanic directors that could direct Star Wars VII!

By Jack Rico

2012/11/05 at 12:00am

Movies

Top 10 Hispanic directors that could direct Star Wars VII!

11.5.2012 | By Jack Rico |

As you might have heard, Disney purchased Lucasfilm for 4 billion dollars, and with it, the Star Wars and Indiana Jones saga. The big talks to come out of that deal is that Disney is gun-ho on continuing the Star Wars saga, ergo, the seventh chapter of the series. For now Indy is out of the conversation.

With a look into the future of the iconic sci-fi franchise, we pick 10 directors – Hispanic directors – that possess the skill, vision and passion to take it into the next 35 years. By selecting these helmers and cinephiles, we break Hollywood conventions and give rise to a new generation of directors whom most likely grew up wanting to be the new George Lucas, laser-sword fighting like Luke Skywalker, quoting Han Solo, crushing on Princess Leia and fearing Darth Vader.

So without further adieu, we pick the Top 10 Hispanic directors we think can and should helm the new Star Wars trilogy. Read More

The Man with the Iron Fists (Movie Review)

By Jack Rico

2012/11/03 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Man with the Iron Fists (Movie Review)

11.3.2012 | By Jack Rico |

So you saw the trailer to “The Man with the Iron Fists” and it adrenalized you to see it. I mean, it has all the elements you personally like such as: martial arts movies that are impressively choreographed, violently-bloody-driven action sequences, hokey jokes from the villains and heroes, Russell Crowe who is one of your favorite actors and one who adds credibility to the cast, a hip hop infusion from the respected Wu-Tang’s RZA to make it “cool” and Quentin Tarantinoputting his name and reputation on it. Yes, I thought the exact same thing too until… I saw the movie.

The story is an action-adventure martial arts throwback film, inspired by the kung-fu classics from the 80’s such as “Fury of the Dragon,” “Black Samurai,” “Godfather of Hong Kong,” “Fists of Double K” and “Five Deadly Venoms”. It tells the story of warriors, assassins and a lone outsider hero who all descend on one fabled village in China for a winner-takes-all battle for a fortune in gold.

On paper, it’s hard for any studio to dismiss this movie, but, not everything that is on paper works. Not to bog you down with sports analogies, but look at the powerful offensive minded New York Yankees who were swept in the playoffs by the Detroit Tigers for exactly not hitting, and your Los Angeles Lakers, who by far have the best starting lineup in basketball history, are 0-3 to start the season. So how does one explain these things? Chemistry. When you have great film elements at your disposal, it is the director’s job to have them flow seamlessly amongst each other, and not live individually. This is where you have to blame tyro helmer and screenwriter RZA (real name Robert “Bobby” Fitzgerald Diggs) for not having the experience to recognize the devil in the details. Is it all bad? No, but as a result, the movie is lifeless.

Visually, the movie is top notch. It is the jokes that aren’t funny and the acting as a whole is just abominable. All your left with then is the action to propel the film forward. In this regard, the martial arts sequences are intricate and ambitious. It truly is the movie’s only saving grace.

Overall, “The Man with the Iron Fists” doesn’t have that much to offer on the inside. It’s just flash, all steak and no sizzle. Do yourself a favor and save your money if you can. I recommend you catch a better selection of contemporary martial arts classics on Bluray/DVD that will surely provide you with a superior and more memorable cinematic experience:

– “The Raid: Redemption” (this year’s best action film marked by its harshly gruesome Indonesian martial arts sequences)

– “Ong-back” (no wires, stunt doubles, or CGI, just beat downs in every sense of the word)

– Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” 1 & 2 (they’re intense, engrossing, filled with rib-cracking laughs and you just can’t seem to get enough from them)

– Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (one of the best of all time)

– Jackie Chan’s “The Legend of Drunken Master” (this is one of Chan’s career defining works)

– “Kung Fu Hustle” (perhaps the most entertaining movie on this mini list because of it’s bizarre, outlandish humor and exciting action kung fu scenes)

– “Chocalate” (a rarely talked about gem featuring a female fighter), “Hero” (some say better than ‘Crouching Tiger’)

– “Fearless” (one of, if not, Jet Li’s finest work)

As of the posting of this movie review, “Ong-bak” and “Fearless” are currently on Netflix streaming, thus allowing you watch these immediately.

Rated: Rated R for bloody violence, strong sexuality, language and brief drug use
Release Date: 2012-11-02
Starring: Eli Roth, RZA
Official Website: http://www.ironfists.com/

By Jack Rico

2012/11/02 at 12:00am

Reviews

Wreck-It Ralph

11.2.2012 | By Jack Rico |

There is a difference between doing a movie based on a video game and a movie about a video game. Films like â€œDoom,â€ â€œSuper Mario Bros,â€ â€œResident Evil,â€ and â€œMax Payne,â€ are prime examples of the former, and films such as â€œGamer,â€ â€œTron,â€ â€œeXistenZâ€ and â€œWarGames,â€ depict the latter description. But Disneyâ€™s animated 3D film â€œWreck-It Ralphâ€ is by far the best film about a video game ever done. This comment doesnâ€™t necessarily mean that it is the best animated movie of the year – â€œFrankenweenie,â€ â€œRise of the Guardians,â€ â€œParanormanâ€ and â€œBraveâ€ might have something to say against that, but it should be amongst the favorites at the Oscars in 2013. Nevertheless, it is visually nostalgic, sensorially exuberant, vivaciously mirthful and emotionally moving.Â

The plot is simple and has been done before, but it is always about the execution. For decades, Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) has been overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voice of Jack McBrayer), the good-guy star of their game who always gets to save the day. Tired of playing the role of a bad guy, Ralph takes matters into his own massive hands and sets off on a journey across the arcade through multiple generations of video games to prove heâ€™s got what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, Ralph meets tough-as-nails Sergeant Calhoun (voice of Jane Lynch) from the first-person action game Heroâ€™s Duty, and feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) from the candy-coated cart-racing game Sugar Rush, who may just be his first real friend. But everything changes when a deadly enemy is unleashed, threatening the entire arcade and Vanellope herself. Ralph finally gets his chance to save the dayâ€”but can he do it in time?Â

For anyone who has ever played video games circa 1980â€™s and 90â€™s, novice film director Rich Moore, a cartoon veteran, does a magnificent job in getting his animators to reproduce the exact Nintendo and arcade images of yesteryear. It almost felt like it was 1988 in the movie and outside of the theater. He managed to capture vast inside references and minutiae like kids placing their quarters against the front border of the arcade to gesture that they were next to play, etc. It is that attention to detail that makes a difference in the emotional cinematic experience of the spectator.Â

The 3D is surprisingly subtle, Iâ€™d actually say too subtle for a film of this nature. Instead of seeing pixels fly out of the screen, I had to lift my glasses to make sure I wasnâ€™t watching 2D. When the result is this uneventful, the extra investment is completely unnecessary.Â

This is a movie hard not to enjoy. Adults will appreciate it because itâ€™ll remind them of their youth when they would run home from school to play â€˜Q*bert,â€™ along with all the inside references and retro clicheâ€™s, and kids today will have fun with it because it possesses all the color, fast paced imagery and gags they come to expect from todayâ€™s animated assemblage.

Latinos, the highest movie going demographic in the United States, love animated movies more than any one else. They’re sure to make this movie a #1 hit at the box office!

By Mack Chico

2012/11/01 at 12:00am

Movies

‘Oz the Great & Powerful’ – New poster!

11.1.2012 | By Mack Chico |

Meet the Wicked Witch in the first of three images from the new poster for OZ THE GREAT & POWERFUL!

If you were thinking this was going to be another 1939 Judy Garland Oz, guess again. From what we can discern from the poster Oz has gone from a quiet country spot with an Emerald City, to an almost tropical-feeling landscape that feels a bit more alive proving that Disney is really trying to go for the visual galore.

There’s a bit of yellow brick hiding in the corner, too, which is good. And it seems a smart marketing move to allude more to the story people know and love (The Wizard of Oz), rather than focus on this film’s main character, (Oz, the wizard himself) and how he came to be there. If nothing more, the nostalgia attached to The Wizard of Oz will get plenty of people in the seats to see what the Land of Oz would look like in 2012.

The plot: Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz. At first he thinks he’s hit the jackpot-fame and fortune are his for the taking. That all changes, however, when he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity-and even a bit of wizardry-Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

Oz the Great and Powerful comes into theaters on March 8, 2013.

List of AMC Movie theaters closed in NYC and NJ

By Mack Chico

2012/11/01 at 12:00am

Movies

List of AMC Movie theaters closed in NYC and NJ

11.1.2012 | By Mack Chico |

A good way to escape the madness from Hurricane Sandy and the streets of NYC and NJ this weekend is getting out of the house and catching a flick. Escapism for many is the order of the day and we believe a good movie will take care of many of those cabin fever woes.

Several of AMC’s theatres remain closed due to the lack of power and because public transportation is still suspended in many areas in New York and New Jersey, many of you will be prevented from getting to the theatres. The Eastern Operations team is continuing to assess the damages as locations are slowly coming back online. In the meantime below are the theaters that are CLOSED. All other theaters not included are OPEN!

We will continue to update this page as well as provide information on our Facebook and Twitter channels.

If you have any questions about whether your theatre is currently closed, please call the Guest Services line at your local AMC movie theatre.

Affected AMC Theatres:

Manhattan/Long Island

19th Street 6

Fantasy 5

Fresh Meadows 7

Kips Bay 15

Roosevelt Field 8

Shore 8

Stony Brook 17

Village 7

New Jersey

Aviation 12

Clifton Commons 16

East Hanover 12

Freehold 14

Jersey Gardens 20

Menlo Park 12

Monmouth Mall 15

New Brunswick 18

Newport Centre 11

Seacourt 10

Wayne 14

Last updated: Thursday, November 1, 2012 4:45PM Eastern Time.

‘Sin City 2’: Robert Rodriguez has an official release date!

By Mack Chico

2012/10/30 at 12:00am

Movies

‘Sin City 2’: Robert Rodriguez has an official release date!

10.30.2012 | By Mack Chico |

Theres is an official release date for “Sin City: A Dame To Kill For” from Mexican-American director Robert Rodriguez. It is scheduled for release October 4, 2013.

Rodriguez wrapped up “Machete Kills” in 29 days before jumping into “Sin City 2” and is shooting on his soundstages in his native Austin. But while the movie may be underway, casting for major parts is still underway. So far, the only Latinas casted are Jessica Alba and Rosario Dawson, who played Nancy Callahan and Gail respectively. Alba received a lot of screen time and her character was key for many scenes along Mickey Rourke.

Rourke’s character, Marv, was killed in the original film but this story precedes that tragic fate. Of note in the article, too, is the fact that Angelina Jolie, who was expected to play the major role of Ava, is not likely to appear. So that role is still being cast. Same goes for Dwight, originally played by Clive Owen. Owen was expected to return but apparently Dwight’s story in “Sin City 2” sees him get facial reconstruction so they will likely just recast the character.

Rodriguez and co-director Frank Miller wrote the script for the new movie, which is a combination of comics storylines and a new one written specifically by Miller for the movie. One of the storylines being adapted is A Dame to Kill For, originally published in 1993 and featuring a man named Dwight entangled in a complicated and deadly relationship with a femme fatale named Ava.