Summer Movie Catch-Up

     It's been a while since my last post and it's high time I get back on the horse! Over the last few months I've done my fair share of movie-going and so far this summer has had some outstanding films, as well as some forgettable ones. That's not to say there isn't merit to be found in all of them. Here are some brief snippets of my overall thoughts on the films I've seen this summer so far; though, they're not full-length reviews. Think of it as more of a smorgasbord of tasty, optimistic movie morsels...

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - By far one of the BEST action movies TO DATE! I loved the original Mad Max, and the sequels had some redeeming qualities, but this re-invisioning by George Miller is a freakin' masterpiece. I was completely blown away. The use of practical action sequences (instead of overly used CGI) and the outrageous storyline mingled with the perfectly-acted roles by the entire cast up and down, Mad Max: Fury Road will, I think, stand the test of time as one of the visually stunning and adrenaline-pumping action films of all time. A lofty claim from one who tends to see no fault in any movie, I know. And believe me, with Jurassic World out now, and the new Bond film and Mission: Impossible 5 coming out later this year, (all of which I'm anticipating to be great), I think Mad Max: Fury Road has the staying power to remain lodged in the minds of viewers. This movie is meant to be seen on the big screen, and I implore any who have not seen it to do so.

#AbsoluteBrilliance

PITCH PERFECT 2 - The highly anticipated sequel to the dark horse comedy of 2012, Pitch Perfect 2 delivers the laughs. Honestly it's about as funny as the first. It retains it's warm demeanor and perky charm and only strives to amplify it. Though it falls into the pit that most sequels do--trying to take what worked in the first film and capitalize on that in the second--the characters are what makes it funny. The storyline is pretty straight forward and predictable, but the music is entertaining, and it's still chalked full of laughs. If you enjoyed the first one, you'll enjoy this one.

POLTERGEIST (2015) - Piece. Of. Crap.

The only silver lining this movie offers is the fact that it was a remake of a far superior film that you can go Redbox or Netflix. This rendition has it's creepy moments though, the clown doll being the best part, but it fails to deliver a worthy retelling of a horror classic. Some of the nods to the original film were...neat, but overall unimpressive. Should you wish to hear a much more optimistic review of this film (which would be difficult, but it can be done!) hit me up on Twitter @OptimistReview

SAN ANDREAS - This movie was fun! The storyline is insanely similar to the film "2012", but the action and destruction was done with greater finesse in this film. As a resident of California, particularly the Bay Area, it was surreal to see landmarks I know and love ripped apart and destroyed. There are pot holes within the plot the size of those left by the earthquakes but it doesn't really matter because the charisma of Dwayne Johnson and the relentless destruction and mayhem do a great job of whisking you away on a fun ride for two hours. It's a disaster movie people. If you go into it with high expectations or a critical mind, you'll miss the flawed charm. This movie is meant to entertain despite its flaws, and indeed it does. It's one of the better disaster movies to date, and a lot of that has to be credited to the acting. It's a good time, a definite summer popcorn flick, great for a date night.

(Oh, and for you San Fransisco Giants fans...#SorryNotSorry #SpoilerAlert?)

SPY - Probably one of the best Melissa McCarthy comedies, Spy delivers the laughs 100%. Writer/Director Paul Feig has this crazy ability to tap into some really funny veins and his casting choices have a lot to do with that. I think it's common knowledge that Melissa McCarthy is hilarious. She's made a huge stamp on the comedy scene over the last few years. However, it was the over-the-top seriousness and spot-on comedic timing of Jason Statham that sealed the deal for me concerning the awesomeness of the movie. From seeing the trailers, I figured that Statham would be phoning in a cookie-cutter action character for this obvious comedy. However, Statham rivals McCarthy in who was actually funnier. I had no idea the level of comedic timing this action icon had, and it's hilarious. Without him, Spy would be just as good as Bridesmaids or The Heat, all of which are really hilarious. The movie overall is pretty stinkin' funny, but by golly...that Statham did it in for me.

INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 - If you're a fan of the Insidious franchise, you'll enjoy this one. A prequel to the first two, this film brings back the best character in Elise played by the crazy talented Lin Shaye. The movie is as creepy as its predecessors and does a great job and rounding out the overall story arc; giving us some background into how all the event of the first two come about. There's really nothing new this third chapter brings to the table in way of scares or creep factor, which in saying doesn't take away from its freakiness. It's a really fun, scary film that will please the fans of the franchise and draw interest to those who see this movie before the other two (which doesn't make sense to me, but those people are out there).

JURASSIC WORLD - This movie was pretty sweet. The fact that it is now the fastest movie to make $1 billion worldwide shows how much people love this film. First off, it needs to be stated that nothing can top the original Jurassic Park. That movie was perfect. Jurassic World however is by far the best sequel to date. The story was fun, we finally get to see the park open and in use; John Hammond's vision brought to reality. We also get to see crazy dino mayhem. Chris Pratt has catapulted into stardom and is as fun to watch in this film as in anything else. His raptor-taming was a fun twist, and seeing him ride off into the jungle on a motorcycle with his raptor posse in tail made my inner ten-year-old giddy. There's enough in this movie that does a great job at hearkening back to the original, while adding its own level of newness that brings some horrifying fun to the big screen, (the Indominous Rex is pretty freakin' cool. Just sayin'.)

INSIDE OUT - Probably one of Pixar's best films to date. It's by far their most ambitious idea and it's executed beautifully. The concept of personifying emotions and exploring what makes a person's personality and how emotion effects that personality is portrayed though comedic entities in a young girl's mind. It's hilarious, heart-warming, and equally entertaining for kids and adults. However, young kids might miss some of the deeper ideas and themes portrayed, but that's the magic with Pixar. Their films come with multiple types of experiences. My experience with Toy Story is so different now than when I was ten when it came out. This movie blew my mind with how it could be both simple and complex. It was an absolute joy and though I feel it may not be the highest grossing Pixar movie ever, I honestly feel it is one of the BEST Pixar films, probably rivaling Up as the overall champ. At least in my book.

And the pre-show short "Lava"...pretty awesome.

     So, as the summer movie season kicks into full gear, prepare yourself for more fun and excitement! If the last half of the year delivers the same about of awesome films as the first half has, 2015 should round out to be a great year.

What can I say...I'm optimistic.