THE OPTIMIST - MOVIE REVIEWS

      David Ayer 's World War II epic " Fury " is one of the more powerful war films you'll see to date. This can be attributed to the fine casting, the scope of its cinematography, and it's overall story. I love a good war movie just like the next person. "Saving Private Ryan", "Platoon", "We Were Soldiers", all of these films both portray realistic wartime events with an emotional story driven by grounded characters. They're usual grand in scope and encompass a wide range of emotion. Few war movies though can transcend the entertainment value in order to obtain a higher level of emotional connection. 2009's Academy Award Winning film "The Hurt Locker" did just that, expanding the epic scope of modern-day warfare from the battlefield into the mind of the soldier. "Fury" does the same thing but from the perspective of another time in history. It's truly moving to watch.    "Fury" takes pl...

       This Friday marks the opening weekend for the new action flick " John Wick ", and if you're a fan of action movies, this one is not to be missed. Keanu Reeves makes his glorious return to high-action form and does so with so much awesomness! I mean, Keanu Reeves hasn't been this bad-ass since donning the shades and trench coat in " The Matrix " films! I internally jumped for joy all throughout this movie, hoping desperately not to fly out of my seat in excitement, ruining the experience for the poor soul who sat behind me. I waited until the credits began to roll before releasing my bubbling joy. This movie, in a word, is just plain fun.    Reeves plays John Wick, an ex-hitman who leaves the life of an assassin in search for normalcy. He finds what he is looking for through his loving wife. His peace is short lived however when his wife passes away. She leaves John a parting gift, an adorable puppy named Daisy, as he strives to spend his days...

   There's a reason why the name  Robert Downey, Jr.  is considered a household name. The guy can act his face off. There is so much talent that oozes from that man's body that it's just a special experience to be able to sit and watch. His latest film " The Judge " only solidified in my mind the notion that was already there, that being: RDJ can do no wrong. I'll go as far as throwing the gavel down now and say that for his performance in this film, Robert Downey, Jr. should be nominated for an Oscar. No joke.    Downey, Jr. plays big city lawyer Hank Palmer. He's cunning, cutthroat, and well versed in being successful at his job. Estranged from his family, he returns to his childhood hometown where his father Joseph Palmer ( Robert Duvall ), the town's judge, is suspected of murder. Hank sets out to discover the truth behind the allegations against his father as well as struggle to reconnect with his family. This movie is as much about the relat...