Movie Review: American Ultra

American Ultra

Directed By: Nima Nourizadeh

Written By: Max Landis
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Topher Grace, Tony Hale, John Leguizamo, Bill Pullman 

Rating: R (for strong bloody violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexual content)

Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy

In Theaters: Aug 21, 2015
Box Office: $10.5M
Runtime: 1 hr. 39 min.
Lionsgate Pictures - Official Site

American Ultra is a fast-paced action comedy about Mike (Eisenberg), a seemingly hapless and unmotivated stoner whose small-town life with his live-in girlfriend, Phoebe (Stewart), is suddenly turned upside down. Unbeknownst to him, Mike is actually a highly trained, lethal sleeper agent. In the blink of an eye, as his secret past comes back to haunt him, Mike is thrust into the middle of a deadly government operation and is forced to summon his inner action-hero in order to survive. (C) Lionsgate

This is a cable TV kind of movie, folks. It was one of the weirdest movies I've seen though. First off, it wasn't a comedy. It had some funny parts, and yes, most are in the trailer, but they tried to make it a drama too and it didn't work. I also couldn't buy what they were trying to feed me with the story because the characterizations didn't match the roles. The rouge CIA agent (Topher Grace) acted like one of the three stooges, when he should have been taken more seriously. Two stoner characters, especially two played by Eisenberg and Stewart, doing drama scenes didn't work. Then the action scenes were totally kick ass with a bit of snark.

But it is worth snagging for a Redbox price or wait for it to hit cable TV because the action scenes are bad ass. And Topher Grace is adorkable. 

2 1/2 "spoon killing" Sheep

SharonS

Sheep Movie Review: Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 2, directed by Bill Condon, and staring Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, and Kristen Stewart comes to its final chapter. As the story comes to a close I was both entertained and relieved that finally, after all this time, the last movie gets it right! 

Plot: 

The astonishing conclusion to the series, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2, illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.

Bella (Kristen Stewart) awakes -- as a vampire -- from her life-threatening labor, and her newborn daughter, Renesmee, proves to be very special indeed. While Bella adjusts to her new state of being, Renesmee experiences accelerated growth. When the Volturi learn of the baby's existence, they declare her to be an abomination and sentence the Cullens to death. Bella, Edward (Robert Pattinson) and the rest of the clan seek help from allies around the world to protect their family.

Who would have thought, that after all this time, Kristen Stewart can actually act! I was about to give up on her, Odin it was rough, but she pulls off the best acting job of her career to date! It only took five of the Twilight movies for the gal to hit her rhythm, but she finally does and for once I actually enjoyed watching her play Bella. 

As we dive into the last edition to the saga, we jump head-first into the world of the vamps. Bella has a lot to learn, but with Edward *le sigh* and all the Cullens backing her, we soon see just how far this newly turned gal can go. It's great fun for a movie, with very few dull or laggy moments. Some classic lines are lifted directly from the pages of the book I feel in love with, thrown in to keep all the long-time devoted fans satisfied. The last film gives the book lovers the most accurate movie experience of the books by far. 

With the Volturi out to take down the Cullens, our yellowed eyed vamps have to call in all the friends they have from around the globe. Who will stand against a power house of evil vamps, and who will run and hide? After all the damn blood between the vamps and wolf packs, can they finally all be united for the greater good? You find out!

By far this film was the most enjoyable of the series for me since the first. This film had a sampling of some real action, humor, and drama that kept the pace of the story moving along very smoothly. As icing on the cake, there was passion and love between our eternal pair that reaffirms what this whole journey has been about. While the last three films seemed to lack that spark that first sucked me into this world, the finale keeps both movie watchers and fans of the books satisfied. 

A nice homage to everyone involved in the saga at the very end and while it's sad to see it get put back in the coffin, I think we're all thankful for the ride. 

Getting 4 'lion & lamb' Sheep

KD 

Sheep Movie Review: Snow White and the Huntsman

Snow White and the Huntsman Not So 'Epic' After all

In the epic action-adventure Snow White and the Huntsman, Kristen Stewart plays the only person in the land fairer than the evil queen (Charlize Theron) out to destroy her. But what the wicked ruler never imagined is that the young woman threatening her reign has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) dispatched to kill her. Sam Claflin joins the cast as the prince long enchanted by Snow White's beauty and power. -- (C) Universal Pictures

Last week was the release of the much anticipated Snow White and the Huntsman, a "darker" re-telling of the classic Brother's Grimm fairytale. It joins the likes of a long list of other bed time stories gone scary including Red Riding Hood (2011) and the soon-to-be released Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters (2013). While Snow White isn't scary per say, the trailers do make it seem like it's going to be some epic medieval fantasy where the fair princess suits up a la Joan of Arc and leads an army to battle the evil queen.

The previews are terribly misleading. The movie isn't quite as "epic" as trailer-makers would like you to believe. But that doesn't mean the movie was terrible.

Snow White and the Huntsman starts off just like every countless re-telling of the story—a noble queen gives birth to a daughter whose hair is black as night and skin as white as snow. After his beloved wife dies giving birth, the King decides it's best to remarry so that his daughter has a mother figure in her life. In walks the wicked sorceress (Charlize Theron). Once the witch realizes Snow White (Kristin Stewart) is the key to her demise, the evil queen sends the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) to kill her. The flick even has all of the same elements: a handsome prince, seven dwarves and poison apple. Only in this movie, there is some back drop on the wicked queen's upbringing, how she seduced the king, and why she got to surpass Snow White as heir to the thrown which is really interesting since none of the stories ever addressed these questions as far to my knowledge. And of course, the Huntsman in this film doesn’t just release Snow White, but becomes her mentor and "possible" love interest.

But the film falls a little flat. Visually the movie is beautiful. Great CGI and the costumes, designed by Colleen Atwood, are exquisite. But aside from the breath taking scenes, the movie wasn't at all what I expected. Kristin Stewart spent most of the movie doe-eyed while madly running through an enchanted forest, the Huntsman really just seemed like Thor with a slight Irish accent (although his few fight scenes were fun to watch) and the "romance" triangle between Snow White, the Huntsman, and the Prince seemed really forced—she honestly didn't seem to love any of the them.

The best of the film was Theron, although some might get annoyed that she "screams" most of the time. But there is no epic war! Not in this installment anyway. The ending is left open partly because movie makers hope to create a trilogy franchise, very similar to Twilight and The Hunger Games series. In a nutshell, Twi-hard teenagers and college co-eds might take think this flick is spectacular, but I would have to disagree.

This movie receives three sheeps.

Official website: http://www.snowwhiteandthehuntsman.com/

This guest post is contributed by Barbara Jolie, who writes for the online classes blog. Barbara Jolie is an avid writer and blogger, interested in all things education. For questions or comments email her at barbara.jolie876@gmail.com.

'Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1' Sheep Review

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1, directed by Bill Condon, stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone and Anna Kendrick. Grab your bag of blood and get ready to continue the epic saga of Twilight. Haters beware I'm a reviewer, vamp lover and Rob obsessed woman BUT I'll try in the name of Science (sure why not) to give this the most honest and neutral review I can. The fun begins now! ***Caution may contain spoilers***

Plot:

In The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, Bella and Edward, plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child...which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black. The project, based on the fourth novel in author Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series, illuminates the secrets and mysteries of this spellbinding romantic epic that has entranced millions.

It's time to get hitched, vamp style! Alice pulls all the stops getting Bella (Kristen Stewart) ready for her big day. With the feel of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream Bella takes her vows and marries Edward Cullen (Robert "my dream boat" Pattinson) surrounded by close family and friends. Some major changes were made in the dialog from book to movie and some new bits are added both for the good and bad. SPOILER. Bella's mom making comments about a family hair comb heirloom she can pass down to her daughter, and Charlie making comments about Bella's mom being old. SPOILER END. While one's a funny playful bit of banter the other is some definite foreshadowing of things to come. I did like that an added scene of guests making toasts to Bella congratulating her was both funny and endearing. Emmet's was by far the best.

Then it's off to the honeymoon where the two will finally do the "brown chicken brown cow" and get this party started! Beds are breaking and babies are making without anyone knowing what to do and where to go next. Some pretty cheesy CGI happens while the two love birds make out in the ocean, which is a big part of the story. With a budget this big you'd think we'd get a nicer quality of effects but I guess not. Summit likes to make the green.

Bella's feeling backed against the wall and turns to the one person who she thinks will take her side, Rosalie. And while the movie doesn't tell viewers why Bella does this the book goes into great detail about it. Rose of course wants to be the baby momma should anything happen to Bella during the pregnancy. But again folks who've not read the books won't know this. Thus a lack of connection from book to movie.

Jacob's forced to leave the pack or kill his best friend and someone he truly cares deeply for. Not much of an option. While I love watching the actor who plays Seth, he's cute and a perfect fit for the lovable little wolf, I felt he didn't get enough screen time. A lot happens with Seth, his sister and Bella. Seth is a big part of Breaking Dawn pre-baby and him not getting his due was a bit disappointing.

As the baby's coming closer Bella's getting sicker and the one thing Kristen did solidly was portray a very sick and ailing woman who would die for the child inside her. As a mother I get it 100% but the younger crowds probably won't. SPOILER. Just like the birthing scenes which turn into a blood bath, kids have no idea about any of this so in this way the movie tailors more toward the older crowd. END SPOILER. And I hope if for nothing else this series detours the young kids from jumping into an early situation...but back to the review. Now I swear I saw a little boob shot with some nipple action from Kristen but maybe it was a camera trick, it's only a few seconds but Isle Esme sure gets hot! SPOILER. You will also notice that whole time they are on the island Edward only sparkles once. All that Rio sunshine and they only added that one time. Summit's slipping. END SPOILER.

If you're not into the books or the series as a whole then don't waste your time on the film. The movies are for those of us that loved the books and want to see this dramatic story come alive on the big screen. For all its faults there's an amazing story of unconditional love, friendship, caring and reaching beyond yourself to find what strengths you hold. Again, a good message to the YA crowd: wait for the right guy, get married THEN have a baby. That's the clear message here dolled up in a sparkly bow and fed to us through blood, fur and chiseled abs.

If you enjoyed the books and could care less about sparkles and growls then you'll enjoy the latest edition to the franchise. Stay in your seat till the end after the credits roll you can check out a few extra minutes of footage. PS the movie ends right where it should, anything less would have done an injustice to the saga.

Getting 3 and 1/2 feather Sheep

KD

Twilight Saga Eclipse

The Twilight Saga Eclipse directed by David Slade hit theaters across the nation last night at midnight, many dedicated fans lined up to see the latest film. Of course yours truly took part in the action, arriving at 6pm at my local theater I was the FIRST in line! HAHAHA we beat the teenage girls and claimed our old fogey power supreme! Suck it kids, we (being 20 somethings) rocked it. :P

Shout-out to my brother who also took place in this late night event up in Portland OR! :)

And now on to my review.....

Eclipse, staring Taylor Lautner as sexy teenage werewolf Jacob Black, Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan and Robert "the sex god" Pattinson as Edward "the delicious" Cullen round out the main cast in this film.

Synopsis:

Bella Swan is reunited with the love of her life (and vampire), Edward Cullen. Her life is back to the way it was before the Cullens left, except for one major thing. Before Edward left, Bella had not considered Jacob Black (werewolf) her best friend, and she is in vain trying to make Edward and Jacob make peace and be friends. She is torn between the love she feels for Edward and the strong friendship between her and Jacob. Can she make them see reason, and can they be good to each other to keep from hurting Bella? And there are new dangers lurking around the corners; Seattle is stalked by mass murderers beyond humanity. Who's behind this, and what connection does it have with Bella?

I have a few minor issues with some sequences in this movie, I do understand the need to make the movie "audience friendly" but still the issues remain.

First, why was it this movie had the most sunlight on Edward and very little sparkle action going on? Sunlight = Sparkle but not so much in this one, did the director think we would all just forget about that? I didn't.

Second, Bella does not just ride off on the back of Jacobs bike in front of him. Edward would have lost his mind had she done this to him in the book. Third, Renee (Bella's Mom) does not ever give her a blanket made out of shirts! The woman cant cook, acts like a child, why on earth would we believe she could sew? Come on Summit its just more crap you want to push out for us "fans" to buy! Tacky and I hated that part.

The 2 parts that bugged me the most are Bella being at the newborn bonfire with the Cullens when Jacob gets hurt, and the end scene when she talks to Edward about feeling like the Vampire world is where she has always belonged. Um no! Thats not until the next book people! Come on. That was just wrong to add in and you know it!

Hated the new Victoria, ugh she was awful. Gross and gross.

Ok, there were a ton of good points I really want to touch on, Jaspers back story loved it. Rose and how she became a vamp, the Quileute legends were amazing, the tent scene and newborn fight sequence were out of this world good.

I the actor who plays Charlie (Bella's dad) is so good, he fits the part perfect.

Overall the movie was good, I set high expectations on the films because of my love for the books. During the movie its always hard hearing anything due to all the screaming girls, too many hormones and no idea what to do with them. :P

So I will be seeing this again in a quiet early morning showing, this I will recommend to all of you. But no matter how you see it just make sure you do. :)

Team Edward

KD