Sheep Movie Review: Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)
Oct 18, 2019
Directed By: Ruben Fleischer
Written By: Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, Dave Callaham
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch
Rating: R (for bloody violence, language throughout, some drug and sexual content)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Horror
Runtime: 99 minutes
Studio: Columbia Pictures
A decade after Zombieland became a hit film and a cult classic, the lead cast (Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Abigail Breslin, and Emma Stone) have reunited with director Ruben Fleischer (Venom) and the original writers Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick (Deadpool) for Zombieland: Double Tap. In the sequel, written by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick and Dave Callaham, through comic mayhem that stretches from the White House and through the heartland, these four slayers must face off against the many new kinds of zombies that have evolved since the first movie, as well as some new human survivors. But most of all, they have to face the growing pains of their own snarky, makeshift family.

I went to see Zombieland: Double Tap with my husband. I'm happy to say it lived up to the first one. It was stupid gory fun. The original cast is back along with some new humans. The funniest addition was Zoey Deutch as Madison. Yes, she's a stereotype but she does it so well.

The movie is kind of predictable but you don't go see a movie like this to challenge your mind or do any soul seeking. You want to laugh and see the Zombie Kill of the Year.

If you enjoyed the first one, you will want to catch this one too. The opening credits are hilarious and be sure to watch the one after credit scene!

My husband gives it 4 1/2 Sheep

I give it 4 "Rule # 1" Sheep

SharonS

Movie Review: Now You See Me 2 (2016)

Now You See Me 2 (2016)

Rating: PG13 (for violence and some language)
Genre: Mystery & Suspense
Directed By: Jon M. Chu
Written By: Ed SolomonCast: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Lizzy Caplan, Daniel Radcliffe, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Jay Chou, Sanaa Lathan

In Theaters: Jun 10, 2016
Runtime: 115 minutes
Lionsgate - Official Site

THE FOUR HORSEMEN (Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan) return for a second mind-bending adventure, elevating the limits of stage illusion to new heights and taking them around the globe. One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public's adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, the illusionists resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate. The man behind their vanishing act is none other than WALTER MABRY (Daniel Radcliffe), a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet. Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all.

Now You See Me (the first movie) took me and my family by surprise. So we were all pumped to see NYSM2, and after seeing Warcraft (bleh) the day before, we needed something good. And we weren't disappointed. Some have been saying the second one is better than the first...I wouldn't go that far. But it was just as good. I like that they show you how the magic tricks work.

It was predictable, if you pay attention, but still a lot of fun. I like all the actors and they had great chemistry together. And for once, I didn't see Harry Potter when Daniel Radcliffe was on screen. My daughter (15) and I agree that Dave Franco is a cutie pie.

This one is definitely worth a matinee price and if you loved the first one, worth the full price.

Double Sheep Movie Review: The Hunger Games: MockingJay - Part 1

The Hunger Games: MockingJay - Part 1

Directed by: Francis Lawrence, Francis Lawrence II

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2hr 5min

Staring: Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Julianne Moore, Donald Sutherland, Sam Claflin, Woody Harrelson, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Elizabeth Banks, 

Plot: 

The worldwide phenomenon of The Hunger Games continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, which finds Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) in District 13 after she literally shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) and a nation moved by her courage. The novel on which the film is based is the third in a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that has over 65 million copies in print in the U.S. alone. 

*Katie's review, who did not read the books* 

Maybe I should have watched the previous Hunger Games movie right before heading to the theater to see this one. I say this, because I could not remember who certain characters were. Or why and how they got out of the main city to district 13. Like who was Sara again? And how did Finnick play into all this? Plus, Effie is now magically in district 13…but why? It's not really explained. So maybe she got out and went there, but her of all people I could not believe would abandon the luxury of the main city. Just to live underground and on the run. 

Anyway, all that being said I did enjoy this film overall. But I say that with reservations. I mean, how much can you "enjoy" a film that's about millions of oppressed people who are hunted and killed like animals. Where kids have to fight each other to the death no less, it's hard to be all "hell yeah that was a good film!" then fist pump the air. Just seems kinda out of place for the occasion. 

But I digress. As we get into the latest ongoings of Katniss and crew, we find that a major rebellion has now started. The working people don't want to be held down any longer. They are fighting. Most are making the ultimate sacrifice, but better to die fighting for something righteous then die for nothing. 

The film felt very dark for most of the story, but that's pretty much Hunger Games edict. Tedious is a word that comes to mind. Long spots of lulling, then some action and then back to more lull. This is one of those cases where the trailer shows you pretty much all the most exciting parts. The epic "If we burn, you burn with us!" (see video below) That's a big moment in the film. But I saw the trailer 10 times already! 

There's a ton of uneventful moments. I can't even say there was great dialog to fill those voids. No, most was self reflection moments. Looking out into the distance. Waiting. Picking over cafeteria food. Playing a game of chase the light across the floor you silly cat. You get the idea. More action! More development in the plot! More something! 

Sure, the end gets epic. But that's the end of the film! This was a 2 hour movie that wasted time and delivered little. See it if you like this world and want to keep up with what's doing. But really, you can wait around for the DVD. 

Getting 3 1/2 Sheep

KD 

*Sharon's review, who read the books* 

I'll make this quick. I was disappointed. It was nothing but Katniss looking horrified and then distraught. Mockingjay is the last book, and some pretty big things happen, but it seems they are saving it all for the fourth movie. There is one important event reveal in part one, the Peta story line. The rest is filler. Skipping this movie and reading some spoilers online instead will do you. Save your money for part two.

2 Sheep (one star because I like Jennifer Lawrence and another because Thor's brother is nice to look at.)

SharonS

Movie Review: Now You See Me

Now You See Me (2013)
115 min - Crime | Thriller

31 May 2013 (USA)Director: Louis LeterrierWriters: Ed Solomon, Boaz Yakin
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson

http://nowyouseememovie.com/

Now You See Me pits an elite FBI squad in a game of cat and mouse against "The Four Horsemen", a super-team of the world's greatest illusionists. "The Four Horsemen" pull off a series of daring heists against corrupt business leaders during their performances, showering the stolen profits on their audiences while staying one step ahead of the law. (c) Summit/Lionsgate

Add another to the list of entertaining films of 2013! Saw this one with my husband and 12 year old daughter and we all loved it. It has a lot of action and the plot is fun, fresh and quite devious. You'll be second guessing every character and their motives throughout the movie. I can’t even begin to talk plot because that would ruin the magic of the film (see what I did there? <G>).

If you are looking for pure entertainment with mystery, suspense and WTF? Then this movie is for you. If you don’t like magic or aren't willing to suspend belief for a couple of hours then go sit in the corner with the other killjoys and let the rest of us have fun.

And because I didn’t do a top 10 (I know, keep the crying to a minimum please) I decided review the trailers.

1. Anchorman 2 – really?! Why?
2. World War Z – Brad Pitt, zombies… really nothing else needs to be said.
3. Rush – don’t care about the true story race car dude, but Thor is in it… enough said.
4. Prisoners – Holy crap it looks intense! Hugh Jackman… enough said.
5. City of Bones – hadn't read it, didn't care… Jonathan Rhys Meyers? Just got real interested.
6. Catching Fire – think it will be better than the first. My daughter was drooling.
7. Red 2 – OMG, YES! old people can still kick ass and be funny

4 “smartest in the room” Sheep

Sharon Stogner (edit by Kalpar)

Sheep Movie Review: Seven Psychopaths

Seven Psychopaths, written and directed by Martin McDonagh, stars Christopher Walken, Colin Farrell, Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. A fresh, different film that never takes itself too seriously and is surprisingly entertaining. If nothing else can be gained from this movie at least I found out it sure would be tiring to have a psycho friend. 

Plot: 

Marty (Farrell) is a struggling writer who dreams of finishing his screenplay, "Seven Psychopaths". Billy (Rockwell) is Marty's best friend, an unemployed actor and part time dog thief, who wants to help Marty by any means necessary. All he needs is a little focus and inspiration. Hans (Walken) is Billy's partner in crime. A religious man with a violent past. Charlie (Harrelson) is the psychopathetic gangster whose beloved dog, Billy and Hans have just stolen. Charlie's unpredictable, extremely violent and wouldn't think twice about killing anyone or anything associated with the theft. Marty is going to get all the focus and inspiration he needs, just as long as he lives to tell the tale.

It's always nice to see Colin acting in a film that shows off his character depth, and Seven Psychopaths does that for the lad and then some. Colin can blow things up and kick some butt when needed, BUT the man can also act his Irish booty off. There's subtlety to his craft and some down right earth shattering moments of realism. He never ceases to amaze me, plus the man's just easy on the eyes. *le sigh* 

Looking closer at Sam Rockwell I see a man who can wear many masks as an actor. Sam has this wonderful ability to become his characters, or maybe they become him, but no matter how you look at the guy you'll always find that charismatic quality shining through. He's a little dirty and disheveled, but that's what gives him the edge both on and off screen. Christopher Walken is the man! I don't care what film he's in or who he's playing, the man's an acting god. Period. 

The story itself is one that was a little hard to follow at times because there's a lot to keep track of, and almost an overload of secondary plots. Mixed and mashed scenes from present day to past all blend together with a movie script that's currently in the works. I wasn't sure how this would all come full circle but by the end it didn't really matter because the movie's message was received. There's action, and blood, in the film but that's not really the focus of the movie. Writer/Director McDonagh does a great job of mixing humor with action and pacing it all to the mood the audience is supposed to feel. It's very much a story within a story and shot in very vivid scope. 

Overall the film is both strange and refreshing, and it really does stretch out from the majority of Hollywood films. I felt like I was the psychiatrist and patient at times, it's entertaining for sure in an oddball kind of way. 

Getting 3 and 1/2 'hooker in a red dress' Sheep

KD

Friends With Benefits, it works.

Friends with Benefits, directed by Will Gluck stars Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clark, Richard Jenkins, Jenna Elfman and Woody Harrelson. A cute and funny romcom with an all too familiar plot somehow finds its way with witty dialog and some heartfelt family dynamics. Pleasantly surprising but definitely for the adult audiences.

Plot:

Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis) think it's going to be easy to add the simple act of sex to their friendship, despite what Hollywood romantic comedies would have them believe. They soon discover however that getting physical really does always lead to complications.

Friends with Benefits, is savvy with strong sexual content as I stated before, but really I can't stress this point enough for those parents thinking the under 18 crowd can handle this one. The younger group would do better off with director Gluck's Easy A if you ask me. But back to this film, the chemistry between Timberlake and Kunis was sizzling hott! Kunis looked beautiful and Justin...well he's a man fest any day of the week already! ;) The cheesy dialog at times adds to the overall charm of the film, while the movie does take jabs at other romcoms it somehow ends up finding its own way down that road as well. I don't want to give away any major details but I will say that while I'm not a fan of Nicholas *gag* Sparks books and films and I usually dislike movies of this nature, somehow this one dug its way to my sweet spot.

Aside from the sex and goofy nature of our main characters there is also an underlying realness that takes note of and addresses issues such as mental illness, divorce and emotionally unstable families. I found the emotional core only added to the overall likability of the movie. Throw in some classic New York "charm" and pop-culture finesse and you might just find yourself having a great deal of fun. A good date night movie or girls night out film this one is getting a strong; sure, why not? rating from me. :)

Getting 3 and 1/2 Flash Dance Sheep

KD