Parker or Whose ass is Statham kicking in this film?

The answer to that question is: nearly everyone. If you haven’t watched Parker yet then here’s what you need to know. It has Jason Statham in it. Aside from that the story goes like this… Statham plays the title character of Parker, a thief with a code of ethics, think of a more ass kicking Robin Hood. He hooks up with four other guys to do a job, jobs done, there’s a double cross, Parker is left for dead and the rest of the movie is classic Statham. Now let’s talk actors…

Michael Chiklis, after watching him turn in performances in both Fantastic Four films and then as a father with super powers in No Ordinary Family, it was refreshing to see the bad ass Chiklis from The Shield that we all know and love. Having not watched many trailers for this film, it was a pleasant surprise when he turned up. Jennifer Lopez, it was kind of nice seeing her in a film where she wasn’t really playing the romantic interest, instead she’s cast as a down on her luck real estate agent. She’s not Jenny Fromdablok here, she’s just a frustrated, in debt divorcee who steals the right client from a rival agent…and they even find a reason for her to strip down to her delicates. Nick Nolte, the other surprise actor in this film, not because his few minutes of screen time were astounding but because I wasn’t expecting it. Mr. Nolte (did you know he was 72…me either) did what he does best, talked tough and gravely and made me want to watch 48 Hours again. And now to the man himself, Jason Statham. Whether he’s saving a little girl, delivering the goods, keeping his heart beating or playing sidekick to Sly, Jason Statham is entertaining to watch and this time around he even tries on a Texas accent. Every film of his that I’ve watched, I’ve enjoyed and this one is no different. He gets the bad guys, drops a one liner here and there and in the end it’s peaches. Is he being typecast as the ass kicking action hero, perhaps, but look at those who have come before him Schwarzenegger, Willis, Stallone…They’ve done pretty well in that role and as long as he stays away from the Van Damme end of the spectrum I think he’ll be okay.

All in all Parker was a fun watch, asses were kicked, things exploded and revenge was served cold. If you’re looking for a high society drama or a Nicholas Sparks love story then this isn’t for you but if you’re looking for an entertaining action flick with great actors and a decent plot based on a Richard Stark novel then this is the film for you and the reasons I give Parker a rating of: Catch It On Netflix. Till next time, stay entertained friends.

-D

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@dhbates87
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Now You See Me

Now You See Me has many points that piqued my interest. It has, first and foremost, an interesting concept. Add to that a stellar cast and a very stylistically and visually tallented director and you get a recipe not only for success but for a solid film. As it turns out, the results are…fantastic.

Films such as this are the reason I watch movies in the first place. Films that grab your attention and captivate your imagination. This film does both quite immediately. The cold open introducing the four main characters snags your attention and makes you like them immediately. Soon after, the film starts making you ask questions in the best possible way.

All through the film up until the last few minutes, the questions continue to build. It is very deceptively executed though to keep you from getting too close to the answers. Just when you think you have your finger on the answer, the ground drops out from under you leaving you wondering again. Unsurprisingly, magic takes center stage here in all of its various forms. The film centers around 4 stylistically different magicians who come together under an unknown leader for ambiguous reasons, unknown even to them, all the while being pursued by various government organizations.

One of the highlights here, of which there are many, is the great cast. The main group, Woody Harrelson, Jessie Eisenberg, Dave Franco, and Isla Fisher, are an unkikely pairing but they work perfectly together. Their chemistry is nothing short of cinematic gold. The main antagonist is portrayed expertly by Mark Ruffalo, as if you would expect any less from him. The supporting cast is also expertly assembled, being rounded out by huge names such as, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and lesser known names in Michael Kelly, rapper Common, and Melanie Laurent.

This incredibly crafted script is beautifully directed by the always great Louis Leterrier, whose Incredible Hulk adaptation is one of my favorite comic book adaptations. He has a way with making visuals just immediately draw you in. He is a perfect fit for the sleight of hand, distract you from the obvious vibe that runs through the entire film. His direction perfectly fits the vibe that the script sets up.

Solid cast, fantastic direction, a more than solid script, and a twist ending that you will quite literally never see coming make this a must see film. It is sure to make it on to your top films of the year list, It has already made mine.
5/5

-Heath
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Rapture-Palooza

It’s the end of the world as we know it…and I’m good with that. Being a lover of movies, its not unusual that I watch films about the end of the world but comedies about the end of the world, scratch that, comedies about the rapture…no scratch that, two comedies about the rapture starring Craig Robinson and they both turn out to actually be good, well that itself may be a sign of the apocalypse. Lets crack the seal, call Demi Moore and get to the review.

If you’ve watched the trailer then this is what you know: a young couple in love, Ben and Lindsey, are making the best of life post-rapture. The Antichrist AKA The Beast decides to make Lindsey his bride and mother of his evil children whether she agrees or not. Ben and Lindsey form a plan to trap the antichrist. Let the good times roll. While I didn’t find it as funny as “This Is The End” it was still extremely funny and even though the two movies share a common theme (and at least one actor) thats where the similarities end…well they’re both comedies released in 2013…

I was a little surprised by how good this movie turned out to be and by how many very funny people showed up in the cast list. From Craig Robinson as The Beast to Ana Gasteyer as Lindseys mother, everyone gives an amazing performance. With so many talented people it would have been easy for this film to turn into a pissing contest like so many films have before but instead it felt as if everyone really complimented each others performance. For me one stand out performance was Disney channel star Calum Worthy as Clark, Lindseys pot smoking, profanity spewing brother, I wonder how the house of mouse felt about that.

Its true this film won’t appeal to everyone, if you’re not a fan of raunchy, sexual humor or movies that poke fun at religion then you won’t enjoy this movie. Luckily I’m a fan of both and did enjoy it. Its for those reasons, a good story and an amazing cast that I give Rapture-Palooza a rating of: Buy The DVD. Till next time friends, stay entertained.

-D
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@dhbates87
@onetripdown

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