Category Archives: Movies

2016 Movie Reviews

Marvel scores knock-out with ‘Civil War’ battle

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Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther. (Marvel)

Marvel has built their comic book movie universe kingdom on the broad shoulders of Chris Evans’s Captain America and the sly charm of Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man — but now they’re counting on audiences to not only buy tickets to watch these two avenging heroes beat the crap out of each other, but takes sides as well.

It’s Team Cap vs. Team Iron Man in a super hero battle of political ideals and bromance in “Captain America: Civil War”, the 13th installment in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe.

In the aftermath of the events of “Winter Soldier” and “Age of Ultron”, the Avengers find themselves looking like uncontrollable bullies in the eyes of the world. When the United Nations decides to enforce sanctions on the Avengers that will keep them under the control of an official governing body, the super friends are divided.

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Tom Holland as Spider-Man. (Marvel, Sony)

The catalyst for events is once again Bucky Barnes aka The Winter Soldier. Framed for a recent tragedy, Cap vows to find and protect his friend while Tony says going against the accords will only tear the Avengers apart.

Enter some new heroes: Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa aka Black Panther, who wants to see the Avengers reigned in while also pursuing his own agenda; and Tom Holland brings Spider-Man into the Marvel fold for the first time. They’re awesome folks.

Let the rumble begin.

Spoiler-free Civil War movie review

Rating: 7/10

Directed by: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo

Written by: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

Starring: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chadwick Boseman, Daniel Brühl, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Jeremy Renner, and Paul Bettany

MPAA rating: PG-13 for extended sequences of violence, action and mayhem.

Running time: 2 hours 26 minutes

Movie Trailers

Pratt, Denzel shoot it out in ‘Magnificent Seven’ trailer

I’ve always loved westerns. There aren’t nearly enough of them made these days in a world of superhero movies, and sequels and remakes —

Speaking of remakes, the trailer for the “Magnificent Seven” remake has hit today and it looks pretty damn good.

Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt headline Sony's remake of "The Magnificent Seven". (Columbia Pictures)
Denzel Washington and Chris Pratt headline Sony’s remake of “The Magnificent Seven”. (Columbia Pictures)

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Haley Bennett, Vincent D’Onofrio, Ethan Hawke, Matt Bomer, Byung-hun Lee, and Peter Sarsgaard.

It’s a remake of the 1960 classic starring  Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and Charles Bronson — which itself is a remake of the Akira Kurosawa’s epic “Seven Samurai” (1954).

Release date: September 23, 2016

Official synopsis: With the town of Rose Creek under the deadly control of industrialist Bartholomew Bogue (Sarsgaard), the desperate townspeople employ protection from seven outlaws, bounty hunters, gamblers and hired guns – Sam Chisolm (Washington), Josh Farraday (Pratt), Goodnight Robicheaux (Hawke), Jack Horne (D’Onofrio), Billy Rocks (Hun Lee), Vasquez (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and Red Harvest (Martin Sensmeier).

As they prepare the town for the violent showdown that they know is coming, these seven mercenaries find themselves fighting for more than money.

Magnificent Seven teaser trailer — Property of Sony Pictures

Movie News, Reel Hooligans

‘Major League’ named Best Sports Movie Ever

The Reel Hooligans have spoken. “Major League” is the Best Sports Movie Ever according to the podcast, hosted by film critic Timothy English.

Taylor, Hayes, Dorn, Vaughn, and Cerrano gather around Jobo. (Paramount Pictures)
Taylor, Hayes, Dorn, Vaughn, and Cerrano gather around Jobo. (Paramount Pictures)

The show features a rotating panel of guests who love movies. This week’s Hooligans included David Cain, Jason Haugland, Jessica O’Shea, and Bryan O’Connor, in addition to English.

The Reel Hooligan Movie Madness tournament began with 32 movies, which were divided into four regions, Skippers, Rivals, Underdogs, and Legends. Each Hooligan voted, winners advancing. If a tie occurred, then and only then would Tim vote.

“Major League” claimed the title as the BEST. SPORTS. MOVIE. EVER. with a 3-1 vote over the 1984 classic, “The Karate Kid” after defeating “The Sandlot” in the tournament semi-finals. “Karate Kid” earned a spot in the final by upsetting #1 overall seed “Rocky” 3-1 in the semis.

Listen to the podcast: Tim and the Reel Hooligans ep. 102

Bob-Uecker
Bob Uecker as the legendary Harry Doyle. (Paramount Pictures)

Originally released in 1989, “Major League” was written and directed by Academy Award winner David S. Ward (“The Sting” 1973). The film proved to be a major break through for stars such as Charlie Sheen and Wesley Snipes and became a cult-favorite providing memorable scenes and lines of incredibly witty dialogue that has been quoted for years and years.

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James Gammon as Coach Lou Brown. (Paramount)

Major League — Paramount Pictures (1989)

Running time: 1 hour 47 minutes

MPAA rating: R