Review: The Way Way Back

I LOVED this film, I loved the simplicity of the storyline, I loved the exquisite acting, I loved the amazing actors, I loved the music, and I loved the underlying message of self respect and learning who you truly are. The story line was simple, a semi formed family travels to a small town for the summer in hopes of becoming a closer family while also trying to have a fun time. Steve Carell plays the new boyfriend, Trent, trying to get close to his pseudo step son, he is a horrible character and Steve plays him so well. The son Duncan played by Liam James is a 14 year old who is going through his parents divorce while also trying to figure out how he fits into this new family role while also being subjected to Trent’s constant negative comments towards his looks and attitude. Duncan is quiet, shy and awkward in the beginning but as the film goes on and he befriends some older guys at the local water park he learns that he is stronger than he thinks and by the end of the film is able to finally stand up to Trent (Steve Carell) and his mom. This film has some great heartwarming moments when Duncan finally accepts who he is and becomes confident of himself. Duncan has a slight crush on the girl next door (AnnaSophia Robb) but the story doesn’t focus too much on it which actually helps the film with its importance of family first.

Another reason I loved this film so much is quite simply the awesome cast. Allison Janney is hysterical as always, Maya Rudolph is spectacular, Nat Faxon who wrote and directed this film is quirky and lovable, but my all time favorite actor in this one is hands down Sam Rockwell. He helps young Duncan realize that he is confident, strong, funny and worth everything he deserves, but at the same time Duncan helps Owen (Sam Rockwell) grow up. Owen is an important figure in Duncan’s life at this point in his life and the end result is awesome. Sam Rockwell performs his heart out as the water park worker who doesn’t really work but cares about his job and co workers. There is a part where he does a Footloose speech to a bunch of teenagers which is just priceless and hilarious. Please please please watch this film if you want to be entertained, laugh, maybe tear up a bit and learn a little about self respect and family.
-Molli

42: Movie Review

First off I am a huge Dodgers fan it is in my blood, my dad has always been an avid Dodgers fan, he remembers holding my twin and I, one in each arm, only a couple weeks old while he rooted for the Dodgers as they won the World Series in 1988. So with that being said I was very excited to watch this film and it did not disappoint in the slightest. This one was able to delve into all of Jackie Robinson’s life some in small detail and others in explicit detail which really worked for this 2 hour film. It showed the love between him and his wife Rachel and their profound bond of being together while also trying to stay strong in the face of constant prejudice. It also did a great job of highlighting his strength of having to be the bigger man when constantly being heckled by the worst person in the film and baseball at the time Ben Chapman who disgustingly degrades Jackie on the field with the most derogatory and racist insults it’s almost too hard to watch. However, this scene though hard to watch showcases Jackie’s character as someone who must be strong mentally and physically.

Chadwick Boseman the newcomer who plays this legend does an amazing job of portraying Jackie as a gentleman with his wife as well as a great ball player who never wanted to make waves with anyone but someone who just wanted a shot at playing the game he loved. He was not able to verbally stick up for himself against the many people who disagreed with his right to play ball but that was ok because his skills on the field did the talking and man did they speak volumes. Not only was this man a great legend because of his status as the first African American Baseball Player but he was a legend because of his ball playing and his role as a great human being. The other actors complement the story very well and they include Harrison Ford (who always is amazing), Lucas Black (the fellow Dodger who sincerely befriended Jackie), T.R. Knight and Nicole Beharie who plays his amazing and supportive wife. This was a great sports movie that was heartfelt and had a great message one that still lives on today with every MLB player sporting the number “42” on April 15 (the first day Jackie took the professional field) in honor of Jackie’s legacy and barriers he broke. Rent and/or buy this film.
-Molli

2 Guns: Movie Review

If you want to see a film that is full of action, a little bit of laughs and a slight twist in plot then this is the one to watch at the moment. Though I thought it was a bit of a B movie for both the leading men, they did play their respective roles very well. Denzel as always does no wrong and is quite comical as the semi straight guy who tries to go by the book. He is forced to work with Mark Wahlberg who this time plays the wild card guy trying to just get the job done no matter the rules. They have great chemistry and play off of each other very well. It has it’s obvious violent moments of gun play and sabotage between players of who is actually getting all the drug money (the plot line was a bit hazy for me). Nonetheless it had some great actors including James Marsden, Bill Paxton (he is ruthless) and Paula Patton (who I think could’ve been excluded).

I was thoroughly entertained with this film and though it may not have been the best of the summer or the year it did have a great cast, funny conversations between Mark and Denzel and loads of action and adventure. If you are looking for something that is somewhat light and not have to think about what you’re watching for a couple of hours feel free to pop this one in. I’d say it was a definite rent.
-Molli

Molli’s Favorite Christmas Movies

In honor of my favorite upcoming holiday, Christmas, I have compiled a list of my 10 favorite Christmas movies to put everyone in the spirit. Yes I know it’s early but get over it, Christmas Day will be here before we know it. Hope you enjoy my list and put a few on yours if you haven’t seen them.

10. A Christmas Story (1983)

This is my dad’s favorite Christmas movie and it has trickled down to us as well. It’s funny and cringe worthy all at the same time and definitely makes you feel better about your family during the holidays which is always a good thing.

9. Love Actually (2003)

I love that this film focuses on so many different kinds of relationships and in varying phases of the relationships. Though a little sad it is realistic in that the holidays can be a bit depressing for everyone.

8. The Holiday (2006)

I loved this movie when it first came out and continue to do so to this day. Yes it is a little predictable but it’s charming and light great for a holiday film.

7. Scrooged (1988)

Though this is a holiday film it is one of Bill Murray’s best films ever. He is an ass at first but soon learns that being one won’t get you anywhere. It’s an 80’s version of A Christmas Carol and all the actors do an amazing job in their respective roles especially Carol Kane. Definite must see.

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Jim Carrey as The Grinch. Must. See.

5. Elf (2003)

This one packs a lot of Christmas joy and I love it. All the actors are stellar, funny and heartwarming. This one is a great family movie.

4. Love at The Christmas Table (2012)

Most Lifetime movies are cheesy and predictable and this one is no different, but I love every minute of it, mostly because of the known actors, the story line and how it could actually happen. If you like fun, family, romantic holiday films this one is for you.

3. The Santa Clause (1994)

I can’t believe this film is 19 years old (blows my mind), but its still a holiday classic. Tim Allen is at his best and the story never gets old.

2. Home Alone (1990)

If you’ve never seen this film we are no longer friends, just kidding, but really I feel sorry for you. I watch this every year with either my close friend or family and we laugh hysterically every time, because it NEVER gets old. John Hughes was a true gem of the 80’s and 90’s. RIP John.

And my Number 1 favorite Holiday Movie is…

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Again if you’ve never seen this film I feel so so sorry for you. Clark Griswald the last family man does his best to make the holidays special for his very trying yet loving family, something that I think every head of the household can relate to. In my household this film is quoted daily as well as watched every year by my family along with us quoting our favorite lines. Mine being “I don’t know Margo!”. Honestly please watch this movie it’s a Christmas classic.

If you have favorite Christmas films that you think we should see please feel free to mention them. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Twinema Reviews.

Throwback Thursday: Hocus Pocus

In honor of All Hallows Eve, Throwback Thursday and the fact that this film has been around for 20 years I’ve decided to highlight one of the best Halloween movies in existence, Hocus Pocus (1993). If you have seen this one and know the lines backwards and forwards you had an awesome childhood, if you have never seen this film in it’s 20 years I feel sorry for you. This film may not have done well in the box office when it first came out but as time went on it became one of the cult classics that fans have kept alive every Halloween. Sure this film is cheesy and predictable but aren’t all Halloween movies a little cheesy and predictable, I think yes. All the actors in this one do a great job of jumping into their characters and really going for it. But I must say the actresses who play the Sanderson sisters really nail it. Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker do a fabulous job of bringing these sisters to life and making them seem somewhat lovable while at the same time disapproving of their actions to try to look and feel younger (by killing young children for their souls). The scenes in this film are priceless from the sisters just communicating with one another and how Winnie (Bette) always dumbs down her two sisters and her having to try to deal with their stupidity to the awesome dance scene at the Halloween party where Bette Midler shows off her pipes with her rendition of “I Put A Spell on You”. That song and scene really put me in the Halloween spirit because it has such energy and involvement from the whole cast and even the extras that you truly wish you were there to dance and sing along. Not only does Bette show off her singing but Sarah Jessica Parker exposes her singing talents in a softer way of luring the young kids to their house with the song “Come Little Children” which sounds pretty but if you really listen to the lyrics it’s quite creepy.

There is a slight love story in here somewhere but its overshadowed by the Sanderson sisters need to be younger as well as the sibling story that is more prominent and in my opinion a better way to go than another love story wrapped in a Holiday movie. Don’t get me wrong I like Max and Allison but I think it was a better story to incorporate Thackery looking for his sister Emily and how that correlated with Max having to save his younger sister Dani. So at the heart of this creepy witch movie is a story of siblings sticking together and protecting one another no matter what. I also love this movie because it features a zombie by the name of Billy before zombies were even cool. He was a great addition to the graveyard scene because it shows that though he is a soulless creature he still has feelings and wants to help Max keep his little safe as well, see zombies are nice they’re just misunderstood. I can’t forget about the two nimrods Jay and Ice who are a reminder that you shouldn’t pick on people, eat too much candy or skip school. Anyway I hope you all have a wonderfully creepy Halloween and if this film fits into your evening I highly recommend it. Happy Halloween everyone!

Review: Mortal Instruments City of Bones

Should See

I will let you all know I am trying to finish the book, need about 1/3 more Togo. So with this in mind this is what I thought of the movie. I loved the characters and the actors who played them, would not change any of them. However, I felt that this film could have incorporated a lot more of the book details that they didn’t. It felt like a usual fantasy movie with small elements of the book put in, which really disappointed me. I was hoping to walk out of there saying “this is the best movie ever” but unfortunately I did not. I will also say that I hope they get a new director for the next one, one who might have actually read the book. I feel a little snobby writing a less than good review which is why I am going to see it again to hopefully appreciate it as just a movie rather than a book portrayal.

I will say that the action was fun to watch and the love story was enticing, however not knowing some parts of the story I was shocked to see they were siblings. In fact it ruined the rest of the movie for me, I want not only the kick ass scenes but the love story that usually tags along. I know now (because I begged my sister to tell me) that this changes in the books but for me I was discombobulated when I saw that. I hope to give a nicer review after the second viewing,I will keep you posted. I do hope all who read the book go to see the movie to hopefully get your own review or opinion on how they did.

-Suzi

Review: The Worlds End

Must See

Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright have written yet again a ridiculous yet hilarious movie. This film feels like a well done parody yet has its own unique and original elements. The story starts at the boys adolescent adventure of the pub crawl in their hometown and with enough weird and crazy events in between land in the same spot they once were. Their slapstick humor, witty remarks , and friendly bashing all add up to make the audience laugh and smile till their cheeks hurt. These guys not only get to make a comedy about the world ending but also creates a kick ass action film at the same time.

Each character gets their own time to shine in either kicking ass or giving a funny line. These writers know how to make a movie outrageous yet humbling at the same time. Although this movie is really meant for laughter it also has a sensitive and darker theme behind it. Wright and Pegg know how to combine and transition from comedic scenes to serious situations with ease. I can’t wait for this to come out to buy, I wish it would be in a combo pack that included Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. By the way if you liked This is the End then you will love this movie.

-Suzi

Throwback Thursday: Bridesmaids

In honor of The Heat coming out tomorrow starring two of the funniest human beings to grace this world Melissa McCarthy and Sandra Bullock, I wanted to do a Throwback in honor of the great Melissa McCarthy to pay homage to her and to the hilarity that she brings to every project she does. Ok, if you are a young adult, boy or girl and have not seen Bridesmaids or never heard of this film you are deprived and I feel sorry for you. This film is one of the funniest films of the last five years in my opinion and a big reason for that is the breakout star of this film, Melissa McCarthy. Sure she has been in the acting game for a long time but this was one of those films where you really got to see her shine at doing what she does best which is giving people a reason to laugh which is such a great gift. Not only is she funny and beautiful but she is a real person inside and out, she is honest, down to earth and aware of what is important in her life which is her kids and husband. She is a breath of fresh air in this industry where people are constantly told you have to look a certain way to become famous or successful and she is doing extremely well in this industry being just the way she is. You go Melissa!

Ok back to the film. The other actors bring different and hilarious aspects to their characters with Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper. They were all brilliant as this archetype band of misfits trying to help Maya Rudolph get married. One of the best scenes in this film and one that me and my friends quote daily is the airplane scene with all the girls headed to Vegas for the Bachelorette Party. Kristen Wiig owns this scene as the overly drunk who decides to tell everyone how she feels about her friends new perfect friend as well as her friends impending nuptials. My favorite aspect of this film was that the men were not really featured in the spotlight it was more about the relationship between the friends, Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig and how there relationship was going to shift a little bit with Maya getting married and Kristen not really knowing where to go next with her life. I thought this was important to highlight because I think that all friends go through this transition from being so close and doing things together all the time to your priorities changing and having to go through this new chapter in your life. I thought they did a great job of being funny and entertaining but also showcasing these real emotions and moments that happen between friendships. I will always love this movie and it will always be one of the best of 2011 just like I hope The Heat will be one of the best of 2013.
-Molli

Review: This is The End

This movie was ridiculous, over the top, raunchy and one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. I was laughing throughout the entire film. When I first saw the trailers I thought it looked a little dumb but typical of Seth Rogen and his gang, however I went into the theater with an open mind and man I was pleasantly surprised. I loved that all the actors played themselves because I think it made them feel a little more comfortable on set and be able to improvise with each other which I’m sure almost half of that film was improvised. I’ll just give a few details to paint a little picture, Jay Baruchel meets up with his longtime friend Seth Rogen hoping to just hang out but to his dismay Seth says that James Franco is hosting a kick ass party and though Jay doesn’t want to go he agrees to please his friend. The party is littered with celebrity cameos including Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, an obnoxious Michael Cera and of course the main stars Craig Robinson, Jonah Hill, James Franco and Danny McBride along with Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill. For me personally Danny McBride stole the show on this one he is foul, two faced and a complete comedic genius in this one.

Yes there are some insane moments of absolute ridiculousness but fans are used to this type of humor with these films. They go because they know it will be outlandish and completely obscure but man this one takes the cake, as this film deals with the topic of the Apocalypse. Ok I won’t give any more details away but trust me this one is a definite must see and buy because it is fucking hilarious. Its just what you would expect from these guys. There is a hilarious conversation about a Milky Way as well as these guys especially Seth and Jay trying to patch up there somewhat rocky friendship. I thought this film though outrageous had a simple message, that doing good for others is what life is all about as well as staying true to your friends no matter how much things change. There are great cameos, moments that will make you chuckle especially towards the end and the last scene is wonderful especially if you’re a boy band lover! Go see this movie, you’ll be glad you did.
-Molli

Review: Monsters University

Once again Pixar is able to create a wonderful story along with a happy ending that is enjoyable for children and adults. I must say that being a 24 year old with no kids I was quite excited to see this film as I still find children’s films to be almost more entertaining that more adult content. This film did not disappoint, it had all the original cast members who took on their parts like Billy Crystal and John Goodman while incorporating some new lovable characters like Sean Hayes and Dave Foley. Though this is the sequel/prequel to Monsters, Inc. and its been 12 years since the original film this one was still able to stay current with todays audience as well as reminding people of the charm the original had. I loved the characters and the developing story of how Sully and Mike first met and how they eventually made it to Monsters, Inc. working as a team.

The animation was colorful and vibrant, the storyline was compelling and heartwarming and the jokes were funny and on point. Pixar has a way of creating a children’s story while putting in an underlying message. This films message was that hard work and determination though cheesy at times really does pay off. Mike started out as the underdog by being so small and people constantly telling him that he will never be a scarer and though it chipped away at his confidence a little, he still knew that he would make his dreams come true no matter what. This was a great message to little kids as well as adults that your dreams are never too far away if you just work hard at it and never let anyone bring you down. This one is definitely a must see, if you have kids or not!
-Molli