The Gift (Rated-R)
Creepy, unpredictable and overall entertaining. This movie is the classic example of a leopard never changes its spots. A husband and wife move to a new town to start a family and get away from a secret past. The get off to a new start when suddenly an acquaintance from the past shows up. Everything goes down hill from there. Be warned, this movie has a couple of slow moments but picks back up within minutes. If you are looking for an action packed film you're looking at the wrong movie but if you want a movie full of twists and turns; this movie will do that. Great for date night, going single or with friends. Don't bring the kids - unless you want them to fall asleep. MEVOE Rating: B
Hotel Transylvania 2 - (Rated: PG)
Like father, like daughter, like son - NOT! There's a new baby in the Drac family but he's not following the family tradition. Watch grandpa try to make the newest, cute, cuddly family member, the baby dracula of the family. Enjoy this family friendly movie this weekend!
Vacation (Rated-R)
In case you missed it..."Vacation" was better than expected! This movie was surprisingly funny.
A father/husband tries his best to make the family summer trip the best ever! He and the family fail ten times over but the journey is hilarious and very entertaining. Its not a family friendly movie, you will jump at the some of the harsh words used by some of the youngest characters.
Definitely catch this traditional vacation goes disaster movie! You will love it! MEVOE Rating: B+
Steve Jobs - Rated - (R)
In life there are many men who brag about what they will do and fail. This movie tells a story of the man whose creative thinking, arrogance, relentlessness and determination take him to the top of the mountain of success and life lets him brag about it for years. This film provides a peek into the life of tech genius Steve Jobs. At times his personal life is more interesting than any Apple or Mac creation he could've thought of. However, this film could've given more. Its like riding over the roller coaster of his life and stopping at the second curve. It lacks closure to this amazing life. Watch as man battles himself and others for success.
MEVOE Grade: B-
The Walk - Rated - (PG)
A childhood dream becomes reality when a man attempts to walk from the north to the south World Trade Center Towers on a thin rope in the 1970's. Yes, this is a daredevil's dream, but will it be complete or fall short?
The Visit - (Rated: PG-13)
Remember that creepy, weird relative that you never wanted to visit? Your greatest family nightmare is about
to come true.
Hotel Transylvania 2 - (Rated: PG)
Like father, like daughter, like son - NOT! There's a new baby in the Drac family but he's not following the family tradition. Watch grandpa try to make the newest, cute, cuddly family member, the baby dracula of the family. Enjoy this family friendly movie this weekend!
Sicario - (Rated: R)
Suspenseful, emotional and gripping. This movie will hook you from the first 60 seconds. It begins and ends intensely. FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) is on a typical assignment when it unravels into an all out war among some of the deadliest cartel operations in U.S. and Mexico. Macer joins a task force that she believes will get her one step closer bringing down the cartels, but finds out quickly she doesn't know what she's doing. This is the perfect mystery, crime film. You will become entangled in the characters, moved by the violence and engaged by the story. Great acting and producing!
MEVOE Rating: A
'The Perfect Guy' (Rated:PG-13)
'The Perfect Guy' begins with Leah (Sanaa Lathan) a beautiful go-getter woman, who has everything, but Dave's (Morris Chestnut) heart. Broken-hearted Leah tries love again but goes after Carter (Michael Ealy), the wrong man, and everything falls apart. TPG takes an unexpected twist at the end when Leah finds a way to get rid of Carter, but does it work? As a suspense movie its delivery of scary scenes, that make you scream and gasp, are minimal. However, Carter's character is the perfect engaging psychopath.
Overall, acting and plot are good. Some of the scene arrangements seemed out of sync and there could've been more character development. This film is not the best suspense film ever, but it's entertaining.
MEVOE Rating: B-
Creed (PG-13)
Michael B. Jordan is back as Adonis Johnson, the son of a deceased famous boxer. Adonis spends most of his life fighting to survive when he meets Sylvester Stallone who plays Rocky, a retired boxing legend that we all remember. This is a dangerous movie combination. Expectations will be high for an entertaining film but will it be too trendy as an overdone boxing theme?
Grade: A
NOVEMBER 2015
The Night Before (Rated-R)
Despite unbelievable funny previews of this movie - that's it. The movie is a story about three guys who have been close friends since high school. They have created holiday traditions that have given them a brotherly love for years. Now those traditions must come to an end as each of the men are becoming more mature. This movie will take you on a ride of funny and foolish moments but no more than what you have already seen in the trailers.
MEVOE Grade: C+
The Peanuts Movie- Rated - (G)
Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire gang are back for another generation to fall in love with them! Charlie Brown is on a mission to talk to the new girl at school that he is in love with before ever saying hello. Meanwhile Snoopy, is trying to catch the love of his life too during a voyage in to far off lands.
The writers have stay true to the character's personalities and quirky traits. As a kid this movie will make you life and become a lifetime favorite. As an adult, it will let you escape back into your childhood for an hour. This is a great family friendly movie that will also teach children a lesson in self-esteem and courage. MEVOE Grade: A
33 Rated - PG-13
33 is the true story of thirty-three miners trapped inside a Chilean mine for 69 days. Even though you know how the story ends the challenges these men face while waiting to be rescued are simply unbelievable. This movie will challenge your own personal instinct and wrap you into an emotional daze as these men do what most human beings could probably never do; survive 100 degree temperatures, with several people, little food and even less of a chance to live. Definitely go see this movie. The direction, acting and overall production are strong. This movie is worth a watch!
MEVOE Rating: A
SEPTEMBER 2015
Bridge of Spies - Rated - (PG-13)
Secrets and spies are a prelude to the suspense, drama and labyrinth mission taken on by James Donovan (Tom Hanks). Based on the Cold War era this movie effectively takes you into a world on constant edge for the war that never happened. Donovan is a character that we wish we could be, full of integrity and valor that is challenged by the norm of society. Watch Donovan transform from a New York lawyer into an international negotiator. This movie though dark, keeps a momentum that pushes you to the edge of your seat. Hanks peaks as an actor in a refreshing way you may have never seen before. The story, production and character development are solid.
MEVOE Rating: A
AUGUST 2015
Love the Coopers - PG-13
It is not often that a movie disappoints in acting, plot and overall presentation. This movie is about a family that comes together for the holidays, with their dysfunction and uncanny ways. However, the greatest disappointment isn't the characters flaws, its the movie. This movie falls apart because the comedy jumps from too subtle to too unnecessary. The relationships between the characters are awkward and disconnected. The editing and pacing of the movie only makes it worse. There are isolated moments when this movie makes sense, but overall it should've stay on the editing block for at least another year. Disappointing.
MEVOE Rating: D-
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials - (Rated: PG-13)
If you haven't seen the first installment of Maze Runner, watch it. Then, come back to The Scorch Trials. The movie starts right where the last one ended. The group of rebellious teens are taken in by an organization that is supposed to be against Wicked, the group that trapped and tested the teens. The leader of the pack, Thomas finds out this is all a lie and Wicked has trapped them again. Their journey is just as intense, entertaining, and twisted as the first. Acting, plot and cinematography are all solid.
MEVOE Rating: A
The Heart of the Sea (PG-13)
A crewman shares he story of the adventure, failures and death at sea, that story inspires the author to write Moby Dick. This movie will entertain anyone who wants to listen to a good story. The overall production and acting are solid. However modern audiences might consider this film flat for the late of modern day action. Its based in the early 1800's and stays true to its setting. However, this film effectively tells the story of Moby Dick by going to the beginning of this unbelievable adventure.
MEVOE Grade: B
The Transporter Refueled (Rated: PG-13)
This movie is not perfect but has plenty of action, fight scenes and twists to keep you watching. This version of Transporter doesn't compete with previous takes, it's simply different.
A father son duo gets caught up in the middle of the multi-million dollar heist of four street women seeking revenge from their pimp - seriously. It's your typical good guy versus bad guy archetype with lots of action. The Audi S8 is a star in this movie and the action scenes and stunts are great!
Don't expect superb acting or a deep plot. Go for the ride!
This movie is all about sexy people, fight scenes, fast cars and action.
MEVOE RATING: B-
Black Mass - (Rated - R)
This movie is based on the life and crimes of James "Whitey" Bulger a Boston mobster from the late 1970's through the 1980's. This movie takes you back to the beginning with Bulger climbing the ladder of mob power. Whether you know the true story behind Bulger and his gang in Boston or not, its an intriguing, hypnotizing story about power. Though there is action, this is a drama that slowly unravels to a tragic ending.
Watch what happens when an FBI agent and a dangerous mobster appear to be on the same team.
MEVOE Rating: B+
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (PG-13)
Its been ten years since the last Star Wars movie and 38 years since the beginning of an American movie franchise that has entertained generations. Episode VII: The Force Awakens is based thirty years after Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Before watching The Force Awakens I highly recommend you get familiar with the six Star Wars movies that have made this series so epic.
MEVOE Grade: B
The Intern - Rated - (PG-13)
This movie brings a new meaning to interns when a retired baby boomer takes a chance at being a 20/30 something CEO's intern. It's a cute, easy to watch movie. There will be plenty of laughter, a couple of teaching moments and fun to be had with this movie. Must I say Robert De Niro really makes this movie come alive? Well, he does. Its a new twist on interns and if you've ever been one, you'll probably love this film.
Everest - (Rated - NR)
Two teams climb to the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest. This movie allows you to intimately know the people who make up the team of courageous climbers, some amateurs, some professional. Their adventure becomes your adventure. This movie is based on the inspiring story of two teams that climbed Mt. Everest in the late 1990's and made headlines around the world. You'll forget you're in the comfort of your warm seat. This is a solid, emotional, inspiring movie.
MEVOE Rating: A
Legend - (Rated - R)
The movie is focused on the gangsters of London in the 1960's. Twin brothers who are gangsters to be exact and their contrasting personalities. Things get complicated when one brother must kill the other because he's causing too much trouble even for thugs and criminals. What might be even more entertaining is watching Tom Hardy play both characters.
MOVIE ARCHIVE
The Martian - Rated - (PG-13)
Space exploration to Mars isn't a new idea, but being stranded there with no resources other than your instinct to survive is new. Mark Watney (Matt Damon), an astronaut thought to be dead, is left behind with no chance of a rescue for four years. One down side to the movie, its two hours and twenty-two minutes long. Yes, its important to submerge you into the life of an astronaut stuck on Mars, but after two hours of space exploration and back and forth with central command, you get the point. Watch as he makes a foreign planet his home. Could you be Mark Watney?
MEVOE Grade: A-
Fantastic Four (Rated: PG-13)
The movie gives a thorough breakdown of how the four super heroes came to existence. Four teens brought together by a visionary scientist to leap back and forth through planets. The idea becomes reality but not without a disastrous price. If you are looking for a movie with fast paced action scenes from beginning to end - you've picked the wrong movie. This movie establishes how the Fantastic Four began. In that framework the movie is slightly above average. Let's go back to the beginning. The movie is set years before the fantastic four were ever even fantastic heroes. They were more like rebellious genius teens looking for purpose.
This isn't the first Marvel movie that does a flashback and it won't be the last.
The actors are awesome; the action is average; very kid friendly and worth a matinee watch. If you are expecting to see these super heroes battling it out with dozens of villains you'll have to wait for the next FF movie.
MEVOE Rating: C
The Man From U.N.C.L.E (Rated: PG-13)
This film is based on a TV Series of the same name. United Network Command for Law and Enforcement also known as U.N.C.L.E is made up of a top CIA agent and a member of the KGB with the same goal, eliminating world enemies during the late 1960's. This film shows you how U.N.C.L.E began as a crime fighting international duo. As a comedy, action film, keep that in the front of your mind while watching this film. It has a unique sense of dry humor - almost too much.
Expect great action scenes, quirky music and average acting. Mainly based in Italy you'll see amazing views of Rome.
The pace of the movie begins and ends with action but struggles to keep consistency in the middle.
MEVOE Grade: C+
The Big Short (Rated-R)
This movie is big on drama, humor and sobering truth about the corruption and misuse of the real estate industry, that led to the housing market disaster of 2007. The film does a great job of explaining the details of how the market collapse began and the tools used to create the disfunction. A pinch of anger or disappointment my come over you. Be prepared. This film is based on a true story. The directing, acting and overall production are strong. You will never look at the housing industry the same.
MEVOE Grade: A
Mission Impossible - Rogue Nation (Rated: PG-13)
Action, suspense and clever drops of comedy make up this installment of MI. This is one mission that Ethan and the team probably should pass on but there's one thing forcing them to take the challenge - you'll have to watch to find out. The stunts are amazing! The fight scenes are standard for MI but definitely entertaining. MEVOE Rating: A
SPECTRE Rated - PG-13
James Bond is back for another dose of mystery, suspense, action and romance. This films fits the typical Bond formula but lacks strong actors. From the opening scene in Mexico, you will be hooked and then slowly find yourself losing an emotional grip. Though there are great fight scenes in this film they felt rushed and lacked depth. Yes, Bond is known for being a ladies' man but in this film the acting of his companions are weak, unrealistic and disappointing at times. The plot attempts to pick up where Skyfall left off and it does that successfully. Though the film feels disconnected the twist of brotherly love will drive this movie back on course. Where this movie lacks momentum it picks up with entertaining fight scenes and humor. MEVOE Grade: C+
Point Break (PG-13)
This films lacks strong acting but excels with action. First, remember that this isn't the first Point Break. The original was in theaters in 1991. However, if PB 2015 is your first film experience with this story it will be a good one. This movie is about one redemption and crime. A group of men and women believe in giving back to the earth in an extreme and corrupt way. From skydiving and exploding goldmines to skiing the slops of the highest mountains and giving thousands of dollars away, this movie does well with action and adventure. However, don't expect emotional engaging acting - this film lacks that.
MEVOE Grade: C+
Captive - (Rated - PG-13)
In life, can you find redemption while facing death? A mother loses everything and a father finds something to live for when, their worlds collide and they are faced with life-changing decisions. Will they help each other down the right path or will they die defeated? Based on a true story, this movie will cause mix emotions about life and choices.
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials - (Rated: PG-13)
If you haven't seen the first installment of Maze Runner, watch it. Then, come back to The Scorch Trials. The movie starts right where the last one ended. The group of rebellious teens are taken in by an organization that is supposed to be against Wicked, the group that trapped and tested the teens. The leader of the pack, Thomas finds out this is all a lie and Wicked has trapped them again. Their journey is just as intense, entertaining, and twisted as the first. Acting, plot and cinematography are all solid.
MEVOE Rating: A
OCTOBER 2015
Concussion (Rated PG-13)
Based on a true story, an accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers discovers the brain damage caused by continually head to head collisions of football players who suffer repeated concussions. Though Omalu discovers information that could save lives, he becomes footballs worse enemy. This is an educational, entertaining and intense film, that brings light to concussions, the medical condition that has taken the lives of many football athletes.
MEVOE Grade: A
JULY 2015
Straight Outta Compton - (Rated: R)
A story of five young men with a relentless dream to be artists and express their reality of oppression, injustice, police brutality and the street life through music. The biopic is based in the late 1980's, when the war on drugs was at its peak, and minorities were experiencing bold face oppression in every aspect of life - this is the backdrop for these five men. Director F. Gary Gray does an amazing job of making you forget you're in a movie theater and throws you into the lives of these five men. The acting and casting is exceptional.
Expect to laugh, cry, and if you remember N.W.A you will nod your head, over and over again to some of raps most popular music of the late 80's and early 90's. As a biopic this film reveals more about the relationships, conflicts, tragedy and brotherhood of the five men that make up N.W.A., their management and the birth of Ruthless Records, Priority, Death Row, Interscope and Aftermath. Take 2 hours and 37 minutes out of your life and GO see this movie! It's worth every second! MEVOE Grade: A+