Month: October 2014
John Wick: Keep expectations low and enjoy the ride
by Matt Ward
Nothing much is surprising about the latest action thriller “John Wick,” except for the fact that it isn’t completely terrible. The plot is raw and unoriginal — vengeful assassin Keanu Reeves takes out a lot of bad people after they steal his car and kill his dog, a final present from his dying wife. Every indication points in the direction of an absolute bust … Read More John Wick: Keep expectations low and enjoy the ride
Fury: A sign of good things still to come from Hollywood
by Matt Ward
If “Fury” is any indication of the direction cinema is headed for the rest of 2014, it’s a good time to be a film fanatic. Coming off the release of David Fincher’s terrific thriller “Gone Girl,” it was hard to imagine Hollywood providing any level of consistency in the quality of filmmaking heading into the final few months of the year, but the action … Read More Fury: A sign of good things still to come from Hollywood
Gone Girl: Chilling tale makes great use of Affleck, Pike
by Matt Ward
That subversive grin smeared across Ben Affleck’s face has been plastered all over television and social media for weeks now as “Gone Girl,” the David Fincher adaptation of the best-selling Gillian Flynn novel, hit theaters at the beginning of the month. It’s a smart marketing ploy and an ingenious casting choice by Fincher to center his film around Affleck, whose natural charm mixed with … Read More Gone Girl: Chilling tale makes great use of Affleck, Pike
The Judge: Even Downey Jr., Duvall can’t figure out poor script
by Matt Ward
“The Judge” has a fantastic cast led by Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall along with wonderful cinematography, so why is it so underwhelming? The fatal flaw in “The Judge” is in an uneven script from Nick Schenk and Bill Dubuque, the sum of which isn’t as good as its individual parts. A film about relationships blanketed within a courtroom drama, each element of … Read More The Judge: Even Downey Jr., Duvall can’t figure out poor script
One Chance: A star-making film for actor James Corden
by Matt Ward
James Corden is going to be a big star. The 36-year-old Brit will soon take over for Craig Ferguson as host of CBS’ The Late Late Show and plays a sizable role in the musical “Into The Woods,” which opens in theaters Christmas Day. Movie goers can get an advance peek at one of Europe’s best kept secrets beginning Friday as Corden’s latest film, … Read More One Chance: A star-making film for actor James Corden
Cinematic Considerations 