Category: New Releases
Ted 2: Where’s the humor?
by Matt Ward
Comedy requires originality. It’s as simple as that. There’s absolutely not a single shred of originality in “Ted 2,” an amalgamation of leftover “Family Guy” setups, hokey premises and half-hearted humor that leaves viewers disappointed from the outset. Honestly, “Ted 2” shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to those who’ve followed the career trajectory of Seth MacFarlane, the mastermind (and vocal talent) behind … Read More Ted 2: Where’s the humor?
Inside Out: Pixar returns to animated genre with maturity
by Matt Ward
If Christopher Nolan made a children’s movie, it might end up something very similar to “Inside Out,” the latest Disney/Pixar blockbuster to hit theaters. The ultimate thinking man’s kids’ film (both figuratively and literally), director Pete Docter’s third feature film is incredibly layered and cerebral in much more complex ways than his other features, 2001’s “Monsters, Inc.” and 2009’s “Up.” On the surface, “Inside … Read More Inside Out: Pixar returns to animated genre with maturity
Jurassic World: Nostalgia at its finest in action adventure
by Matt Ward
Sequels that genuinely work, or even come remotely close to living up to the original film, are few and far between. While last weekend’s smash hit “Jurassic World” isn’t exactly a modern carbon copy of Steven Spielberg’s 1993 masterpiece “Jurassic Park,” so much of what made the original feature awe-inspiring, terrifying and innovative is preserved in what very well may be the summer’s best … Read More Jurassic World: Nostalgia at its finest in action adventure
Spy: Melissa McCarthy makes comedic comeback
by Matt Ward
Sookie St. James is making a comeback. The warm, kind-hearted neighbor character played to perfection by comedienne Melissa McCarthy in TV’s “Gilmore Girls” has been largely missing from the rising star’s film credits, while McCarthy has made her name mucking it up in less than savory roles. Her latest adventure, the spoof film “Spy,” is by no means family-friendly entertainment, but continues a step … Read More Spy: Melissa McCarthy makes comedic comeback
Aloha: Why Crowe’s latest film paid the ultimate price for sins of another film
by Matt Ward
Dead on arrival. Angered by a Seth Rogen-James Franco buddy comedy that saw the duo attempt to assassinate Kim Jong-un, North Koreans hacked emails and threatened war if 2014’s “The Interview” was released into American theaters. Despite their best efforts, last year’s email hack of Sony Entertainment executives didn’t kill the raunchy buddy comedy, released video on demand to widespread support from celebrities and … Read More Aloha: Why Crowe’s latest film paid the ultimate price for sins of another film
San Andreas: Destruction provides unintentional comedy
by Matt Ward
While “Aloha” can be considered a flawed movie, there’s no such redeeming for the latest disaster movie starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, “San Andreas,” a film which asks the question no one was asking: What happens if the San Andreas fault tries to rip apart half of California? The screenplay, written by Carlton Cuse, plays to every basic stereotype B-rate action and/or disaster movies … Read More San Andreas: Destruction provides unintentional comedy
Tomorrowland: Up-and-down family film worth taking a chance on
by Matt Ward
Disappointing. Underwhelming. Lackluster. Three words that easily describe how Disney executives this week feel about their latest feature film, the George Clooney-helmed “Tomorrowland.” The film, well on its way to becoming a commercial failure due to its $180 million budget according to Variety, is generally believed to be a mistake, which is the best thing that could possibly happen to this family friendly sci-fi, … Read More Tomorrowland: Up-and-down family film worth taking a chance on
Mad Max Fury Road: Brutally carving roadmap to quality sequels
by Matt Ward
Two films espousing feminist ideas broke through in a big way commercially last week, but it’s the movie franchise you’d least suspect that does the best job of celebrating women in cinema. In fact, it’s just a better movie all the way around. Don’t look now, but George Miller, the director behind the Mel Gibson-led “Road Warrior” trilogy, is back with a new installment … Read More Mad Max Fury Road: Brutally carving roadmap to quality sequels
Pitch Perfect 2: Avoid the pitfall of comedy sequels
by Matt Ward
While “Mad Max: Fury Road” does a masterful job of weaving a feminist message into an action film, “Pitch Perfect 2” smashes stereotypes straight out of a Spice Girls song over viewers’ heads like that annoying song you can’t get out of your head stuck on repeat for hours on end. That song, by the way, in “Pitch Perfect 2” is the Pitbull song … Read More Pitch Perfect 2: Avoid the pitfall of comedy sequels
Welcome To Me: Humor takes break from Hollywood, hits independent film circuit
by Matt Ward
Comedy, as a genre, is a tough nut to crack. More than any other type of film, the art of making people laugh is inherently more difficult than, say, making people cry. It’s why good actors do drama and great actors have the timing for comedy. Films like the Reese Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara-driven “Hot Pursuit” don’t help the matter any, especially when that … Read More Welcome To Me: Humor takes break from Hollywood, hits independent film circuit
Adult Beginners: Flashes of greatness never quite connect
by Matt Ward
Not faring well on the independent dramedy circuit is the up-and-down “Adult Beginners” from writer and star Nick Kroll of “The League.” Boasting a strong cast — including Rose Byrne of “Neighbors” and veteran character actor Bobby Cannavale — the film has flashes of greatness, but never rises above its script, which has a distinct “done too many times before” vibe to it. It’s … Read More Adult Beginners: Flashes of greatness never quite connect
Avengers Age of Ultron: Bringing the band back together
by Matt Ward
What exactly do we as viewers want out of superhero movies anymore? Last weekend’s release of the cinematic blockbuster “Avengers: Age of Ultron” has moviegoers questioning themselves and everything they know about the emerging titan genre of cinema. It’s almost as if it’s not enough for a quality superhero movie to be engaging and thrilling and witty with quality direction, a good script and … Read More Avengers Age of Ultron: Bringing the band back together
Cinematic Considerations 