The Circle (2017)

After a long respite, I'm back with some more film reviews and brief dives into the satirical nature of American media.

The Circle

Much hype and hope for this film ultimately left me disappointed. I'm a fan of both Emma Watson and Tom Hanks as actors, but this put a blotch on their records in my mind. The acting was annoyingly bad and the script was not helping.

The story centers around a young woman, Mae Holland, who after temping at different jobs lands a customer support role at a major tech firm, The Circle. The company, ironically, has an exaggerated edifice comparable to many of Americas top tech firms. Consisting of housing, dining, social groups and functions, and enough technology to encompass your life, The Circle is a life-style and less a career or job. Similar to that of the military with curfews and security restricted areas, The Circle hides many secrets.

Mae, begins her journey in customer support and rises in the ranks quickly by drinking The Circle's Kool-aid, if I can borrow the terrible metaphor. She believes, like the company leaders, information should be free and available to all. This information stored and patternized by "The Circle" then utilizes it's own hardware to make the information searchable and usable. Major concerns like privacy and information freedom are the agenda of this film. Through the intense approach of The Circle leaders, information on all is made free to all, thus destroying any and all privacy; hence the motto, "Knowing is Good. Knowing everything is Better." At first glance this motto seems harmless because after all knowing everything about a particular subject or object can help each person make wise decisions. Unfortunately, this motto is more reflective of a god-complex.

Mae, turns the tables on the company founders by forcing them to participate in the same way the consumers have to - with no privacy. The movie seriously less enjoyable than many others at the very most gives you some food for thought about our current state of technology and privacy. It made me as the question, "What privacy do I have today and what am I willing to give up just to use cool gadgets?"

I would definitely give this film 1 out of 5 circles. Maybe watch it if you're feeling pensive and in need of some internal conversation topics. Otherwise, don't waste your time.

The Family Man [2000]

From riches to rags...the American dream. Wait?! Huh? At least, those were my thoughts when I started this film. Nicolas Cage makes another expected appearance. For some reason, he has an attraction to roles with relationship issues. Anyways...a great flick if you want a laugh, a cry, and ultimately a hair-pulling experience.

Nicolas Cage (Jack) lives the high life in Manhattan penthouses. He works as the president of a large brokerage firm making millions. Until...he meets this random black dude in a side-street grocer and his life changes forever. I kept telling Jack, should've just walked away, everything would've been alright. But no, Jack had to go and be a hero and calm the dude down and get him to rethink shooting the cashier over a stupid lottery ticket. Oh, well...I guess we'll never know what really would have happened, because this movie sure doesn't tell you. Apart from leaving the plot outrageously unfulfilled at the end, I don't know much more you could hate about this film.

Tea Leoni (Kate) the mother of 2 kids, a dog, and a time-traveling husband...at least give me points for trying to make it sound interesting. When Jack gets thrown into a different life, he finds himself married to his collegiate sweetheart and they have a family together. She wears the "what's-wrong-with-my-husband" hat well. I must say, having seen her in few to no movies up until this point, I was impressed with her acting. I doubt I'll see her in anything else because I'm sure this ruined her career but hey, who knows maybe some plastic surgery and a name change and then she'll be back in business.

Before I go any further though, I do need to say this: I thought the acting was incredible and the plot had extreme potential and held my attention hoping for a great ending. Well, that's all the good I can say for now. If you want to hear me rant and rave about how much I truly disliked this movie feel free to keep reading. But for those of you who just want to know my rating and whether or not you should waste your time watching it, here you go.

I give this movie 1 out 5 ferraris because of the great acting it saved itself from being a big fat ZERO.

A few things to note:

1. Be careful with little kids and this movie. Potentially a lot of discussion points with your kids because there are quite a few notable points that only knowledgable and mature people will fully grasp, therefore leading younger kids to prod with lots and lots of questions.
2. A little bit of sexual content. Definitely skippable stuff and you won't miss a thing, at least I didn't. 
3. Language was minimal. At this point, I think the director was trying to redeem this movie by hopefully thrusting it back into the family section by removing all the cursing. Instead, the movie slid right past the family section into the garbage.
4. If you decide to ignore my warnings and see this movie instead, heed this advice please, turn your brain off and don't even think about a happy ending. Rather, pierce your eardrums and close your eyes before watching the movie and you'll most likely enjoy it more than the person sitting next to you.

I feel like I've said enough bad stuff about this horribly horrendous movie. Take my advice, leave the movie in the $5 bin at Wal-mart and don't let the taunting description on the back entice you to lose 2 hours of your life. Instead, go play Laser tag or something more exciting.

Thanks for reading.

~from the library of J.B. Wadsworth

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol [2011]

MI:IV the high-powered, action-saturated, mind-blowing, energy-sucking, gun-wielding force action film that will get you wanting to climb buildings, shoot bad guys & girls, and use sick awesome technology. Jump into this adrenaline pumping adventure and buckle up. From the first sequence to the credits, you will have to check your breathing because this movie will take it away.

I've loved all the mission impossible movies except #2. This film was no disappointment. We rejoin Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) pulled from retirement to infiltrate the Kremlin and steal some "super-secret" documents using some "I-want-to-get-my-hands-on" technology. One thing I've noticed in the "Impossible" series is the opening theft sequence in all of them has little to no bearing on the rest of the film. I always wondered why. Anyways...from there Ethan goes undercover and forms his own crew to once again get back at those cheeky blighters who stole what he was initially trying to steal. With the usual super-awesome fight scenes and sweet technology this is always a great guy film.

Tom Cruise (Ethan) puts on another spectacular performance in this film. You can tell he's getting up there in age because he's not as docile or fluid as he was in MI:I or MI:II. Getting up in age though seems to have it's advantages for him. He never looks bad on film. Also, as the leader, he can always hire more people to do his crazy stunts for him. Fortunately, for us, the audience, Ethan still does some of his impromptu sick-awesome stunts that leave us with our mouths open say, "woooow! I wish I could do that." Take it from me, Tom Cruise, unlike some of his other recent flicks, won't disappoint in this film.

Jeremy Renner (Will) most familiar to me and maybe to you by his role in The Town when he played across from Ben Affleck in a bank heist, family first, blood connection thriller. Will is an ex-CIA, who has a few surprises up his sleeve but still looks pale when placed next to the gigantic Ethan Hunt. Personally, Jeremy doesn't play a very realistic good guy, maybe because he's always been the bad guy. So, this film is no more than disappointing concerning his performance. I only wished they would have made him a mole or something to keep his evil persona alive.

Paula Patton (Jane) does an incredible job of bringing the feministic style to the heist. She personifies the alter-ego woman who has a fix for slaying and stealing. She performs well but struggles sometimes across from the all-star Ethan Hunt. You may be more familiar with her performance in Deja-vu. I would definitely recommend you watch her performance there first to get a taste of the real Paula before you try and sink your teeth into this anomaly in her acting career.

A few things to note:

1. Like all Mission Impossibles, this movie has its fair share of objectionable elements. You will encounter language, sex, violence, and sadistic themes in this film. However, all of them, with the exception of the violence, are very mitigated. 
2. You will be riveted to your seat with intense sequences of espionage, ninja-like precision, and amazing antics. Mission Impossible is no disappoint in the action or the adventure side.
3. The plot seems significantly more complex and less involved when it comes to the sweet action. More of the action seems needless in this particular episode of the Impossibles. Still does not beat out MI:III or MI:I as far as story and depth.

Overal, a very interesting film that will hold your attention. There are parts that you may get initially lost at but don't worry, it will come back around and grapple for your attention once again.

Because of some needless violence and seeming plot - violence disintegration, but for the incredible acting and intense jaw-dropping action, I am giving this film 3 out of 5 Ethan Hunts (because syringes are just too mainstream).

Thanks for reading.

~From the library of J.B. Wadsworth

Contagion [2011]

What do you get when a pig mixes with a bat? An epidemic. At least that's what Contagion is about. Apart from multiple scenes of grotesque vomiting and foaming at the mouth, the only value I see this film serves is educating you on terms used by epidemiologists.

Matt Damon (Mitch Emhoff) displays the role of loving father better than to be expected for a famous ruthless killer named Jason Bourne in a previous life. Mitch loses his wife and his son both in the same day to the virus and to make matters worse, he finds out his wife had been cheating on him as well as he must be placed in quarantine away from his only living child - his teenage daughter. You immediately sympathize with this guy because of the evil this apparent blight has played on him. And through yet another superb performance by Matt Damon, you grow to love him more and more by the end of the film. I generously give Matt Damon a hand for an excellent performance during an otherwise boring and unattractive movie.

Kate Winslet (Dr. Erin Mears) puts on a successful role-play as well. Unfortunately, that's exactly what it is - a role play. You can tell she's acting. Which as every actor knows is not a good thing unless the film calls for the actor to play an actor (i.e. A Midsummer Night's Dream). Dr. Mears is a research epidemiologist working with the CDC. She is tracing the origin of the virus as well as helping facilitate the creation of a vaccine. During her searches, she comes in contact with the virus and gets fatally ill. The character Kate Winslet plays doesn't seem to fit the usual personas of her other films. So maybe her commanding a  new role was actual a challenge for her. IF that be the case, I applaud her on a job well done; however, I fear this is by no means a new role to her, therefore I am inclined to turn my cheek and look elsewhere for a great in acting.

Laurence Fishburne (Dr. Ellis Cheever) did a mock up job on his role in this film. Ever since Morpheus in the Matrix, it's been hard to displace Fishburne from the rockstar-looking, butt-kicking, gun-wielding, super kung-fu philosopher I'm used to seeing in one of the best movies of all time. With that stereotype forever etched into my 80's born noggin, I saw Dr. Cheever as a poser trying hard not to be a cold-blooded killer.

A few things to note:

1. Due to the medical nature of this film, there are a lot of needles, blood, and gross medical images. If you are not a fan of any of these. DO NOT watch this film. Otherwise, enjoy the abundance of them to your heart's content.
2. No sexual content! A few innuendos are made but because of the highly serious nature and horrifyingly disturbing sequences there is no need for it.
3. NOT a kids movie! Even though the movie is rated PG-13, I would not recommend this for anybody who scares easily or is very impressionable.
4. You may find yourself more bored and bemused then entertained and educated with this film.

Overall, a movie that might have some educational value but besides that, a film that I wouldn't recommend watching, renting, or buying. In fact, just leave it on the digital shelves of iTunes or Redbox and save yourself the $1.29-$4.00 to buy your wife/girlfriend some chocolate.

I give this film 1 out of 5 syringes (because suicide jumps are too mainstream).

Thanks for reading.

~From the library of J.B. Wadsworth

Man On A Ledge [2012]

"Jump! Jump! Jump!" a crowd cries as Nick Cassidy an escaped felon pushes suicide to whole new level. "Why" you might ask "would Hollywood produce a film about suicide?" A great question. However, wouldn't that be Hollywood shooting themselves in the....foot?! To put you at ease, this movie is not about suicide. Instead its about a diamond heist. An impact thriller that will pull you to the edge of your seat every time you start to settle back.

Sam Worthington (Nick) most well known for his roles as Jake Sully in Avatar and Perseus in Clash of the Titans, displays a fantastic fanatic who risks everything to get back what he lost from the beginning - his family. Seeing him hit it big first in a tree-hugging, agenda-laden, cinematic breakthrough film was not the best first impression. His personality is already very rough and adding his serious vocal fry and constantly wrinkled forehead to the mix didn't spice up his character any more. Instead, we were forced to have cheese graters run across our eardrums with Sparta like force every time he spoke. Alas, I think his career is forever resigned to loud battle cries and thrusting spears into the air with Perseus like strength.

Genesis Rodriguez (Angie) a fairly new actress to the screen in terms of feature film productions, played the girlfriend of Joey Cassidy, Nick's brother. Having never before seen her onscreen, I'd say she did a terrific job with one of her first intense action/thrillers. Apart from her dumb-blonde like personality and apparent claustrophobia, she plays the part of "sexy thief" well. Still no competition though to Angelina Jolie in Mr. & Mrs. Smith or Catherine Zeta-Jones in Entrapment.

Jamie Bell (Joey) a less well-known actor whose recent guises were Jimmy in King Kong, Griffin in Jumper, and most recent as the voice of Tintin in The Adventures of Tintin, showed some interesting tenacity in playing a screw up brother who's macho-like ego and insecure relationship stance makes him a fun if not funny character to watch while trying his hand at theft. The offset dynamic between Genesis and Jamie makes for a "gotta watch" scenario.

A few things to note:

1. Language jumps in and out (pun intended). You'll have scenes streaked with cursing and then not hear anything for a long time. So be forewarned.
2. Apart from a scene of Angie changing into a jumpsuit, there is no other nudity or sexual content in this film.
3. Themes of suicide, theft, pride, and guilt are major talking points for younger crowds. 
4. There are several scenes of shooting with blood following, so "fist-pump" for a little action in this thriller.

Overall, I really enjoyed this movie for it's originality as far as heist movies swing. Because of its originality and humorous relationship action but mediocre acting, I am giving this film 3 out of 5 suicide jumps (because BASE jumping is too mainstream).

Thanks for reading.

~From the library of J.B. Wadsworth

Enemy At The Gates [2001]

Jude Law's finest hour and a half onscreen. An explosive, chair-clutching, eye-opening, heart-pounding, non-stop thriller about two WWII snipers. Who has better aim? Or is it just about that. Enemy at the Gates takes you on roller coaster ride through the lives of two snipers shooting for hero status in their countries. One made famous through a printed paper in his homeland telling of his exploits, another striving for glory hiding beneath a cloak of mystery and stealth.

Each sequence leaves you wondering who will come out on top. For me, I couldn't take my eyes away from the screen the entire movie (except for a scene of unnecessary sexuality that I skipped). Both men seem to have each other's calling card and are just waiting for the prime opportunity to splatter the other guy against the wall.

Jude Law (Vassili Zaitsev) a talented marksman who comes from humble beginnings puts on an incredible performance. I'm usually not a huge fan of Jude Law purely because a lot of his roles seem somewhat plastic in nature or just unreal. This role stands out from the rest in my opinion. Not only is he immersed in this character, but the depth at which he plays him stuns me beyond belief. You will be torn from your seat by the ending, finding yourself pumping both hands in the air crying, "Why?!"

Joseph Fiennes (Commisar Danilov) a less well-known actor who's most famous roles are Robert Dudley in Elizabeth and Will in Shakespeare in Love. Stars as the political officer accompanying Vassili on his quests and writing about them in a paper to give his Russian comrades some hope in battle. Unfortunately, their friendship goes awry because Danilov falls in love with the same female, Tania, played by Rachel Weisz, Vassili is in love with as well. Complicating things, Vassili takes matters into his own hands.

Ed Harris (Major Konig) a master marksman in the German army called out of retirement to "handle" Vassili and his new found heroism. Ed Harris most famous for his role as General Hummel in The Rock, puts on a super-stellar performance with dynamism in character and depth. You hate the guy by the end of the film. Only a master at acting can truly conjure the stronger emotions in an audience. A duel to the death by a battle of wits. Not your traditional Princess Bride battle of wits but instead two masterminds dealing blows on both sides of the lines.

A thriller you won't regret watching.

A few things to note:

1. Being that it is war, there is a lot of graphic war violence. So, if you have a weak constitution for blood or dead people, this is definitely NOT the film for you. However, if you don't mind that sort of thing and you enjoy psychological thrillers mixed with some "guns and roses" action, this is your hot seat.
2. There is a brief scene of sexual content that is completely unnecessary to the plot line, feel free to skip it.
3. Language is pervasive since it is in war time. 

Overall, an awesome film. You feel satisfied and emotionally drained by the credits. A turn of the events at the end though might cause you to throw something at the TV, so buckle up.

Because of the amazing cinematography and incredible acting, I am inclined to give this film 4 out 5 .50 caliber bullets (because regular bullets are too mainstream).

A review request made by my brother J.R. Wadsworth. Thanks for reading.

~From the library of J.B. Wadsworth

The Social Network [2010]

The Social Network...where to start? The acting and storyline were impeccable. Between the star performances of Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield, I was biting my lip to not yell, "Incredible."

A young harvard student "stumbles" upon a new idea for a social connection website. Much like MySpace but better because it's exclusive.

Jesse Eisenberg (Mark Zuckerberg) is quick-witted and full of genius comebacks as he sits through 2 lawsuits being sued by not only his best friend and business partener, Eduardo Saverin, but also Dustin Moskovitz and the "Winklevii" three very influential students at Harvard. Eisenberg's character was dynamic enough the audience could relate to him in one way or another. He starts off being a nice guy with lots of programming friends, but somehow power, popularity, and money go to his head and it's no longer about his friends and getting into the Phoenix (a Harvard finals club). By the end, you almost feel bad for Mark as he is about to lose both lawsuits and end up alone with just a computer to keep him company.

Andrew Garfield (Eduardo Saverin) put on a fantastic performance playing the side-kick to the rising genius superstar. Going into business together was a very smart move for Eduardo, but little did he know the repercussions that would come when following a superstar into stardom. Garfield played a stellar role in being the awesome best friend of Mark but turns sour when Mark shafts him out of the company he helped build.

A few things to note:

1. Much of the story takes place on Harvard campus and therefore not without its sorority parties which inevitably include: lots of alcohol, drugs, and of course girls losing their clothes. Although not unbearable, the fact that these things do exist might deter most of you from seeing this film.
2. Little language, but there are a few points of violent cursing due to frustration.
3. You will be charmed by Jesse Eisenberg's character and inevitably find yourself rooting for Mark in the end. He's a very likable character.

Overall, it was a fantastic story with amazing acting and phenomenal characters charming you to watch more. However, because of all the "party" content, I would give this movie 3 out of 5 likes on facebook.

Thanks for reading.

~From the library of J.B. Wadsworth