Don’t Breathe directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Horror Legend Sam Raimi, stars Stephen Lang and Jane Levy. The story follows a young woman and her two friends as she tries to make a better life for her and her daughter. Living the life of a criminal, Rocky and her two friends have knowledge and experience in robbing houses. They soon come to learn that a local blind man is sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars of settlement money. The three decide to rob the man with the hopes of everything going smoothly. The plan is underway but things soon go sour despite the blind man’s disability.
This movie was just outstanding. It’s the perfect horror movie that fans have been anticipating for a long time. The intensity and suspense building is great. The overall concept was nice and fresh. The score kept the thrill going and Stephen Lang did an amazing job portraying “the blind man.”
I give this movie 5 stars, this is the type of film that people will be talking about for a long time. Go see it, if you haven’t already!
The 2016 Sony reboot starring Melissa McCarthy,Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones and Kristin Wig and Chris Hemsworth was ouright fun and funny. The movie follows two paranormal authors Abby Yates and Erin Gilbert as they try to prove that the ghostly apparitions that they have seen and experienced are real. Friend and fellow engineer Jillian Holtzman joins the team as she creates some impressive gadgets to help catch and contain the supernatural creatures. The three soon quickly become a foursome once MTA worker Patty Tolen brings her knowledge of New York City to the table. The women soon prove their research and beliefs are true, but city officials do there best to discredit the women. In the process of the Ghostbusters trying to defend the city, they learn that a bigger threat looms as they realize that their very research and publication is the source of how the threat became one in the first place.
Overall I felt that this movie was really good. The special effects were awesome. The visual perception of the ghosts were done in a creative and cool manner. The comical aspect was done well. I found myself laughing every other minute. The character chemistry was great and there were nice surprises throughout the film. This movie made happy to watch. I’ve read some of the reviews on this film and I just don’t understand why people are so against four women being Ghostbusters. What’s the big deal? As an 80’s baby, and a person that loves the original two movies, I thought it was a fun remake to the franchise while at the same time there were elements of the film that kept it fresh for a newer generation. If you want to laugh and have fun, then this is the movie for you. I gave this movie a strong 4 stars.
Life has had its many challenges, so it’s been difficult for me to get back into the habit of blogging again. But I’m back and it feels good to get my words out (on paper, LoL). There have been and will be a lot of changes for me in the near future, which will all be positive. I’m moving in the right direction and will be able to put my writing back on the top of my list. In this post I will discuss writing with purpose and meaning.
People write in our society for so many reasons. They write for communication, entertainment, and to help us learn new things. Writers use words to express themselves and share parts of themselves that they would not necessarily share by speaking. Writing in our world is the way we connect with others and how we are brought together in so many ways. The written word teaches us how to acknowledge each other’s differences, and teaches us about other, times,places, worlds, realms and dimensions.
I like to read a variety of genres, and it is important as a writer to write with meaning and purpose. When a writer writes with purpose they make a deeper connection with their readers. It doesn’t matter what genre you are reading. It is a writer’s job as a deliverer of communication to write in a way that makes the reader feel respected and viewed as a unique individual. Writing with purpose and the meaning behind the writing is a special bond that the writer and reader have between the two. It is that special human connection that links us among time and space.
Writing with meaning also is a way that defines who a writer is, and gives the writer a chance to express themselves in a way that makes them identify with others. Writing brings them in a world where the writers and the readers can be and do what ever it is that they want to be. It is the place where they can escape, share in an adventure of relive an event from the past. It is the place where they can fly into the future or save a damsel in distress. It is a place where you can be you any way or how you want to be.
Writing with meaning opens doors for both the reader and the writer and the relationship they share is honest and unbiased when they both stay true to who they are within their own world.
The Conjuring 2, starring Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson was thrilling and intense. Directed by James Wan, the true story follows the paranormal case files of the famed demonologist Ed Warren and his Psychic Medium wife Loraine Warren. This time the couple travel to Enfield England to investigate potential paranormal activity that a local family claims that is terrorizing them.
The Catholic church hires the couple to do a formal investigation to prove to them that a potential exorcism is needed to help the family.
From the moment they enter the house strange things seem to be happening but there are signs that just don’t point to demonic activity. A local sceptic is determined to prove that the young girl is faking possession episodes in order to gain attention. She films the girl having an episode and states that her video is evidence of the girl’s false intentions.
Ed and Loraine make an attempt to head home when the two of them discover that not only is the girl telling the truth but also that there is something deeper that they may have to face in order to save the girl and her family.
This movie was the most anticipated horror film of 2016. It was well done and did not disappoint. Since it was based of the real case files of the Warrens, it really made you think about the real dark forces that do exist within the world. Farmiga and Wilson were great as usual and I really hope that there are multiple films that come from the franchise. New Line still has the magic of bringing horror to us in ways that give their films a distinct feel that demands an emotional response from its fans and movie goers alike.
I give this movie five stars, it’s a must see film of the summer.
X-Men Apocalypse was a marvelous continuation to the mutant saga. Directed by Bryan Singer and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Michael Fassbender, the story follows the group of exceptional mutants as they defend the world against the most powerful mutant they have ever faced-Apocolypse.
The film opens in ancient Egypt, where a society worships mutants like gods. En Sabah Nur is in the process of transferring his spirit into another body when suddenly his transference is interrupted by a band of radicals that will stop at nothing to save their people from persecution. The temple is destroyed and the ceremony stopped, but not before En Sabah Nur is protected several hundred feet under ground. Centuries later En Sabah Nur’s ruin temple is rediscovered and some of his servers awaken him. The now super mutant Apocalypse goes on the hunt to search for the world’s most powerful mutants so he can execute his plan to destroy the world, rebuild it and rule as the god he intended to be.
In this film we see our favorites like Mystique, Quicksilver, and Magneto, but we also learn the origin story of how Storm came to be and we find out a little more about Professor X and Magneto’s past, in addition to learning how Jean Gray and Wolverine first crossed paths. It was very surprising to see Hugh Jackman make an appearance and very fitting for Jean’s story. Now we know how she and Wolverine connect they way do.
This movie was just great on all levels. The casting was just perfect. The newcomers had great onscreen chemistry and blended into the story extremely well. The storytelling, character plots, action scenes and the special effects were awesome. This movie made up for what Civil War was lacking. I’m actually willing to see this movie a second time. If you are looking for a blockbuster to kick off your summer movie list, then XMEN Apocalypse is the movie for you. I gave this film 5 stars. If you haven’t seen it yet, please go!!!
Marvel’s Captin America: Civil War wasn’t as good as I thought it could be. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo and starring Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr, the movie felt like an Avengers reject project with the exception of Ironman’s storyline. I’m not going to give too much away, but the battle between Ironman and Captain America was highly overrated and uneventful. The storytelling process was way off for me and it took production two in a half hours just to reveal the truth behind Tony Stark’s past. I don’t understand why they couldn’t tell the important part of Stark’s story within his own movie and just let CA’S story be enough. I realize that stories will overlap within the Marvel Universe, but it just wasn’t enough for me to be satisfied this time. Some of the characters I really liked but I felt that there were just way too many at one time. The amount of characters just tried to overshadow the lack of storytelling. I don’t like the idea of good guys battling each other, but now that seems to be the norm within the superhero comic world.
Everything else was fine, the special effects were good and the action was ok. I just can’t remember what the initial mission was for the Avengers. If they make another CA movie, I will wait for it to come out on Dvd.
Norman Reedus, star of AMC’S hit zombie apocalypse show, The Walking Dead, graced fans this past weekend with a live Q and A session at the Montclair Film Festival. The event was hosted by Joel Stillerman, AMC’S president of Original Programming. Stillerman asked Norman a series of questions that allowed fans to get an in-depth and personal look at the Boondock Saints actor. Norman’s down to earth attitude was infections as the crowd listened to stories about Norman not being the “cool kid in school.” He talked about how his life has been impacted by fame, and how it hasn’t changed him as a person within. We all shared a sympathetic “awww” when he talked about having cameras in his face all the time and deciding to eat his lunch in the bathroom on a plane. Stillerman mentioned some of Norman ‘s earlier work and revealed that he loves photography. He showed two of Norman ‘s published photo books and openly discussed his passion for “capturing dark moments, but seeing a light within that darkness.” He discussed the close relationship he had with his mom and he talked about his new venture with his friends, expressing his love for motorcycles and the open road on his new show “Ride with Norman.” TWD was mentioned several times, along with his close and loving relationship with cast-mates Andy Lincoln and Steven Yeun, but he could not discuss the fate of his character Daryl Dixon. Norman made it known that he has not read the comics and when filming, he just asks some of the cast where the timeline rolls into the story. Toward the end, a few people got up and asked questions. Two became very emotional and Norman got up to give them some official TWD memorabilia.
Overall the event was very exciting and it was so nice to see Norman live, up close and personal. I hope that he and some of the other cast members make an appearance at a future Montclair Film Festival event.
The Walking Dead season 6 finale excited, shocked, and made us crave for more. The episode answered lots of questions, but also left us asking more questions. The Roller coaster ride continues to go up. Things haven’t been quiet for sometime now. Rick has fully assumed position as leader of Alexandria since Deanna’s death during the mid-season. He has fallen in love and started a romantic relationship with Michone, met Jesus from the Hilltop and has come face to face with arch nemesis Negan. Rick is stronger now than ever, but I fear that his strength will soon weaken once he witnesses the full wrath of Negan.
The people of Alexandria are on the verge of loosing everything they have built and tried to maintain within the walls. Daryl started the war against Negan and his group, which was initiated when he blew up the bikers with the rocket launcher.
While at the Hilltop Rick learns about Negan. He and the group take on the challenge to get rid of him and his group so that he and Alexandria can trade with the Hilltop. That decision leads the group to Negan’s compound where Glenn makes his first kill and Maggie and Carol are captured. The group does some damage but not enough. They come out victorious, but soon run into a new band of problems as they settle back home. Carol leaves, and Rick sends a group out to find her. Daryl sets out on his own to find Dwight, the sleaze that shot an arrow and killed Denise on a run. He is filled with loss and revenge, but then soon finds himself in hot water just as he stumbles on a captured Glenn and Michone.
Something goes terribly wrong with Maggie, as she experiences possible miscarriage pain. Rick and the group gather a few things and set off to take Maggie to the Hilltop where she can get medical attention. On the way, Rick encounters Negan’s group on the road. They are stopped several times and are eventually led into a major trap where a large number of Negan’s men have ambushed Rick and the group. Meanwhile Morgan finds Carol and she confesses that she is ready to die, but Morgan refuses to let her go. She slips away from him injured from her battle with the Saviors. On her travels alone one of the survivors catches up to her and shoots her twice. Morgan finds her again and finally kills the guy to save her. They are recruited by a two men dressed in armor, one of them is the man who lost his horse in episode 15. Those people are from another community called the Kingdom, as it is known in the comic books. Eventually the Hilltop, Alexandria, and The Kingdom join forces to battle Negan’s group.
After plan to dodge Negan goes wrong, Rick and the group are all brought to their knees, and are reunited with Michone, Daryl, Glenn, Rosita, and Eugene. Negan finally makes himself known along with his precious bat Lucille. The fear in everyone’s eyes is practically haunting as they all take in the air of death upon their necks. He proposes an offer for Rick-for them to give half of all they have to him in order to stay alive. Negan is dead set on punishing Rick for killing so many of his men. One by one he tries to choose which person to kill. He makes a choice and bashes the head in of someone who we will have wait until October to find out who lost This episode was directed by Greg Nicotero , who by which is an awesome director, but this episode had to be one of the most disappointing episodes I’ve seen in a while. I had a problem with the 90 minutes, and half of a season of building up to such an epic point just to be let down by the end. Jeffrey Dean Morgan had to be on camera for about a whole five minutes, then it ended and we have no clue who was killed. At this point I don’t even think the writers know who they want to kill off. Most of the episode was spent on the group going in circles, and Carol and Morgan’s to die or not die story-line.
The special effects were great and there is always something new to see visually. I will spend this time reading the books which will include the new book.
Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice was not as bad as most of the reviews claim. Directed by Zack Snyder and starring Henry Cavill and Ben Affleck, the movie merges Metropolis and Gotham City in a way that helped to possibly introduce a future that fans of the DC comic world has been anticipating for years.
Without giving too much away basically Bruce Wayne aka Batman believes that Superman is a major threat to the world and sets off on a personal vendetta to put an end to the extraterrestrial hero. Superman does everything he can to try to clear his name as a killer. His intentions were misunderstood, but no matter what he does to help,the people just can’t fully put their trust in him. In this movie Batman is more of a villain than a hero. Another villain soon surfaces, Lex Luther played by Jesse Eisenberg. Lex does all he can to try to destroy Superman once he gets his hands on Kryptonite.
Some interesting characters make an appearance like, Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg, which I think will set the stage for future movies.
Overall the movie was very interesting. The action scenes were done in a manner that was exciting, but I just think that the some of the casting choices muddled the story-line and brought down the overall mood of the film. First and foremost I just can’t get over why Christian Bale declined the original offer. Aside from Michael Keaton, Bale is by far the best Batman and that is why I just cannot accept Ben Affleck in this role. Batman appears to be aging, and the fact that he still hasn’t come to grips with the death of his parents just makes him even more distant as a character. It is clear that this is not the crime fighting Justice seeking individual that we have seen and grown to love in the past. We have struggled with Bruce and seen him in ways that made him more identifiable than any other hero we have seen. Affleck was unconnected and cold on so many levels. This role was not meant for him and it was clear that his on-screen delivery expressed that. Another problem I had with the casting was with The Social Network star Jessie Eisenberg. He just did not channel a serious Lex Luther character. His comical air,seemed to be a better fit to play the Joker. It was as if his character was trapped in the body of another character. He was not a good fit.
Henry Cavill was great as Superman. He gave the same passion and energy he did in the Man of Steel which was a great movie. Another Character that I really loved was the new Wonder Woman played by Gal Gadot. The only problem I had with her was that I wanted to see more of her and know more of her backstory. I hope they get her to do her own movie before Dawn of Justice 2 comes out. I’m not talking about the 1980’s Wonderwoman version.
I won’t spoil the end, but the movie was very interesting and it seems as if some characters have to go through a deeper transition, which will shape who they will become in the future of this adventure.
I give this movie 3 in a half stars. It would have been 5 but for obvious reasons I just couldn’t do it.
If you are a fan please go see it. Check out the trailer below.
TWD is back and bigger than ever. The season six episode 9 opened on Valentine’s Day and I must say it did not disappoint. Directed by special effects genus Greg Nicotero, “No way out” picked up right where the last episode ended.
Alexandria was overrun with walkers, while Carol and Morgan fought over “the wolf.” Rick, Michone, Carl and Jessie, along with her family try to escape the house and head for the armory, while Daryl, Sasha and Abraham face Negan’s men and Glenn does his best to save Maggie who is trapped.
Everything panned out in this episode, but it didn’t pan out without casualties. While no major characters died in this episode, there were major shockers and explosive moments that kept us on the edge of our seats.
Let’s begin with Daryl and his group as they face Negan’s men. The main biker does his best to shake up things by threatening the group and taking their weapons. Soon Daryl is taken behind the truck by one of the men to give up more supplies, then suddenly without warning Negan’s men explode as their body parts scatter all over. The man of the hour- Daryl Dixon comes out holding a rocket launcher and that was before the official opening of the show. By this time I’m already jumping out of my seat.
Now we are brought back to Rick and the group’s attempt to escape the house. Covered in walker guts, they head out, then suddenly Rick changes his plan and decides to try and lead the walkers out. Gabriel takes Judith to safety while the others go. The group slowly moves about within the herd. “The wolf” takes Denise as a hostage out in the commotion while Rosita, Eugine, Carol, Morgan and Tara come together. Enid and Glenn try to make it to Maggie while Daryl and the group make their way back to Alexandria.
Now darkness has fallen as Rick and his group slither their way through the walkers. Sam is suddenly spooked by the walkers as he hears Carl’s voice in his head. He can’t go on and everyone tries to convince him to go on. He is bitten and so is Jessie. She refuses to let Carl’s hand go and Rick is forced to chop it off with the ax. Ron witnesses his mother and brother’s deaths and turns the gun in his hand on Carl. Carl is shot in the eye and Ron is killed. Rick scoops up Carl in his arms and heads over to Denise’s place. Carol eventually kills “the wolf” and Morgan is left to finish the job. Denise is left with trying to save Carl as Rick truly believes that this is it for Carl. Rick goes on a killing rampage, as he makes an attempt to save what is left of Alexandria. Everyone battles the walkers with the hope of reclaiming the town. Daryl, Sasha and Abraham show up as they lead the walkers into a lake of fire created by Daryl. Carl makes it through the night and the town is reclaimed as the corpses of the dead line the streets.
This episode was filled with excitement and thrilling scenes. The cinematography techniques were great and one of the best scenes was when the camera got a shot of everyone taking a swing at a walker, then ending it with Rick taking the final blow. What a great episode, I must say that this way one of the best TWD episodes ever. I just wish this was a 90 minutes.The special effects were awesome even though I knew Greg used a combination of CG and make up to create Carl’s eye. The show doesn’t feel like it’s in the same season, it feels so fresh and that why this show is the best show on television. Stay tuned because the war with Negan hasn’t even started yet. READ THE COMIC BOOKS, THEY ARE AWESOME!
Don’t Breathe directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Horror Legend Sam Raimi, stars Stephen Lang and Jane Levy. The story follows a young woman and her two friends as she tries to make a better life for her and her daughter. Living the life of a criminal, Rocky and her two friends have knowledge and experience in robbing houses. They soon come to learn that a local blind man is sitting on hundreds of thousands of dollars of settlement money. The three decide to rob the man with the hopes of everything going smoothly. The plan is underway but things soon go sour despite the blind man’s disability.
The New Carl Grimes
The World According to LaTaeya 