"Justice Leauge" Review by Tim Hellman

'JUSTICE LEAGUE': Four Stars (Out of Five)

The fifth installment in the DC Extended Universe, based on the DC comics superhero team, which unites Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg, for the first time on the big screen together (in an attempt for DC to imitate the success of Marvel Cinemas' 'THE AVENGERS'). DC even brought in Joss Whedon (the filmmaker behind the first two 'AVENGERS' movies) to co-write the screenplay, and direct $20 million worth of reshoots. Zack Snyder (who also helmed 'BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE', 'MAN OF STEEL', and co-wrote 'WONDER WOMAN') directed and co-wrote the film as well, with Whedon and Chris Terrio (who also co-wrote 'BATMAN V SUPERMAN'). The cast features Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot and Henry Cavill reprising their roles as Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman (from previous movies). Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller and Ray Fisher also costars as Aquaman, The Flash and Cyborg (which they previously performed cameos as, in previous films). Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielson and Joe Morton also reprise roles from other movies too; while J.K. Simmons and Ciaran Hinds join the cast. The story deals with the superhero team forming, after the death of Superman, to battle a new supervillain named Steppenwolf, and his army of Parademons. The film has gotten mostly positive reviews from fans so far, and some critics even like it too. I was severely disappointed with the movie, and honestly found it to be mostly a bore (sadly).

The story takes place months after the death of Superman (Cavill), and the events of 'BATMAN V SUPERMAN', when an alien army of creatures called Parademons are invading Earth. They're lead by a military officer from Apocalypse, called Steppenwolf (Hinds). Steppenwolf is on a mission to find the three powerful 'Mother Boxes', that are all hidden on Earth. Bruce Wayne (Affleck) teams with Diana Prince (Gadot) to stop the invasion. The super duo seeks out three other gifted superheroes to help them; Aquaman (Momoa), The Flash (Miller) and Cyborg (Fisher). Together they form the superhero team called 'Justice League', for the first time.

The movie is really slow-paced at first (and for most of the film actually), and I was bored out of my mind at times. There's a lot of ineffective character development, in my mind, that doesn't really help develop the characters much. The action scenes are all uninvolving, and dull, in my opinion as well. This is coming from a fan who absolutely loved 'WONDER WOMAN' and 'BATMAN V SUPERMAN' ('SUICIDE SQUAD' and 'MAN OF STEEL' too, to a lesser degree), and I have been a bigger fan of the DC Extended Universe lately even (over the MCU). I have to admit this film just doesn't work for me though. That's not to say it's bad, or overly cheesy at all (that's why I'm still giving it 4 out of 5 stars). It just really let me down. I had really high hopes though, and I still do for future DC movies (especially 'WONDER WOMAN' films). Gadot is awesome in this still, even though she's not given enough to do, and she's the scene stealer (like always) definitely. I think she deserves top billing even.

"Live By Night" Review by Tim Hellman

'LIVE BY NIGHT': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new crime drama from writer/co-producer/director Ben Affleck (who also stars in the movie). It's based on the 2012 novel (of the same name) by Dennis Lehane; who also wrote 'GONE BABY GONE' (which Affleck also directed the film adaptation of). Leonardo DiCaprio, who was originally supposed to star in the movie, also served as a co-producer on the film. The mob flick costars Elle Fanning, Sienna Miller, Zoe Saldana, Chris Messina, Brendan Gleeson and Chris Cooper. It tells the story of the son of a respected Boston police captain, and a World War I veteran, who becomes a notorious gangster (during the 1920s and 1930s). The film was originally expected to be another possible awards contender, for Affleck, but it hasn't received many overly positive reviews from critics. Despite being a fan of Affleck, as a director and an actor, I wasn't that impressed either.

The story begins in Boston, during the 1920s. Joe Coughlin (Affleck) is a World War I veteran, who's now an Irish criminal. He's also the son of the Boston police captain (Gleeson), and having an affair with the mistress (Miller) of a powerful Irish gangster, named Albert White (Robert Glenister). Joe is nearly killed by White, and then arrested for the death of three police officers; during a crime he committed with his partner Dion Bartolo (Messina). After serving three years in prison, he goes back into a life of crime, in Florida. He continues to get himself into more trouble there, while also becoming a successful gangster himself.

I've really enjoyed all three of Affleck's other directorial efforts ('THE TOWN', 'GONE BABY GONE' and 'ARGO'), so I definitely had high hopes for this; sadly it didn't live up to my expectations (and the reviews, and Box Office, have absolutely no effect on my opinion). The movie is beautifully shot, and Affleck did another excellent job directing the film; but his acting performance is definitely not one of his best. The other actors all give decent performances in the movie though, and there's some pretty cool actions scenes in it. The pacing is a little slow though,

"Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice" Review by Tim Hellman

'BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The second movie in the 'DC Extended Universe'; following 2013's 'MAN OF STEEL', and leading up to the upcoming 'JUSTICE LEAGUE' films. This superhero flick finds Superman taking on Batman, as well as his archenemy Lex Luthor. Zack Snyder (who also helmed 'MAN OF STEEL') returned to direct the movie, and Henry Cavill also returned to star as Superman (and his alter ego Clark Kent). The film was once again co-written by David S. Goyer (who also co-scripted 'MAN OF STEEL', 'BATMAN BEGINS', 'THE DARK KNIGHT' and 'THE DARK KNIGHT RISES'; all with filmmaker Christopher Nolan, and his brother Jonathan) and Chris Terrio (who won an Oscar for writing the Ben Affleck helmed 'ARGO', which also starred Affleck). The movie also costars Ben Affleck (as Batman), Cal Gadot (as Wonder Woman; in the character's live-action theatrical film debut), Jesse Eisenberg (as Lex Luthor), Jeremy Irons (as Alfred); and Amy Adams, Diane Lane and Laurence Fishburne (all reprising their roles from 'MAN OF STEEL'). The film also (briefly) debuts the characters Aquaman, Flash and Cyborb (in their live-action theatrical film debuts as well). I absolutely love this movie!

The story revolves around Bruce Wayne (Affleck), who's now a veteran vigilante (called Batman), becoming increasingly concerned about the possible dangers of Superman (Cavill); an extremely powerful alien. He travels to Metropolis, from Gotham City, to fight him. At the same time, Superman (also known as Clark Kent, in his civilian disguise) is forced to take on a new dangerous opponent; a young businessman named Lex Luthor (Eisenberg). Wonder Woman (Gadot) also joins the mix!

The film is extremely dark, and very grim; and it'll be interesting to see what the R-rated video release cut is like. It's definitely not a kids' movie, that's for sure, but neither are Snyder's earlier comic book flicks (like 'WATCHMEN' and '300'). It's brilliantly structured and paced (at 2.5 hours, the film nearly flies by). I was really happy to see the movie not get bogged down in overblown (mindless) action scenes, like so many other big-budget superhero flicks do; most notably (recently) 'AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON' and 'MAN OF STEEL' (actually). This film has well developed characters, and an extremely involving storyline (even though it's as dark as fuck). The action scenes are spectacular as well, when they do come, but they're actually an important part of the story (and not just pointless stupidity). The performances are all great, especially Eisenberg and Affleck; and I remember when nearly everyone thought he'd be a horrible Batman (don't hear any complaints now). Cal Gadot is also 'drop dead gorgeous' in her role (she's absolutely stunning)! It's an all around awesome superhero flick; but definitely not one for the kids!

"Gone Girl" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'GONE GIRL': Five Stars (Out of Five)

Dark Comedy/Mystery Thriller flick directed by David Fincher and based on the 2012 book (of the same name) by Gillian Flynn; who also wrote the screenplay. It stars Ben Affleck; as a bar owner who becomes the center of a media circus, when he's suspected of killing his missing wife. The film costars Rosamund Pike (as the missing wife), Kim Dickens, Carrie Coon, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Patrick Fugit and Missi Pyle (doing an impressive Nancy Grace impersonation). I haven't read the book, so I can't make any comparisons, but the movie is a masterpiece!

Affleck plays Nick Dunne; the co-owner of a bar (cleverly titled 'The Bar') he owns with his sister Margo (Coon). Nick has been unhappily married, to Amy Elliott-Dunne (Pike), for sometime and on their fifth wedding anniversary he comes home to find their house ransacked and her missing. A media storm arises as an intense missing person search begins. Things become even more stressful (and nightmarish) when the police investigating the case, Detectives Rhonda Boney (Dickens) and Jim Gilpin (Fugit), consider Nick the prime suspect of his wife's disappearance (and likely her murder). The narrative begins to change, even more, as flashback scenes are revealed; from Amy's point of view.

I'm a big fan of David Fincher and this is definitely one of his better movies. It's not just his flawless stylized directing though, that makes the film work so well, there's also a great story too (like all of his work); filled with nonstop twists and incredibly clever dialogue. There's also an awesome score, once again by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (in their third collaboration with Fincher), and amazing acting. Affleck has never been better; I was already a huge fan of his but this movie should turn any haters out there (if not they're idiots). Pike also gives a mesmerizing, award worthy, performance and the supporting cast is impeccable. I couldn't possibly praise the film anymore! It is really dark and disturbing though, definitely not for everyone, and it kind of made me completely afraid of women (without giving away too much). You have to see this movie!

Official Stills and Poster for David Fincher's "Gone Girl"

Twentieth Century Fox recently released stills and official poster for David Fincher's upcoming film "Gone Girl". The film stars Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry. "Gone Girl" hits theaters on 10/3.

For more information on this film, you can go to the film's official website at: http://www.findamazingamy.com.

Plot Synopsis:

GONE GIRL – directed by David Fincher and based upon the global bestseller by Gillian Flynn – unearths the secrets at the heart of a modern marriage. On the occasion of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) reports that his beautiful wife, Amy (Rosamund Pike), has gone missing. Under pressure from the police and a growing media frenzy, Nick’s portrait of a blissful union begins to crumble. Soon his lies, deceits and strange behavior have everyone asking the same dark question: Did Nick Dunne kill his wife?