"Peter Rabbit" Review by Tim Hellman

'PETER RABBIT': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

A CGI animated/live-action kids film, based on the classic stories by Beatrix Potter, about a rebellious rabbit causing mischief for a new farmer. The movie was directed by Will Gluck (who's also helmed such hit youth comedy flicks as 'EASY A', 'FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS' and the 2014 'ANNIE' remake), and it was scripted by Gluck and Rob Lieber. It stars Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne and Sam Neill (in live-action roles), as well as the voices of James Corden (in the title role), Daisy Ridley, Margot Robbie and Elizabeth Debicki. The movie has received mostly positive reviews from critics (unlike it's trailer), and it's also a hit at the Box Office as well. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would.

After years of feuding between a mischievous rabbit, named Peter Rabbit (Corden), and an old farmer, named Mr. McGregor (Neil), the farmer suddenly dies due to a lifetime of bad (non-vegan) eating habits. Peter and his friends think they finally have the home, and garden they love, to themselves. Then Mr. McGregor's son, Thomas (Gleeson), inherits the land and moves in. A new bitter rivalry quickly emerges between Peter and the new farmer. It's complicated though, by a beautiful animal lover who lives next door, named Bea (Byrne), which Peter and Thomas both desperately want the affection of.

I found the film to be a lot more amusing than I thought it would be; I wouldn't say it's funny exactly, but it's definitely amusing. The animation is beautiful, and the animal characters are really lovable and cute. Peter is of course obnoxiously mischievous, and Thomas McGregor is a little too unlikable as well, but the film really does play like a live-action cartoon (the type that I used to watch a lot as a kid). I don't think it's probably that faithful to the classic kids' stories though, although I don't remember them that well, but I think the film is probably a good enough modern (live-action) update. I don't usually enjoy most kids' movies either, but I had a good enough time watching this one. I think it probably helps to be an animal lover though, like I am.

"The Revenant" Review by TIm Hellman

'THE REVENANT': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

This year's Oscar hopeful, from last year's Academy Award winning director, Alejandro G. Iñárritu; is this action/western epic (inspired by the life of American frontiersman Hugh Glass). It's set in the 1820's, and tells the tale of Glass's obsession for revenge; against the man who killed his son. The movie was directed by Iñárritu, and co-written by Iñárritu and Mark L. Smith; based loosely on the 2002 novel, of the same name, by Michael Punke. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy; and it costars Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter and Forrest Goodluck. The film was originally budgeted at $60 million; but costs ballooned to $135 million, by the end of filming (due to excessive filming hardships). It's received mostly rave reviews from critics, and it's also expected to be nominated for several major Academy Awards; with DiCaprio a favorite to (finally) win Best Actor. Despite the painfully slow pacing (at times), I really enjoyed it.

The story is set in 1823, and it follows a hunting party; searching for pelts, in the Louisiana Purchase wilderness. The most experienced hunter, Hugh Glass (DiCaprio), is mauled by a mother grizzly bear; protecting her cubs. Glass's party tries to keep him alive, and take him with them; but he becomes too much of a burden, to their survival. Captain Andrew Henry (Gleeson) offers three men extra pay; to stay behind with Glass, until he passes (to give him a proper burial). Glass's son Hawk, a half-blooded Native American, volunteers; as do John Fitzgerald (Hardy) and Jim Bridger (Poulter). The opportunistic Fitzgerald attempts to kill Glass, by smothering him, and instead kills Hawk, to silence him; when the boy tries to rescue his father (unbeknownst to Bridger). Glass, who's then left for dead by the two others, miraculously survives his deadly wounds. He then makes it his mission, to get revenge on Fitzgerald; for the death of his son.

The movie looks breathtaking, and the story always seems very epic. The action scenes are spectacular, and also very realistic looking. DiCaprio is amazing in the film; and he definitely deserves an Oscar (like he has for years now). Tom Hardy (my favorite actor) is also very good, in his despicable antagonistic role. Iñárritu is a very gifted director; but (like any really talented artist) when he's given complete reign of a project (like this), he lets his ego get a little too inflated. He's said to be a very hard filmmaker to work with, but he definitely gets results (this film does seem self indulgent though). The pacing is way too slow; with 15 to 30 minutes more cut out of it, it could have been a true masterpiece. It's still a great film though, and it's definitely worth seeing; for it's stunning visuals, entertaining action sequences, and amazing performances.

Critically Acclaimed Sci-Fi Thriller "Ex Machina" Seduces its Way to DVD & Blu-Ray

Liongate and A24 recently released information for the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray release of "Ex Machina". The film marks the directorial debut of "28 Days Later" and "Dread" writter Alex Garland. It stars Domhnall Gleeson (upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Unbroken), Alicia Vikander (upcoming The Circle, A Royal Affair) and Golden Globe®-nominated actor Oscar Isaac (upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, A Most Violent Year).

Special features on the DVD and Blu-Ray include “Through the Looking Glass: Creating Ex Machina” 5-Part Featurette, SXSW Q&A with Cast and Crew and Eight Behind-the-Scenes Vignettes.

"Ex Machina" hits retail on July 14th.

Press Release:

The stylish, psychological thriller Ex Machina will leave audiences enthralled when it arrives on Blu-ray™ (plus Digital HD) and DVD (plus Digital) July 14th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. After blowing away critics at its U.S. premiere at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival, the highly anticipated sci-fi film was theatrically released by A24 and has been applauded as “sizzlingly smart, gorgeous and astute” (Wall Street Journal), “a triumph” (The Playlist), and “the year’s best sci-fi movie” (Esquire). Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh, Ex Machina is about a breathtaking android (A.I.) whose emotional intelligence proves more sophisticated—and more deceptive—than man could have imagined. Making his directorial debut, Ex Machina was written and directed by Alex Garland (writer of 28 Days Later, Dredd) and stars Domhnall Gleeson (upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Unbroken), Alicia Vikander (upcoming The Circle, A Royal Affair) and Golden Globe®-nominated actor Oscar Isaac (upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, A Most Violent Year).

After winning a competition to spend a week at the mountain estate of his company’s brilliant CEO (Isaac), programmer Caleb (Gleeson) arrives to discover he has been chosen to take part in a study of artificial intelligence. Sworn to secrecy and cut off from the outside world, Caleb meets his subject, a beguiling and seductive android (Vikander)—and is plunged into an A.I. experiment beyond his wildest dreams in this epic thriller charged with heart-stopping suspense.

The Blu-ray and DVD are packed with spellbinding extras including an in-depth behind-the-scenes featurette that examines the story development, the cast and characters, the production design, cinematography and location shooting in Norway, costumes and makeup and finally, visual effects along with a wrap-up. The discs also contain a Q&A with cast and crew from SXSW and eight vignettes. In addition, this release marks the first time a Blu-ray features DTS:X immersive audio technology. DTS:X replicates and conveys the fluid movement of sound to create a richer soundscape than previously possible by moving sound to precisely where the mixer placed it. Ex Machina will be available on Blu-ray™ and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

"Ex Machina" Review - Written by Jim Herling

There have been a lot of Sci-Fi movies to come out over the last few years. As always with this particular genre, some are almost insultingly stupid, while others are not just well done movies but also smart, well thought out movies. And then there's Ex Machina, which is absolutely brilliant.

Written and directed by Alex Garland (whose previous writing credits include 28 Days Later, Never Let Me Go, and Dredd), Ex Machina is the story of the creation and testing of artificial intelligence. The writing and directing are both off the charts, as the story and dialogue are both smart as hell, and the movie is told in an engrossing, captivating style. The movie is anchored, however, by its acting. Aside from a pair of very small supporting roles, Ex Machina is a three-person affair, and they all shine.

Oscar Isaac plays Nathan, a reclusive millionaire tech genius who is striving to create a flawless A.I. inside the body of a beautiful young woman. Yeah, he has issues, and they run deeper than his rampant alcoholism. Isaac plays Nathan perfectly, showing the nuances between the altruism of his genius and its darker sides, and obviously having fun with his drunken fits as well. Domhnall Gleeson is Caleb, an employee at Nathan's company who wins a trip to Nathan's secluded home to help him test his latest project, and Gleeson is amazing as the confused, native, but morally solid Caleb. And the mesmorizing Alicia Vikander plays Ava, the project in question: a beautiful robot who Caleb must put through a Turing test to see just how perfect her artificial intelligence is. Vikander is impossible to look away from, with a gleam in her eye throughout her performance that grows more nuanced as the test proceeds. The leads have fantastic chemistry together, especially Gleeson and the way he reacts to both his co-stars. If the mysterious motivations below the obvious ones of both Nathan and Ava are the driving force of this film, Caleb and his motivations are the movie's heart.

Ex Machina doesn't exactly break new ground with its subject matter; movies about the development of artificial intelligence and the potential dangers inherent in the idea have been around for about as long as the idea of artificial intelligence itself. But Garland's film treats the concept with such intelligence and nuance that it easily ranks amongst the best to ever tackle the subject, especially with the strength of its talented cast. For any fans of science fiction, Ex Machina is a can't miss movie I give 4 out of 5 stars.

Angelina Jolie's Latest Film "Unbroken" Makes its Way to DVD & Blu Ray

Universal Pictures recently released information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray of Angelina Jolie's lastest directorial effort "Unbroken". The box office hit stars  Jack O'Connell ('71, Starred Up), s Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter series), Finn Wittrock (HBO's "The Normal Heart"), Garrett Hedlund (TRON: Legacy) and Jai Courtney (Divergent).

Special features on the DVD and Blu-Ray include The Real Louis Zamperini - Behind the scenes interviews with the late Louis Zamperini and the cast and crew.

Special features exclusive to the Blu- Ray include Deleted Scenes, Inside Unbroken - A behind-the-scenes look at the film - including The Fight of a Storyteller, The Hardiest Generation, and Fifty Years in the Making. Cast and Crew Concert Featuring Miyavi - Cast-member and Japanese rock star Miyavi performing a concert for the cast and crew. Prison Camp Theater: Cinderella - Watch the Omori prisoners perform their version of Cinderella. Louis' Path to Forgiveness - Learn about Louis' life after the war and his journey from recovery to forgiveness.

"Unbroken" hits retail on 3/4.

Press Release:

Unbroken follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis "Louie" Zamperini who survived in a raft for 47 days after a near-fatal plane crash during World War II—only to be caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a series of prisoner-of-war camps. The inspirational biopic is coming to Digital HD on March 10, 2015 and on Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand March 24, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Legendary Pictures. Directed by Academy Award® winner Angelina Jolie, Unbroken chronicles the unbelievable true story about triumph over tribulation and the resilient power of the human spirit. Adapted from Laura Hillenbrand's acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Unbroken is packed with exclusive bonus content that dives deeper into the life of Louie Zamperini and the legacy he left behind. Exclusive to the Blu-ray™ Combo Pack are deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes interviews and a closer look at the life of the real Louie Zamperini after war and the inspiring themes of faith, resilience and the power of forgiveness. Jolie follows up her acclaimed feature film-directing debut, In the Land of Blood and Honey, with the unbelievable true story of Zamperini, a working class kid from Torrance, California, who transformed himself from juvenile delinquent to a 1936 Olympian by channeling his defiant energy into a shocking talent for running. Louie's unfaltering determination and ferocious will then carried him through monumental tribulations during his military service and he became a true American hero. Selected as one of American Film Institute's 2014 "Movie of the Year," Unbroken stars Jack O'Connell ('71, Starred Up) plays Louie Zamperini, heading up an international cast that includes Domhnall Gleeson (Harry Potter series), Finn Wittrock (HBO's "The Normal Heart"), Garrett Hedlund (TRON: Legacy), Jai Courtney (Divergent), John Magaro (The Box), Luke Treadaway (Clash of the Titans), Ross Anderson (The Silent Storm) and Japanese singer-songwriter Miyavi in his American acting debut.

"Unbroken" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'UNBROKEN': Four Stars (Out of Five)

World War II flick directed by Angelina Jolie and co-written by the Coen brothers. It's based on the book 'Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption', by Laura Hillenbrand, and tells the story of USA Olympian Louis Zamperini. The film details how he survived 47 days on a raft, after his bomber crashed in the ocean, and many more days of torture and harassment at multiple POW camps, during the war. It stars Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Miyavi, Garrett Hedlund, Finn Wittrock and Jai Courtney. It was adapted for the screen by Joel Coen, Ethan Coen, Richard LaGravenese and William Nicholson and it's Jolie's third directorial effort (to date). The film has done well at the Box Office (thus far) but it's also gotten mostly negative reviews from critics. So it's possible upcoming award recognition has become uncertain. I enjoyed the movie but it's certainly not a great film and it's definitely not one of the best of the year, either.

O'Connell stars as Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who also served as a bomber pilot during World War II. His plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean, where he (and two other crew members) lived on a raft for 47 days. Zamperini was then caught by the Japanese navy and sent to multiple prisoner-of-war camps. He went on to survive years of grueling physical, and mental, torture while being abused by a sadistic Japanese corporal (Miyavi), who was jealous of his athletic accomplishments. The film shows how Zamperini used his athletic abilities, and Olympic training, to push on and survive.

The film is well made, from a technical standpoint, and Jolie definitely shows some skill, and talent, as a director. The acting is all decent enough and the story is interesting and somewhat inspiring. It just seems like it should have been more involving (and moving). I definitely never felt that emotionally interested, in anything going on in the movie. While it is entertaining, it also doesn't leave the viewer with much to think about (or even look back on and admire) after it's over. It's a good war film, especially for those who love the genre, but it's certainly not a great one; or an Oscar worthy film by any means.

Fantasia 2014: Rockin Stills for the Upcoming Fantasy/Comedy "Frank"

We're wrapping up our Fantasia 2014 coverage with a fantasy film that will be hitting theaters and in the U.S. soon.

Magnolia Pictures recently released stills for their upcoming film "Frank", which will be playing at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival. The film has played at such film festival as Sundance Film Festival and the Calgary Underground Film Festival. It stars Michael Fassbender (X Men: Days of Future's Past), Domhnall Gleeson (the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII), Maggie Gyllenhaal (White House Down) and Scoot McNairy (Argo).

"Frank" will be screening on August 3rd at 4:20 PM at Concordia Hall Theatre in Montreal QC. The second screening is sold out. The film will be released in limited release in the U.S. on August 15th.

Plot Synopsis:

FRANK is an offbeat comedy about a wannabe musician who finds himself out of his depth when he joins an avant-garde pop band led by the enigmatic Frank - a musical genius who hides himself inside a large fake head.