"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.

"Wonder Woman" Review by Tim Hellman

'WONDER WOMAN': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The new superhero film based on the classic DC Comics character (of the same name), and the fourth movie in the DC Extended Universe. It's an origin story starring Gal Gadot as the titular character (a role she previously played in last year's 'BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE'). In this film she's an Amazon princess (in the year 1918) that aids an American pilot who crash lands on her home island of Themyscira (a place only inhabited by Amazonian women). She helps him try to stop the German Empire, from conquering the world during World War I, and she must leave her home for the first time in order to do so; by traveling with the pilot to London (where she becomes Wonder Woman for the first time). The film costars Chris Pine, Connie Nielson, Robin Wright, David Thewlis, Danny Huston and Elena Anaya. It was directed by Patty Jenkins (who also helmed the 2003 critically acclaimed female serial killer flick 'MONSTER') and it was written by Allan Heinberg, Zack Snyder (who also co-produced the movie) and Jason Fuchs. The blockbuster was made on a budget of $149 million, and it's the first summer tent pole superhero film directed by a woman. It's also received nearly unanimous rave reviews from critics, it was voted the most anticipated summer blockbuster of 2017 as well (in a recent pole), and it's exceeded all expectations at the Box Office (including becoming the biggest opening weekend ever for a film directed by a woman). I think it's one of the best superhero movies ever made.

The story begins in modern day, with Wonder Woman (Gadot) recollecting on her past as a young Amazonian princess named Diana (Emily Carey). Diana is taught to be a powerful warrior, in case the God of War ever returns to the hidden island they live on. A United States Army Air Service Captain, named Steve Trevor (Pine), crash lands on their island and is being pursued by German military forces. After stopping the attacking soldiers, the Amazonian people interrogate Steve. They then learn about the war, and the threat it poses to the entire planet. Diana feels that it's her duty to go with Steve, and defeat the God of War (if she can find him).

The film is a heck of a lot of fun; it's action-packed and the 'fish out of water' comedy scenes are hilariously classic (they're really well done). The movie is also surprisingly emotional, I even cried a little towards the end of the film. They couldn't have found a better director than Jenkins to direct this movie too. She really knows the character well, and she has a lot of passion for telling her story obviously. They couldn't have cast a better actress than Gadot in the title role either. She's perfect as Wonder Woman, and I think she gives the best performance of the year (so far). She's definitely a huge movie star waiting to happen; she's breathtakingly gorgeous and amazingly talented as well. I'm amazed at how much I actually love this film (I wasn't even excited to see it until recently too). It really blew me away, and I'm really happy with the progress it's helped advance for women in film!

Official Character Posters for the Upcoming Thriller "Criminal"

Summit Entertainment recently released official character posters for the upcoming thriller "Criminal". The upcoming film stars Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones, Alice Eve and Gal Gadot.

"Criminal" hits theaters on April 15th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:
http://www.criminal.movie

Plot Synopsis:

The story of the right man in the wrong body. In a last-ditch effort to stop a diabolical plot, a dead CIA operative’s memories, secrets, and skills are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous death-row inmate in hopes that he will complete the operative’s mission.

Summit Entertainment and Millennium Films present a Benderspink production and Millennium Films production and a Campbell Grobman Films production, a film by Ariel Vromen.

Action Crime Thriller "Triple 9" Blasts its Way to DVD & Blu-Ray

Universal Home Entertainment recently release information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray release of "Triple 9". The film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray includes Deleted Scenes, Under the Gun (The acclaimed cast of Triple 9 offers an in-depth look at its characters and the pulse-pounding twists and turns at the heart of the film.) and Authentic World (Director John Hillcoat and the cast of Triple 9 discuss how their grounded approach to filmmaking helped highlight the film's gritty, authentic look and feel.).

"Triple 9" hits retail on May 31st.

Press Release:

When a veteran cop and his rookie nephew discover a shocking conspiracy that leads dangerously close to home, they'll stop at nothing to get to the truth in Triple 9, an action-packed tale of corruption and betrayal coming to Digital HD on May 17, 2016, and Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on May 31, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Propelled by John Hillcoat's (The Road, The Proposition) ferocious directorial style and a top-notch cast, Triple 9 races through a world where no one can be trusted in a "crime caper like no other" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). Triple 9 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD includes deleted scenes and a peek backstage at the making of the most original cop thriller in years.

Woody Harrelson ("True Detective," The Hunger Games series), Anthony Mackie (Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Hurt Locker), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Martian), Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad," Need for Speed), Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead," The Boondock Saints), Casey Affleck (Out of the Furnace, Gone Baby Gone) and Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs, Titanic) star in an explosive, action-packed thriller critics call "a twisty, terrific ride" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). A bank robbery is just the tip of the iceberg when two cops in Atlanta begin suspecting that members of their own team are involved. Not knowing whom to trust and how deep the corruption goes, the clock is ticking as they try to uncover the truth — before they become the target for the next deadly job.

Clifton Collins Jr. (Pacific Rim, "Westworld"), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies, The Choice), Michael K. Williams (12 Years a Slave, The Road) and Gal Gadot (Furious 7, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) also star in what critics call "a modern-day heist thriller with a diverse, high-wattage cast" (Justin Chang, Variety).

"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!

"Triple 9" Review by Tim Hellman

'TRIPLE 9': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Gritty crime thriller; about a gang of criminals (including two corrupt cops) that are forced into performing two dangerous heists, for a Russian mob boss's wife. It was directed by John Hillcoat (who also directed the outstanding 'LAWLESS' and 'THE ROAD'), and it was scripted by first time feature film writer Matt Cook. The all- star cast includes Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Kate Winslet, Woody Harrelson, Clifton Collins, Jr., Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Teresa Palmer and Cal Gadot. I enjoyed it immensely.

The story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia; where Michael Atwood (Ejiofor) leads a team of criminals in a daring bank robbery. They're objective is to retrieve a safe deposit box; which contains information vital to freeing a convicted Russian Mafia boss. Michael takes the box to Irina Vlaslov (Winslet), the mob boss's wife, but she insists they perform another job for her. She next wants the gang to steal more important data (on her husband), from a secured government building. Irina kills one gang member, and threatens to take Michael's son; in order to get the criminals to cooperate. The group devises a plan to kill a cop (a Triple 9 police call), as a diversion. Gang member Marcus Belmont (Mackie), a corrupt cop, suggests they kill his new partner, Chris Allen (Affleck).

The movie is very dark, gritty and graphically violent; it also contains explicit sex, nudity, disturbing drug use and lots of foul language. It's definitely not a movie for everyone, but the right audience should get a big kick out of it. Some of it seems pretty intense and hard to watch; but it also feels like a movie (like a really good crime action flick). The pacing is great, the performances are all good and the dialogue is witty. The film definitely has it's flaws too though. It's an especially odd mix of genre pleasing action formula, and realistic crime thriller; but I really enjoyed it.

Official Stills for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released stills for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Official Character Posters for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Intense Official Trailer for the Upcoming Action Film "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

"Triple 9": Official Trailer