"Kingsman: The Golden Circle" Review by Tim Hellman

'KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE': Three Stars (Out of Five)

A sequel to the 2017 surprise spy action-comedy hit 'KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE'; which was based on the 'Kingsman' comic book series, created by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons. The film was once again directed by Matthew Vaughn, and written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman (the duo have co-written six screenplays together now). Original cast members Taron Egerton, Colin Firth (who's character presumably died in the original film), Mark Strong, Edward Holcroft and Sophie Cookson all reprise their roles in this sequel; while newcomers Julianne Moore, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, Hanna Alstrom, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Bruce Greewood, Emily Watson, and Elton John all join the cast. The story, this time, revolves around the Kingsmen having to team up with a similar team of American spies, in order to take on a new enemy in London. The movie has received mixed (to negative) reviews from critics (unlike the highly praised original), but it is expected to be another hit at the Box Office still though. Being a fan of the original, as well as Vaughn's other films, I was severely disappointed with this movie.

The film takes place one year after the events of the original movie, when Eggsy Unwin (Egerton) is now the Kingsman's top operative, and he's also living with Princess Tilde (Alstrom) of Sweden. When all of the other Kingsmen are taken out in a missile attack, from a new enemy in London (called The Golden Circle), Unwin and Merlin (Strong) travel to Kentucky to meet their American counterparts (called The Statesman). They learn that The Golden Circle, lead by Poppy Adams (Moore), has laced every recreational drug with a deadly toxin. Adams demands that the President of the United States (Greenwood) ends his war on drugs, in order for her to release the antidote that can cure everyone. The British and American agents must team together in order to save millions.

The movie is bigger than the original, in almost every way, including a much bigger cast of celebrities and even more over-the-top action scenes. Still, despite all of this, the movie feels so much smaller in comparison, for what it's able to accomplish. Some of it is fun, but it's mostly just a big mess, and I was bored for most of it's extremely excessive 2 hours and 21 minutes running length. Seeing as how Vaughn and Goldman have produced much better films together, in the past, this movie was a big disappointment for me. The action scenes are boring, a lot of the humor is humorless, and the celebrities are often more of a distraction than an actual addition of talent. I sure hope the next 'KINGSMAN' movie is a lot better.

New Trailer for the Upcoming Action Sequel "Kingsmen: The Golden Circle"

20th Century Fox recently released the first trailer for the upcoming anticipated sequel "Kingsman: The Golden Circle". The film stars Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Sir Elton John, Channing Tatum, and Jeff Bridges.

"Kingsman: The Golden Circle" hits theaters on September 22nd.

Plot Synopsis:

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" introduced the world to Kingsman - an independent, international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion, whose ultimate goal is to keep the world safe. In "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents' strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that's becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy...

"Kingsman: The Golden Circle": Official Trailer

First Trailer for the Upcoming Sequel "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"

20th Century Fox recently released the first trailer for the upcoming anticipated sequel "Kingsman: The Golden Circle". The film stars Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Sir Elton John, Channing Tatum, and Jeff Bridges.

"Kingsman: The Golden Circle" hits theaters on September 22nd.

Plot Synopsis:

"Kingsman: The Secret Service" introduced the world to Kingsman - an independent, international intelligence agency operating at the highest level of discretion, whose ultimate goal is to keep the world safe. In "Kingsman: The Golden Circle," our heroes face a new challenge. When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. In a new adventure that tests their agents' strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organizations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that's becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy...

"Kingsman: The Golden Circle": Official Trailer

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 2': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The epic conclusion to the immensely popular sci-fi saga; based on the bestselling YA book series, of the same name, by Suzanne Collins. This forth installment, is the second movie based on the third (and final) book: 'Mockingjay'. In this chapter Katniss Everdeen plots to assassinate President Snow, while the rebels also wage war on the Capitol. It once again stars the always impressive Jennifer Lawrence, and it costars Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Donald Sutherland, Julianne Moore, Sam Claflin, Natalie Dormer, Jena Malone, Willow Shields, Elizabeth Banks and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman (all reprising roles from earlier films). Francis Lawrence returned to direct, for the third time, and Peter Craig and Danny Strong wrote the screenplay (they also co- wrote the last chapter). I think it's a beautiful, and stunning, conclusion to an epic film series (one of my favorites in recent years).

The story picks up right where the last one left off, with Katniss (Lawrence) recovering from being attacked by a brainwashed Peeta (Hutcherson). The rebels attack District 2, and take over it's weapons supply. They then continue a bloody assault on the Capitol. Katniss volunteers to assassinate President Snow (Sutherland), but President Alma Coin (Moore) doesn't want to risk losing her as a symbol (for the revolution); if she were to be killed. Katniss, being Katniss, does what she wants to do anyway; and joins the rebel forces. She's teamed, in a rebel squad, with Gale (Hemsworth), Finnick (Claflin), Cressida (Dormer), Peeta and others; in shooting propaganda footage of the brutal war.

I'm a big fan of the entire series, and this installment definitely doesn't disappoint. It's unrelentingly dark, disturbing and violent (I definitely think it should have been rated R). It's also completely epic and very moving (I let more than a few tears go). The end is perfectly fitting; and the political commentary is brutal and brilliant. I love Jennifer Lawrence, and she once again gives one of the best performances of the year; but the rest of the cast is decent as well, and I've really come to love all of these characters (especially Woody as Haymitch). For me it was just as exciting, emotional and fun, as the conclusions to any epic sci-fi film series; most notably 'THE RETURN OF THE KING'. It's definitely a 'must-see', and one of the best films of the year!

Official Posters for the Upcoming Drama "Freeheld"

Lionsgate recently send us over two posters for their upcoming release of the LGBT drama "Freeheld". The film stars Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, Michael Shannon, Steve Carell and Josh Charles.

"Freeheld" hits theaters in limited release on October 2nd and expanding October 9th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Based on the Oscar®-winning short documentary and adapted by the writer of Philadelphia, Freeheld is the true love story of Laurel Hester [Julianne Moore] and Stacie Andree [Ellen Page] and their fight for justice. A decorated New Jersey police detective, Laurel is diagnosed with cancer and wants to leave her hard earned pension to her domestic partner, Stacie. However the county officials, Freeholders, conspire to prevent Laurel from doing this. Hard-nosed detective Dane Wells [Michael Shannon], and activist Steven Goldstein [Steve Carell], unite in Laurel and Stacie’s defense, rallying police officers and ordinary citizens to support their struggle for equality.

Official Stills for David Cronenberg's Latest Film "Maps to the Stars"

Focus Features recently released stills for David Cronenberg's upcoming film "Maps to the Stars". The upcoming film stars John Cusack (The Butler), Mia Wasikowska (Stoker), Robert Patterson (Twilight) and Acadamy Award Winner Julianna Moore (Still Alice).

"Maps to the Stars" hits theaters in limited release on Feburary 27th.

Plot Synopsis:

Meet the Weiss family, who are making their way in Hollywood rife with money, fame, envy, and relentless hauntings. Stafford Weiss (John Cusack) is a famed TV self-help therapist with an A-list celebrity clientele. Meanwhile, Cristina Weiss (Olivia Williams) has her work cut out managing the career of their disaffected child-star son, Benjie (Evan Bird), a fresh graduate of rehab at age 13.

Yet unbeknownst to them, another member of the Weiss family has arrived in town – mysteriously scarred and tormented Agatha (Mia Wasikowska), just released from a psych ward and ready to start again. She soon works her way into a friendship with a limo driver (Robert Pattinson) and becomes personal assistant to unraveling actress Havana Segrand (Julianne Moore), who is beset by the ghost of her legendary mother, Clarice (Sarah Gadon). But Agatha is on a quest for redemption – and even in this realm of the artificial, and the unearthly, she’s determined to find it, no matter what it takes.

Lionsgate Announces the Upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray Release of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1"

Lionsgate recently announced the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray release of "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1". The film recently became the highest grossing film of 2014 when it recently reached $333.2 million at the box office. "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" stars Jeniffer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland and five-time Academy Award® nominee Julianne Moore.

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray include Audio Commentary with Director Francis Lawrence and Producer Nina Jacobson, Deleted Scenes and Sneak Peek of The Divergent Series: Insurgent. In addition to these features, the Blu-Ray will also have "The Mockingjay Lives: The Making of Mockingjay – Part 1": 8-part feature-length documentary, "Straight From the Heart: A Tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman" featurette, "Songs of Rebellion: Lorde on Curating the Soundtrack" featurette and "Yellow Flicker Beat" – Lorde music video.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" hits DVD and Blu-Ray on 3/6.

Press Release:

Lionsgate's (NYSE: LGF) global juggernaut The Hunger Games franchise continues to set the world on fire with The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 arriving on Digital HD February 17 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand Friday, March 6, the Company announced today.

Mockingjay – Part 1 became the highest-grossing domestic release of 2014 when it reached nearly $333.2 million at the domestic box office yesterday. The last two installments of The Hunger Games franchise (Catching Fire and Mockingjay – Part 1) have become the highest-grossing releases at the domestic box office each of the past two years, the first time in decades that a studio has scored back-to-back #1 films of the year and the first time ever for back-to-back sequels. Mockingjay – Part 1, which opens in China on February 8, has already grossed more than $700 million worldwide, bringing global box office for the franchise to over $2.2 billion.

"The number one theatrical release of 2014 is poised to become one of the biggest home entertainment events of 2015," said Lionsgate Home Entertainment President Ron Schwartz and Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television & Digital Distribution Jim Packer. "With the film's home entertainment rollout beginning on Digital HD next month and continuing on Blu-ray, DVD and on demand in March, we're continuing to expand the portfolio of choices we offer to enrich the experience of our consumers."

Academy Award® winner Jennifer Lawrence leads an all-star cast in the battle for Panem in a spectacular sequel packed with five hours of extensive, must-see bonus materials including the two-hour behind-the-scenes documentary "The Mockingjay Lives: The Making of Mockingjay – Part 1." Featuring never-before-seen interviews and on-set footage of the cast and crew, the documentary takes an in-depth look at the making of the film including the script adaptation, location scouting, set design – including physically creating the hovercraft – casting the new characters, and bringing District 13 to life.

Additional special features include "Straight from the Heart: A Tribute to Philip Seymour Hoffman," deleted scenes, an audio commentary with director Francis Lawrence and producer Nina Jacobson, as well as the "Songs of Rebellion: Lorde on Curating the Soundtrack" featurette, the music video for the Golden Globe®-nominated song "Yellow Flicker Beat" and a brand new sneak peek at The Divergent Series: Insurgent. The Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 features an acclaimed cast including Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Willow Shields, Sam Claflin, Jena Malone with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland reprising their original roles from The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire. The impressive lineup is joined by five-time Academy Award® nominee Julianne Moore*, Mahershala Ali (Netflix's "House of Cards"), Natalie Dormer (HBO's "Game of Thrones"), Wes Chatham (The Help), Elden Henson (Jobs) and Evan Ross (Jeff, Who Lives at Home).

Based on the best-selling third novel of Suzanne Collins' award-winning trilogy, with a screenplay by Peter Craig (The Town) and Danny Strong (Lee Daniels' The Butler) and directed by Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 reveals that the rebellion is growing. Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived and is recovering from the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell deep inside the bunkered catacombs of District 13. Separated from some of her closest allies and fearing for their safety in the Capitol, Katniss finally agrees to be the Mockingjay, the symbolic leader of the rebellion. Still uncertain as to whom she can trust, Katniss must help District 13 rise from the shadows, all the while knowing that President Snow has focused his hatred into a personal vendetta against her—and her loved ones.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY - PART 1': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The third installment in the blockbuster film series, based on the bestselling young adult book trilogy by Suzanne Collins. This chapter is based on the first half of the final book (titled 'Mockingjay') and deals with Katniss Everdeen (once again played by Jennifer Lawrence) having to become a symbol for the rebellion, in their war against the ruthless Capitol. It was directed by Francis Lawrence (who also directed 'THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE') and written by Peter Craig and Danny Strong. Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, Sam Claflin, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Willow Shields, Jena Malone and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman all reprise their roles from the other films and Julianne Moore joins the cast. I loved every minute of it and in many ways think it's an improvement over the previous two films!

The story picks up right where the last film left off; Katniss (Lawrence) has suffered a mental breakdown and is having a horrendous time adapting to life at District 13, with the other rebels. She also can't get over the fact that Peeta (Hutcherson) was taken by the Capitol and she'll do almost anything to get him back. Plutarch (Hoffman) introduces Katniss to the leader of the rebellion, President Coin (Moore), and they ask her to be their movement's symbol, in propaganda adds, to incite a rebellion. She reluctantly agrees under the condition that they rescue Peeta, and the other captives at the Capitol. The rest of the film deals with Katniss struggling to adapt to her new role, as the face of the revolution; 'The Mockingjay'.

There's been some criticism over the fact that the final book was split into two films and that there's not enough action in this installment to make it as worthwhile a filmgoing experience, as the other movies. I strongly disagree. I think this chapter is much better because of it. There's so much character development and believable human drama that any true fan of film should be thoroughly satisfied. We also get some great acting; Lawrence gives the best performance of the series here and it's arguably one of the best of her career. She also has a lot of help from multiple veteran actors, like Hoffman and Moore. Peeta doesn't have nearly as much screen time, as he did in the other movies, but he's always a strong and pivotal part of the plot. Gale (Hemsworth) is in a lot more scenes, this time around, but he's still just as underdeveloped (he has one powerful dialogue moment though; where he's at least given a chance to show some acting ability). The love triangle definitely doesn't feel necessary anymore, it's obvious that Katniss loves Peeta but the certainty of how Peeta's character will end up is certainly still up in the air. I also enjoyed how much more epic this film feels, over the last two, it really feels like the first half to the conclusion of a classic sci-fi trilogy. The directing, cinematography and music are all breathtaking to watch, as well, and we get to hear Jennifer Lawrence sing! Fans that only look forward to action are sure to be disappointed but everyone else should be more than pleased!

Action Packed "Non-Stop" Flying its Way to DVD and Blu-Ray Shelves

Universal Studios Home Entertainment recently announce the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray release of "Non-Stop". The film stars Liam Neeson (Taken, Unknown),  Julianne Moore, Michelle Dockery ("Downton Abbey") and 2013's Academy Award^® winner Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) as well as Scoot McNairy (Argo), Linus Roache ("Vikings") and Corey Stoll ("House of Cards," The Bourne Legacy).  

Special Features on DVD and Blu-Ray include "Suspense at 40,000 Feet". The blu-ray will also have the featurette "Non-Stop Action". "Non-Stop" hits stores on 6/10.

Press Release:

Global action star Liam Neeson (the Taken series, Unknown) is a U.S. air marshal fighting to save a plane full of passengers trapped aboard a plane 40,000 feet in the air in the explosive, high-octane action adventure Non-Stop.  

Available on Blu-ray^™ Combo Pack including Blu-ray^™, DVD, Digital HD with UltraViolet™ and   On Demand June 10, 2014 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment,  the exclusive Blu-ray^™ bonus features include an insider's look at the making of the film and the challenges in staging the intense action sequences.  Non-Stop will also be released on DIGITAL HD two weeks earlier on May 27, 2014. 

Liam Neeson reunites with director Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan) and powerhouse producer Joel Silver (The Matrix series, Die Hard) for the first time since their collaboration on the hit 2011 thriller Unknown.  The all-star cast includes four-time Academy Award^® nominee Julianne Moore, Michelle Dockery ("Downton Abbey") and 2013's Academy Award^® winner Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave) as well as Scoot McNairy (Argo), Linus Roache ("Vikings") and Corey Stoll ("House of Cards," The Bourne Legacy).  

Official Trailer for the Upcoming Liam Neeson Action Film "Non-Stop"

Universal Pictures recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Non-Stop". The upcoming film stars Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore. "Non-Stop" hits theaters on 2/28.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Global action star Liam Neeson stars in Non-Stop, a suspense thriller played out at 40,000 feet in the air. During a transatlantic flight from New York City to London, U.S. Air Marshal Bill Marks (Neeson) receives a series of cryptic text messages demanding that he instruct the airline to transfer $150 million into an off-shore account. Until he secures the money, a passenger on his flight will be killed every 20 minutes. The film reunites Neeson with Unknown director Jaume Collet-Serra and producer Joel Silver, and co-stars Golden Globe Award winner Julianne Moore.

"Non-Stop": Official Trailer

"Carrie" is Unleased on DVD and Blu-Ray

MGM and 20th Century Studios have recently announced Kimberly Peirce's remake of the classic horror film "Carrie" will be hitting DVD and Blu-Ray. The film stars Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass 2, Dark Shadows) and Julianne Moore (Don Jon, Game Change).

Special Features on the DVD and Blu-Ray include “Bringing Back Carrie” Featurette,Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise, Theatrical Trailer. The Blu-Ray will also have the feature film with alternate ending, Deleted/Extended Scenes with Commentary by Director Kimberly Peirce, Commentary by Director Kimberly Peirce and The Power of Telekinesis. "Carrie" will hit stores on 1/14/2014.

Press Release:

Fear her power! Unleash the telekinetic horror when CARRIE debuts on Digital HD January 3 and on Blu-ray and DVD January 14 from
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. An exhilarating reimagining of Stephen King’s iconic best-seller from director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don’t Cry, Stop-Loss), this tale of small town terror stars Chloë Grace Moretz (Kick-Ass 2, Dark Shadows) and Julianne Moore (Don Jon, Game Change).

Carrie is a reimagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom.

Directed by Kimberly Peirce and produced by Kevin Misher, with a screenplay by
Lawrence D. Cohen and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the film is a production of
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Screen Gems and was released in theatres on
October 18, 2013.

Showcasing over an hour of heart-pounding exclusive special features, the CARRIE Blu-ray includes behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentary from director Peirce, deleted and extended scenes, the hit “Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise” viral video and an alternate ending that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seat!


CARRIE Blu-ray Special Features:
• Feature Film With Alternate Ending
• “Bringing Back Carrie” Featurette
• Deleted/Extended Scenes with Commentary by Director Kimberly Peirce
• Commentary by Director Kimberly Peirce
• The Power of Telekinesis
• Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise
• Theatrical Trailer

CARRIE DVD Special Features:
• “Bringing Back Carrie” Featurette
• Telekinetic Coffee Shop Surprise
• Theatrical Trailer