"Spider-Man: Homecoming" Review by Tim Hellman

'SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING': Four Stars (Out of Five)

The second reboot of the 'SPIDER-MAN' film franchise, based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. This one is co-produced by Marvel Studios (for the first time), with Sony Pictures (who previously held the film rights) distributing the movie. It's the 16th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and it integrates the Peter Parker/Spider-Man character into the Marvel film universe for the first time. The movie has Parker (now played by Tom Holland) as a 15-year-old high school student, that's trying to balance being a super hero, fighting a new villain called Vulture (played by Michael Keaton, of 'BATMAN' and 'BIRDMAN' fame), and school life (all at the same time). The movie also costars Jacob Batalon, Laura Harrier, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr. (as Iron Man/Tony Stark of course, once again), Jon Favreau, Tony Revolori, Bokeem Woodbine, Michael Chernus, Martin Starr and Donald Glover. It was directed by Jon Watts (who's also helmed such indie hits as 'CLOWN' and 'COP CAR') and it was written by Jonathan Goldstein, John Francis Daley, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers, Watts and Christopher Ford (a usual writing partner of Watts). The film has received mostly positive reviews from critics, and it's of course another big hit at the Box Office for Marvel Studios. Being a huge Spider-Man fan, I was severely disappointed with this movie!

The story begins in 2012 when a salvage company, ran by Adrian Toomes (Keaton), is ran out of business by Tony Stark (Downey Jr.), but not before Toomes, and his employees, steal some alien technology from a New York site they were working at. They then sell the technology to other criminals, and Toomes builds a suit with it that enables him to fly (and he also takes on the nickname Vulture). 8 years later Peter Parker (Holland) is recruited by Stark to help fight Captain America, and he gives him a special suit to fight criminals with. Parker is eager to become a superhero, while also trying to live a normal high school life. His first major opponent becomes Vulture.

I think the film is well directed, acted and even well written (to a certain extent). I also love how minimal the action scenes are, and I like how the villain isn't really that bad of a guy in it. Still I hate how much Marvel changed the source material. This is kind of a good superhero film, but it's just not a good Spider-Man movie (if they would have called it something else, that would have made it a much better film in my opinion). I also don't like how sexist the casting of this film is, all of the women are really attractive in it (including Aunt May, which is ridiculous), and all of the guys are pretty nerdy (even Flash, which is equally ridiculous). I also hate that it's yet another superhero movie that makes rich people the heroes, while the poor hard working Americans are the villains. Tony Stark should not even be in this film too, it's absurd that he's Spider-Man's mentor! So I really hate so much about this film, and I think Marvel is one of the most evil and corrupt businesses in the world, but I have to admit it's still a well made movie. Spider-Man used to be my favorite superhero though, and now Marvel has ruined him for me.

Ray Kroc Bio Pic "The Founder" Hits DVD & Blu-Ray

Lionsgate and The Weinstein Company recently released information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray of "The Founder". The film stars  Michael Keaton (Best Actor, Birdman), Nick Offerman (TV’s “Parks and Recreation”), Linda Cardellini (TV’s “ER”), Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring), BJ Novak (TV’s “The Office”) and Laura Dern (Jurassic Park).

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray includes The Story Behind the Story” Featurette, “Michael Keaton as Ray Kroc” Featurette, The McDonald Brothers” Featurette, “The Production Design” Featurette, “Building McDonald’s: Time Lapse Video” and Press Conference with Filmmakers and Cast.

"The Founder" hits retail on April 18th.

Press Release :

Experience the rise of the biggest fast food franchise in history when the critically acclaimed The Founder arrives on Digital HD on April 4 and on Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD and On Demand April 18 from Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company. Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh, The Founder chronicles the rise of the biggest fast food chain in history. Academy Award® nominee Michael Keaton (Best Actor, Birdman) leads the film’s super-sized cast, which includes Nick Offerman (TV’s “Parks and Recreation”), Linda Cardellini (TV’s “ER”), Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring), BJ Novak (TV’s “The Office”) and Laura Dern (Jurassic Park).

Directed by John Lee Hancock (The Blind Side), The Founder features the true story of how Ray Kroc (Keaton), a struggling salesman from Illinois, met Mac and Dick McDonald, who were running a burger operation in 1950s Southern California. Kroc was impressed by the brothers' speedy system of making the food and saw franchise potential. Writer Robert Siegel (The Wrestler) details how Kroc maneuvered himself into a position to be able to pull the company from the brothers and create a billion-dollar empire. The film also stars Laura Dern as Ray Kroc’s first wife Ethel, John Carroll Lynch as Mac McDonald and Nick Offerman as Dick McDonald.

The Founder home entertainment release features five behind-the-scenes featurettes and a press conference with the filmmakers and cast. The Founder will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

First Film Clip and Official Poster for the Upcoming Drama "Spotlight"

Open Road Films recently released the first film clip for their upcoming newspaper drama "Spotlight". The film is a true story about the Boston Globe investigation of allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church. The film stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci.

"Spotlight" hits theaters on November 6th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.

"Spotlight": Control Everything - Film Clip

"Minions" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'MINIONS': Two Stars (Out of Five)

A prequel/spin-off to the popular 'DESPICABLE ME' animated film series. It tells the origin story of the super-villain Gru's little minion helpers. The film was directed by Pierre Coffin (who also co- directed the two 'DESPICABLE ME' movies) and Kyle Balda; Coffin also voices all of the minions, in the film. It was written by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy and costars the voice talents of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan and Geoffrey Rush. The film is pretty silly, and rarely funny, but it's probably an OK kids' film.

The story starts at the beginning of time, when the minions were first born; as single-celled yellow organisms. They evolved into little naive creatures, with just one passion; to serve the most despicable master they could find. After killing every villain they've ever met, they go into hiding in Antarctica. But after years of depression, three minions (Kevin, Stuart and Bob; all voiced by Coffin) decide to venture out into the world, to find a new master. They meet Scarlet Overkill (Bullock), in Orlando, and find a purpose to live again.

The movie is probably the kind of stupid cartoon I would have liked as a kid, but it's painful to watch as an adult. Most of the jokes are really stupid and there's no really likable characters to root for (just the minions). A few moments are funny, but it's definitely not as good as either 'DESPICABLE ME' film (which I'm not a big fan of either). Kids will like it though.

Official Trailer for the Upcoming Newspaper Drama "Spotlight"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for their upcoming newspaper drama "Spotlight". The film is a true story about the Boston Globe investigation of allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church. The film stars Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci.

"Spotlight" hits theaters on November 6th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Starring Michael Keaton, Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schrieber, Brian D’Arcy James and Stanley Tucci, SPOTLIGHT tells the riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world’s oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper’s tenacious “Spotlight” team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment, touching off a wave of revelations around the world. Directed by Academy Award-nominee Thomas McCarthy, SPOTLIGHT is a tense investigative thriller, tracing the steps to one of the biggest crime stories in modern times.

"Spotlight": Official Trailer

Minions Go Wild in Latest Trailer for "Minions"

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment recently released the final trailer for "Minions". The film is the prequel to the first two "Despicable Me" films. The film features the voices of Sandra Bullock (Gravity, The Heat) Michael Keaton (Birdman),and Jon Hamm (The Town, Mad Men).

"Minions" set to hit theaters on 7/10/15.

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

Press Release:

The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s Minions begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, Minions evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters—from T. rex to Napoleon—the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression.

But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he—alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob—ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow.

The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award® winner Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind...from annihilation.

Featuring a soundtrack of hit music from the ’60s that still permeates our culture today, Minions is produced by Illumination’s Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and is directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda. Brian Lynch has written the screenplay for the 3D-CG comedy adventure, and Chris Renaud serves as executive producer of the film.

"Minions": Official Trailer #3

Best Picture Nominee "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" Flies to DVD and Blu-Ray

20th Century Fox recently released information for the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray release of "Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)". The film recently received 9 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, Best Director (Alejandro González Iñárritu) and Best Actor (Michael Keaton). Edward Norton, Emma Stone Naomi Watts, Andrea Riseborough and Zach Galifianakis also co-star.

Special Features on the DVD and Blu-Ray include "Birdman: All-Access" and "Gallery: Chivo’s On-Set Photos". The Blu-Ray will also include "A Conversation with Michael Keaton and Alejandro G. Iñárritu".

"Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" hits retail on 2/17.

Press Release:

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Fox Searchlight Pictures and Regency Enterprises invite audiences to take flight with a New Regency / M Productions / Le Grisbi production, BIRDMAN or (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE). Winner of two Golden Globes® Awards and nine Academy Awards nominations, including Best Picture, the critically-acclaimed film soars onto Blu-ray™ and DVD February 17 and is now available on Digital HD™. “Daring, devastating, and howlingly funny; [with] Michael Keaton delivering the best performance of his career” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone), BIRDMAN has been hailed as one of the most exciting and talked about films of 2014.

Directed, written and produced by Alejandro González Iñárritu, BIRDMAN tells the story of Riggan Thomson (Michael Keaton), (Batman, Robocop, Need For Speed) – famous for portraying an iconic superhero – as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career and himself. The film has enamoured critics and audiences alike with its technical achievements using a single shot concept and captivating performances from an all-star ensemble cast, which include Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover, Due Date, Dinner for Schmucks), Edward Norton (The Grand Budapest Hotel, Primal Fear, American History X), Andrea Riseborough (Oblivion, Shadow Dancer), Amy Ryan (Gone Baby Gone, Win Win), Emma Stone (The Help; Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Amazing Spiderman franchise) Naomi Watts (St. Vincent, The Impossible, King Kong), as well as breathtaking cinematography from Academy Award-winner Emmanuel Lubezki.

Featured on over 168 top ten lists, BIRDMAN has garnered attention worldwide and has received more than 200 nominations from such esteemed groups as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, receiving nine Academy Award nominations, including “Best Picture,” won two Golden Globe awards (“Best Performance by an Actor,” “Best Screenplay”), received the Darryl F. Zanuck, Producer of the Year Award for “Best Motion Picture,” as well as a Screen Actors Guild award (“Best Ensemble,”) and has also been nominated for six Spirit Awards, including “Best Feature.” BIRDMAN has also earned nods from the American Film Institute, the National Board of Review and the New York Film Critics Online.

"Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'BIRDMAN: OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Critically acclaimed indie black comedy flick starring Michael Keaton as a has-been movie star, who puts everything he has into a Broadway play; in hopes of recapturing his past glory. The film costars Edward Norton, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Zach Galifianakis, Andrea Riseborough and Amy Ryan. It was directed, produced and co-written (with Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. and Armando Bo) by Alejandro González Iñárritu. The movie is a Oscar hopeful in many categories; likely including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor (for Michael Keaton). I found it to be a really interesting and well made film but not quite as good as all of it's hype.

Riggan Thomson (Keaton) was once a huge movie star that starred in three blockbuster superhero movies (as the popular character Birdman). He hasn't made a hit movie in the 20 years since and hungers for that fame, and relevance, again. So he's writing, directing and starring in a play adaptation of Raymond Carver's classic short story "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". He's invested all of his money in the production; including refinancing a house he promised to his daughter Sam (Stone), who's also a production assistant on the play. While trying to make the upcoming premier a success, Riggan struggles to get along with the cast and crew; especially Sam, his girlfriend Laura (Riseborough) and a self absorbed actor named Mike Shiner (Norton). He also hallucinates that he has telekinetic abilities and often talks to himself in the voice of his former character Birdman.

The movie is pretty funny, it's also a great psychological character study and fascinating look at showbiz. The directing is always interesting to watch and it's pretty cool how Iñárritu manipulates the camerawork, and editing, to make the movie feel like it's all one continuous shot. The score, that's highlighted largely by drumming, works very well at setting the tone and mood for the film as well. The acting is all excellent too; especially Keaton. Experts say he'll likely win the Oscar this year because (like the play is for his character) this movie is redemption for him (having starred in two blockbuster 'BATMAN' films, just over 20 years ago, and not having made a hit movie since). I like and admire the film quite a bit, but it's not one of the best movies of the year.

Official Poster and Stills for Alejandro G. Iñárritu's Latest Film "Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance"

Fox Searchlight Pictures recently released stills and the official poster for the upcoming film "Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance". The film is the latest from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Babel, 21 Grams)and stars Michael Keaton, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts. "Birdman or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance" hits theaters in limited release on October 17th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at: www.birdmanthemovie.com

Plot Synopsis:

BIRDMAN or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance is a black comedy that tells the story of an actor (Michael Keaton) – famous for portraying an iconic superhero – as he struggles to mount a Broadway play. In the days leading up to opening night, he battles his ego and attempts to recover his family, his career, and himself.