"War Dogs" Review by Tim Hellman

'WAR DOGS': Four Stars (Out of Five)

The new 'men behaving badly' comedy flick from writer/director/producer Todd Phillips (the man who also brought us 'OLD SCHOOL','ROAD TRIP', 'DUE DATE' and all three 'HANGOVER' movies). The film is based on a Rolling Stone article, by Guy Lawson, about two twenty-something arms dealers, that land a U.S. contract to supply weapons to Afghanistan military forces. Phillips directed, co-produced and co-wrote the movie; with Stephen Chin and Jason Smilovic. It stars Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Ana de Armas, Kevin Pollak and Bradley Cooper (who also co-produced the flick). The movie's received mixed reviews from critics, and it's done mildly well at the Box Office. I liked it, but it's definitely no 'HANGOVER' (it is far better than it's two sequels though).

David Packouz (Teller) was working (unhappily) as a massage therapist, in Miami Beach during the Iraq War. His girlfriend Iz (Armas) unexpectedly became pregnant, and David decided he desperately needed a new source of income. So when he runs into his old childhood friend, Efraim Diveroli (Hill), at another old friend's funeral, he learns he can make a lot of money selling guns to the U.S. military (like Efraim already is). The two form a partnership, and get rich (really fast), but they also run into some serious problems.

The movie is only loosely based on true events; a lot of it is entirely made up (which makes for a more entertaining film, of course). It's nice to see Phillips branching out as a filmmaker (and I really wasn't impressed with the two 'HANGOVER' sequels), and it's also cool to see Hill playing somewhat of a villain. Teller is perfectly cast as the relatable lead, but he's capable of much more than this though ('WHIPLASH' is one of the greatest movies ever made, in my opinion). This film is fun (at times), and kind of interesting. It's a little too dark, to be a lot of fun though, and a little too light, to be really interesting (in a very serious way, anyway). The performances are good though.

Lionsgate and CBS Films Wants You To "Get A Job" at Home

Lionsgate and CBS Films recently released information for the upcoming DVD, Blu-Ray and VOD release of "Get A Job". The film stars Miles Teller (The Divergent Series Franchise), Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect 1 & 2), Brandon T. Jackson (Tropic Thunder), Nicholas Braun (How to Be Single), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad), Alison Brie (TV’s “Community”), Marcia Gay Harden (TV’s “Code Black”),and Academy Award® nominee Bryan Cranston (Best Actor, Trumbo, 2015).

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray includes behind-the-scenes featurette on the cast’s worst jobs, as well as “in-character” video résumé outtakes.

"Get A Job" hits retail on June 14th.

Press Release:

Miles Teller (The Divergent Series Franchise) and Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect 1 & 2) lead an all-star cast in the laugh-out-loud comedy Get a Job, available on June 14 on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital), and Digital HD from Lionsgate. The fresh and wickedly funny film is currently available On Demand. Following the struggles facing a group of college graduates as they navigate through a tough economy, Get a Job also stars Brandon T. Jackson (Tropic Thunder), Nicholas Braun (How to Be Single), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad), Alison Brie (TV’s “Community”), Marcia Gay Harden (TV’s “Code Black”),and Academy Award® nominee Bryan Cranston (Best Actor, Trumbo, 2015).

How far would you go to get a job? Recent college grads Will (Teller) and Jillian (Kendrick) desperately want to become a power couple — but first they have to get jobs! When work prospects threaten to strand Will and Jillian in entry-level hell, Will starts thinking out of the box — and hatches a hilarious assault on the job market.

Featuring an entertaining behind-the-scenes featurette on the cast’s worst jobs, as well as “in-character” video résumé outtakes, Get a Job will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $19.99 and $19.98 respectively.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" Review by Tim Hellman

'THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The third part in 'THE DIVERGENT' film series; and the first half of an adaptation on the third (and final) book 'Allegiant' (written by Veronica Roth). This movie has Tris and Four escaping through the wall, encircling the dystopian Chicago, and finding a new advanced society of people, that have been studying them for years. The film has Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Zoe Kravitz, Maggie Q, Jonny Weston, Ocatvia Spencer and Naomi Watts all reprising their roles (from earlier films); and Jeff Daniels joins the cast. It was directed by Robert Schwentke; and scripted by Bill Collage, Adam Cooper and Noah Oppenheim. I enjoyed it quite a bit.

This chapter begins with Evelyn (Watts) taking control of Chicago; after murdering Jeanine (played by Kate Winslet, in the previous movies), at the end of the last installment. Her soldiers prevent everyone from leaving the city, and begin executing Jeanine's conspirators. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) rescue Tris's brother, Caleb (Elgort), from being killed. They then decide to break through the wall, locking them in the city, and see what's beyond it.

I was a big fan of the first 'DIVERGENT' movie, and really enjoyed the second film as well (although not quite as much). I think this installment is about as good as 'INSURGENT'. I'm not sure why the reviews are so harsh (or why the Box Office has dropped off, so much), but I really like it. It's a lot of fun, the visuals are spectacular, and the action scenes are awesome (they're actually an improvement over the previous chapters). Woodley, James and Watts all give great performances (once again), and the story is involving (and mostly fast-paced). I think fans of the series should be more than pleased.

Tear Down the Wall with the New Trailer for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released another trailer for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant". The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jeff Daniels, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" hits theaters on March 18th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" Official Trailer – “Tear Down The Wall”

New Characters Posters for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released new character posters for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant". The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Jeff Daniels, Octavia Spencer, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller and Naomi Watts.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" hits theaters on March 18th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

 

 

First Look at the Upcoming Sequel "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released the first teaser trailer for the "The Divergent Series: Allegiant". The film is set to star Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, Jeff Daniels, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz and Miles Teller.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant" hits theaters on  March 18th 2016.

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

Press Release:

The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT takes Tris [Shailene Woodley] and Four [Theo James] into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before.

After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.

"The Divergent Series: Allegiant": Teaser Trailer

"Fantastic Four " Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'FANTASTIC FOUR': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Twentieth Century Fox's reboot to their superhero franchise; which began in 2005 (and had one previous sequel in 2007). It's based on Marvel Comic's first superhero team, of the same name, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby (their first comic as well); and tells the story of four young scientists who are transformed into gifted superheroes, by teleporting to another dimension. It was directed by Josh Trank (the man behind the 2012 indie sci-fi hit 'CHRONICLE') and written by Trank, Jeremy Slater and Simon Kinberg. The film stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell and Reg E. Cathey. It's received nothing but negative reviews, from critics and fans alike, due to studio tampering; which greatly altered Trank's true vision. I really enjoyed the first two-thirds of the movie, and I'd really like to see a director's cut someday (which Trank insists exists).

Since they met as children, best friends Reed Richards (Teller) and Ben Grimm (Bell) have been working on a special teleportation device. While showing it off, unsuccessfully at a science fair, they impress a local professor, Franklin Storm (Cathey); who's been working on the same thing. Storm invites Reed and Ben to join his research team; which includes his daughter Susan (Mara), his son Johnny (Jordan) and his protégé Victor von Doom (Kebbell). The young scientists succeed at their experiment, and then make a dangerous attempt to teleport themselves, to another universe. Once there, they gain special powers; and each must decide whether to use them for good, or for bad.

The movie begins as a fascinating character study, filled with good performances (from Teller, Jordan and the rest). It's involving, although somewhat slow paced, and pretty entertaining, all the way up till the third act. Then the film morphs into a completely different movie, and ends with CGI filled nonsense (with characters behaving in ways nothing like the film leading up to it). Fox was unhappy with Trank's first cut (a more original, and creative, character driven superhero flick), so they hijacked the movie; demanding reshoots and totally ruining the conclusion of the film. I really like what Trank was trying to do with the genre, before that though, and look forward to seeing more from him in the future. I also hope the upcoming sequel doesn't have so much big business pollution. It's at least not as big of a disappointment as Marvel Studio's 'ANT-MAN' (considering what that could have been, with Edgar Wright at the helm)!

Final Action Packed Trailer for the "Fantastic Four"

20th Century Fox recently released the teaser trailer for the upcoming summer film "Fantastic Four" The upcoming film stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Toby Kebbell.

"Fantastic Four" hits theaters on 8/7.

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

Plot Synopsis:

FANTASTIC FOUR, a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

"Fantastic Four": Official Trailer #2 

Official Stills and Poster for the Upcoming Summer Film "Fantastic Four"

20th Century Fox recently released the teaser trailer for the upcoming summer film "Fantastic Four" The upcoming film stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Toby Kebbell.

"Fantastic Four" hits theaters on 8/7.

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

Plot Synopsis:

FANTASTIC FOUR, a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

Teaser Trailer for the Upcoming Superhero Film "Fantastic Four"

20th Century Fox recently released the teaser trailer for the upcoming summer film "Fantastic Four "/ The upcoming film stars Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, Jamie Bell and Toby Kebbell.

"Fantastic Four" hits theaters on 8/7.

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

Plot Synopsis:

FANTASTIC FOUR, a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.

"Fantastic Four": Teaser Trailer

New Character Portraits for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent":

Lionsgate recently released character portraits for "The Divergent Series": Insurgent". The upcoming film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award^® Winner Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, and Academy Award^® Winner Kate Winslet.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" hits theaters on 3/20/2015.

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

Plot Synopsis:

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

New Poster, Stills and Trailer for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent"

Lionsgate recently released a new poster ,trailer and stills for the anticipated "The Divergent Series": Insurgent". The upcoming film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award^® Winner Octavia Spencer, Naomi Watts, and Academy Award^® Winner Kate Winslet.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" hits theaters on 3/20/2015.

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

Plot Synopsis:

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent": Official Trailer

"Whiplash" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'WHIPLASH': Five Stars (Out of Five)

A critically acclaimed (and Oscar hopeful) jazz musician character study that plays more like a psychological thriller than a heartwarming drama. It was written and directed by Damien Chazelle and stars Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons. The film tells the story of a young jazz drummer studying to become great at an acclaimed music school, under the obsessive guidance of an abusive instructor. It also features Melissa Benoist and Paul Reiser, in supporting roles. I found it to be nothing short of great and a true masterpiece.

Andrew (Teller) is 19-years-old and just started school at the Shaffer Conservatory, which is widely known as the best music school in the country. He really wants to be one of the great jazz drummers and to do so he'll need to gain the approval of a highly respected conductor, at the school, named Terence Fletcher (Simmons). Fletcher is determined to find the next great musician and his tactics for bringing out the best in students are highly questionable, and border on psychological abuse (and torture). Andrew is just as determined to become a great musician though, and the two engage in a battle that turns into one of the most epic showdowns in cinematic history.

Simmons is great in the movie (and he's now seen as the Best Supporting Actor frontrunner, at this year's upcoming Academy Awards). I've been a fan of his, as a character actor, for years and it's great to see him taking on a lead role that he's this powerful and memorable in (it showcases all of his best talents). Teller is just as good as the main character though, he's a new actor but he's already shown an amazing gift for acting. The two very flawed but inspired characters, these actors bring to life in this film, are classic. It's a great story but what's even more impressive is how visceral a film going experience it is; Chazelle's directing is always breathtaking and beautiful to watch. I don't think a character study could possibly be more intense and thoroughly involving than this (and it does feel like a thriller or fast paced sports drama). It's one of the best movie experiences I've had this year!

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" To Be Released in 2D and 3D

Lionsgate recently announced that "The Divergent Series: Insurgent" will be released in 2D and 3D. The upcoming film stars Golden Globe®-nominee Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award®-winners Kate Winslet and Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer. "Divergent: Insurgent" hits theaters on March 20th.

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

Press Release:

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, today announced that it will release The Divergent Series: Insurgent, the second installment of its Divergent franchise, in both 3D and 2D. The film will be released worldwide on March 20, 2015 through Lionsgate’s Summit Entertainment label. The Company will also today roll out eight new interactive 3D character posters, with one new poster debuting each hour. For more, please visit https://www.facebook.com/TheDivergentSeries

“The second film in the Divergent franchise takes the story and action to another level and, by partnering with RealD, we were able to blend gripping performances and mind-blowing spectacle to create a unique event on screen," said producers Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher. “We cannot wait to share this experience with audiences around the world.”

The Divergent Series: Insurgent raises the stakes for Tris as she searches for allies and answers in the ruins of a futuristic Chicago. Tris (Woodley) and Four (James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Winslet), the leader of the power-hungry Erudite elite. Racing against time, they must find out what Tris’s family sacrificed their lives to protect, and why the Erudite leaders will do anything to stop them. Haunted by her past choices but desperate to protect the ones she loves, Tris, with Four at her side, faces one impossible challenge after another as they unlock the truth about the past and ultimately the future of their world.

The film stars Golden Globe®-nominee Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Academy Award®-winners Kate Winslet and Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoë Kravitz, Miles Teller, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q and Mekhi Phifer, is based on author Veronica Roth’s New York Times best-seller of the same name. The film is directed by Robert Schwentke from a screenplay by Brian Duffield, Akiva Goldsman and Mark Bomback and produced by Douglas Wick and Lucy Fisher through their Red Wagon Entertainment banner, along with Pouya Shahbazian. Todd Lieberman and David Hoberman are executive producing through their Mandeville Films banner along with Neil Burger and Barry Waldman.

The first Divergent film grossed nearly $300 million at the global box office, and Veronica Roth’s Divergent book series has already sold nearly 30 million copies around the world. The third and fourth installments in the franchise, Allegiant – Parts 1 & 2, are slated for release on March 18, 2016 and March 24, 2017, respectively.

Official Stills for the Upcoming Teen Comedy "That Awkward Moment"

Film District recently released stills for the upcoming comedy "That Awkward Moment". The upcoming film stars Zac Efron (The Lucky One), Miles Teller (The Spectacular Now, Divergent), Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station, Chronicle), Imogen Poots (Fright Night), Mackenzie Davis and Jessica Lucas (Evil Dead). "That Awkward Moment" hits theaters on 1/30.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Zac Efron, Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan star in the R-rated comedy, THAT AWKWARD MOMENT, about three best friends who find themselves where we’ve all been– at that confusing "moment" in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So…where is this going?"