"John Wick: Chapter 2" Review by Tim Hellman

'JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Sequel to the 2014 action hit 'JOHN WICK', starring Keanu Reeves (once again) as the title character. The story revolves around Wick, a retired hitman, who's once again forced to go back into his former world of violence, when a bounty is placed on his head. The movie is also once again directed by Chad Stahelski, and it's once again written by Derek Kolstad as well. Ian McShane, John Leguizamo, Lance Reddick and Bridget Moynahan (briefly) also all reprise their roles from the first film; while Riccardo Scamarcio, Ruby Rose, Common and Laurence Fishburne (Reeves' former 'MATRIX' trilogy costar) also play supporting roles in this sequel. It's received nearly unanimous rave reviews from critics, and fans alike, and it's also a hit at the Box Office too. I also really enjoyed it (just like I did the first film).

The movie begins right where the first one left off, with John Wick (Reeves) tracking down his stolen car, at a chop shop, and getting revenge on those that stole it. He's then approached, at his home, by a crime lord named Santino D'Antonio (Scamarcio). The crime boss wants him to assassinate his sister (Claudia Gerini), so he can take her place at a council for crime lords. Wick initially rejects the assignment, but he soon learns that the bloody crime world, which he so desperately wants to leave, won't let him retire.

The film is once again nonstop action, and very bloody (and excessively violent) action as well. If you're a fan of the first movie, I'm sure you'll love it; especially if you're a fan of Keanu Reeves. I'm a big fan of Reeves as a person, and I like him as an actor, in certain roles too; but he sucks in a lot of roles as well. John Wick is definitely one of his best parts. The character is becoming a classic badass action hero, and the series is now becoming a classic action movie franchise. I can't wait to see what the third movie brings!

"La La Land" Review by Tim Hellman

'LA LA LAND': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The critically acclaimed romantic comedy-drama musical, from writer/director Damien Chazelle; who also performed both duties on 2014's 'WHIPLASH' (my favorite movie of that year). The film tells the story a jazz pianist, that falls in love with a struggling actress; while they both try to get by in Los Angeles. The movie stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, in their third film together playing lovers (after 'CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE' and 'GANGSTER SQUAD'), and it costars John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt and J.K. Simmons in a cameo appearance (he won an Oscar for his performance in 'WHIPLASH'). On top of being almost unanimously praised by critics, it was also named one of the ten best movies of the year by the American Film Institute, and it's expected to likely win Best Picture at next year's Academy Awards. I really enjoyed it.

Mia (Stone) and Sebastian (Gosling) are both struggling artists, trying to make a living (while doing what they really love) in Los Angeles. Sebastian is a jazz musician, who attempts to pay the bills by playing bars and parties, while Mia is an aspiring actress, who gets by serving coffee to actors on the set of a movie studio. The two meet, and don't immediately take a liking to each other, but eventually mutual attraction appears to grow between them. They then take turns supporting each other, in their different passions, while attempting to maintain a relationship.

Chazelle is a drummer, who wrote 'LA LA LAND' back in 2010 (when he was still just an aspiring filmmaker). All three of his movies, including 2009's 'GUY AND MADELINE ON A PARK BENCH' (which is also a musical), focus heavily on jazz music. I think this is a very passionate subject for him, as is film, and it's because of this strong (heartfelt) passion, that his films become such great masterpieces. This is an old fashioned (soon to be classic) musical; I saw it with my parents and they loved it. Because this genre of film is so rare, I think it will win Best Picture (it's definitely one of my favorites of the year). Gosling and Stone are both fantastic in it, and they have beautiful chemistry together (once again); the romance between their characters is both very touching and believable as well. It's a great film!

"Deepwater Horizon" Review by Tim Hellman

'DEEPWATER HORIZON': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new disaster flick about the 2010 Deepwater Horizon drilling rig explosion (which also caused a humongous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico); the catastrophe is the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history (which also killed 11 workers, and injured 17 more). The movie stars Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O'Brien, John Malkovich, Kate Hudson and Ethan Suplee. It was directed by Peter Berg; who's also teamed with Wahlberg on the 2013 war film 'LONE SURVIVOR', and the upcoming historical disaster flick 'PATRIOTS DAY'. The script was written by Matthew Sand and Matthew Michael Carnahan; it was based on the The New York Times' article 'Deepwater Horizon's Final Hours' (written by David Barstow, David S. Rohde and Stephanie Saul). Due to it's $156 million budget, the film is a pretty big disappointment at the Box Office; but it has done well with critics. I'd say it's about as good a film as I expected it to be.

The true story takes place on April 20, 2010; on the oil rig Deepwater Horizon (about 40 miles from the Louisiana coast). The drilling unit was owned by Transocean, and drilling for BP. The blowout, and explosion (on the rig that day), caused it to burn and sink; and release thousands of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. This film focuses on some of the 120 crew members, that were on board; including Mike Williams (Wahlberg), Jimmy Harrell (Russell), Andrea Fleytas (Rodriguez) and Caleb Holloway (O'Brien).

The film is technically impressive, and it's well made. Berg is a talented director, at making this type of movie, and Wahlberg and Russell are great at acting in them. Although the performances are good, I don't think there's enough character development to really care about the characters. So the movie is not nearly as emotional as it wants to be. I also think spending $156 million on a film like this is ridiculous; how did the producers ever think they were going to make their money back?! It is intense, and suspenseful though.

Official Stills for the Upcoming Drama "Deepwater Horizon"

Summit Entertainment recently released stills for their upcoming film "Deepwater Horizon". The film is the latest from director Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights, Lone Survivor) and starring Mark Wahlberg, Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, Gina Rodriguez, Dylan O’Brien and Kate Hudson.

"Deepwater Horizon" hits theaters on September 30th.

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

Plot Synopsis:

On April 20th, 2010, one of the world’s largest man-made disasters occurred on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. Directed by Peter Berg (Lone Survivor), this story honors the brave men and women whose heroism would save many on board, and change everyone’s lives forever.

"Mechanic: Resurrection" Review by Tim Hellman

'MECHANIC: RESURRECTION': Three Stars (Out of Five)

Sequel to the 2011 action hit 'THE MECHANIC'; which is a remake of the 1972 flick (of the same name). The film once again stars Jason Statham, as the retired hitman named Arthur Bishop (played by Charles Bronson in the original 1972 flick). In this installment, he's forced to come out of retirement and kill three criminals; in order to save the woman he loves. It was directed by German filmmaker Dennis Gansel; and it was written by Philip Shelby, Tony Mosher, Brian Pittman and Rachel Long. The film costars Jessica Alba, Sam Hazeldine, Michelle Yeoh and Tommy Lee Jones. It's received mostly negative reviews from critics (of course), but it is meeting the usual Jason Statham B-movie Box Office standards. I thought it was OK.

Arthur Bishop (Statham) has been retired, and living under a fake name in Rio de Janeiro, for some time (after faking his death in the last movie); until he's visited by a mysterious woman (Yayaying Rhatha Phongam), and some mercenaries. They want Bishop to do a job for a secret employer. He refuses, and flees to Thailand. There he meets an abused woman named Gina Thorne (Alba). He falls for her, as he learns the mysterious employer wants him to; and when she's kidnapped, he's once again forced to murder three criminals (and stage their deaths as accidents).

The movie is extremely clichéd, and horrendously cheesy (at times). It does have some decent actions scenes though, and Jason Statham doing what he does best. The celebrity supporting cast is mainly just there as extended cameos though, and their talents are wasted. I also wasn't impressed by Gansel's directing. The original remake was much better; I actually don't think I've ever seen the original 1972 film (possibly an edited version, on TBS, but I don't remember).

Teaser Trailer for Damien Chazelle's Upcoming Film "La La Land"

Summit Entertainment recently released a teaser trailer for Damien Chazelle's (Whiplash) upcoming film "La La Land". The film stars Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, John Legend, Rosemarie DeWitt, Finn Wittrock, Callie Hernandez, Sonoya Mizuno, Jessica Rothe, Tom Everett Scott and Josh Pence.

"Whiplash" hits theaters in December.

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

Plot Synopsis:

Written and directed by Academy Award® nominee Damien Chazelle, LA LA LAND tells the story of Mia [Emma Stone], an aspiring actress, and Sebastian [Ryan Gosling], a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.

"La La Land": Teaser Trailer

"Now You See Me 2" Review by Tim Hellman

'NOW YOU SEE ME 2': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Sequel to the 2013 surprise 'caper flick' hit; about a group of four illusionists, that rob from the rich and give to the poor, during elaborately staged magic shows. This installment has the magic team being forced to pull off their most challenging heist yet, for a greedy tech genius. Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine all reprise their roles (from the original movie); while Lizzy Caplan, Daniel Radcliffe and Sanaa Lathan join the cast (Isla Fisher is noticeably absent, due to her recent pregnancy). Jon M. Chu directed the flick (he's previously helmed films like 'G.I. JOE: RETALIATION', two Justin Bieber documentaries, and two 'STEP UP' sequels), and it was written by Ed Solomon (who also co-wrote the original movie) and Peter Chiarelli. The film is definitely a lot of fun, and consistently entertaining throughout (just like the original).

The remaining three members of the famous illusionist team, known as the Four Horsemen (Eisenberg, Harrelson and Franco), have been hiding out for a year. The FBI is still on their trail, and FBI mole, Dylan Rhodes (Ruffalo), is still protecting them. Then Rhodes helps them setup another elaborate magic show heist, that goes horribly wrong. The team wakes up in China, and finds themselves being blackmailed into another caper; by a tech genius named Walter Mabry (Radcliffe). A witty magician named Lula May (Caplan) joins the crew, on this new mission.

I'd say if you're a fan of the original flick, you'll probably like this sequel just as much (or close to it). It's filled with all the same cool magic tricks, detailed (and impressively involving) heists, and witty banter. The cast is all great again (I'm a huge fan of Eisenberg's) and Caplan is an awesome addition to the cast (she's definitely an improvement over Fisher). I can't really see any major faults in it; and at over two hours, it impressively flies by!

"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.

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.

First Trailer for the Upcoming Summer 2016 Film "Now You See Me 2"

Summit Entertainment recently released the first trailer for their upcoming summer film "Now You See Me 2". The film stars  Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan, Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman.

"Now You See Me 2" hits theaters on June 10th, 2016

Plot Synopsis:

THE FOUR HORSEMEN [Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan] return for a second mind-bending adventure, elevating the limits of stage illusion to new heights and taking them around the globe. One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public's adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, the illusionists resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate. The man behind their vanishing act is none other than WALTER MABRY [Daniel Radcliffe], a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet. Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all.

"Now You See Me 2": Teaser Trailer

Official Trailer and Character Posters for "The Divergent Series: Allegiant"

Summit Entertainment recently released character posters and the official 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

"The Last Witch Hunter" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'THE LAST WITCH HUNTER': Three Stars (Out of Five)

An action/horror flick; about an immortal witch-hunter, battling an army of witches, in modern-day New York City. The movie stars Vin Diesel, as the witch-hunter, and it costars Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie and Michael Caine. It was directed by Breck Eisner (who also helmed the 2010 horror flick 'THE CRAZIES', and the 2005 action movie 'SAHARA'); and it was written by Cory Goodman, Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless (Goodman also wrote 2011's 'PRIEST', and Sazama and Sharpless also co-wrote 2014's 'DRACULA UNTOLD'; a lot of religious themed horror flicks!). The movie is a bit slow-paced and messy, but it's also enjoyable (to a certain extent).

Kaulder (Diesel) is an ancient warrior, who killed the deadly Witch Queen (Julie Engelbrecht); centuries earlier. When he did so, she also cursed him with immortal life. So now Kaulder must walk the earth; forever fighting witches, and other demons, while also being haunted by the memories of his dead family (that he can never see again, in the afterlife). His latest mission, is to stop a new deadly force; from unleashing a horrible plague on all of humanity. He finds assistance from a young priest (Wood), and a beautiful witch (Leslie) though.

The movie establishes a pretty cool fantasy world; of dark magic, and the way in which it's policed. Diesel makes a prettybadass action hero too. Elijah Wood has now became the male equivalent of a 'scream queen' (it seems like he's in more horror flicks than any other actor right now); he's good in the film as well. Caine is of course always fantastic (but he's above this sort of movie), and Leslie is fun to watch too. The directing is just OK though, and the screenplay is pretty sloppy. The film has some cool action scenes, and some pretty fun ideas, but it's kind of a big mess; when it tries to bring them all together.

New Film Clips for the Upcoming Action Horror Film "The Last Witch Hunter"

Summit Entertainment recently released two new clips for their upcoming Halloween release "The Last Witch Hunter. The upcoming film is directed by Breck Eisner and stars Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie and Michael Caine.

"The Last Witch Hunter" hits theaters on October 23rd.

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

Plot Synopsis:

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including KAULDER, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful QUEEN WITCH, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the QUEEN curses KAULDER with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today KAULDER is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to KAULDER, the QUEEN WITCH is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

"The Last Witch Hunter": "Wake Up"

"The Last Witch Hunter": "Trouble"

New Trailer Character Posters and NYCC Panel Information for "The Last Witch Hunter"

Summit Entertainment recently released a new trailer and character posters for their upcoming Halloween release "The Last Witch Hunter. The upcoming film is directed by Breck Eisner and stars Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie and Michael Caine.

The film will also be represented at New York Comic Con. The panel is slate for October 10th in the main hall. Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie and director Breck Eisner will be on hand for the panel.

"The Last Witch Hunter" hits theaters on October 23rd.

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

Plot Synopsis:

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including KAULDER, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful QUEEN WITCH, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the QUEEN curses KAULDER with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today KAULDER is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to KAULDER, the QUEEN WITCH is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

"The Last Witch Hunter": Official Trailer #2

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

Official Comic Con Posters for Action/Horror Film "The Last Witch Hunter"

Summit Entertainment recently released the official San Diego Comic Con posters for their upcoming Halloween release "The Last Witch Hunter. The upcoming film is directed by Breck Eisner and stars Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie and Michael Caine.

"The Last Witch Hunter" hits theaters on October 23rd.

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

Plot Synopsis:

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including KAULDER, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful QUEEN WITCH, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the QUEEN curses KAULDER with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today KAULDER is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to KAULDER, the QUEEN WITCH is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

Intense Teaser Trailer & Teaser Poster for "The Last Witch Hunter"

Summit Entertainment recently released the teaser poster and trailer for their upcoming Halloween release "The Last Witch Hunter. The upcoming film is directed by Breck Eisner and stars Vin Diesel, Elijah Wood, Rose Leslie and Michael Caine.

"The Last Witch Hunter" hits theaters on October 23rd.

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

Plot Synopsis:

The modern world holds many secrets, but the most astounding secret of all is that witches still live amongst us; vicious supernatural creatures intent on unleashing the Black Death upon the world. Armies of witch hunters battled the unnatural enemy across the globe for centuries, including KAULDER, a valiant warrior who managed to slay the all-powerful QUEEN WITCH, decimating her followers in the process. In the moments right before her death, the QUEEN curses KAULDER with her own immortality, forever separating him from his beloved wife and daughter in the afterlife. Today KAULDER is the only one of his kind remaining, and has spent centuries hunting down rogue witches, all the while yearning for his long-lost loved ones. However, unbeknownst to KAULDER, the QUEEN WITCH is resurrected and seeks revenge on her killer causing an epic battle that will determine the survival of the human race.

"The Last Witch Hunter": Teaser Trailer

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent" Review by Jim Herling

When it came out last year, I really enjoyed Divergent. I found it pretty lively and action-packed, with smart dialogue and an interesting premise. And of course it helped that Shailene Woodley was fantastic, bringing real depth to her character. So of course you can now imagine my disappointment at discovering just how bad Insurgent is.

Insurgent (directed by Robert Schwentke, screenplay by Akiva Goldsman and Brian Duffield, based on Veronica Roth's novel) continues the story of Tris Prior (Woodley), who is rare to her walled society because she's a Divergent, someone who doesn't fit into the society's factions system. As the movie opens, she and her lover Four (Theo James, who seems to be capable of no emotion except brooding) are on the run from Jeanine (Kate Winslet, who easily puts in the film's best performance), leader of one of the factions who is slowly taking over the system as a whole. The supporting cast is rounded out by people like Octavia Spencer, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, Zoe Kravitz, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, and Naomi Watts. The problem is that none of them are given much to do except Elgort, who is decent as Tris' conflicted brother Caleb; and Teller, who as Tris' "frenemy" Peter steals every scene he's in, as is his way (it helps that the only time any of the wit and joy of the first installment's screenplay is found in this new installment is in his dialogue). Of course, the rest of the cast is incidental, only existing to help or hinder Tris. This is Woodley's show, and therein lies the problem.

There's a lot less action in this one and even more focus on Tris and her emotional state (whether that's a change the novel makes as well or one stemming from Insurgent having different writers and director from Divergent, and thus different priorities, I don't know) and it just doesn't work. Woodley is usually a very capable, powerful actress but she fell flat for me here, coming across way too thin and reedy for the strength Tris is supposed to possess. For someone who was placed in the warrior faction, Tris needs to be rescued a lot. The whole movie is basically her getting into trouble and being rescued. Between that and the multiple betrayals, few of which make any sort of logical sense, Insurgent just feels like a jumbled mess, and a boring one at that, with the lack of action. I don't like doing it, but I can only give Insurgent 1.5 stars out of 5, and hope the next one will be better.

Official Character Posters for "Child 44"

Summit Entertainment recently released character poster for the upcoming political thriller "Child 44". The upcoming film is based on the best-selling novel by Tom Rob Smith. "Child 44" stars Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Paddy Considine, with Jason Clarke, and Vincent Cassel.

"Child 44" hits theaters on 4/17.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Child44Film

Plot Synopsis:

A politically-charged serial killer thriller set in 1953 Soviet Russia, CHILD 44 chronicles the crisis of conscience for secret police agent Leo Demidov [Tom Hardy], who loses status, power and home when he refuses to denounce his own wife, Raisa [Noomi Rapace], as a traitor. Exiled from Moscow to a grim provincial outpost, Leo and Raisa join forces with General Mikhail Nesterov [Gary Oldman] to track down a serial killer who preys on young boys. Their quest for justice threatens a system-wide cover-up enforced by Leo’s psychopathic rival Vasili [Joel Kinnaman], who insists “There is no crime in Paradise.”

New Poster and 60 Second Super Bowl Spot for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent"

Summit Entertainent recently released a new poster and 60 second Super Bowl Spot for "The Divergent Series: Insurgent". The spot is scheduled to air during the Super Bowl pregame show. The 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.

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 (Shailene Woodley) and Four ( Theo James) are now fugitives on the run, hunted by Jeanine (Kate 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" hits theaters on 3/20.

The Divergent Series: Insurgent": 60 Second Super Bowl Spot