The Equalizer - Mini Movie Review

I was thoroughly surprised by The Equalizer! Surprised and delighted. Denzel Washington really shines in this movie. He plays a badass ex-hitman of sorts who inevitably comes out of retirement in order to help the innocent. I highly recommend you rent/stream it!

I give it 8 out of 10 tamales! 

Exodus Gods and Kings - Mini Movie Review

Christian Bale as Moses? Believe it or not, he actually delivers a very powerful performance in this movie. Who knew a bible tale could be retold in such a fantastically secular manner? Not me. I highly recommend renting/streaming this movie.

I give it 8 out of 10 tamales!

San Andreas Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera

http://soundcloud.com/user197631536/san-andreas-movie-review-by

Click the link to listen to my review of San Andreas!

Jurassic World Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera (Condensed Podcast)

http://soundcloud.com/user197631536/jurassic-world-movie-review-by

Click the link to listen to a slightly different version of my review of Jurassic World! 

The Fly

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Supergirl Trailer Promises the World a New Kind of Hero

http://movieweb.com/supergirl-tv-show-trailer-her-story/

Watch the Goosebumps International Trailer

http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/trailers/458027-goosebumps-international-trailer-features-more-footage

Click the link to watch the Goosebumps International Trailer!

Holy crap! This movie looks insanely awesome! 

Galaxy Quest

Galaxy Quest is filled with great comedic space action! Suitable for the whole family.

On a scale of 1 tamale to 10 tamales I give it 7.7 tamales!

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John Wick Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera

Stars:
Keanu Reeves - John Wick
Michael Nyqvist - Viggo Tarasov
Alfie Allen - Iosef Tarasov
Willem Dafoe - Marcus
Adrianne Palicki - Ms. Perkins
Bridget Moynahan - Helen

Directors: Chad Stahelski, David Leitch
Writer: Derek Kolstad  (screenplay)
Release Date: October 24, 2014
Genre: Action, Thriller
Rated R


Forget everything you know about action movies and watch John Wick!

Keanu Reeves is pure awesomeness in this movie! There's just no better way to describe his performance.

Yes, he was awesome in all the Matrix movies but what makes John Wick so great is the fact that he's like Neo without all those super human abilities… and he still kicks major ass!

It all begins sometime after John Wick's wife, Helen (Bridget Moynahan), dies due to a long battle with cancer. She leaves him a dog so he won't have to grieve alone.

Later, he has a rather rude encounter with the son of a Russian crime lord at a gas station. He wants to buy John's car but John tells him it's not for sale then drives away.

The son of the crime lord really wants John's car, mostly because he's used to getting what he wants. So, he breaks into John's home later that night and, with the aid of some henchmen, beats John to a bloody pulp. He also kills his dog and steals his car.

Well… it turns out that John is a retired hitman. He wasn’t just a good hitman, he was a phenomenal hitman. The kind of guy that can accomplish the most impossible task.

And having his dog killed and car stolen turns out to be all the motivation he needed to come out of retirement.

Each action sequence is so meticulously choreographed that you actually forget you're watching an action movie and believe you are watching something of great historical significance unfold before your very eyes.

The ending leaves something to be desired but hopefully that'll be taken care of in the sequel. Yes, the sequel has been confirmed. It has a release date for sometime in 2017.

On a scale of 1 tamale to 10 tamales I give John Wick 8 tamales.


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:-)

Keanu Reeves to Return For John Wick 2

http://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/436799-its-official-keanu-reeves-to-return-for-john-wick-2

The Giver Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera

Stars:
Brenton Thwaites - Jonas
Jeff Bridges - The Giver
Meryl Streep - Chief Elder
Katie Holmes - Jonas's mother
Odeya Rush - Fiona
Alexander Skarsgard - Jonas's father
Cameron Monaghan - Asher

Director: Phillip Noyce
Release Date: August 15, 2014
Genre: Action / Fantasy / Drama
Rated PG-13

The Giver could be likened to movies like The Hunger Games and Divergent but that would be an over simplification.

Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) appears to be an ordinary teenager living in a somewhat dystopian community set sometime in the distant future. His friends, Fiona (Odeya Rush) and Asher (Cameron Monaghan), look just as ordinary as him.

In fact, everyone in his community looks pretty ordinary. They all dress in the same drab clothing and are completely devoid of all emotion. By which I mean they were all genetically engineered and modified to the point of no longer being able to feel any discernible emotions.

The sole purpose for doing this is to ensure the propagation of a completely gullible and non-rebellious race of people. Oh and in addition to not feeling emotions they also cannot see colors. They only see in black and white, even though they have no concept of black and white.

Then the day comes for Jonas and his friends to graduate and be assigned their lifetime careers. Asher is assigned the position of pilot, Fiona is assigned the position of nurturer and Jonas is assigned the position of Receiver. As in receiver of memories. The collective memories of all mankind throughout all of history.

Luckily, Jonas is trained to receive these ancient memories by the current Receiver (Jeff Bridges) who can now go by the title The Giver.

The Giver shares many wonderful memories with Jonas but he also shares some very hateful and violent memories with him. Jonas finds it hard to stomach them all but he is still grateful for being shown a forgotten yet important aspect of being human.

The more memories he receives the more he evolves into a distinct individual. Of course, this is considered to be very wrong by the elders of the community. The Chief Elder (Meryl Streep) eventually notices Jonas becoming individualistic but the only thing she can do to try to get him to stop is threaten his friends and family with uncertainty.

This movie has a great story, great performances by each actor, great special effects and great cinematography.

On a scale of 1 tamale to 10 tamales I give The Giver 8 tamales!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter! My twitter handle is @buddhkist

:-)

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Batman: Assault on Arkham Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera

Stars:
Kevin Conroy - Batman
Neal McDonough - Deadshot
Hynden Walch - Harley Quinn
Matthew Gray Gubler - The Riddler
Troy Baker - The Joker
John DiMaggio - King Shark
Greg Ellis - Captain Boomerang
Giancarlo Esposito - Black Spider
Jennifer Hale - Killer Frost
Martin Jarvis - Alfred Pennyworth
CCH Pounder - Amanda Waller

Directors: Jay Oliva, Ethan Spaulding
Writers: Heath Corson, Bob Kane (characters)
Genre: Action/Animation
Rated PG-13

I  was genuinely surprised by this movie! It's chock-full of DC Comics action!

Deadshot, Harley Quinn, King Shark, Captain Boomerang, Black Spider and Killer Frost make up Amanda Waller's group of villains known as the Suicide Squad.

They are tasked with breaking into Arkham Asylum to recover vital information stolen by the Riddler. To ensure they do as they're told, Waller has small explosive chips implanted in their necks. At the slightest hint of rebelliousness she can activate their chips remotely and blow their heads into a million pieces.

While they break into Arkham, Batman is preoccupied with trying to locate a dirty bomb that the Joker hid before being sent to Arkham.

You would think that having so many villains work together would be a terrible idea but for the most part they work well together. I guess the threat of death can be a very powerful motivator.

Once they get inside Arkham and locate the Riddler, they realize Amanda Waller has set them up to take the fall for something far more sinister.

The action sequences are really intricate and well thought out. I also like how accurately each villain is portrayed. I give a big thumbs up to each voice actor! They really gave it their all.

On a scale of 1 tamale to 10 tamales I give Batman: Assault on Arkham 7.7 tamales!
(I wonder if Batman likes tamales.)

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter! My twitter handle is @buddhkist

:-)

Download My Novel For Free!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/411686

Click the link to download my novel, Aperture, for Free!

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Here's some confirmed info for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Release Date: March 25, 2016
(3D/2D theaters and IMAX)
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Director: Zack Snyder
Screenwriters: Chris Terrio, David S. Goyer
Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenburg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter, Gal Gadot
Genre: Action, Adventure
Official Website:
BatmanvSupermanDawnofJustice.com

Plot Summary:
Fearing the actions of a god-like super hero left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis's most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it's ever known before.

(Source: comingsoon.net)

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Independence Day 2

Here's some confirmed info for the upcoming Independence Day sequel!

Title: Independence Day Resurgence
Release Date: June 24, 2016
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Director: Roland Emmerich
Screenwriters: Carter Blanchard, Roland Emmerich, Dean Devlin
Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, Sela Ward.
Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Adventure

Plot Summary:
We always knew they were coming back. After "Independence Day" redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens' advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction.

(Source: comingsoon.net)

Jurassic World Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera

Stars:
Chris Pratt - Owen
Bryce Dallas Howard - Claire
Vincent D'onofrio - Hoskins
Ty Simpkins - Gray
Nick Robinson - Zach
BD Wong - Dr. Henry Wu
Judy Greer - Karen
Andy Buckley - Scott
Katie McGrath - Zara

Genre: Science fiction/Thriller
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Release Date: June 12, 2015
Rated PG-13

I'd like to start this review with… Wow! Jurassic World really blew my mind!

Yes, there are many predictable scenes and the story line is still the same but the dinosaurs are bigger and better than ever!

The movie begins with brothers Gray (Ty Simpkins) and Zach (Nick Robinson) being driven to the airport by their parents Karen (Judy Greer) and Scott (Andy Buckley). After a semi-heartfelt goodbye they board the plane and begin their journey to Jurassic World, where their Aunt Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) works as Operations Manager.

Upon first sight, Jurassic World looks like every other amusement park. With the exception of being set on a tropical island and populated by genetically engineered dinosaurs.

Gray and Zach are first greeted by their Aunt Claire's assistant, Zara (Katie McGrath), who has been tasked with looking after them. That doesn't last long because they eventually sneak away and get into some trouble.

The first half of the movie does drag on but that's mostly to allow enough time for each character to be introduced. Chris Pratt gives a good performance as Owen the Velociraptor Trainer. His abilities extend beyond those of a typical trainer. He actually develops some kind of mutual relationship based on trust with them. He's also an all around badass.

Vincent D'onofrio does an excellent job of portraying Hoskins, the quintessential bad guy with his own agenda.

The only returning actor in Jurassic World is BD Wong as Dr. Henry Wu. If you don't know who he is then Google him.

But the real star of the movie is Indominus Rex, the hybrid dinosaur mutation, created solely for the purpose of drawing in more people to Jurassic World and raking in more money.

Indominus Rex is not your average genetically engineered dinosaur. She's super intelligent and super aggressive.

Once she breaks free from her holding pen, all havoc ensues and the real action begins. Many people are injured and many people die. It may seem tragic but that should be expected at a theme park with live dinosaurs.
The sooner you accept that fact the sooner it becomes easy to enjoy the magnificently detailed CGI effects.

And I do mean magnificent!

For me, the absolute best scene is the final fight scene. I wish I could describe it without ruining the surprise but I really can't.

Just trust me… it's insanely awesome and well worth shelling out the extra bucks for the 3D version.

I do wish people would stop comparing it to the original but I suppose that is unavoidable.

Jurassic Park was about people encountering live dinosaurs for the first time. Jurassic World is about dinosaurs becoming fed up with people and exacting revenge for being held in captivity.

On a scale of 1 tamale to 10 tamales I give Jurassic World 9 tamales!

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter! My twitter handle is @buddhkist

:-)

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera

Stars:
Megan Fox - April O'Neil
Will Arnett - Vernon Fenwick
Alan Ritchson - Raphael
Noel Fisher - Michelangelo
Johnny Knoxville - Leonardo
Jeremy Howard - Donatello
Tony Shalhoub - Splinter
Tohoru Masamune - Shredder

Genre: Fantasy/Action
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Release Date: August 8, 2014
Rated: PG-13

I've been a TMNT fan since the age of 9. I owned several dozen TMNT action figures, posters, boxes of trading cards, tshirts, pajamas, sweaters, pencils, stickers, bath products and so much more. I also owned the first official board game and the first videogame cartridge for the original Game Boy.

Naturally, I had my doubts when I first heard about a TMNT movie reboot. The original 1990 movie was done well, considering the technological limits back then.

But I must admit… I like the reboot! Specifically, I like all the scenes with the turtles. Now, I know Megan Fox has a certain amount of sex appeal but that's not really a necessity in a TMNT movie. That’s just my opinion.

If Megan Fox had portrayed April O'Neil with a little more fervor then maybe I would've liked her performance.

All the scenes with the turtles are awesome! Especially the scene in which they are sliding down a snow covered mountain/hill atop a semi-truck. That one is pure CGI gold.

The only other qualm I have with the movie is the fact that their origin story was changed. Though, I suppose it makes more sense since there have been so many technological advancements since 1990.

The final fight scene with Shredder is also pretty good. The entire movie is full of great CGI eye candy.

I can only hope the sequel, due to be released June 3, 2016, will include twice as many action packed scenes with the heroes in a half shell.

On a scale of 1 tamale to 10 tamales I give this reboot 7 tamales.

Don't forget to follow me on Twitter! My twitter handle is @buddhkist

:-)

San Andreas Movie Review by Ryan A. Loera

I visited my local Cinemark Tinseltown Theatres in El Paso, TX. When I got there I couldn't decide what to watch. I hoped Jurassic World was already showing but nope not until June 12th. So, I decided to watch San Andreas. It stars Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, Alexandra Daddario and Paul Giamatti. Dwayne Johnson plays Ray- a search and rescue helicopter pilot with lots of military experience. Carla Gugino plays Emma- Ray's estranged ex-wife. Alexandra Daddario plays Blake- their precocious daughter. The movie opens with Ray doing what he does best, saving someone in need. It then segues to a scene with Paul Giamatti- Seismologist/Professor at Caltech lecturing students on the history of earthquakes. He warns that the state of California is long overdue for a huge cataclysmic earthquake. Soon after, tectonic plates shift and the San Andreas Fault Line tears apart everything and everyone in its path. Most of the acting is average at best. Of course, there are lots of amazing and expensive looking CGI scenes to appease the masses. In my opinion, the real stand out performance comes from Alexandra Daddario as Blake. She embodies beauty, brains, determination and an iron clad will to survive. Having been born and raised in the Los Angeles, CA area I've experienced my fair share of earthquakes. They can be quite scary and life altering but it does help to be prepared. San Andreas mentions plenty of emergency preparedness tips. Such as using a rotary phone connected to a land line when cell phone towers are rendered inoperable. It's also a good idea to have fresh water and non-perishable food readily available. I rarely watch natural disaster themed movies but San Andreas delivers what it promises… EARTH SHAKING ACTION! On a scale from one tamale to ten tamales I give San Andreas 5.5 tamales. (Mmmm tamales.)