The Admiral (Myeong-ryang original title) 2014 4 stars out of 5 stars

At 126 minutes long I was still fascinated.Sadly I could not follow this subtitling  as well as some other other films but the action made up for that.If you liked “Red Cliff”reviewed on this blog and my new favorite film displacing”Godfather”also reviewed here,then trust me,its a worthy addition just a cut below.Joseon admiral Yi Sun-sin is a Patton-ish character and thats what I feel I missed out on with the subtitles.The Battle scenes are just a cut below Red Cliffs but stunning none the less.Must see for action fans with a historic bend.
Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary below.Enjoy.

The film mainly follows the famous 1597 Battle of Myeongryang during the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598), where the iconic Joseon admiral Yi Sun-sin managed to destroy a total of 133 Japanese warships with only 13 ships remaining in his command. The battle, which took place in the Myeongryang Strait off the southwest coast of the Korean Peninsula, is considered one of the greatest victories of Yi. Written by Anonymous

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi131836953

Above and Beyond 2014 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

At 90 minutes this film crams the 1948 war of survival or as the world called it Jew /Palestine Arab“Civil War”into a cormorant timeline to set the stage for the story of Israelis birth of its own Air Force in a riveting tale as told in interviews with serving pilots as well as films from that time.I learned a LOT as well as I was again fascinated by this thrilling story of struggle and perseverance.A must see for History buffs.
The story of How cargo airplanes were bought in the US as surplus for 5 thousand dollars is spellbinding.
The first fighters were patch work ME 109's from Checksolvokia which were dissembled and flown into Israel in those cargo planes,and on and on.The air raid in Cairo was also new to me.
 Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

In 1948, a group of World War II pilots volunteered to fight for Israel in the War of Independence. As members of 'Machal' -- volunteers from abroad -- this ragtag band of brothers not only turned the tide of the war, preventing the possible annihilation of Israel at the very moment of its birth; they also laid the groundwork for the Israeli Air Force. ABOVE AND BEYOND is their story. The first major feature-length documentary about the foreign airmen in the War of Independence, ABOVE AND BEYOND brings together new interviews with pilots from the '48 War, as well as leading scholars and statesmen, including Shimon Peres, to present an extraordinary, little-known tale with reverberations up to the present day.
- Written by Anonymous

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2928651801?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_3

William Shatner Presents Chaos on the Bridge 2014 2 1/2 stars out of stars

I watched this on Netflix and was a bit disappointed.It was to be Shatner's take on the first 3 years of all the issues surrounding the series up to Roddenberry's death but many key figures weren’t involved and others were not as believable as you'd believe.Perhaps it was the shortness of only 59 minutes but shockingly there was NO LeVar Burton or Brent Spiner or even Marina Sirtis. However there was Gates McFadden Jonathan Frakes and even Patrick Stewart as examples.Also VERY conspicuous by her absence, Majel Barrett. So it was a few studio heads,producers and writers for the most part and thus boring and self serving.For HARD CORE fans only with nothing else to watch.Clip URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary below.

Canadian acting legend William Shatner takes viewers inside the creation of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the bold attempt in 1986 to recreate the success of the original television series, in which Shatner played Captain James T. Kirk. The documentary, directed, written and presented by Shatner reveals the drama, chaos and controversy behind the scenes as producers tried to make lighting strike twice. Not only were the beloved original characters of Kirk, Spock and McCoy excluded from the new series, the studio also attempted to block the involvement of the creator of the original series - Gene Roddenberry. Few believed it would work including those closest to the production. Yet Star Trek: The Next Generation went on to enormous success lasting seven seasons and spawning the multi-billion dollar Star Trek franchise, which continues to the present day. Now, more than 25 years later, William Shatner brings together the cast, crew and fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation to present...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZBkSnj65h4

TV Series - The Man In The High Castle 2015 - Amazon Prime TV series 2015 - 4 stars out of 5 stars

My eldest son told me to watch this and as I was giving Prime another chance I did.There is one season out there now and I hope a second is coming.To be fair after the first 2 episodes I was somewhat confused but then the various story lines began to make some sense.Still there was a little out of balance on the storylines but I’m sure another season would correct that.As to the those storylines,well there are many.
The main one is that this is the early 60’s and the Germans and Japanese won the war and are occupying the US.What happened to Italy??Anyway that serves as a backdrop to a bunch of films that show the allies winning the war.Humm how could that be and who or what is “The Man in the High Castle”
I don’t want to give to much away but there is heavy drama,real heavy and some things that make you think both pro and con about the”human”condition and just what the truly means.
As far as the sci-fi meaning of all this,well thats a real teaser for a second season.
Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.Really suited for you bingers and sci-fi/history buffs.

Based on Philip K. Dick's award-winning novel and adapted by Frank Spotniz, The Man in the High Castle explores what it would be like if the Allied Powers had lost WWII, and Japan and Germany ruled the United States. Starring Rufus Sewell (John Adams), Luke Kleintank (Pretty Little Liars) and Alexa Davalos (Mob City). Executive produced by Ridley Scott (Blade Runner). Written by Amazon Studios

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2042343961?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_4

Love & Teleportation (2013) - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2013 and running only 92 minutes,I saw this film on Amazon and it reinforced my belief to give Prime another chance as this was free for those members.
Now this film starts fairly slow,almost boring so and the cast,well there are better BUT after about 20 minutes I was hooked and the cast began to FIT !!!
But this is a story film and I think almost anyone could have acted in it.That is both a strength and a weakness,thus a 4 but no 5 nor a much lesser 3 if you get my drift.
The story is simple enough almost Don Quixote-ish till the very end than it takes on a ,well lets just say I didn’t see THAT coming.However it all makes sense if you saw “Somewhere in Time”a film reviewed on this blog.So its a little gem for film fans of a films that view as a book,and you readers out there know what I mean.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is directly below.Amazon Prime subscribers there is still some hope yet.

Brian Owens was once a prominent professor of quantum mechanics until an accident stripped him of his credentials; he now teaches at a community college. In order to reclaim his stature, he is trying to build the world's first teleportation machine in his garage at night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HdANunFC2E

Limitless - 2011 - 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Heard of this movie when it was released but never checked it out because its star,Bradley Cooper as Eddie Morra,was for me,little more than a “Hangover” movie buffoon,a movie that was reviewed here.Well as THIS movie predates “American Sniper”,a film also reviewed here,I must say I was so wrong,the man is a ACTOR !!!The plot sort of turned me off.A “good”high drug for intellagence??Really??However MR Coopers performance makes you CARE and I will check out the new series because of his performance here lending realism to a sad storyline.In fact this movie is FULL of good acting.We only wish there was more of Andrew Howard as Gennady,a actor who to me is a fine possible successor to the long line of fine TV/movie villains we love to hate.Abbie Cornish as Lindy was unknown to me,but not anymore and of course Robert De Niro as Carl Van Loon to name but a few.Still the drug addictive script is a bit disturbing I forgive it as it has a sci-fi limitless mental possabilities.Think “Lucy”a film also reviewed here,but not as extreme.So I do recommend for the acting and as a intro to what I hope will be a good TV series.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.


With the help of a mysterious pill that enables the user to access 100 percent of his brain abilities, a struggling writer becomes a financial wizard, but it also puts him in a new world with lots of dangers.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1648531481?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_8

Cape No. 7 - 2008 - 3 1/2 stars out of 5

Ah how to begin.First its too long at 129 minutes but thats the only real negative along with being subtitled.Its a love set in Taiwan between a Japanese advance girl coming to set up a beach front performance by a Japanese male singer but she needs a local opening band act.However if you get through the standard “The Commitments”and “The Full Monty”early sort of storyline ,both films previously reviewed here,then you’ll get to seewhy this film represented Taiwan in the Best Foreign Film category of the Oscar Academy Award 2009, but unfortunately it was not nominated.AND that is an improbable love story superimposed over a lost one 60 years earlier with tinges of Casablanca thrown in,another film reviewed here prior, but in reverse.You have to see it to get it.So the trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

A unusual group of people in a village on the coast of Taiwan form a band to perform at a beach concert, while the lead singer searches for the intended recipient of 7 lost love letters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TaIUCyyiXI

Colin Quinn Unconstitutional 2015 - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Caught this on NETFLIX and grabbed this info below  from a web site called “the interro bang”

Colin Quinn tweeted some big news.  “Colin Quinn Unconstitutional” is coming to Netflix! Now all you couch huggers will be able to see the genius of CQ’s one man stage show dissecting, deconstructing and devouring our nations most revered document– the US Constitution.  The show, which was directed by Rebecca Trent originally ran at the Barrow Theater in New York City with an extended run at the Cherry Street Theater.

It is laugh out loud funny and VERY PC INCORRECT,I loved it !!!
The only drawback is Quinns soft spoken drawl can be hard to understand now and then,or maybe its just me.All that said if your politically astute and not just a dumb couch potato with no sense of the world,you will enjoy it as well.Trailer short follows the picture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5-rHqbp4vE

White Chicks - 2004 - 3 stars out of 5 stars

OK this 2004 film is highly UN-PC and couldn’t be made today.Still it WAS made in 2004 and runs 109 and the unevenness is the acting and makeup.The scene and movie stealer was a turn by the now successful ex football player turned actor Terry Crews as Latrell Spencer,a pro BB player and he alone was enough for me !!!Now as a comedy the schtick is old school,guys in drag.This is a bit different and thats good and sadly bad.Two black FBI guys,Shawn and Marlon Wayans, pose as two blond FEMALE society spoiled brats at the Hamptons on LI to foil a kidnapping plot.That works,even the posing to a degree,but their in is the failure as well.Facial make up didn’t quite sell it.Still a few good laughs and a few that made me cringe.However you won’t see a film quite like it again I believe. I enjoyed Busy Phillips as Karen but the rest of the cast was just so,so.So there’s a trailer URL after the picture and a IMDB summary below.You could do a lot worse and a little better.

After an unsuccessful mission, FBI agents Kevin Copeland and Marcus Copeland fall in disgrace in the agency. They decide to swap their bad position with his superior Section Chief Elliott Gordon working undercover in an abduction case, disguised in the two spoiled white daughters of a tycoon, Brittany and Tiffany Wilson, getting in hilarious situations. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1608646937?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

TV Series - Public Morals 2014 (TNT) 4 stars out of 5 stars

Although only 1 episode has aired on TNT so far 3 more are “on demand”on my cable system so I’ve seen 4, and while I love the 60’s setting of the series I’m not sure where the plot is going.I’ve seen enough series  to know a first season can often be that way so as long as the surroundings hold and the acting is good,stay with it for awhile.I’m hoping eventually for a Serpico meets Goodfellas or something along those lines down the road.The show seems to stand on Edward Burns as a actor and creator of the show with a push from Steven Spielbergs production company.So theres not much to say other than I feel good about its chances and recommend as a gritty NYC cops and criminals set pieace.Trailer URL foods the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

Set in the early 1960's in New York City's Public Morals Division, where cops walk the line between morality and criminality as the temptations that come from dealing with all kinds of vice can get the better of them.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi449688345?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_2

Field of Lost Shoes - 2014 - 4 stars out of 5 stars

The American Civil War is by far the war that lasts forever in this countries collective memory and was decreed in absentia by the flawed original signing of the Declaration of Independence leaving slavery intact.
You would think that makes for great films and in many cases it did,however rarely do they have mass appeal. This 2014 release that sometimes seems longer then its 96 minutes,a flaw in pacing,is not preachy yet stark in some of its depiction that may seem uneven at times.Its based on a historic battle fought by cadets from VMI (Virginia Military Institute) that still exists today.However its also a coming of age film and in that sense some might find it corny,I didn’t.The young actors were good but unknown to me.The “b”level adult actors were also good and you’ll recognize a few,yet less screen time than the youngins.So if you like a somewhat different twist to a Civil War film yet keeping it “real”you might enjoy it.I certainly was pleasantly surprised.One of my lesser known gems.The films trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.


In the midst of a prolonged and deadly American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln appoints a very different kind of general, Ulysses S. Grant, Chief of Union Forces. Grant acts decisively. He brings total war to the pristine Shenandoah Valley, breadbasket of the South. The superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute volunteers to send the Corps of Cadets to protect the valley. 274 young cadets march northward toward the strategic valley choke-point of New Market. On the day of battle, Confederate General John C. Breckenridge, former Vice President of the United States, and commander of southern forces in Valley, is faced with a horrible decision. When Southern forces are jeopardized, he orders the young cadets into battle.
- Written by Anonymous

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi90811417?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Flight World War II (2015) - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

This 2015 release from”Asylum(never heard of them)is kinda weird but is also fairly short at 85 minutes so you have little to loose if your board.Now the cast is mostly unknown and very uneven ability wise.The story is full of factual flaws BUT I’m old school and I see sci-fi has changed DRAMATICALLY so perhaps this factual error stuff is “a alternate timeline”whatever.All you need to know is a commercial airliner travels through a storm back into World War 11 and perhaps saves it for the allies.Sounds a little like the “Nimitz”traveling back in”The Final Countdown”a film also reviewed on this blog,however the tone is far different but you sort of get a feeling the writer was  influenced.So if you like time travel flicks I give it a tepid recommendation.Trailer and full film URL’s follow the pix and a IMDB summary is below.


Flight 42 was on its way, when it comes across an unidentifiable storm. Realizing they must go through, find themselves in France, 1940, World war II. A young soldier (Robbie Kay) tells them they are in the middle of a war zone. Dodging bullets and bombs the flight will attempt to make it back to modern day, without changing history too much. Written by emilyh9817

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgRBVDzITNE 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzGUwkPhc2g

Jurassic World - 2015 - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

If this is a reboot of the old series of films its not too bad.The cast was OK,no one I was really fond of or even knew, but its the FX that stars as well as a fair story that reminds one of a earlier classic”Westworld”reviewed on this blog.See the issue here is enjoying a fantasy of living with Dinosaurs as modern day zoo pets you can drive through like a safari ride.Ah but thow in some genetic enginering  and a bad government guy,some family issues,well,at least its a story.So a slight recommend.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary below.Oh,124 minutes is a good length for this film as well.

During a preview tour, a theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1176612889?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_2

Sharknado 3 - Oh hell No ! - 2015 - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

By now everyone knows about this silly sci-fi channel franchise thats become a cheesy icon of todays TV film wannabes.Both prior installments were reviewed here so heres a brief one on this one.While  Ian Ziering’s portrayal of Fin Shepard is getting better the story just gets dumber.Really ? Mark Cuban  as the President of the United States,REALLY !!! Anyway,some guest spots were good,like the WHOLE Today Show cast getting sharked but most were just silly.Er,the Space Shuttle was back,really? So see it so you can say you did.but I would loook forward to anything meaningful.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.

A monstrous tornado unleashes ravenous sharks from Washington, D.C., all the way down to Orlando, Florida.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAmYUt1-5Rg

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes 2014 - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Well for me remakes are always risky BUT a sequel to a re-make much more so.I never thought I would say I MISS James Franco from Rise of the Planet of the Apes,previously reviewed here, but he was better than anyone in THIS sequel.At 130 minutes the film is tedious and I was not believing any of it.However the FX was wondrous if wasted.Please no more sequels let it die.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.

A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1849339161?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_12

Terminator 3 Rise of the Machines (2003) - 2 1/2 stars out of 3 stars

Only Arnold is “back”in the 3 film of the series and he’s not enough.He’s playing a even MORE confusing part as the “machine” with the addition of  Kristanna Loken as T-X a FEMALE terminator.Even the addition  of Claire Danes as Kate Brewster,love interest for John Conner,here is the real issue as he is played by  Nick Stahl and is not convincing given the earlier films.Oh and do we ever miss Sarah !!!
So see it for the story line but be prepared to be disappointed as I was.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.Film is short at 109 minutes also.

A cybernetic warrior from a post-apocalyptic future travels back in time to protect a 19-year old drifter and his future wife from a most advanced robotic assassin and to ensure they both survive a nuclear attack.

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2056585497?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Terminator 2: Judgment Day - 1991 - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

While this films FX is spectacular its hard to match the story of this first one,also reviewed on this blog. Arnold Schwarzenegger     as The Terminator and  Linda Hamilton as Sarah Connor return and expand their characters believably and new to the story are  Edward Furlong as John Connor and  Robert Patrick as T-1000 .Look also for a brief supporting return connection to the first film by Earl Boen as Dr. Silberman.
James Cameron also directs and its visually stunning.So if you liked the first,see this one as well.Its fine as a stand alone as well.At 137 minutes you won’t be bored.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.

A cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her young son, John Connor, from a more advanced cyborg, made out of liquid metal.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3635216921?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Captain America - The Winter Soldier - 2014 - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Growing up I was a DC comics fan not Mavel ,however my grandson has me watching some of these newer flicks and while I have yet to see the first one,this second installment of the “Captain America”series isn’t have bad.Sure its heavy on FX and not so much on plot or character development,I’ll give that a pass because I missed the first one.Two box office “A” list actors made it watchable as well. Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and  Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff / Black Widow are those actors and I was plseantly surprised by a major role from retired legend  Robert Redford as Alexander Pierce.Sadly major role and lead  Chris Evans as Steve Rogers / Captain America  is not in this class although he is a hard worker.Now the plot is rather out there but so were comics,no?Flying aircraft carriers?So if the kids want a comic/action flick you can do far worse.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.

As Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, he teams up with another super soldier, the black widow, to battle a new threat from old history: an assassin known as the Winter Soldier.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2263001113?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_14

Taras Bulba 2009 - 3 stars out of 5

In Russian and 129 minutes long,its a lot to ask to sit through.But,if you can handle subtitles and enjoy history with a little irony to history repeating itself on some levels,then watch and learn.Its NOT a complete remake of the 62 version with Yrl Brenner and Tony Curtis,reviewed on this blog,but much more of a storyline.So I leave it to you.If you can handle the language and some graphic violence,see it.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

Set in the 16th century, this is a story about Ukraine's Cossack warriors and their campaign to defend their lands from the advancing Polish armies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsj9z8_Ovmg

Stalingrad 1993 - 3 stars out of 5 stars

This is a German film but I saw it dubbed.So its not for everyone nor is the subject but its a interesting from the now full of guilt German point of view.Its hard to describe but for the war buff its worth the prospective even for the language issue.It is well made.The trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

 A depiction of the brutal battle of Stalingrad, the Third Reich's 'high water mark', as seen through the eyes of German officer Hans von Witzland and his battalion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ulq0dg-Yx0o

Interstellar - 2014 1/2 star out of 5 stars

169 minutes of your life.LOST forever.Spirtualistic mombo jumbo rip off of 2001 space odyssey.Only the acting and FX BEARLY kept your sanity because CRUELY that kept you watching for some reason that never comes.MISS IT !!! Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

 In the near future, Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a scarcity in food and extreme changes in climate. When humanity is facing extinction, a mysterious rip in the space-time continuum is discovered, giving mankind the opportunity to widen its lifespan. A group of explorers must travel beyond our solar system in search of a planet that can sustain life. The crew of the Endurance are required to think bigger and go further than any human in history as they embark on an interstellar voyage into the unknown. Coop, the pilot of the Endurance, must decide between seeing his children again and the future of the human race. Written by Warren D'Souza

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2658773017?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_10

Non-Stop 2014 - 3 stars out of 5 stars

 Liam Neeson  plays Bill Marks plays a air marshall with issues.Of course,its the new type casting of senior citizen but highly capable action hero that Neeson plays these days.Thats why its standard fair.However I was disappointed because I expected more from Michelle Dockery,of Downton Abbey fame and Julianne Moore was a screen presanse as well as Lupita Nyong'o and a good enough supporting cast.So it was not a waste of time,but I expected much more.So it’s worth the view.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

An air marshal springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1005889561?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_6

Love Me Tender 1956 - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

OK its in B&W and made in 1956 so it tame by todays standards and the music and gyrations are not of THAT time.Those are the negatives.However NOW the positives,GREAT cast all around,and hey trekee’s you’ll recognize William Campbell who played  a few guest spots in Star Trek.Elvis and a realistic soap opera type story.Its only 89 minutes so you do have the time.Trailer follows the picture and a IMDB summary below.

Elvis plays Clint Reno, one of the Reno brothers who stayed home while his brother went to fight in the Civil War for the Confederate army. When his brother Vance comes back from the war, he finds that his old girlfriend Cathy has married Clint. The family has to struggle to reach stability with this issue. Vance is involved in a train robbery, while a Confederate soldier, of Federal Government money. There is a conflict of interest, when Vance tries to return the money, against the wishes of some of his fellow Confederates.

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2400126745?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Draft Day 2014 - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2014 and running 110 minutes,this film shows that sometimes
“stepping in it“pays off.Really?Well luck is a matter of fact when all things are equal especially in sports.Worth a view for die hard football fans and if your not,well think Forrest Gump just a little in the sense that it can’t be happening.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

At the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he's willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1416472601?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Aeon Flux 2005 - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Back in the 80’s a saw some cartoons on MTV same name,very sexy and violent futuristic stuff that I couldn’t let the kids watch,and by extension,little could I. How I missed this 2005 movie based on those cartoon,well,saw it now.Its still very violent and somewhat sexy,BUT a very muddled storyline.Still I’m pleased to have seen it once now.If you hadn’t seen bits and peaces of the cartoon,like me,perhaps you might wish to pass on this.Weird but hey,Charlize Theron.However at only 93 minutes,its not a lot of time.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.One last comment,perhaps it should be remade with better writing.

400 years in the future, set in the year 2415, Aeon Flux is a mysterious assassin. Four centuries after a virus nearly annihilated the human race, leaving only five million survivors in a utopian city called Bregna. Aeon is struggling to destroy the Goodchild regime led by its namesake, Trevor Goodchild, the ruler of Bregna and a descendant of the man who found a cure for the deadly virus. As instructed by the Handler, Aeon is assigned to assassinate Goodchild, but there are deeper secrets to be discovered, and conspiracies to be foiled. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com}

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi783614233?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Unbroken 2014 - 4 stars out of 5 stars

While this movie MAY be a little too brutal in the POW scenes,its still as good as anything released this  past year and it mystifies how it was pasted up in all the major oscar nominations.So all i’ll say is to see it once and judge for yourself.It was worth the view for me.A bit long at 137 minutes.IMDB summary below and a trailer URL follows the picture.

After a near-fatal plane crash in WWII, Olympian Louis Zamperini spends a harrowing 47 days in a raft with two fellow crewmen before he's caught by the Japanese navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1002549017?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Ride Along 2014 - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Released last year and running 99 minutes,ICE Cube and Kevin Hart are the only reasons to see this film.I understand there will be a sequel,why??I guess you’ll just have to see and judge for yourself.You COULD do a lot worse.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

Security guard Ben must prove himself to his girlfriend's brother, top cop James. He rides along James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi113747993?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Lucy 2014 - 4 stars out of 5 stars

While this 2014 release that is very short at 89 minutes,is billed as a action flick,the appearance of  Morgan Freeman as Professor Norman  and a really great performance by  Scarlett Johansson as Lucy,elevates it into sci-fi thought provoking issues as well. While I wasn’t that thrilled with the ending,I do heartily recommend this film.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

It was supposed to be a simple job. All Lucy had to do was deliver a mysterious briefcase to Mr. Jang. But immediately Lucy is caught up in a nightmarish deal where she is captured and turned into a drug mule for a new and powerful synthetic drug. When the bag she is carrying inside of her stomach leaks, Lucy's body undergoes unimaginable changes that unlocks her mind's full potential 100%. With her new-found powers, Lucy turns into a merciless warrior intent on getting back at her captors. She receives invaluable help from Professor Norman, the leading authority on the human mind, and French police captain Pierre Del Rio. Written by LeiaSolo

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2092674329?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_8

Sons of Liberty - TV miniseries HC 2015 - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

The History Channel comes under a lot of fire for fitting history into its point of view.Thats fine I guess but bear that in mind as its kinda different that what you and I learned back in the day.That said,its entertaining to a point and I guess better than nothing.So have the little ones watch it for a view of the past,nothing more.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary below.

The story of a group of very different men fighting in the American Colonies for freedom, and how they will shape the future for the United States of America. Based on true stories.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckyyUHfnxmU

12 Monkeys - TV series 2014 - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

One of the worst sci-fi movies I ever saw was the namesake of this new sci-fi channel series.
Not so with this series.Only the name is the same and then not so much.12 vs twelve.However this show is really a combination of a couple of different views of the future and time travel.I have very high hopes.Trailer URL follows yje picture and a IMDB summary is below.
PS,
I saw elements of “the terminator”and “7 days”as well “The time travelers wife”,all reviewed on this blog,in this film.

Follows the journey of a time traveler from the post-apocalyptic future who appears in present day on a mission to locate and eradicate the source of a deadly plague that will eventually decimate the human race.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZNcVYqnCFw

About Last Night 2014 - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

This 2014 remake of a 1986 film I’ve yet to see,runs 100 minutes and disappointed me.The cast was great headed by Kevin Hart was good enough BUT I had a lot of trouble following the audio on the dialogue so I guess I missed a lot of the more subtile humor.So worth one view just barely. Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary below.

 Follow two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2471274777?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Twelve Monkeys (1995) - 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

There is a new TV series based on this 1995 film that runs a long 129 minutes,thats why I viewed it.Big mistake.Great cast and very poor story.The series we shall get to at a later date perhaps but THAT is FAR superior than this confusing movies story so I’ll leave it at that. Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

An unknown and lethal virus has wiped out five billion people in 1996. Only 1% of the population has survived by the year 2035, and is forced to live underground. A convict (James Cole) reluctantly volunteers to be sent back in time to 1996 to gather information about the origin of the epidemic (who he's told was spread by a mysterious "Army of the Twelve Monkeys") and locate the virus before it mutates so that scientists can study it. Unfortunately Cole is mistakenly sent to 1990, six years earlier than expected, and is arrested and locked up in a mental institution, where he meets Dr. Kathryn Railly, a psychiatrist, and Jeffrey Goines, the insane son of a famous scientist and virus expert. Written by Giancarlo Cairella <vertigo@imdb.com>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15s4Y9ffW_o

Jack Ryan - Shadow Recruit - 2014 3 stars out of 5 stars

Chris Pine is the 4th actor to play Jack Ryan and is no better or worse than the rest.This release that 105 minutes,is not up to the earlier films in plot.That said,a good cast is worth one view for fans of this series,nothing more.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

A new version of the saga of CIA analyst, Jack Ryan. It begins when Ryan was attending the London School of Economics; and 9/11 happened. He would then enlist in the Marines and would go to Afghanistan. The chopper he was on would get shot down and he would suffer severe injuries that would require intense rehab. While there, he grabs the attention of a man named Harper, who works for the CIA and would like him to finish his studies and get a job on Wall Street so he can find out of any terrorist plot through their finances. A few years later, Ryan finds anomalies in the accounts of a Russian named Cherevin. Jack thinks he should go to Russia to find out what's going on. Jack was told not to tell anyone who he is and that includes his girl friend Cathy. But she catches Jack in some lies which makes her doubt him. Jack goes to Russia and Cherevin assigns him someone to take care of him. But when they're alone the man tries to kill Jack. So Jack kills him. Obvious Cherevin is hiding ... Written by rcs0411@yahoo.com

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3398346777?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

The Grand Budapest Hotel 2014 - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Although this 2014 release had a great cast and was one of the most beautifully filmed movies i’ve seen,the story was quite silly.That said,its worth at least one view.Its also a short 100  minutes.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent. Written by Fox Searchlight Pictures

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1157933593?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Birdman 2014 - 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

This 2014 release thats a bit long at 119 minutes is NOT for someone like me.That is,someone who thinks those “that have”have the same issues as you and me,relative”have not’s”are worthy of our sympathy.For me NO THEY ARE NOT !!! So despite the hype,I was NOT impressed.Trailer follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

Riggan Thomas, once known quite well to movie theater goers as an iconic super hero called "The Birdman" had recently turned down a fourth installment of the franchise. Now washed up, he attempts to reinvent himself as a director by staging a new adaptation of a Raymond Carver short story called "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love". The events leading up to the Saturday night premiere prove to be one disaster after another as the original lead actor is injured while on set and Riggan scrambles to find a replacement, but the replacement proves to be exactly who he needs - a method actor who takes the job way too seriously. But Riggan has a hard time juggling between the set, his replacement actor, his equally washed up daughter, and a host of other disasters that prevent a proper staging of the play. Meanwhile, a New York Times critic who Riggan has to woo threatens to shut down production of the play before it even starts with a scathing review of the opening night performance... Written by halo1k

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1378069529?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

American Sniper 2014 - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Another Clint Eastwood directed film released in 2014 and running a bit long at 132 minutes.
Its hard to think about films like this so I usually don’t but the hype about  Bradley Cooper portraying Chris Kyle,well deserved,was what got me to watch it.That said,you have to see it for yourself to judge the validity of such a film on a moral level.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle's pinpoint accuracy saves countless lives on the battlefield and turns him into a legend. Back home to his wife and kids after four tours of duty, however, Chris finds that it is the war he can't leave behind.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3484134937?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

The Theory of everything 2014 - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Long at 123 minutes,this 2014 release is a docudrama about the legendary Stephen Hawking,portrayed excellently by Eddie Redmayne as well as Felicity Jones doing a wonderful Jane Hawking.Those however NOT into science might find it ,well,boring.I didn’t.Trailer URL follows the picture as well as a IMDB summary below.Enjoy it for it is going to win a lot of awards.

A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife.

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3801067289?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

The Imitation Game (2014) - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2014 minutes and running 114 minutes,this is one of the years top film releases.I liked it though many might not enjoy the very British period piece historical war setting.Still Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing and Keira Knightley     as Joan Clarke alone are worth the view.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.


Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain's top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II. Written by Studio Canal

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3398414105?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Atlas Shrugged: Who Is John Galt? (2014) - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

This 99 minutes 2014 release is the third installment,the first 2 reviewed on this blog,of Ayn Rand’s classic 1957 ’s novel film adaptation that is too Philosophical for todays film goers.Still for political science majors worth a look in order with the other 2.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

Approaching collapse, the nation's economy is quickly eroding. As crime and fear take over the countryside, the government continues to exert its brutal force against the nation's most productive who are mysteriously vanishing - leaving behind a wake of despair. One man has the answer. One woman stands in his way. Some will stop at nothing to control him. Others will stop at nothing to save him. He swore by his life. They swore to find him. Who is John Galt? Written by Official site

http://www.imdb.com/video/withoutabox/vi3823938585?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Divergent - 2014 - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Maybe its me because the acting was good but the story seemed like a different spin on the hunger games.Its a bit long at 139 minutes if you can’t get into the story.But I’m not a hater so perhaps one view for you?IMDB summary below and a trailer URL after the picture.

Set in a futuristic dystopia where society is divided into five factions that each represent a different virtue, teenagers have to decide if they want to stay in their faction or switch to another - for the rest of their lives. Tris Prior makes a choice that surprises everyone. Then Tris and her fellow faction-members have to live through a highly competitive initiation process to live out the choice they have made. They must undergo extreme physical and intense psychological tests, that transform them all. But Tris has a secret that she is Divergent, which means she doesn't fit into any one group. If anyone knew, it would mean a certain death. As she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly peaceful society, this secret might help her save the people she loves... or it might destroy her. Written by anonymous

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2844044057?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_11

TV Series - Ascension (2014) ( mini series) - 4 stars out of 5 stars

If knowing that the actress Tricia Helfer, the Cylon from Battlestar Galactic,is in this isn’t enough to have you take a peep,I don’t know what to say.There is a few good storylines as well as a twist on telekinesis but the main storyline is a sort,wait for this,secret experiment like the old bio spheres with a Capricorn One  twist.Only much more sinister.I sort of thought of it as a big “pilot” again sort of the way Battlestar Galactic was done. So do check it out and there is a trailer after the picture as well as a very short IMDB summary below.

A young woman's murder causes the subjects of a century-long mission to populate a new world to question the true nature of the project as they approach the point of no return.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJqQ4OdPcAo

Independence Daysaster 2013 - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

OK this 90 minute TV movie by the sci-fi channel via way of Canada is no classic but it damn good popcorn fun.I liked it for its story, its no worse than the classic its named for.Watch but don’t expect to learn anything.Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.

When Earth is attacked by a hostile alien force, a small town firefighter and a rogue SETI scientist team up to activate the only technology capable of defeating the invaders.

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi462335257?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

TV Series - Lilyhammer (2012– ?) Netflix - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

In my humble option this is the BEST Netflix original series.Its only draw back is Steven Van Zandts character speaks English while almost everyone else speaks Norwegian.Reading subtitles is a pain but a MUST in this case so thats why I took 1/2 star off.If you liked the Sapranos or mobster movies and some hardy laughs in the midst of that violence than this show is for you as it was for me.I can’t wait for season 4.IMDB summary below and a trailer URL follows the picture.


Frank Tagliano (Steven Van Zandt), is a former New York mobster, who after testifying in a trial in the United States, joins the witness protection program. Intrigued by the place after watching the Winter Olympics in 1994, he is relocated to Lillehammer in Norway. The transition from being a feared and respected gangster in New York, to becoming an unemployed immigrant in Norway, is not simple. Frank soon discovers that in order to succeed in this rural Norwegian society, he must resort to his old ways. Written by Anonymous

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1824827417?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Team America - World Police (2004) - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Leave it to South Parks Trey Parker to do a fabulous send up on the war on terror and hollywood using “puppets”now think about THAT !!Enough said about that 98 minute gem.FOR ADULTS ONLY !!!
Trailer URL follows the picture and a IMDB summary is below.


The North American anti-terrorist force Team America attacks a group of terrorist in Paris. Later, the leader of the organization, Spottswoode, invites the famous Broadway actor Gary Johnston to join his world police and work undercover in Cairo in a terrorist organization and disclose their plan of destroying the world. The Team America destroy the cell of terrorists, but then the Panama Canal is attacked by the criminals as a payback. Gary feels responsible for the death of many innocents and leaves the counter-terrorism organization. When the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Il, joins a group of pacifist actors and actresses with the intention of using weapons of massive destruction, the Team America tries to avoid the destruction of the world. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1132986649?ref_=ttvi_vi_imdb_1

Stonehenge Apocalypse 2010 - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Look to Canada to make cutting edge sci-fi again.Magnetic wave length type story lines to me are the future and this is this first movie I’ve seen to use it.For that I recommend it strongly. Beyond that it has the faults of many TV movies,but give those a pass for the idea.Thanks be to the sci-fi channel !!!!
IMDB summary below and a trailer URL follows the picture.Oh it doesn’t hurt to have sci-fi stalwarts Torri Higginson and Peter Wingfield ether.Running time but 90 minutes.


When a group of archaeologists dig up a human skeleton near the historical monument of STONEHENGE, an ancient piece of machinery hidden beneath the bedrock is discovered. Not knowing what it could be the workers accidentally trigger the mechanism and start a chain of events that may very well end the world as we know it. Written by Anonymous

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jii-lVkUfDg