Oblivion

MOVIE DETAILS:                               

DIRECTOR: Joseph Kosinski

GENRE: Action/Adventure, Adaptation, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

RATED: PG-13

CAST: Tom Cruise, Olga Kurylenko, Morgan Freeman

SYNOPSIS: In the year 2077, after winning a war against aliens that tried to colonize Earth, humans abandoned their home planet and left it in ruins. Jack Harper remains stationed around Earth as part of the "clean-up crew." His assigned mission to scout the area and fix drones is almost complete, and in a matter of time, he will be able to leave and join the rest of the human population at their new homes. However, on a routine day, a spacecraft crashed, and Jack encounters human woman who immediately recognizes him. A chain of events then unfold as Jack's reality is shattered and all odds are against him. 

PERSONAL COMMENTARY:                                                        

This is one of the movies that takes a shocking turn of events. You come in thinking you're going to see a specific kind of movie, but something totally unexpected happens that takes you off course. This made the movie all the more interesting, exciting, and mind-boggling. I've always enjoyed science fiction, and this futuristic setting didn't disappoint. I found the movie quite entertaining, and it actually made me start philosophizing after it was over because of the psychedelic and twisted story. 

The plot and storyline was interesting, especially near the end of the movie. Things escalated so much near the end, that it made the beginning seem a little drawn out and uneventful. I would say the pacing of the movie makes the impact of the ending a lot stronger, but I do think Jack should have been a little more productive in the beginning. I don't want to give any spoilers, but what happens is really the highlight of the movie. It was great!

Other than that, special effects were nice, and the movie was pretty well-rounded. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and if you really do enjoy science fiction, I do recommend watching this. It was probably so good because it caught me off guard. My rating is a 4.0 out of 5.

Dark Skies

MOVIE DETAILS:                               

DIRECTOR: Scott Charles Stewart

GENRE: Horror, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

RATED: PG-13

CAST: Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton, Dakota Goyo

SYNOPSIS: A husband, wife, and their two sons face disturbing, unexplained occurrences in their home. They discover that something terrifying and unexplainable has targeted them and threatens the security of their family and home. The husband and wife must solve the mystery and keep their family safe. 

PERSONAL COMMENTARY:                                                        

I didn't watch anything recent for this week, so I had to backtrack a little bit to this horror movie that I had watched but never posted about. 

This horror movie isn't the typical kind with gore and violence. It actually had a good interesting story, and the characters were portrayed well. I almost teared up at the end because of what happened. I think this movie fits perfectly into to the science fiction genre with a bit of thriller and suspense. The feel of the movie reminded me of another movie, "Knowing." 

In the beginning of the movie, it took some time to develop the story, and I didn't even know I was watching a horror movie. I wasn't on the edge of my seat until it got near the end, and I wished that there was a little more thrill than there actually was.

Nonetheless, it was pretty good, and I would recommend watching if you're a little bored, or in the mood for a small thrill. It's not a must-see, but it's something different. I would give the movie a 3.5 out of 5. 

G. I. Joe: Retaliation

MOVIE DETAILS:                               

DIRECTOR: Jon M. Chu

GENRE: Action/Adventure, Sequel, Adaptation

RATED: PG-13

CAST: D. J. Cotrona, Lee Byung-hun, Adrianne Palicki,  Ray Park, Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis

SYNOPSIS: The G.I. Joes must contend on their own as they face their sabotaged government and the Cobra.

PERSONAL COMMENTARY:                                                        

NOTE: I'm sorry for the horrible depiction of Storm Shadow, and Snake Eyes above. It would be nearly impossible for me to create a realistic illustration of them in the time allowed.

Overall, for those who have seen the first GI Joe movie, this on was just as good. It wasn't better, and it wasn't worse. 

The strongest point in the movie was the action, of course. It was action-packed throughout, which made it very entertaining. Some action scenes were awesome (like the one on the mountains). The plot was what is expected of these kinds of "hero" action movies, and there isn't anything quite notable, but I did like the extra focus on the relationship between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. Otherwise, the shift in cast and characters was a little disappointing, and not what I had wanted to see happen.

In sum, a pretty entertaining watch. If you're in it purely for the intense action, it's worth a watch in theaters, but if you're looking for a good story, maybe try something else or waiting it out. I would rate this a 3.7 out of 5.

The Host

MOVIE DETAILS:                               

DIRECTOR: Andrew Niccol

GENRE: Romance, Action/Adventure

RATED: PG-13

CAST: Saoirse Ronan, Diane Kruger, Max Irons, William Hurt

SYNOPSIS: When alien creatures conquer Earth and occupy human bodies, wiping their memories, Melanie, a part of the small human resistance remaining, risks everything to protect her loved ones and human kind. 

PERSONAL COMMENTARY:                                                        

Firstly, this movie was based on the novel by Stephanie Meyer, the well-known author of the Twilight series. I have heard from most that this book of hers was much better than the Twilight books, but I have not read it myself. 

Without having read the book, I was a little apathetic near the beginning of the movie, and there was a little too much drama and romance going on. I found the pace of the movie slow steady. Things picked up a bit near the second half of the movie, but I wouldn't consider this movie to have much action, as the genre and trailer may suggest. 

The storyline and concept was quite interesting and had a bit of sophistication to it, and it was what kept my attention the most. Obviously, since it was based on the novel, the plot was well thought-out. 

Overall, it was a nice movie, full of emotional scenes, and I admit, it slightly grew on me near the end. I wished there was a little less emphasis on the romance part though. In sum, it's not that great of a watch, and I wouldn't suggest watching this in theaters. Maybe I'm just missing out from what was in the book, but just from the movie, I would rate it a 3 out of 5.