A Good Day to Die Hard

Of the 5 Die Hard films, this one is easily my least favorite. Will I buy it on DVD? Yes. I have a series to complete. However, as much as everyone hated the 4th installment, at least it was smart. This one has very little going for it. It does have John McClane though, and that is always good enough for me. This is the Epitome of a popcorn movie. Thin plot, not to hard to follow, and it is a film solely based on the action. Action does not fill the gaps between extremely smart nuances and plot points, but instead it serves as the fruit of the entire film. What the film does well, it actually does great...and that makes sense. For example, Bruce Willis is getting older, and that comes into quite a few punch lines. Brilliant. The car chase scene through the streets of Russia, though very unbelievable, is awesome and the fact it took over 30 days to film it, makes me love it even more. Why was a NY city cop in Russia? To find his son who is on trial for murder. Ok, makes sense. The plot unfolds from here in just a few minutes and then we get to see McClane and son kick ass on an international level like McClane's do. This way, that way, then like a flash in the pan, it's all wrapped up in a nice neat little package. As far as the whole film goes, it is rather enjoyable. With that said, if it had been any other film, say, a film not directed related to such a prominent franchise, I may have respected it more. It did fall a little flat for me being the return of John McClane and all, but still worth a watch and worth buying to complete the series. Any other movie wouldn't get as graceful a rating, but John McClane alone boosts this film right to the middle of the road.

NBM rates A Good Day to Die Hard - Awesome

Gangster Squad

I was beyond excited to be finally getting a gangster noir picture. I cannot remember ever enjoying one at the theatre. September 2012 could not get here fast enough and then some jackass shoots up a theatre in Colorado, which was awful, delaying the release of this film by 4 months to allow the film's makers to do re-shoots and to cut a scene involving a historical event from the 1940's involving guns in a theatre. Doesn't make sense to me, but we can't always make everyone happy. It focuses on Mickey Cohen's (Sean Penn) rise to the top of the LA crime scene in 1949, and the cops commissioned in taking him down. All you need to do is have a look at the cast and you should be well aware this will be great. Headlined by a very smash mouth John O'Mara (Josh Brolin) and then on his right hip is the very soft spoken, doesn't even believe in his job anymore, Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling). These two guys are fire and ice. Then much like the fantastic film, "The Untouchables", they put together a group of guys that aren't afraid to die for badge and honor. Only difference is, The Gangster Squad is a completely off the books operation. No Honors and no badges. This film has everything that makes any film great. Action, Sex, History, Guns, Explosions, and of course, Ryan Gosling. It is fun, because of the execution, and what few comedy aspects you can have in such a highly dramatic film. This squad was not perfect right off the blocks. Not even close. Trial by fire is more like it. They got some traction and Mickey Cohen started getting angry. He started putting some pieces together, and end the end it was a battle of wills. Which side would give up first? Good vs Evil, and I cannot wait to watch it again. Some may argue this is not a true gangster movie. I agree. It is a cop drama that focuses on the good and less on the evil. Still immensely enjoyable, and at times, very gritty. If you are squeamish at the site of blood, you may want to skip the opening scene. I, on the other hand, saw it as a breath of fresh air in an industry scared to take risks in today's society. Top notch performances from everyone on screen, and the only disappointment I have is the lack of Nick Nolte. I understand why he could not be more present, but he is so awesome. 

NBM rates Gangster Squad - Phenomenal

2012 Film Rankings

So here is a list of every film released in 2012 that I was able to watch. If there is no link, that is because I have not got around to writing about it. Now that it is 2013, Nothing may be added to this list, though I'm sure Django Unchained would crack the top 10.

#43) Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter
John Carter
Man on a Ledge
Contaband
Underworld Awakening
This Means War
2016 : Obama's America
The Grey
Battleship 
Savages
The Cabin in the Woods
Prometheus
The Muppets
Safe House 
The Vow
Friends With Kids
Brave
The 5 Year Engagement
Goon
Red Dawn
Snow White and the Huntsman
The Raid: Redemption
The Campaign
Wreck it Ralph
God Bless America

Haywire
Men in Black 3
Premium Rush
Chronicle
Total Recall
Lawless
Act of Valor 
21 Jump Street
10) The Amazing Spider-Man
9)  The Expendables 2
8) Jack Reacher
7) The Hunger Games
6) Argo
5) Moonrise Kingdom
4) The Avengers
3) The Dark Knight Rises
2)  Skyfall
1) Looper

Premium Rush

The one and only reason I would ever consider watching a film about a "bike messenger in trouble" is JGL. I have a man crush on him and will watch him do absolutely anything. It has a lot to do with how he has crafted his career on his terms. Indie film star, writer, producer, and he chooses roles extremely wise. I don't know who gives him advice, if anyone, but he never misses. He will eventually, but for now, he is at the top of his game. On to the film. It is a VERY well directed film, and with me, that one aspect holds a lot of water. It really is reminiscent of Nick of Time with Johnny Depp. It starts in the middle, flashes back an hour, plays catch up, and then finishes strong. The title is a bit of a double entendre. The "Premium Rush" is the reason Wilee (JGL) is a NY City bike messenger, and it is also a delivery option a customer may choose from Wilee's company. When Wilee is given an envelope to deliver within 90 minutes he doesn't think twice.  He doesn't have to be told it's an important package, he treats every package the same. He is more prideful than stupid, and he is very stupid. He treats life like a ride, and if you slow down, you may as well die. Ironically, this is the situation he is unknowingly thrust into. He is given a package that comes with consequences. The film does a great job of keeping us guessing to the end game. What is the package, and why is it important? This does not concern Wilee....at first. He quickly realizes whatever it is could cost him his life. A fast paced action thriller that is extremely enjoyable, and Michael Shannon in the villain role was a perfect cast. This is the most I have enjoyed him ever, aside from Boardwalk Empire of course. Premium Rush never slows down, and the visuals, stunts, and foreshadowing by Wilee through the intersections are so much fun to watch. Especially when he gets hit by multiple cars and even a baby stroller in his visions. Please don't let my rating deter you from giving JGL a couple hours of your life. I don't want to undersell it, and I don't want my bias for JGL to give it unjust due. I know this film did really well on RT, however, I am not sure it is anything to write home about being the next BIG thing. Its biggest "It" factor is the direction, and that alone sets it well above mediocre. I am rating it on the High end of Awesome, and the Low end of Phenomenal, so...

NBM rates Premium Rush - Awesonomenal

Savages

A film that I was DYING to see, quickly turned into an "eh" moment, that then transformed into little desire. I should have gone with my first instinct. While not perfect by any means, it was FUN. A great development of character by a man I tend to hate. Oliver Stone has never made a great film. You start film dropping and I will argue to the death. I do not enjoy his work, and while this film had Stone nuances, it was actually great. To be honest, it is filled with great performances, but Aaron Johnson stole the show. He was even better than Taylor Kitsch, who I tend to like, even though 90% of his films have been considered flops. Savages follows 2 drug dealers on the top of their profession. They sell the best product, and they move tons of it. When they are "Offered" a deal to go into a distributorship partnership, it seems to good to be true. Hmmm, that usually means it is. When the dealing boys deny their Mexican buyers and "spit" on the them to boot. This gets very, very ugly for these guys. Then it gets worse. What is worse than the threat of death? Threatening to kill their girlfriend. That's right. Singular, as in they have the same Girlfriend? Exactly. O (Blake Lively) is their joint girlfriend. Weird, right? Either way, the dynamic delivered works really well. When threats come down, it is better to be on the same page with your cohorts than be divided. She is the catalyst that gives both these Men a no holds barred, balls to the wall, no care for themselves mentality. Now, I know why people hated it. All anyone has to do is read 5 reviews, and 4 of them will mention the ending. I get it, but the ending did not ruin anything for me. A movie that is truly enjoyable can't really be ruined by the ending. It may be tarnished, but not ruined. The entire film keeps us guessing and it is extremely interesting. I would have liked at least one more really good action scene, but there is very little wrong with this film from beginning to end. Don't let all of the wishy washy, mixed reviews deter you. If you wanna see, by all means, watch it. It is worth it.

NBM rates Savages - Awesome

Jack Reacher

Talk about a smack in the face. A good, adrenaline fueled kick to the proverbial nuts if you will. In today's day and age of CG action and green screen blasphemy, Tom Cruise gives us an extremely welcome Christmas gift with his new actioner, Jack Reacher. I never read the books, but I am well aware of the huffing going on about Cruise placing himself in the lead role. Sure Cruise is good and can be great, but the Reacher character is a 6 foot 5 inch, 250 pound behemoth of a man, who uses those particular physical traits to instill fear and intimidation into anyone who sees him. At 5'7", Cruise is hardly intimidating. However, after seeing how he acts in certain situations, I did become intimidated by him. Let me also say a little something about what I expected through trailers, and what was delivered. I expected a hard nosed action film about a vagabond who paved his own path and nothing more. I had no idea this film would lie smack dab in the heart of my favorite genre, Thriller. It is a great thriller. Instead of a whodunnit?, we get more of a Why do it? It kicks off pretty quickly and has you wanting more in a hurry. It had absolutely no CG, and one of the best car chase scenes in the last 10 years, and maybe a top 10 chase scene of all time in that Chevelle. It was a standard chase that was anything but ordinary according to how Hollywood usually does things these days. It all goes to the Director. The Direction of this scene was Masterful. The Direction of the entire film was insanely great, but this chase scene sets this film apart from other similar films. I didn't want it to end, and neither did my companions. Except for maybe Melissa F., who was more interested in digging into that cracky, crinkly plastic bag of Goobers (I think they were Goobers) than watching Jack destroy other men on screen in a very tactical way, I think they were as enthralled as I was. I also want to commend Tom Cruise on his impeccable timing and delivery of hilarious one liners that, for all intents and purposes, was able to eliminate any need for a crappy comic relief character. He did both jobs to perfection, and I already want to watch it again. The film was pretty flawless, and then who shows up? Robert Duvall. A man among men. Cole Trickle's crew chief of yesteryear. Those two have a chemistry unmatched by many, and though it was a bit role, maybe 20 minutes, it was very memorable, and really put the icing on the cake. I cannot wait for a sequel and I hope they go with my Brother's idea for a title. "Jack Reacher Round 2. Read it fast and out loud. You'll get it.

NBM rates Jack Reacher - Phenomenal

Red Dawn

Any time I hear of a movie getting the remake treatment, I get nervous. This was no different. Actually it was a little different, I was a little infuriated. You don't remake movies that were beyond great. You remake movies that had good ideas, but ended up being crappy. Red Dawn (1984) is one of the best movies of all time, and was not in need of a resurrection. I wrote this one off 3 seconds after reading about it, but then the trailer came out. I felt a little different. The longer and longer I had to wait, the more I wanted to see it. I was curious of how similar it would be to it's Father film, and to see what 30 years of technological advancements to do to the overall stature of the film. Today's technology allows us to see every aspect of every thing going on, so how could anyone invade us (The USA) without us knowing. Very intriguing. When North Korea invades Spokane, Washington it is beyond confusing for the citizens. The ones lucky enough to escape are just a few kids, and all the citizens are put into prisons of sorts. Some people are still allowed to move freely through town, always waiting at check points and being frisked by the intruders. The escapees are led by Jed (Thor). A marine home on holiday. He has the training and knowledge of war, but when he must lead a group of high school kids who know nothing of survival, it gets a bit tricky. There are several references or homages if you will to the original, but they also were able to create their own new story. At 97 minutes, I feel it was perfect. Quick and concise. Not convoluted at all. Within a half hour the Wolverines were giving the North Koreans constant Hell. The plans of attack were good, action was great, and Hemsworth delivered a great speech. The Wolverines were running low on steam when a couple of other Marines showed up, and were able to kickstart to freedom fight. The movie was solid from beginning to end, and those of you (Missy) may have changed at least one aspect of the film, I feel it was done exactly the way it had to be. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and so will you. It was no where near as great as the original, but nothing could be. It does however stand on its own as a good, fun,  action film.

NBM rates Red Dawn - Awesome

The Amazing Spider-Man

Never being a fan of the Sam Raimi trilogy, mainly because I couldn't buy Toby McGuire as Peter Parker, I was relieved that he was relieved of his duty. However, I found it hard to believe Marvel, with all its knowledge and infinite success over the last decade would decide to retire a Billion dollar franchise, only to reboot it with a new origin, new story, and new Spider-Man. That being said, Marc Webb's version is not only better than the previous 3 installments, but more enjoyable than several other superhero films that I also enjoy. The set up which takes around 45 minutes is perfect. So awesome to rewrite it the way they did. Not boring at all, and Andrew Garfield is the perfect Peter Parker. It develops with one story which is almost identical to the first Spider-Man, but to keep with the comics is kind of has to be that way. Uncle Ben has to do, which will give Peter his drive for revenge. I knew it had to go that way, but Martin Sheen was such a great Uncle Ben, I was hoping it could have played out differently. I understand why it could not, but this launched the early revenge driven Spidey to fighting crime. As we see Peter evolve and become about as mature as a 17 year old can be, it becomes very neat to watch him defend his city. The first trailer was a first person perspective of Spidey flying through the city, and as awesome as it was, I knew it could easily be overused and become stale. That did not happen and I was stoked to see it the first time, and a very short second time and end it with that. Marc Webb truly directed a perfect film. When a new threat hits New York, Parker already has the inside bead on it. He has a very string suspicion he knows the Giant Lizard is Doctor Curt Connors who he recently met. The destruction the Lizard does is awesome, and the end game of what he wants to accomplish really brings the story home. The CG team did some of the best work I've seen. Anytime CG is involved in fast motion, it tends to look fake. Not the case here. It seemed very flawless. The one thing that got me was seeing the Lizard speak. He never spoke in the trailers, so I just assumed he was completely different than his human counterpart. I really enjoyed that aspect of the film, along with Peter's sarcasm and campy jokes during fight scenes, this truly is well worth owning. I watched it twice in 2 days, and that is saying something. Very impressed, and can't wait for the sequel, also being directed by Webb. Also stay tuned through the credits. A mid credits scene shows may come in the next film, not to mention they are currently casting Mary Jane Watson and Harry Osborne.

NBM rates The Amazing Spider-Man - Phenomenal

Skyfall

I will begin by saying I am by no means a James Bond fanatic. I was introduced to him with the Pierce Brosnan era, which had one decent flick (Goldeneye), other than that, none of his had me running to the theater. Now, when Casino Royale reintroduced the MI6 spy back 6 years ago, I will enlivened with the whole gambit James Bond stood for. Then Quantum of Solace came out and upped the ante for me. I've been giddily anticipating what a third Craig led 007 would bring. Unfortunately the series went into a bit of a hiatus due to MGM's bankruptcy, the franchise property reverting back to it's original owners (the Broccoli family) and economical issues all around. The question of a James Bond film being able to recoup what ultimately would cost 200+ million to make was in the back of everyone's mind. 4 years between installments just made the heart grow fonder, and with an international gross over $500 million in less than 2 weeks, I don't think it will be an issue the have Craig's next 2 films known for the time as Bond 24 and Bond 25 be released no more than 2 years apart. Oh yes, Craig has resigned to make him the second longest Bond actor ever behind Connery himself. That makes me happy. Skyfall has the best opening scene and the best opening credits sequence I have ever seen in this franchise. We pick up with Bond doing what he does. Insane action at an extremely fast pace, but he hasn't lost a step...or has he. I've loved what this series has done with the character. They have made him tormented, dangerous, arrogant, and immature at times and that is awesome. That is human nature. I don't think I will spoil anything with a quick reference to plot...subplot rather. It is along the same lines as the 1996 film Mission Impossible. A knock list. A list that lists all agent's real identities and their current alias/status/mission/whereabouts. When this is stolen Bond must stop it, or there could be a genocide of MI6 agents round the World. The real plot is more about the question of Why and Who wants the list and What they will do with it. A great cast makes this film good, a great script makes it fantastic. Adding Ralph Fiennes and Javier Bardem can't hurt. I also loved the introduction of Naomie Harris who tends to be Bond's sidekick of sorts, and what they do with her character is nothing short of perfect. However, it is Judi Dench that ultimately steals the show. This is the first time I can remember M being such a center point of the film, and it works quite well. James must do what he always does and complete his mission. As much as Casino Royale was an origin story, Skyfall delves into Bond's past which was very interesting as well. Loads of people are saying this is the best Bond ever, and I will agree with that 100%. At 2 1/2 hours, it is not too long, and not too short....It's just perfect. As for Javier Bardem, he is the greatest on screen villain since Heath Ledger's Joker. That is a fact. I actually am considering watching it again. It is that good.

NBM rates Skyfall - A Cinematic Work of Art

The Muppets

I was never really a Muppet fan. I guess I was the wrong generation. Anyhow, I do appreciate Jason Segal and what he brings to Hollywood. Since he shared the writing credit with a deceased Jim Henson, I figured it was all him, and I could get behind that. I was still hesitant that I would be bored out of my mind, but the story was so good, and though I don't usually dig films laced with musical numbers, none of these songs disappointed. In fact, one song, gets stuck in my head on a weekly basis. Segal put together a great plot for The Muppets to return some 20+ years later, and it worked inner generationally. I have now watched it 4 times and it has those scenes I really look forward to. That makes any movie good. It follows Gary (Segal) and his brother, Walter (who is a Muppet) and there quest to find there place in this world. When the Muppets are about to lose the rights to their title and their studio to oil barren Tex Richman (Chris Cooper), Walter puts in place a plan to save the day. A Muppets TV telethon to raise the funds necessary. It is brilliant and hilarious. There is not much else to say about this except everyone should watch it. Adults and kids will enjoy it. Lastly, "If I am a Muppet, then I am a very manly Muppet, but if I am a Man, I am a Muppet of a Man." Maniacal Laugh!!!!

NBM rates The Muppets - Phenomenal