The Maze Runner

Young teenaged boys are randomly trapped in what they call “the glade” – a prison of sorts that is surrounded by a massive labyrinth. They have no memory of who they are, who sent them or why they have been sent there. The one thing they do know is that they want out and that the only way seems to be through the maze.


This was interesting. Admittedly, I did not read these books and went in blindly knowing nothing of the story. One could see how this was likely a better novel than film and I am curious to know what the fans thought of the adaptation. Nevertheless – as I read most books on screen here is my take:

The story was odd, it was as if they took  Lord of the Flies and mixed it up with the video game Contra (that is going back to the old school NES days, kids) and sprinkled in a bit of The Hunger Games. Let me break it down; Like Lord of the Flies it is an island of young teenaged boys that have battled amongst themselves for leadership, created a set of rules to keep the chaos at bay, and administer punishment to those that deviate. The characters, the plot, the sacrifices and the symbolism even are all very similar. For those of you that remember Contra – I swear the set design was totally based on it AND “the Grievers” taken right from the game. Finally, as in The Hunger Games, someone is pulling all the strings while chanting ‘may the odds be ever in your favor’.

The special effects are decent and again I would be curious as to how they hold up to the imagineering of the book. A tad underwhelming and very predictable but I suppose it’s a semi-entertaining movie.

** ½ Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language)

Official Site: http://themazerunnermovie.com/ 

The Judge

Hank Palmer, a hot-shot Chicago attorney, is summoned home to small town Indiana for his mothers’ funeral. His estranged father, a local Judge in the town, offers up an icy welcome and an invitation to depart quickly. As Hank prepares to leave his childhood home once and for all, things get even more complicated when he finds himself back in the local courtroom defending his father on a Murder charge.

You know up front when you go to a movie starring Robert Downey Jr., you are in it to see Robert Downey Jr. Am I wrong? You go to see him – be him. This is what made Iron Man so much fun, the alter ego is in fact Robert Downey Jr – not what’s his name? (Tony Stark – I looked it up) And Sherlock Holmes? What can be more fun than an antiquated Iron Man with a British accent? We love him for him; we all assume that he is the fast talking, self-effacing, cocky, brilliant, arrogant, self-assured super hero in real life. He just might be. So when he is found in the role of what one might consider more along the lines of, the common man, combined with a highly sophisticated cast, one can’t help but to sit back, smile and wait for the hero to arrive.

This movie is about a family – it is not a John Grisham novel. It is focused on the relationship between a father and son. The trial is skillfully weaved into the story and although in the forefront of the tale doesn’t take over the entire narrative. Robert Duvall does a fantastic job and Vera Farmiga steals every scene she is in. Clocking in at two hours and twenty-one minutes may be a deterrent to some, but the time flies by as the plot and the characters are all so engaging. A tinge sappy at times – but the wit makes up for it.

*** Must See

Rated R (for language and adult situations)

Official Site: http://thejudgemovie.com/

St. Vincent

Vincent lives alone with his cat.  He frequents strip clubs, bars, and racetracks eagerly disposing of his limited if not non-existent income.  The arrival of his new neighbor, Maggie, is just another event that he is completely indifferent to, until he sees an opportunity to make some extra cash by offering up his services as a baby sitter to Maggie's son Oliver.

Although the plot is predictable there is a great deal of charm that comes along with this flick.  Bill Murray is perfectly cast as the grouchy and belligerent Vincent, who has very few redeeming qualities, oh and spoiler alert - that doesn't change.  Perhaps that is what makes the film so endearing -- the characters don't change, they just learn to deal with one another and their many short comings.  Melissa McCarthy is fabulous as the straight man and holds her own with Murray.  Unsurprisingly the real star of the show is Jaeden Lieberher who is just brilliant as Oliver. Oh and Naomi Watts gives and unexpected yet sweet performance as well.

A little slow in places, but that is to be expected as this is much more of a character piece but really entertaining and many moments of laugh out loud humor.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for adult themes and language)

Official Site: http://stvincentfilm.com/

Fury

Fury; the name given to a Sherman Tank commanded by a war-hardened sergeant that leads his platoon, along with a rookie gunman, deep behind enemy lines to secure the advancement of the Allies.

This is a spectacular movie.  It is gritty, and honest and brutally violent.  It does not sugar coat the realities of war or what it can do to the human spirit.  It is hard to watch as it is extremely intense with edge of your seat action.  Imagine The Hurt Locker  meets Saving Private Ryan. 

War movies, particularly those depicting World War II have become more realistic and less romanticized within the past few decades.  This film is no exception as Fury paints a cruel picture of what it must have been like for so many soldiers, specifically towards the end of the European conflict.

It should come as no surprise that the cast is absolutely amazing.  Brad Pitt is brilliant and the supporting cast even better as each of the actors' envelope their character and deliver stellar performances.  The story was detailed and relentlessly vicious. Expect lots of buzz come awards season.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated R (for violence and language)

Official Site: http://www.fury-movie.net/site/