Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Released:  December 18, 2015

9 Out of 10 Ginger Snaps 

Number of Ginger Snaps:  9 of 10

Director:  J.J. Abrams

Writer:  J.J. Abrams, Michael Arndt, Lawrence Kasdan, George Lucas

Producers:  J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, Kathleen Kennedy

Main Actors:  Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Harrison Ford...


Favorite Character
Poe Dameron

Favorite Scene
Rey, Finn and BB-8 getting the Millennium Falcon to work


OMG!!!!! I was captivated!  The movie held true to the originals (several similarities with Episode IV) and I felt like a little kid watching the first Star Wars.  Thank you J.J. Abrams!

The only thing I think needed work was a bit more of the 'story'.  Towards the end, it seemed that the movie was moving too fast and was missing some of the in-between scenes.  I also wish that Luke had a bit more than just an appearance at the end.  He didn't even have any lines!

The action, characters, production design, everything was exactly as it should be.  I am definitely going to see this again, and again, and again.

Mortdecai

Released:  2015

7 Out of 10 Ginger Snaps 

7 of 10 Ginger Snaps 

Director:  David Koepp

Writers:  Eric Aronson, Kyril Bonfiglioli

Producers:  Johnny Depp, Christi Dembrowski, Andrew Lazar

Main Actors:  Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Bettany, Ewan McGregor



Favorite Character
Jock

Favorite Quote
I eschew discomfort.  -  Mortdecai

This was an interesting movie.  It made me laugh - a lot.  It was odd and quirky, but so am I.   It took me a bit of time to figure out if I actually liked it though.  It took a little while to get into it and to understand the flow of the story.

The Jock character totally made the movie.  He was hilarious!  Paul Bettany did an excellent job portraying Mortdecai's man servant.

I recommend this movie when you want to laugh and not think about anything.

Godzilla

Released:  2014

6 of 10 Ginger Snaps

6 out of 10 Ginger Snaps 

Director:  Gareth Edwards

Producers:  Jon Jashni, Brian Rogers, Mary Parent

Writers:  Max Borenstein, Dave Callaham

Main Actors:  Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Bryan Cranston



Favorite Character
Dr. Ishiro Serizawa

Favorite Quote
Gojira may be the answer.  - Dr. Serizawa

There are so many Godzilla movies.  Wikipedia says there are 30.  While I enjoyed all the explosions and shooting in this movie, I kinda feel that it's been done before.  Clearly, it has.

The monster Godzilla fought in this one reminded me too much of Alien.  Not only was the main monster overdone, but they took another well known monster and threw them together.  Even that's been done before - Alien vs. Predator, Cowboys & Aliens...

I didn't hate the movie, but I don't think it was anything special.  Can't Hollywood come up with something new?  George Lucas can come up with new bad guys, can't anyone else?

Big Hero 6

Released:  2014

7 Out of 10 Ginger Snaps 

7 out of 10 

Directors:  Don Hall, Chris Williams

Writers:  Jordan Roberts, Robert Baid, Daniel Gerson

Producers:  Roy Conli, Kristina Reed

Main Actors:  Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter, Daniel Henney



Favorite Character
Cass

Favorite Quote
Flying makes me a better health care companion. - Baymax

Oh Disney - formulaic movie again.  Sad beginning (always gotta have a tragedy happen to the protagonist), but it was a cute movie overall.  I'd recommend it if you don't have many other choices. I did enjoy the clumsiness of the 6 'heroes' and laughed at some of the references only us old people would get.

My main problem with it was, well, it was a formula Disney animated film.  True, they work, but I can only take them every so often.  The next Disney film I see will most likely be Star Wars.  I'm hoping Mr. Abrams and Mr. Lucas have a very very good story line that doesn't fit typical Disney movies.  Okay... okay... even if it did I'd LOVE IT!!!!

Fury

Released:  2014

9 Out of 10 Ginger Snaps 

9 out of 10 ginger snaps 

Director:  David Ayer

Writer:  David Ayer

Producers:  David Ayer, Bill Block, John Lesher, Ethan Smith

Main Actors:  Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Pena



Favorite Scene
Norman's First SS Kill

Favorite Quote
"You think Hilter would fuck one of us for a chocolate bar?" - Don


Wow.  Just wow.  I've been obsessed with WWII, so this move clearly fits my current fix.  It was extremely well done.  The acting... brilliant.  The effects... brilliant.  The writing... brilliant.

I'm not sure what else to say.  It showed the ethical and moral battles that one would expect to see in war.  It also showed the turn in one's psyche after experiencing so much death and hate.  I'm not a Brad Pitt fan, but I have to admit that he was outstanding in the role.

I recommend the movie, but I suggest watching it when you are able to take a very heavy film.

A Walk Among the Tombstones

Released:  2014

7 Out of 10 Ginger Snaps 

Number of Ginger Snaps:  7 of 10

Director:  Scott Frank

Writers:  Scott Frank, Lawrence Block (novel)

Producers:  Danny DeVito, Brian Oliver, Stacey Sher

Main Actors:  Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, Brian 'Astro' Bradley





Favorite Scene
In the library when Matt and TJ meet

Favorite Character
Peter Kristo


Talk about messed up killers!  This movie's murders were pretty whack.  Thankfully, the script did not include an overabundance of background into the killer's psychological state.   Unfortunately, the script did include a sidebar into the 'saving' of TJ, the poor, intelligent street kid who helps Matt.  That part of the film was not really necessary and included too much exposition about that story line.

The acting was very good.  Dan Stevens, who played Kenny, has the most intense eyes I've ever seen which really fit the role.  Gives me the chills just thinking about that stare.

The main issue I had with the movie was, as mentioned, the side story.  I don't think the film needed it.  We could have gotten Matt's background just by him talking to Peter.  The TJ character didn't add must into the plot except knowing how to use a computer (took place in 1999).  Oh well, I guess the writers and director felt a 'feel good' side story was necessary in the mostly dark movie.  They were wrong though.  Just saying...

I'd recommend the movie if you are a fan of dark mystery / thrillers.  Just fast forward through the unnecessary TJ scenes.

John Wick

Released:  2014

7 Out of 10 Ginger Snaps

7 out of 10 ginger snaps 

Director:  Chad Stahelski and David Leitch

Writer:  Derek Kolstad

Producers:  Basil Iwanyk, David Leitch, Eva Longoria

Main Actors:  Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyvist, Willem Dafoe




Favorite Scene
Cop's arrival at John Wick's house after he just killed 12 hitmen

Favorite Character
Hotel Manager (Charon)

I have to be honest.  I gave this a lower rating then I would have if they had NOT killed the dog in the beginning.  I know - it was the impetus for the whole point of the movie, but... it made me really sad.

Anyway, now that I have admitted my bias, I did fully appreciate the explosions, gunfights, fist fights, and overall KILL THE REAL BAD GUYS AND GET REVENGE theme.  It was humous in how they handled the catering that took place to the badass guys.  That is one of the reasons I liked the Hotel Manager, played by Lance Reddick, so much.  I do hope that in the real world, places like the hotel and dinner reservation orders do not exist.  That would be so messed up.

The acting, effects, and fight choreography were done well.  Keanu Reeves is still hot using martial arts to kill people.  Not the best actor in the world, but this role was perfect for him.  He just had to go around kicking butt.

I recommend the movie to those of you who like violence on screen and appreciate nicely executed fights.  Those of you who will continue to cry after the dog dies, not recommended (I'm close to being in that camp, but not enough to negate my appreciation for staged combat).

The Imitation Game

Release:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  9 out of 10

9 out of 10 ginger snaps 

Director:  Morten Tyldum

Writers:  Graham Moore, Andrew Hodges

Producers:  Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwartzman

Main Actors:  Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode




Favorite Character
Stewart Menzies

Favorite Quote
"I know it's not  ordinary.  But who ever loved ordinary?" - Joan


Wow.  Just Wow.  I'm actually reading a SciFi book right now, Cryptonomicon by Neal Stevenson (thanks to my hubby), which includes this movie's character.  Alan Turing was a real person who was pivotal in decrypting the Nazi's Enigma machine and the start of digital computing.  This movie was based on his life.

Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed Turing brilliantly.  His characterization was just as I pictured while reading Crytonomicon.  I still get willies thinking about the decisions that man had to make.  The film captured the turmoil, secrecy, and genius of the people involved in WWII decoding.

I liked the directing choices Tyldum made.  He portrayed the time period well.

I really don't know what else to say.  Turing was totally and utterly brilliant.  All I could say after watching the movie was "How???  HOW??? How does that happen????  How can someone think that into existence!?!".

Oh - and I do recommend Crytonomicon - it's brilliant too.

Let's Kill Ward's Wife

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  7 of 10

7 out of 10 ginger snaps

Director:  Scott Foley

Writer:  Scott Foley

Producers:  Scott Foley, James Carpinello, Joe Hardesty, Patrick Wilson

Main Actors:  Amy Acker, James Carpinello, Donald Faison, Greg Grunberg, Patrick Wilson



Favorite Scene
David's presentation of the body disposal options

Favorite Character
Gina (she's cute)

Since I just became a wife, I thought this might be a funny movie to watch.  It was entertaining for sure.  The wife to be killed, Stacy, really needed to die.  She was a royal bi!cH.

Justifications for her death were hilarious and the reactions for dealing with the mess were pretty well rounded.   There was the matter-of-fact reaction, guilt response, and the appreciative gratitude for the death.

The movie was a bit slow though.  The pacing needed to be a bit faster.  I liked the script and the acting was good, but at times it just dragged a little too much.

A Million Ways to Die in the West

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  6 Out of 10

6 out of 10 Ginger Snaps

Director:  Seth MacFarlane

Writers:  Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, Wellesley Wild

Producers:  Jason Clark, Seth MacFarlane, Scott Stuber

Main Actors:  Seth MacFarlane, Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Giovanni Ribisi, Sara Silverman



Favorite Scene
The County Fair Picture Fatality

Favorite Character
Edward

Although this wasn't a 'good movie', there were some friggin hilarious moments that I still laugh about when I think of them.  The camera explosion at the fair and Neil Patrick Harris' attempts at getting another hat were two such moments.

I do enjoy Seth McFarlane's humor, but I think Robot Chicken is the appropriate outlet for it, not a full length movie.  It moved too slowly and the funny gems were few and far between.  Some of the diatribes were way to long and became a bit annoying.

If you are looking for a mundane and slightly silly movie to watch when you are bored, I recommend this one.  There are better options to getting your laugh on than this, but, I suppose, I did get some good rounds of giggles nonetheless.

Furious 7

Released:  4/3/2015

Number of Ginger Snaps:  5 out of 10 

5 out of 10 ginger snaps

Director:  James Wan

Writers:  Chris Morgan, Gary Scott Thompson

Producers:  Vin Diesel, Michael Fottrell, Neal H. Moritz

Main Cast:  Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez




Favorite Character
Toss up between Hobbs and Roman

Favorite Quote
Goddamn IT guys.  - Hobbs

If is wasn't for the annoying camera work during the 'serious' scenes, the lack of plot continuity, the multiple times the movie should have ended but kept going, and my inability to suspend disbelief that much, it was good.  I know, it was Paul Walker's last movie, and I can appreciate that, but it wasn't him I was disappointed in.  I can suspend disbelief to a point, but dang... the movie crossed the line into ridiculousness in demanding that from the audience.

I didn't expect to see brilliant cinematic performances from the actors.  It's an action flick - there were explosions, gun fights, fist fights, and, of course, fast car chases (yay!).  What got to me though was Vin Diesel.  I never really thought he was a good actor, but in the past movies, I bought his performance as Dom.  This one, I just couldn't.  I kept thinking he is starting to look old and fluffy.  He started to annoy me.  A lot.

Roman, Hobbs and Kurt Russell's character were pretty funny and the action scenes were very well done despite the outrageousness of them.  The movie did have some redeeming qualities, but not enough for me to give it more than 5 ginger snaps.  

Lone Survivor

Released:  2013

Number of Ginger Snaps:  9 Out of 10

9 out of 10 ginger snaps 

Director:  Peter Berg

Writers:  Peter Berg, Marcus Luttell, Patrick Robinson

Producers:  Sarah Aubrey, Peter Berg, Randall Emmett

Main Actors:  Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Ben Foster, Eric Bana




Favorite Quotes
Is she coming?  - Marcus
Yeah, she's a bridesmaid. - Danny
But is she coming? - Marcus
She's a bridesmaid. - Danny


I cried at the end.  I admit it.  I knew going into it that it was based on a true story, but damn did they do a good job of making this film.  It was totally engaging and I was fully engrossed in the characters.  I cannot imagine going through anything even remotely similar to even a brief section of their situation.  The decisions those men had to make... just wow.   Anyone reading this who is or has served in our armed forces - God bless you.

Obviously, I recommend this film.  It is not for the faint-of-heart though - that is for sure.  Like I said, I cried at the end.  A lot.

Non-Stop

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  8 out of 10

8 out of 10 ginger snaps

Director:  Jaume Collet-Serra

Writers:  John W. Richardson, Christopher Roach

Producers:  Alex Heineman, Andrew Rona, Joel Silver

Main Actors:  Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy



Favorite Character
Austin Reilly

Favorite Quote
Next time don't get shot. - Bill Marks


I really liked this movie.  I know... Liam Neeson (aka Qui-Gon Jinn Jedi Master) makes me bias to any movie he is in, but seriously, I did really like this movie.  Most of it takes place in a plane.  That is a major hurtle in keeping an audience's attention since it only has one dominant setting.

The director did a good job in keeping the action level high for a large portion of the film.  Jaume Collet-Serra hasn't done a lot of directing, but he did a stand up job in this.  I was engaged the entire time and never once thought it was stupid or unrealistic.  I suppose the story line could really happen, but when thinking about the actual plot, it does seem to be farfetched.

The acting was well done (of course) and I really liked the characters.  They grew on you as the movie progressed and as you discovered what was really happening.

And of course, stuff blew up, guns were fired, and people got in fist fights.  WOOHOOOO!  So my type of movie.

Robocop (2014)

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  6 out of 10

6 out of 10 Ginger Snaps 

Director:  Jose Padilha

Writers:  Edward Neumeier, Joshua Zeturner, Michael Miner

Producers:  Marc Abraham, Gary Barber, Eric Newman

Main Actors:  Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton






Favorite Scene
Robocop vs the robots (aka - Robocop kicks robot butt)

Favorite Quote
"At least you're the right color now." Jack to Alex


Well, it was ok.  Yes, it had explosions and yes, it had gun fights, and yes, it had a hero, and yes, it had robots... all things I like in movies, but I don't know.  I just thought it was ok.  It wasn't great, but it wasn't horrible.  Maybe I'm just partial to the original - I'll admit bias.

I wouldn't not recommend this.  I do think it is a perfect snow day movie, or in my case in Dallas - ice day movie.  It was engaging enough and provided a sufficient level of entertainment value.  It just lacked something and I can't figure out what that something is.  It wasn't like the acting was bad or the production value insufficient.  It just... need something more.  It need a heart or something (get it... Robocop didn't have one... ya know... if you saw the movie... haha... are crickets chirping right now?).

Stonehearst Asylum

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  8 out of 10

8 out of 10 Ginger Snaps

Director:  Brad Anderson

Writers:  Joe Gangemi, Based on an Edgar Allan Poe story

Producers:  Mark Amin, Mel Gibson, Bruce Davey

Main Actors:  Kate Beckinsale, Jim Sturgess, Ben Kingsley, Michael Caine






Favorite Character
Arthur Timbs

Favorite Quote
"It's you who possesses me." - Edward to Eliza

I liked this movie.  It's probably due to my propensity towards Edgar Allan Poe and movies with explosions.  Granted, there weren't many explosions in the film, actually I think there was only one, but still... things caught on fire and burned (no, I am not a pyromaniac).

The acting was pretty good and I really liked Ben Kingsley's portrayal of Silas Lamb.  I do wish that they had given more attention to Michael Caine's character and his relationship with Silas.  They delved into it a bit, but I think the film would have benefited from a bit more exposition in that area.

Of course, there were the thriller / horror aspects of the movie that, if you know me, you know is right down my alley.  The production quality was sufficiently dark and definitely provided the correct 'feel' of the film.

I recommend this to those of you who like Poe type movies.

Draft Day

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  8 out of 10

8 out of 10 Ginger Snaps

Director:  Ivan Reitman

Writers:  Scott Rothman, Rajiv Joseph

Producers:  Ali Bell, Joe Medjuck, Ivan Reitman

Main Actors:  Kevin Costner, Jennifer Garner, Chadwick Boseman, Denis Leary







Favorite Character
Rick the Intern

Favorite Quote
Frank:  He's the son I never had.
Sonny:  Frank, you have a son.

Well, I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised I liked this movie as much as I did.  I don't really know a lot about pro football drafts and was a little unsure of what was going on in the beginning.  You'd think I would know exactly what happens with my football fanatic mother, but, well... I liked it anyway.

It was friggin hilarious!  Despite the absurdity that is American football, it was an enjoyable film.  Kevin Costner did a really good job at being a tormented soul torn between going rouge and doing the expected.  People's reactions to him were extremely funny and real.

Needless to say, if you read what I just wrote, I recommend this movie.  Especially if you want to laugh.

The Expendables 3

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  7 out of 10

7 out of 10

Director:  Patrick Hughes

Writer:  Sylvester Stallone, Creighton Rothenberger

Producer:  Danny Lerner, Avi Lerner

Main Cast:  Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Antonio Banderos, Harrison Ford







Favorite Character
Galgo

Favorite Line
Everyone needs a friend.  I know.  I don't have any.  - Galgo


I loved Antonio Banderos in this movie!  He was friggin hilarious!   I have never seen him in anything like the character he portrayed.  He did a great job.

As for the movie - stuff blew up, Han Solo flew a helicopter, and there was gun fighting, therefore, it is a majorly 'Val' movie.  There were several scenes that did not make much sense, but it didn't matter much since I wasn't watching it for the brilliant and dramatic story line.  (sarcastic remark if you couldn't tell)

I recommend this, but keep in mind, it is purely gratuitous for Stallone - yes, yet another one.  I can appreciate it with that in mind.

Divergent

Released:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  5 Out of 10 

5 out of 10 ginger snaps 

Director:  Neil Burger

Writers:  Veronica Roth, Evan Daugherty, Vanessa Taylor

Producers:  Lucy Fisher, Michael Paseornek, Pouya Shahbazian, Douglas Wick

Main Actors:  Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd








Favorite Character 
Four


So... yeah... not enough explosions in this movie.  It was somewhat engaging, but just not really that good.  It was mediocre at best.  There were fights, so it did have that going for it.

I honestly am not sure why I am giving it a 5.  I watched the entire movie and didn't want to turn it off, but it lacked something.  Maybe it was the plot - a mishmash of the Hunger Games and Twilight and some other 'youth takes over and messes up then people fall in love and...'.  Yeah, that is pretty much my issue with it.

The Great Gatsby

Released:  2013

Number of Ginger Snaps:  6 out of 10

6 out of 10 Ginger Snaps

Director:  Baz Luhrmann

Writers:  Baz Luhrmann, Craig Pearce, Based on F.Scott Fitzgerald's Novel

Producers:  Lucy Fisher, Baz Luhrmann, Douglas Wick

Main Actors:  Leonardo DiCaprio, Elizabeth Debicki, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan




Favorite Line
I love large parties - they're so intimate... Small parties, there's no privacy.  - Jordan

Favorite Scene
Tea - Daisy and Gatsby reunite

Despite the amazing costumes (I love the 20s look), and some beautiful visuals, I wasn't real impressed with this movie.  At times, I felt like I was watching Moulin Rouge.  I didn't like the over-the-top, speed scene aspect of that movie and I definitely did not like it here.  Don't get me wrong, there were some good parts, but I couldn't get past the intensity of the edits and it made me anxious.

The acting was okay.  I couldn't help thinking I was watching Spiderman though.  Sorry Tobey, but I saw Parker at times.