STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Brings Back The Magic Of The Original Trilogy And More.

STAR WARS EPISODE VII: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Director: JJ Abrams
Cast: Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Carrie Fisher, Andy Serkis, and Mark Hamill.
Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence.

It's been no secret that STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS has been my most anticipated movie of the year, maybe of my lifetime. I paid close attention to every casting confirmation, trailer release, and basic plot points confirmed by Disney, while also avoiding major spoilers and the horde of TV spots that have been released in the past few weeks. Many have asked me how the movie could possibly live up to such fervor and anticipation. I was worried myself that it would disappoint. I've seen the movie twice now, and it hasn't even been a full 24 hours since it opened to the public. I can safely say that THE FORCE AWAKENS hearkens back to everything I loved about the original trilogy while introducing new, complex, and exciting characters.

THE MARTIAN Effectively Thrills And Entertains As One Of The Year's Best Films.

THE MARTIAN

Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Sebastian Stan, and Jeff Daniels.
Rated PG-13 for some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity.

Ridley Scott has long been one of my favorite directors having helmed my all-time favorite film, Gladiator. I can't help but get excited whenever his name is attached to a project, yet many of his recent directorial efforts have lacked emotional weight, strong characters, or thrilling plots. Thankfully, The Martian is Scott's best film in years led by outstanding work from lead actor Matt Damon and a stellar script from Drew Goddard.

SICARIO Leaves You Feeling Uneasy Throughout Its Run Time And Beyond.

SICARIO

Director: Denis Villeneuve

Cast: Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Daniel Kaluuya, Victor Garber, and Jon Bernthal.

Rated R for strong violence, grisly images, and language. 

The border is just another line to cross. It's been nearly two months since my last review, mostly because August and September were horrible months for movies with maybe the exception of Straight Outta Compton, which I failed to see. Regardless, October is here and now the fall movie season officially begins with a combination of Oscar hopefuls and holiday season blockbusters. Director Denis Villeneuve has impressed me with Prisoners and Enemy in the past few years, and he delivers again with this unnerving thriller centered on the fight against Mexican drug cartels. 

SOUTHPAW May Not Offer Anything New, But Gyllenhaal Is Something To Watch.

SOUTHPAW

Director: Antoine Fuqua
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Oona Laurence, and Forest Whitaker.
Rated R for language throughout, and some violence.

Jake Gyllenhaal has taken his career very seriously in recent years with outstanding work in Prisoners, Enemy, and last year's Nightcrawler. Here, he transforms himself once again as a physical beast ready to take down any opponent in the ring. Does he deliver? In short, yes, he sure does.

ANT-MAN Proves Marvel Doesn't Have To Go Bigger And Louder.

Ant-Man

Director: Peyton Reed

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Peña, Bobby Cannavale, and Michael Douglas.

Rated PG-13 sci-fi action violence.

People should probably just stop doubting Marvel Studios. No one will argue the studio's monetary success, many will even claim the majority of these films are critically sound, and yet whenever Marvel attempts something unusual or risky, e.g. Guardians of the Galaxy, many have falsely predicted the studio's eventual downfall. Well, plenty of people, critics and fans alike, were sure Ant-Man would be the first crack in a strong foundation. I was skeptical myself, but really people, let's just let Marvel do their thing, because Ant-Man is loads of fun.

My Top Ten Most Anticipated Films For The Rest Of 2015

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Films for the Rest of 2015

For the past couple years I have created this list highlighting upcoming films for the months of July through December. Many of these films already have a lot of attention surrounding them, but hopefully you'll find a couple here that you were unaware of. 2015 has already seen some instant hits beloved by audiences and critics alike, and it's seen its share of crap as well. But in my opinion, the year is only getting started. There are some very exciting films that will be released in the second half of the year. Here are my most anticipated films for the second half of the 2015:

JURASSIC WORLD Is Not As Smart As The Original But Still Fun.

JURASSIC WORLD

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Nick Robinson, Ty Simpkins, and Vincent D'Onofrio.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril.

In the summer of 1993, I had one of the greatest theater experiences of my life at the age of nine. Steven Spielberg showed me that dinosaurs could be resurrected in his now classic film, Jurassic Park. I eagerly anticipated the sequel only to find that the magic got lost somewhere along the way. Jurassic Park III tried to recapture it, but it was a vain attempt. Needless to say, I did not have the highest of expectations going into the fourth installment, Jurassic World. While the original film cannot be matched in thrills or brains, I must admit I had a good time with this latest sequel.