Samurai Monday: Samura II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple

Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple IMDb
The "samurai novela" continues.  I saw part one to this last month.  Good solid samurai drama.  This one delivers the same thing.  Very good story.  Kept me interested in the characters and in their future.  Didn't like that the battle scenes were weak.  There was hardly any blood or good fighting.  Right when there's bound to be some bloodshed, it goes to another scene.  But, I enjoyed this a lot for its dramatic story, not for the swords.  We got now three woman in love with our samurai.  Damn!  Soap opera deluxe.  I love the way this ended, though.  I'm pumped for the third movie next month.  So far, so good.  After the third one, I'll see if these movies are worth buying or good movies to recommend, or a movie to watch once.  For sure, they are not lower than that.  Had me hot tea and "bloody pastries" (strawberry mini streudels) with this one.

Despicable Me 2 (2013)

Despicable Me 2 IMDb
Took my son, Nathan, to see this today at the discount theatre.  Not bad.  The trailers had all the best parts.  There were a few giggles and lots of cute moments.  I remember that I liked part one but didn't love it enough to be considered a fan.  This sequel feels the same way.  Love the minions.  Who doesn't?  They're the ones that help make this movie.  The bad guy here transforms them into purple evil minions.  I was wanting more out of the purple minions.  They were there only for a few scenes towards the end of the film.  Love the love story between Gru and Lucy.  Overall, good movie to see once or lots of times if you're kid makes you buy it.  The kid in me would only like to see it once.  Good times!

Oblivion (2013)

Oblivion IMDb
This started out pretty awesome.  It got me excited seeing all this sci-fi action and scenery.  Then it got predictable.  So predictable that I had to stop thinking and just enjoy the film.  It's got the similar twist as the movie, "Moon."  Which if you haven't seen "Moon," you're missing out on a great sci-fi.   I wasn't really disappointed with this one.  Well, maybe the Hollywood cliche ending.    That's it.  This movie ain't about the acting.  Hell, Morgan Freeman is the best actor here, and he's only in a few scenes.  This movie is all about the great visuals.  I really enjoyed some of the stuff here.  It didn't look too CGI.  As far as the story, this one was okay.  Worth watching once.  If you ask me what sci films to recommend from this year so far?  I would say: Gravity (in 3D), Elysium, and of course freaking Pacific Rim (my favorite movie of the year so far).

Gravity 3D (2013)

Gravity IMDb
Best 3D movie I've ever seen. This is how it should be.  The movie was intense majority of the time.  It was short and sweet.  This is Sandra Bullock's show practically.  It's all about her and letting go of her emotions and moving on.  That's really what the movie is about.  Set the situation in space and you got yourself an awesome ride.  It made me want to join N.A.S.A after this.  Yeah, right!  While majority of it can be predictable, there were a few surprising scenes.  Once again, kudos for the 3D effects.  It made me move my head away thinking objects were actually being thrown at me for real.  Highly recommend this movie in the theatre and in 3D.  I doubt anyone can get the same experience at home.  Definitely a good entertaining ride.  Not my favorite movie of the year but it may be in my top 10.  We'll see.

Cheap Thrills (2013)

Cheap Thrills IMDb
I got to see a press digital copy of this film provided to me by Fantastic Fest.  I was thrilled.  A little squeamish at times but very thrilled.  With that said, there were a few problems I had with the story.  A lot of it had to with Ethan Embry's character.  At first he seemed like he wanted to financially help his "friend" but I guess greed changes people cause in the second half, he was the opposite.  I'm not spoiling that cause that's in the trailer.  The two friends are doing strange acts and competing for money given by this weird couple.  I was laughing with some of the black humor here.  I was entertained.  The scenes get crazier towards the end.  Let's just quote this line from the movie to hint at one of the crazy acts: "You guys aren't vegeterian?"  One of the guy responds while looking at the dinner plate: "I think I just became one."  This movie received a lot of great buzz at SXSW and Fantastic Fest this year.  I can see why.  Good movie to see.  I would recommend it.  To buy?  Maybe not (but, that's just me).

Side Effects (2013)

Side Effects IMDb
Wow! Very unpredictable and entertaining flick.  Every Steven Soderbergh film is a hit or miss for me.  This one is definitely a hit. I'm not a Rooney Mara fan either so it took me a while to see this.  Glad that I did.  I enjoyed the clever twist.  Man, how can you kill Magic Mike in just 30 minutes in?  Okay, that was a spoiler but not that much cause this movie has more to it than just that.  The actual surprises come towards the end.  I like movies about psychology and mental patients. This one delivers.  A must see film for sure and worth buying too.

New Release Tuesday: The Frozen Ground (2013)

The Frozen Ground IMDb
I am a sucker for detective/serial killer movies.  When I saw the trailer to this, I knew I wanted to see it even if it sucks.  Well, it sucked a little bit but overall, not bad.  I was entertained and interested throughout the movie.  Yeah, there were a lot of flaws and a few moments where the movie disappointed me.  For example, the main girl kept on escaping and running away.  How stupid can she be?  If you know there's a killer out there trying to find you, you don't just leave the hospital and go on the streets because you're desperate and don't know what to do.  I did like the suspense in this.   Freaking John Cusack is a demonic quiet bastard.  The movie is worth watching.  Recommended for a one night stand.  Wouldn't buy it, though.