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Jupiter Ascending Movie Review

BY: GURU JAY

Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Channing Tatum and Mila Kunis light up the screen in Jupiter Ascending. If fantasy and science fiction are your cups of teas, you may find the film somewhat interesting. But first let me warn you! This movie is not for everyone.
Tatum plays Caine Wise, a universal hunter and soldier. Kunis stars as Earth’s queen Jupiter Jones. Neither Caine nor Jupiter feel entitled because of their stations in life. In fact, Jupiter doesn’t even discover she’s royalty until halfway through the movie.
Jupiter Ascending has horrible plot development. The directors skip scenes like rocks in the pond. However, in spite of poor direction, the computer graphics are superb.
In Jupiter Ascending’s case, the plot thins rather than thickens. The dialogue needs a facelift. I’m sorry I tried to give this movie a C.
After a little contemplation, I decided to issue an incomplete grade. Giving Jupiter Ascending a D would be too harsh. It’s an ambitious project deserving constructive criticism and debate, not a Razzie award. Contrary to popular opinion, the movie isn’t a flop.
On the positive side, I really liked the concept and theme. The film crew show a method to their madness. Furthermore, the film has an important message.
The Wachowskis send a memo that in the scheme of things, time is more precious than money. “Your job is what you do, not who you are.” Don’t relegate yourself to daily duties.

In the end, Jupiter Jones could deal with cleaning toilets. A lot of times, you’re guilty of sizing someone up based upon limited information. Classism pervades throughout our society. Also, entitlement poses real problems. Once Caine gets his wings and Kunis secures her title, they’re still the same individuals.
In a nutshell, the film earns high marks for its creativity and imagination. However, it isn’t very logical and quite confusing. Though the film is hard to explain, I won’t knock it because it feels good.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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Who is the Best Action Movie Star? Matt Damon Vs. Tom Cruise

BY: GURU JAY


The Mission: Impossible and Bourne franchises are the best action movie series to date. Tom Cruise and Matt Damon bring their badass characters to life with their intensity. They kick butt like Cristiano Ronaldo strikes Soccer balls.  
Whether you want some action or not, they will give it to your ass. Over the past 15 years, they’ve built a good reputation. Today, they’re known as the shiniest Hollywood movie stars. 
The Bourne Supremacy ranks in my top 10 favorite action films. I will always remember this Supremacy scene. 


What is brilliant about this sequence is that they’re using their fists instead of guns.
How does Matt Damon make you believe he is Jason Bourne? Like a Mark Wahlberg movie, Damon transforms before our very eyes. Clearly the highly trained actor understands how to captivate his audience.  
In 2002, Matt Damon suffered his first identity crisis as Jason Bourne. His character had more passports and code-names than the President. What is more, Bourne Identity made a great first impression on moviegoers.

The third installment, Bourne Ultimatum, exceeded expectations at the box office by grossing over $440 million worldwide. Ultimatum is by far the trilogy’s highest grossing film. After its completion, Matt Damon entered Hollywood’s elite hall of entertainers.
Moreover, Mission: Impossible 3 showcases nothing but the best. Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s performance is legendary.


You can see how Tom Cruise and Hoffman feed off each other’s energy.
Because of their similarities, I suspect Tom Cruise influenced Matt Damon’s career. The Top Gun sends competition into Oblivion. However, unlike Damon Tom hasn’t won an Academy Award. The judges are out of touch. If the Academy is worth its weight in salt, Tom Cruise will eventually receive an Oscar.
I personally think Tom Cruise is one of the greatest action movie actors of all time. Additionally, I believe the Bourne franchise with Matt Damon sets the tone for the next generation of stars. In a nutshell, Matt Damon is a top action figure but Tom Cruise is best.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!

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The Will Smith Comeback Story

BY: GURU JAY

The Will Smith Comeback Story


Will Smith will start the New Year off on a bad foot. There’s a good chance the Focus movie, starring Smith and Margot Robbie will flop. To sum it up, Smith soaked up all the money.
I love Will Smith’s acting. I hate his agent’s negotiation skills. The actor missed out on prime opportunities in the past and present.
Let’s say Smith makes $35 million + 10 percent at the box office for every movie. Well, what’s the rest of the cast making? I’m on the fence about this film because I’ve seen it already. It was called Ocean’s Eleven.
The Focus cast lack star power. Can you believe Focus was made with a $100 million budget? Hollywood’s got a problem.
In 2013, Robert Downey, Jr. received $75 million for reprising the role of Iron Man. The highest paid actor only starred in one movie. You could give some actors $5 million for Iron Man; and they will do a better job than Bob.
Will Smith and Robert Downey, Jr. are a splitting image of each other. They demand maximum money at the film’s detriment. Is Will’s heart still in acting?
The people on top don’t have a clue about what’s really happening. They’re writing checks, looking at names, and that’s it. I wonder if Ty Pennington can give Hollywood an extreme makeover.
The movie industry’s in bad shape. The problem is not the actors, but it’s the acting. Why do Aussies play American roles? Tom Hanks never uses an Australian accent.
Will Smith deserves a top payday. However, Hollywood needs to come back to reality. Give these actors a salary cap like the NBA and NFL.


Will Smith can walk away in the sunset with sunglasses and flip-flops. But that doesn’t change the fact he’s overpaid. Those flip flops he’s wearing probably cost around $500. 
I don’t blame Will Smith per say. He sets a high bar. He shows why work ethic still triumphs over talent. Lately, he’s been bench-pressing and producing results.

Based on what I’ve gathered, I give the movie a C+ or potential B -. The Will Smith we used to know loved giving fans a show. Let’s not be too hard on him because he chose a bad film.

Will Smith’s filmography as a lead actor is exceptional. He consistently wins at the box office. You see Smith can sell out a crowd.
I wonder what Will Smith can’t do. He has a can-do attitude. Hollywood feels an earthquake each time Smith leaves for Philadelphia.
20 years ago Will Smith received a warm welcome from the movie industry. Hollywood was ecstatic to have the West Philadelphia kid on their block. His strong TV fan base translated into box office success.
It’s no secret that charisma wins fans. The multi-talented Smith uses charms like a leprechaun. Is he half-Irish?
Before TV and movies, Will Smith made music. As a rapper he created songs like Parents Just Don’t Understand and Summer Time. Unfortunately, despite his success Will Smith went bankrupt. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air TV show let him redeem himself.
Everybody should get a second chance. This time Will Smith let money work for him. Nowadays, he picks and chooses roles.
The family man selects characters with positive images. By and large, he usually plays the protagonist. Fortunately Will Smith produced many good movies. He co-produced Annie.
The action hero maintains a high fitness level. Did you see the star in I am Legend? He’s at his absolute best. He shows why he doesn’t always do comedy.
I recommend Seven Pounds. If you like drama and suspense, you’ll appreciate this film. He makes a connection with Rosario Dawson which will give you Goosebumps.
While Will Smith never won an Academy Award, he was nominated for Ali and Pursuit of Happyness. He’s on the A list.
Buy and hold Dwayne Johnson’s stock. The Rock snatched up many of the Fresh Prince’s roles. That’s why Johnson appeared in Forbes.
He’s younger than Will Smith. Plus he’s built like the Hulk. At the moment, Dwayne Johnson is more popular than Smith.
I stand by my prediction, Channing Tatum will become the highest paid actor. His agent seems to negotiate fair deals. You could argue he is the most popular figure in Hollywood.
I don’t think Tatum took Smith’s parts. But, I believe screenwriters now develop scripts with Channing in mind. The writers used to love writing only for Will Smith.

There’s more to Smith than a dollar ($) sign. He’s a persistent workaholic. So, I recognize Will Smith as a brand as well as a person.
From day one, he’s been an awakening force. I wonder if he could act in Star Wars. Science Fiction films were his niche for a long time.
Smith secured a main role for Marvel. He will play DC comic’s Black Adam. The Hancock star’s experience is his best asset.
If Will’s acting career ended today, he could still call himself one of the greatest actors of all time. Did you see The Legend of Bagger Vance or Hitch? The Men in Black franchise along with Independence Day gained Smith instant fame.
Screen Rant reported Will Smith is not a part of the Independence Day 2 cast. After 17 years, Fox finally decides to remake a Will Smith movie but without the superstar. That takes a lot of guts but no glory. 
Maybe, they call themselves saving money. Fans speculate Smith demanded too much cash. But, I’m not buying that idea.
Here’s the problem. The movie executives are underestimating Will Smith’s appeal. And, at the same time Smith is overestimating his abilities. That’s why an agent is so important. In the scheme of things, I’d rather have Channing Tatum’s agent.
Remember Will Smith gives you his best. Sometimes you fail even when you do everything right. In order to succeed, you must learn from failure. I admire Will Smith because if he’s down and out, he’ll make a comeback.


I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
Attribution- Photos By: Wikimedia Commons
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The Case of Tom Cruise V. Matthew McConaughey: Who is the Best Movie Lawyer?

BY: GURU JAY

The Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts Argument
Are you a fan of Sandra Bullock and Julia Roberts? I’m a big fan. I appreciate their acting as well as their philanthropy. I like how they present themselves. 
But I’m baffled about this. Who is the best actress? I’m always on the hunt for the cream of the crop.
Even though I haven’t seen Gravity starring Sandra Bullock, I still believe she is the best in the world. Moreover, Sandra and Julia are 2 of the top 10 highest paid actresses. Bullock and Roberts have both won Academy Awards.
However, Sandra is the more perfect actress. I give her a 4.0 and Julia a 3.8. Sandra Bullock has an edge because of her diversity of roles.
If we’re strictly talking romances, Julia wins. But Bullock has proven she is the champion. Roberts and Bullock rank in my top 5 for best actresses.
Sandra took on more risks and challenges while Julia Roberts played it safe. Dare I say Julia leeched off Tom Hanks in Larry Crowne and Charlie Wilson’s War? Isn’t it obvious?
Here’s an analogy to put things in perspective for you: Tom Hanks is to Julia Roberts, what Tom Cruise is to Cameron Diaz. I have nothing against Cameron. I wrote about her.
The point is Sandra Bullock’s skills are superior to Julia Roberts right now. Five years ago this wasn’t the case. Julia Roberts was better then.
Who remembers Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich? Don’t forget about The Blind Side. Imagine Julia and Sandra in the same movie.
At the end of the day, I put my money on Sandra Bullock. She is a hard worker who is consistent. And, she looks amazing at 50.
Tom Cruise V. Matthew McConaughey
I wonder why Cruise uses the shortened form of Thomas and why McConaughey doesn’t go by Matt. Do you know the answer? I ask because Matthew’s last name is long enough.
Just like Schwarzenegger, I “Googled,” and “Binged” his name for correct spelling. Let’s give him a nickname. How about Matt Mack?
Like his height, Tom Cruise’s name is short. You love Tom because he is a miniature Matthew. Matt is beloved for his taller stature. Anyway, they have many similarities.
Is it coincidental that these actors portray Hollywood’s finest lawyers? What if they starred in the same film? Picture this: (closed captioned) The Ultimate Lawyer Movie starring Matt McConaughey and Thomas Cruise. 
The Trailer Script
In The Ultimate Lawyer Movie Matt and Thomas are prestigious lawyers in a head to head battle. Both have distinguished law practices in Beverly Hills. Who will win in case of Cruise V. McConaughey? Written, Directed, and Produced BY: GURU JAY
I bet you that movie would gross $1 billion. Tom and Matthew are basically walking ATMs. Moreover, their fan bases span the whole globe.
They are two world heavyweight champions in the acting arenas. Matthew’s a southern boy who will seduce you with his charm. Tom’s charisma on a scale of 100 is 97.
The best movie lawyers eat charisma like cereal. George Clooney’s good. Have you seen Michael Clayton? Movie lawyers come in all types. District Attorneys are my favorite. (S/O Harvey Dent)
Of course, Tom is a top 10 actor. I don’t want to take away from his brilliance. But, why isn’t Matt on the money list? He’s won an Oscar but it seems the executives refuse to pay the piper. Let that be a lesson to actors who’d do anything for a trophy.
Lincoln Lawyer
McConaughey plays Mickey Haller, a criminal defense attorney, in Lincoln Lawyer. I’ve seen this movie twice. If you’re thinking about studying law, see this film first. You might change your mind either way.
Lawyer movies pose a real danger to America’s workforce. Everybody wants to go to law school after seeing the famous “You Can’t Handle The Truth” scene. Legal dramas such as Law & Order and Suits are also guilty of selling us pipe dreams. 40 million attorneys filing motions is the last thing we need.
Do all lawyers want to be doctors? Well, some attorneys call themselves doctors of law? Seriously, since lawyers sue hospitals, they’re all too familiar with the medical/financial benefits rewarded to brain, heart and plastic surgeons. What is more, it’s true that every doctor wants to be a trial lawyer.
Foot physicians (podiatrists) dine alongside dentists, vetenerians, optometrists, ear doctors and chiropractors at the millionaire’s club. Tom Cruise and Matthew McCanoughey inspire us to make millions while enjoying our passion.
A Few Good Men
A Few Good Men is perhaps the best courtroom drama ever. Ironically, only a few films can compete for top honors. A Few Good Men blurs the lines because it’s also a military movie.
Tom Cruise plays Judge Advocate Lieutenant Kaffee. Jack Nicholson is the infamous Colonel Jessup. Demi Moore also carries out her duties in the film. If you like courtroom dramas and army movies, then look up A Few Good Men.
John Girsham’s A Time to Kill borrows from To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s an updated version of Harper Lee’s classic. In the movie, Matthew McConaughey defends Samuel L. Jackson. The lead actress is none other than Sandra Bullock.
I respect McConaughey for his role choices. Matthew could have been a major action star on par with Bruce Willis. Instead he kept his art pure. Hence, he is an Oscar winner.
You’d think that action movies give Tom Cruise a clear advantage. To the contrary, drama and action are totally different genres. Additionally, Tom and Matt have unique styles.
Tom is aggressive and Matthew’s more assertive. Tom is the guy yelling in the courtroom. Matthew uses tactics to trap and confuse his witnesses.
Your Honor, I object
Have you noticed in movies and TV, the trial lawyer always stands and says, “Your Honor, I object?” Sometimes the witness says, “I plead the fifth.”
Verdict
In the case of Tom Cruise V. Matthew McConaughey …After carefully weighing the evidence (movie clips, filmographies, and opinions) Judge Guru Jay has a verdict…I rule in favor of Mr. McConaughey.
I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1! Like us on Facebook.
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Review of X-Men: Days of Future Past SPOILER ALERT

BY: GURU JAY

Review of X-Men: Days of Future Past SPOILER ALERT

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a masterpiece. Go see it. You will love it!

Hugh Jackman takes over as Wolverine. Jennifer Lawrence shines ‘bright like a diamond’ as Mystique. And, James McAvoy steals the show as Professor Xavier.

All in all, the cast is a great ensemble. Michael Fassbender makes his mark as Magneto. And, Evan Peters makes us chuckle with his interpretation of Quicksilver.

You’ll laugh. Maybe, you’ll cry. And, you’ll have fun.

It’s a good family movie. It’s well written. It’s unforgettable.

The beginning of X-Men is like a video game. I call X-Men the video game movie. If you’re a gamer or a comic book collector, this is a must-see.

The X-Men comic strip is all about teamwork. It’s not X-Man. It’s X-Men.

I watch movies with an eagle eye. Not a bird’s eye…not a hawk eye…but an eagle eye. From start to finish, the video game movie is brilliant.

I’m not exaggerating. It is almost perfect. I would have written it a little differently though.

There are some great lines in the film. However, some things could have been said better. The screenwriter should be more concise.

I take my hat off to director Simon Kinberg. I feel he is doing the X-Men franchise justice. I don’t have any complaints.

What is X-Men, really?

There is more to it than meets the eye. Yes, X-Men is a comic strip with a political statement. Yes, X-Men is a movie with an important message.

X-Men are mutants. They are classified as nonhuman. Yet, they are more humane than humans.

You can define them as gifted, supernatural, or a danger. In actuality, they represent a challenge to the status quo. The message is: it’s okay to be different.


Hugh Jackman

Photo By: Grant Brummett

As a boy, I grew up loving Wolverine. When I was around eight years old, my sister got me a Wolverine action figure for my birthday. I played the mess out of that toy.

I identify with the Wolverine character. Like me, Wolverine is tough as nails. ‘What doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.’

Hugh Jackman is the embodiment of toughness. I remember the first X-Men movie. I said to myself, man that guy Wolverine won’t back down from anything.

Hugh brings Wolverine to life. He is to X-Menwhat Pierce Brosnan was to James Bond. Replacing Jackman is a difficult task.

Jennifer Lawrence

Photo By: Mingle MediaTV

Last year Jennifer Lawrence was the 2nd highest paid actress behind Angelina Jolie. This year I think she’s number 1. We’ll have to wait and see.

Like her character Mystique, Jennifer Lawrence is virtually unstoppable. You can get in her head all you want (Professor Xavier), but she is determined to stop Bolivar Trask by all means. X-Men allowed Jennifer to demonstrate her superpowers on the silver screen.

You’ll love Jennifer Lawrence after seeing this movie. She takes on the hardest role and plays it easily. She is my de-facto choice for best leading actress.

James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart

Photo By: Georges Biard

Teamwork takes synergy. James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart both play Professor Xavier. I think that their synergy is damn near perfect.


Give credit to the casting department here. They found the right man for the job. The actors complement each other.

McAvoy is the past and Stewart is the future. Wolverine travels back to the 1970’s to find the X-Men crew. He has to convince Professor Xavier and the others to join forces.

Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellen

 Photo By: GabboT

Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellen are the antagonists. They play Magneto. The moral of Magneto is, we are our own worst enemies.

Michael and Ian are in perfect harmony. It’s rare to see two movie stars in sync. They have you guessing the whole time.

This character is unpredictable. He keeps you in suspense. You don’t know what to expect from him.

The Plot Thickens

Magneto is imprisoned at the Pentagon for killing JFK. Wolverine and the X-Men plot to break him out. It doesn’t go smoothly.

At one point, they are trapped. The fun starts here. You’ll have to see it for yourself.

This scene is a work of art. The spotlight shines on Evan Peters. Quicksilver uses his abilities to the core. This is the highlight of the movie.

Time is the underlying theme. While Wolverine travels back in time, the X-Men are on edge. He’s the last hope.

The world has been tormented by war. Peace is not anywhere in sight. But, where there’s a will there’s a way.

X-Men is the best! “I’ll try my best. Your Best is enough.” That’s one of my favorite lines from the film.

Go see X-Men if you want an action-packed and futuristic motion picture. It takes cinema to the next level. The plot thickens.

X-Men: The Video Game Movie

I vouch for X-Men. It’s in a class of its own. The stars gave 110 percent.

My only issue with the acting is Ellen Page. I understand why they chose her. But, I feel she overacted.

Don’t get me wrong, I like her. However, I would have selected someone like Emma Stone. That’s my opinion. Take it for what it’s worth.

Have you seen any other X-Men films? I liked X-Men First Class. Click here for more information about the whole franchise. I look forward to a video game.

The film is visually pleasing. If you’re hard to please, you’ll love this because the producers make it look easy. It’s the best movie that’s now playing.

I give X-Men: Days of Future Past 5 stars. It is the best. You are the best. Thank you for reading and sharing. I appreciate your comments and questions.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1…