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Captain America: Civil War Movie Review

BY: GURU JAY
The concept of merging all the superheroes into one movie is brilliant, but it could be executed better. There are some phenomenal scenes in Civil War. However, some scenes are easily forgettable.
I feel the actors are excellent. Moreover, producers should place more emphasis on Scarlett Johansson and Elizabeth Olsen. How does the writer determine who gets the best lines?
The face-offs and toe-to-toes are unbelievable. Chris Evans aka Captain America has a chance to end Iron Man, as we know him. All this occurs because a doctor wants to play games.
Chadwick Boseman makes a great appearance as Black Panther. He saves Scarlett Johansson’s ass (which is for the good of humanity). Everything happens too fast. That’s my biggest critique.
Slow it down a little and let the audience’s eyes focus on the target. Anthony Mackie livened it up as always. Plus, Jeremy Renner shined.
Who am I forgetting? Oh yeah, that guy Robert Downey Jr. The number 1 movie star does not disappoint as Iron Man. He has swagger. 
 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Civil War is like seeing 10 Marvel movies at the same time. Also, Spider-Man appears in this edition of Captain America.
I believe the directors held back and they could have delivered more content. Maybe, they’re saving up for next time, which is an acceptable strategy. Did you see Avengers: Age Of Ultron? How does it compare to this?
Can you imagine them filming on the beach? Location. Location. Location. I like how the great white letters showcased the locations. Details can make or break a film of high caliber.
Also, remember to stay during the closing credits because there’s an extra scene packed in. You can’t complain about the ending. All loose ends get tied together. 
Overall, I give the movie a C+. Although it had a lot of style, it had just a little bit of substance. It was definitely entertaining though. 
I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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Beasts of No Nation Movie Review: SPOILER ALERT

BY: GURU JAY
Beasts of No Nation Movie Review: SPOILER ALERT

 

After NRC government soldiers invaded his family’s village and shot and killed his father, grandfather, and older brother in cold blood, a young West African boy named Agu (Abraham Attah) amazingly escapes execution by running into the jungle. Now, he’s a refugee but not for long. NDF rebellion soldiers capture Agu and demand that he explain his ideology to their commandant played by Idris Elba. Elba’s character uses Agu’s story as a catalyst for recruitment and training purposes.
Unfortunately, Agu’s time is up and his options are few. He’s left to choose between the lesser of two evils. Of course, he joins the NDF because otherwise he’s dead.
It won’t be long before Agu slaughters a man in cold blood himself. The commandant orders the child soldier to slash “his enemy” with a machete. The victim pleads, “I’m only an engineering student!” Later on, the boy with a guilty conscience kills several innocent people with a rifle while under even stricter orders.

Beasts of No Nation lives up to its name. It is a brutal tale of a never-ending war.
The commandant motivates his army with captivating stories centered on African culture. But every plot no matter how thick climaxes.
Still, the supreme commander holds the keys to power. He promises the commandant a promotion to General. Or does he?
It turns out the supreme commander intends on demoting the commandant. He emphasizes a soldier has three duties. 1. Obedience 2. Obedience 3. Obedience
That’s when the commandant goes ballistic and takes his troops another course. Inevitably, all of the soldiers surrender except for their commandant. Agu is safe, but forever changed by those “very dangerous times.”

 Photo By: Wikimedia Commons

I highly recommend Beasts of No Nation but I warn you of its graphic nature. It is controversial for a reason. Idris Elba literally immerses himself into the bloodstained script.

I am Guru Jay launching into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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The Martian Movie Review

BY: GURU JAY
The Martian Movie Review

If you’re a regular at Guru Jay, you know The Martian is my kind of movie. I expect this film to be number 1 at the box office for the third consecutive week. Numbers indicate that The Martian might become director Ridley Scott’s best movie ever.
Tonight, my initial thought was: what are comedians Kristen Wiig and Donald Glover doing in this particular piece? After viewing the film, now I realize that they are three-dimensional actors. Who can complain about this wonderful cast? Jeff Daniels, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Mara, Michael Peña…
The Plot
Matt Damon plays an astronaut (Mark Watney) stranded on Mars because his crew abruptly aborts their mission due to a severe storm. His crewmembers leave him behind thinking he’s dead. However, the determined character lives through this tribulation and awaits rescue.
Luckily, Watney’s a botanist who figures out how to grow food for survival purposes. “The Martian” finally contacts NASA, who already gave him a memorial. Soon, the public learns he is alive. Then, the whole world prepares for his return home safely.

Typically, it would take 4 years to travel to Mars. However, Watney may come home earlier than imagined because of a fortunate discovery. Without a doubt the proposition is risky. What option will NASA take?
Jessica Chastain plays mission commander Melissa Lewis. To her credit, she never wanted to abandon Watney. Nonetheless, she is pivotal to the storyline. I won’t spoil it any further for you. If you’re into science, go check it out.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

Closing Thoughts

The cinematography is on point. The Martian is realistic and futuristic as possible. The audience will enjoy spectacular visual effects aligned with technology’s capabilities. We must acknowledge Andy Weir’s great literary contribution.
My main criticism is the movie progresses slowly. Whenever we watch Matt Damon we’re used to seeing fast action-packed scenes. In spite of this, I believe The Martian is brilliant. This is Matt Damon’s magnum opus. You won’t find a carbon copy.


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Furious 7 Movie Review

BY: GURU JAY

Yesterday was surreal at the theater. Paul Walker lives on through the Fast and Furious franchise and cast. Furious 7 is truly one of a kind.
Family is the movie’s major theme. Paul, Vin Diesel, and Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson reinforce this idea. On the flip side, Jason Statham’s character is furious about his brother’s death. So Statham combines his efforts with terrorists wrecking havoc on the streets.
It is an exciting experience. The fight scenes are better than Bourne Supremacy. What is more, the audience can connect with the film.

 

There is a first time for everything. I never pictured parachuting cars. Also, can you imagine jumping from building to building out glass windows in a luxury sports car?

Plus, Michelle Rodriguez contributed an important element to the script. These days romance is lost in the wilderness. The question is will Rodriguez’s character recover her memory.

 

Who knew Tyrese Gibson was a comedian? Right from the start, his character keeps cracking jokes. It’s funny seeing him pursue Nathalie Emmanuel because he’s a bona fide player.
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges is another vital component. You see the movie strives to link the past to the present. And Ludacris is the final piece to the puzzle.
If family is a major theme, then so is love. Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster demonstrated the power and bond of marriage. Gratefully, Jordana seizes the moment and delivers gracefully.
I took a class called Human Growth and Development as an Undergraduate. The course teaches how life comes in stages. Furious 7 shows how the cast has grown individually and developed collectively.  

Do you like fun and action-packed movies? If so, I highly recommend you go see Furious 7. It’s so good; you must watch it more than once.

 Photos By: Wikimedia Commons

The film concludes with a touching tribute and emotional dedication for Paul Walker. Respect the actors for continuing even after losing a close friend. Let’s remember Paul not just as a great movie star, but also as a phenomenal man and sensational spirit.

I am Guru Jay launching off into orbit in 5-4-3-2-1!
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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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The Interview Movie Review SPOILER ALERT

BY: GURU JAY
  


The Interview came out on Christmas Day. There are multiple ways you can still view it. It has good acting and jokes abound.
SPOILER ALERT
Hollywood stars Seth Rogen and James Franco shine in the comedy. Give credit to Randall Park for a job well done. My favorite scene is when the Supreme Leader (Park) and Dave Skylark (Franco) hangout. The tiger part with Aaron Rapoport (Rogan) was funny too.
It gets crazy near the end. Rapoport tries to stop a Korean cameraman from shutting down the broadcast. And, the man starts biting off Rapoport’s fingers. Then, Rapoport retaliates.
I told you it was crazy. The film reminds me a lot of Pineapple Express. You can’t buy the chemistry between Seth and James.
Lizzy Caplan and Diana Bang add value to the Interviewcast as well. I would like to see more of their work. Both actresses have a bright future.
If Seth Rogen is a creative genius, then director Evan Goldberg is a mastermind. It is a nice collaboration. And, it’s worth watching.
If you want a shameful laugh, go see The Interview. This movie is twisted. Overall, it’s a fine production if you’re into spoofs.
I give The Interview starring James Franco and Seth Rogan a busy B. The over-the-top comedy satisfies your hunger. But, it leaves you thirsty.

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

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Why Guardians of the Galaxy was #1

BY: GURU JAY


2014 belonged to Guardians of the Galaxy. The Marvel movie, which made nearly $775 million, was the highest grossing movie of the year. Chris Pratt demonstrated his on screen prowess. And Zoe Saldana showed why she is on top of the fantasy world.
It was an absolute must-see movie. The prison break scene was epic. Rocket Raccoon played by Bradley Cooper stole the show. Although Vin Diesel was unrecognizable as Groot, he was good nonetheless.


Why Guardians of the Galaxy was #1
Music + movies= success. I haven’t heard a better soundtrack than Guardians of the Galaxy in a long time. I give the music an A+.
B-School students should take note of Guardians of the Galaxy’s marketing campaign. Producers didn’t waste a single dollar. This movie could have easily cost Marvel $300 million. Instead, the film was made with a conservative budget of $150 million.
Thanks to casting there was a nice mixture of talent. But, the screenplay missed the mark. Why am I so hard on screenwriters?


With that said, I give the movie a solid B+. I enjoyed the scenes. It was a wonderful experience with amazing computer graphics.
If you want a fun family and action-packed film go with Guardians. It is a highly creative motion picture. This is Hollywood’s finest.
Guardians of the Galaxy was number 1 because everyone could enjoy it. It was a rare film that appeals to grandma and grandson. I highly recommend this highest grossing movie.
Have you seen Guardians? Will you buy it on blue-ray? What was the best part?
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Photos By: Wikimedia Commons