Terminator Genisys: Film Review

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June 30, 2015

If there’s one thing certain about every sequel in the Terminator franchise that’s come down since 1991’s Terminator 2: Judgement Day, it’s that they’ve all been consistently a letdown in one way, shape, or form. Sadly, Terminator Genisys continues that not-so-grand tradition: though its many nods to the original 1984 film as well as its very impressive CGI offerings make it easily the most enjoyable of the sequels made without series creator James Cameron at the helm, it still can’t escape the “been there, done that” feeling that’s dogged the franchise since T2 set the bar so impossibly high more than 30 years ago. It’s a worthy effort, but the results, even with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s presence and charisma powering them, don’t even come close.

In the seemingly-inescapable apocalyptic future where humans fight to reclaim their world from the technological tyrant they themselves created, Skynet, legendary human resistance leader John Connor (Jason Clarke, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) leads what he hopes will be the final push to end Skynet once and for all, his loyal lieutenant Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) at his side. They arrive at a secret installation where John knows Skynet holds its final doomsday option in case its existence is compromised by humanity: a temporal displacement device (“time machine” in geek speak) meant to send one of its hulking, nearly unstoppable human infiltration units — Terminators — back in time to kill Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke, HBO’s “Game of Thrones”), John’s mother, before John can even be born.

Of course, they arrive too late, and though Skynet seemingly lies in ruins in the future, the past is in danger of being terminated. Reese volunteers to follow the Terminator back into the past to protect Sarah, just as he is supposed to, but when he arrives in 1984 ready to protect a helpless Sarah, he finds instead a situation far different than what John had led him to expect. Immediately he finds himself under attack by a model of Terminator he’s never seen before, one seemingly composed of liquid metal (Byung-hun Lee, playing one of the T-1000 models made infamous by Robert Patrick in T2), as well as being rescued by none other than the person he came expecting to save, Sarah Connor.

As a very confused Reese learns, not only is Sarah far from helpless in the face of the Terminator threat, she’s battle-trained, fully aware of how the future will play out and her role in the birth of the resistance, and being protected by an aging T-800 model Terminator she’s dubbed “Pops”(Schwarzenegger). He also learns that the timeline he knew, the one John told him about over their years together in the resistance, was wiped out when Skynet sent a different Terminator after Sarah at age 9, and someone else — not John — sent “Pops” back to save her and keep her alive in order for her to fulfill her destiny.

Still confused? Sorry, but things don’t get any easier to follow from there, as the trio are forced to come up with a new plan involving more time travel to avert Judgement Day coming at a different time and in a different form thanks to the alternate timeline, and find themselves against yet another new and even deadlier model of Terminator wearing a horrifyingly familiar face. (If you’ve seen the trailer for the film, you already know whose face it is, but just in case you don’t know yet, you’re not going to find out about it here. Sorry.)

If Terminator Genisys is proof of anything at all, it’s that the heart and soul of these movies is entirely bound and beholden to the big Austrian guy playing the supposedly-heartless robotic killing machine. Just about all of this new film’s most entertaining moments, both action and dialogue-driven, involve Schwarzenegger, and admittedly much of the little humor there is in the film revolves around Schwarzenegger’s T-800 model — the “Guardian”, as he’s billed in the credits — coming face to face in various ways with his age. No doubt, the most memorable of those confrontations is the most literal one, where he battles another T-800 wearing his face as it was in 1984 thanks to quite possibly the best job of CGI facial duplication we’ve seen yet in this series. (Schwarzenegger’s 1984 face was also duplicated via CGI in 2009’s Terminator Salvation, but it didn’t look anywhere as authentic as it does here.)

Unfortunately, Schwarzenegger is just about all that’s right about the casting of this film. Emilia Clarke, taking on the role made iconic by Linda Hamilton in the first two films and also once played by her “Game of Thrones” cast mate Lena Headey in the TV series “Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles”, simply is never convincing as a Sarah Connor forged from childhood to be a fighter and the mother of a revolutionary. It’s not entirely her fault that this version of Sarah doesn’t work — the character’s story arc is woefully lacking in any subtlety or nuance — but also Clarke simply lacks the presence that even a young Linda Hamilton playing the original Sarah seemed to exude. Similarly, Jai Courtney lacks the piercing intensity of Michael Biehn, and he never really has any chemistry at all with Clarke. The film’s other “Clarke”, Jason, picking up a role last brought to life rather lifelessly by Christian Bale, brings a certain likability and believable charisma to John Connor that’s necessary in order to make the film’s second half really hit home, and thus is a second bright spot in terms of casting. But any positive effect of his presence is essentially muted by the fact that the film’s leading couple simply do not click.

Terminator Genisys is also sorely lacking compared to earlier Terminator entries in terms of scale and visual impact. That’s not to say that the special effects, chases, and fights aren’t impressive or entertaining to watch — they are, in their own limited, repetitive way. But if there’s one thing James Cameron can do that few other major Hollywood directing talents can do consistently well, it’s conceptualize and execute large-scale sci-fi action in a way that leaves audiences breathless and agape, and arguably he was near the height of his powers with T2. Following in his footsteps and consciously aping Cameron at all times in this film is director Alan Taylor (Thor: The Dark World), and though the story throws new dangers and new Terminators with abilities unrivaled by what’s come before, there’s nothing in what Taylor delivers that feels new, dynamic or groundbreaking in any way. The early action with the T-1000? Ho-hum, seen it before. New model Terminator taking the Arnie-model apart piece by piece while it stoically finds creative ways to fight back? Seen that in two previous iterations now, so nothing new there, either.

Maybe in a stand-alone science fiction action vehicle or even a different film series what Taylor does deliver might be enough. But not here, not with a franchise that’s reached the heights that Terminator has thanks in part to the vision of a director considered to be among the most talented of his generation. Terminator and Terminator fans simply deserve better, because the bar was set that high.

Again, its important to reiterate that Terminator Genisys does represent a rebound from the depths of mediocrity that the series reached with Salvation, and the film’s structure leaves little doubt that more sequels are coming. Perhaps in one of those upcoming iterations the heights that the franchise once reached will be reached again, or even surpassed. Anything is possible — after all, if these film’s have preached anything, it’s that the future is not set.

Terminator Genisys
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, J.K. Simmons, Matthew Smith, and Byung-hun Lee. Directed by Alan Taylor.
Running Time: 125 minutes
Rated PG – 13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and gunplay throughout, partial nudity and brief strong language.

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There Will Never Be Another Evel Knievel

By

Matthew Sardo

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June 30, 2015

Kelly Knievel spoke with Matthew Sardo about the documentary I AM EVEL KNIEVEL and what his father’s legacy looks like today.

Knievel discusses the chances of another American Icon rising up in today’s 24/7 media circus, and he updates the prospects of a feature film about his father. At the end of the interview Knievel gives us a special moment when he explains how he would like the public to remember his father.

I AM EVEL KNIEVEL

A Star Studded Cast Pays Tribute to the World’s Original Daredevil and Fearless Entertainer in a Feature Documentary Coming this June to Digital Platforms, Blu-Ray, and DVD From Virgil Films

“All my life people have been waiting around to watch me die.” – Evel Knievel

Evel Knievel is a name you can’t forget. And the new film I AM EVEL KNIEVEL, coming to Digital platforms, Blu-Ray and DVD on June 30, 2015, from Virgil Films, reveals the story behind the man you can’t forget.

Evel Knievel’s rise to superstardom was built on nerves of steel and the ability to get up and do it again no matter the severity of the fall. He lived life like every day was his last, which led to a tumultuous life filled with stunts no man would ever dream of, encompassing meteoric success, wild hubris, egomaniacal mistakes, and ultimately redemption. Sporting flashy leather jumpsuits and a determined grin in the face of death, Knievel became a national hero whose outrageous feats were broadcast on live TV. “My father was truly an awe inspiring character and an original in every sense of the word, and his legacy has grown even more amazing over the years”, states Kelly Knievel, “There was a reason my dad so captured the imagination of the world. This film captures the man’s character, determination, successes and failures.”

I AM EVEL KNIEVEL is the untold story of this legendary figure who gave birth to the culture and the meaning of the word “extreme”. The film also showcases Knievel’s rise from a small town rebel in Butte, Montana, to a cultural icon. The enduring legacy of Evel Knievel is his unforgettable death-defying jumps. The film – from producer-director Derik Murray (I Am Chris Farley, I Am Steve McQueen, I Am Bruce Lee), and writer-executive producer Paul Gertz (I Am Chris Farley, Johnny Cash: American Rebel) – features footage of Knievel’s greatest jumps, including his first major attempt, over the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the Snake River Canyon jump in Idaho and London’s Wembley Stadium jump.

A cast featuring those who knew him best and were inspired to achieve greatness of their own, including Matthew McConaughey, Kid Rock, Michelle Rodriguez, Guy Fieri, Robbie Maddison, daredevils Spanky Spangler and Mike Vallely, Willie G. Davidson of Harley-Davidson, funnyman Bob Einstein (known as Super Dave Osborne), Chris and J.C. Agajanian, and family members including sons Kelly and Robbie, and former wives Linda Knievel and Krystal Kennedy-Knievel.

“Evel Knievel didn’t have a death wish. He had a life wish, man.”-Matthew McConaughey pic.twitter.com/pGGtSLbSFK

— X Games (@XGames) June 30, 2015

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First Teaser For Oliver Stone’s ‘Snowden,’ Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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June 30, 2015

The first teaser trailer for Oliver Stone’s Snowden has been released. While there is no footage, there is plenty of exposition about the infamous whistleblower, played here by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Here is the Snowden teaser:

Here is the official synopsis:

“Snowden stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and is written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Oliver Stone. The script is based on the books The Snowden Files: The Inside Story of the World’s Most Wanted Man by Luke Harding and Time of the Octopus by Anatoly Kucherena.”

Aside from Gordon-Levitt in the title role, Snowden also stars Nicolas Cage in a rare non-batshit-crazy role, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom Wilkinson, Shailene Woodley, and Rhys Ifans. Naturally, Stone was able to cobble together an impressive cast for the film, we’ll see how the final result works.

Snowden opens on Christmas Day.

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Maika Monroe sneaked up on us, now deserves all the roles

By

Elisabeth S. Contreras

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June 30, 2015

One of my favorite films last year was The Guest, by the creators of You’re Next (2011), Adam Wingard and Simon Barrett. Admittedly, I’ve never seen one episode of Downton Abbey, so Dan Stevens was a revelation for me after watching his brilliantly creepy performance. Another highlight of The Guest, apart from the atmosphere and the soundtrack, was Maika Monroe’s performance. She’s a 22 year-old Santa Barbara native, kite surfer turned actress and fairly new to the industry. Her big screen debut was with At Any Price, opposite Zac Efron and Dennis Quaid, only three years ago. Monroe went on to work with some other big names in Hollywood, under the direction of Sophia Coppola in The Bling Ring (2013) and Jason Reitman in Labor Day (2013).

Earlier this year, It Follows wowed audiences around the world. Since it began screening in film festivals I heard rumors about how great and scary this horror flick was. Needless to say, the fact that Maika Monroe was in it sold it for me instantly. Now, the film is not flawless, especially because of its third act, but Monroe is. She has something so refreshing about her that makes the characters she plays extra interesting and convincing.

So if you haven’t seen any of those films, do yourself a favor and go watch them. After that, be prepared to see much more of this woman, because it seems like she’s here to stay, and I love that.

In her filmography schedule for the next couple of years we find: Bokeh, a scifi drama which I’m very excited about; The Tribes of Palos Verdes, with Jennifer Gardner, still in pre-production; The 5th Wave, based on a novel by Rick Yancey and including Chloë Grace Moretz, Liev Schreiber and Maria Bello in the cast.

But the one fact that has brought Maika Monroe’s name up in movie news outlets has been her involvement in the upcoming Independence Day sequel, recently revealed to be titled Resurgence. Maika has been cast as the daughter of the President of the United States, Patricia Whitmore, who was portrayed by Mae Whitman in the original 1996 film. Some of the cast, including Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum, reunited last June 23rd and were joined by newcomers Liam Hemsworth and Maika Monroe herself for a Q&A event to announce the release date: Summer of 2016. Look out for our review by then.

I don’t know about you, but I am actually excited to see what’s coming next for this young, ambitious and talented actress, seeing how I’ve loved her in everything she’s worked on so far.

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Review: The Brink’s Second Episode Rebounds by Degrees

By

Matthew McCrary

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June 30, 2015

We’re still not where we need to be with The Brink: there’s a whole storyline that’s pretty painful to watch, easy and hacky shit/piss/puke jokes run amok and water torture is played for a laugh… maybe? Still, The Brink is definitely taking some steps to move away from the brink this week–hey, that’s a fresh joke, I bet–with a better understanding of its main characters and more interest in being legitimately clever in the face of all its junior high-level potty humor.

This weeks The Brink sees our crew taking up where they left off in the arguably tense final moments of last week. Larson (Tim Robbins) and the rest of the President’s cabinet, argue over whether to attack Pakistan, Talbot (Frank Black) turns himself over to an angry militia while Rafiq (Aasif Mandvi) attempts to rescue him, and Zeke (Pablo Schreiber) and his co-pilot count down the minutes until they unload an unholy payload on the city of Islamabad. Things get zanier from there.

Did I mention that those last two–the pilots that is–are tripping on Zeke’s own pain medication, a dosage that is far too potent for Zeke’s co-pilot, Glenn? In fact, it’s this storyline that does this week’s The Brink the most damage. Playing a similar role as the classic Slim Pickens part–Major T.J. “King” Kong in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove–Zeke and Glenn are largely at the whim of their superiors, their fingers on the trigger nevertheless. Here though, they’re also at the whim of this bad mixture of medications that have at least left Glenn–the one helming the missiles, of course–completely out of it and actively dangerous, covering the fighter plane in vomit and firing off a missile after trying to wipe down his own mess. While this moment of “vomit for vomit’s sake” certainly up’s the ante from Slim Pickens’ earlier depiction of a good ol’ boy out of his element, Zeke and Glenn’s many moments leading up to their anticipated attack, do nothing more than point out how frustratingly awful these two guys are. Where Major Kong’s actions grew out of an endearing naiveté and a strong willingness to follow his orders until the very end, Zeke and Glenn are just idiots. Loud, pill popping, pill puking idiots. Sure, they serve the plot, but each time they show up on screen, it’s groan-inducing.

Luckily, in contrast, Jack Black and Tim Robbins have rebounded from last week’s premiere, showcasing some actual character moments here and there in this second outing, and thus getting a chance to utilize some of their considerable acting chops. Talbot proves in form that his role as cowardly no-life is still up in the air, after he commits a few noble acts for the people he already screwed over. Sure, he’s still quick to get himself out of hairy situations any way he can, but it at least seems to be outside of ruining other people’s lives. Larson meanwhile, has a conversation with his wife that shows a different side of him; one that has respect for a woman other than his assistant, mainly due to his and his wife’s shared debauchery and interest in getting ahead in politics. When she proves to do as much manizing as he womanizing, we’re left with a relationship far more interesting than the classic “politician who cheats on his wife” scenario. We also get some male nudity, which I give The Brink credit for in contrast to its consistent objectification of women. On The Brink, all sexes are objectified! Meanwhile, this week’s The Brink finds its sideline characters getting less play, with Rafiq starting off slowly on his own journey to save Talbot whilst his family disappears after the first five minutes. Larson’s assistant, Kendra, gets some nice scenes bouncing off of her boss, but it’d still be nice to see the supporting cast get a little more screen time.

The Brink is definitely heading in the right direction–especially since the more ridiculous pilot scenes should be in the rearview–but it’s nowhere near above water. The writer’s room will need to up its ability to satirize the ridiculousness of foreign policy and U.S. officials, rather than relying on two idiot pilots vomiting all over a camera broadcasting directly into the Situation Room. It’s something we haven’t seen before, sure, but clever, calculated and biting it isn’t.

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Paul Feig Reveals New Proton Packs For ‘Ghostbusters’ Female Reboot

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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June 30, 2015

Brief images and small tidbits of information are now steadily dropping in regards to Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters all-female reboot. Yesterday, Feig tweeted a photo of the ladies’ new uniforms:

#whatyougonnawear pic.twitter.com/o5oyHeIaSx

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) June 29, 2015

Today, Feig dropped a first look at the new, old, proton pack the Ghostbusters will use in the film:

#whatyougonnashoot pic.twitter.com/sGsYSgS1Io

— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) June 30, 2015

These proton packs are much less streamlined than the original films, indicating this new team might be working with a little less in the technology department. We’ll see. Aside from the new Ghostbusters team of Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Feig’s remake stars Chris Hemsworth as the team’s secretary.

Ghostbusters opens June 22, 2016.

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New Trailer: Julia Roberts, Chiwetel Ejiofor Star in ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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June 30, 2015

Julia Robert, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Nicole Kidman star in The Secret in Their Eyes, an English-language remake of Juan José Campanella‘s 2009 thriller. The Argentine film won the Academy Award that year for Best Foreign Language Film, and now has a rather intriguing American adaptation.

Here is the trailer for The Secret in Their Eyes:

Here is the official synopsis:

“A tight-knit team of rising FBI investigators – Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and Jess (Julia Roberts), along with their District Attorney supervisor Claire (Nicole Kidman) – is suddenly torn apart when they discover that Jess’s teenage daughter has been brutally and inexplicably murdered.

Now, thirteen years later, after obsessively searching every day for the elusive killer, Ray finally uncovers a new lead that he’s certain can permanently resolve the case, nail the vicious murderer, and bring long-desired closure to his team. No one is prepared, however, for the shocking, unspeakable secret that will reveal the enduring, destructive effects of personal vengeance on the human soul.

Interweaving past and present, this deeply layered mystery explores the murky boundaries between justice and revenge, and asks the question: how far would you go to right an unfathomable wrong?”

The film is directed by Shattered Glass filmmaker Billy Ray, who has traversed this avenue before in the superior and underrated film, Breach. Along with Roberts – who it is nice to see in something different from her familiar territory – Ejiofor, and Kidman, The Secret in Their Eyes also stars Breaking Bad‘s Dean Norris.

The Secret in Their Eyes opens October 23.

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Review: Terminator Genisys is a fun ride

By

Dewey Singleton - Film Critic

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June 29, 2015

One of the things that movie critics are often guilty of is setting unachievable expectations for the movie watcher. We feel that we know what’s best for the viewer and thus ruin these movie experiences for others. We have to remember that some movies are meant to be full of merit and art while others are just meant to be a fun ride. Terminator Genisys is not going to win any awards for its merit but it’s a fun ride and worth your time.

The movie starts when John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the humans against the machines, sends Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect his mother Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke). A sudden turn of events creates an alternate future. Instead of a scared waitress, Sarah turns into this warrior with a terminator by her side (Arnold Schwarzenegger). Faced with a new future they are faced with the unexpected mission of resetting the past.

I was surprised from the start by the originality of the story line of Terminator Genisys. I will be the first to admit that I was skeptical as to exactly how they would bring the Terminator franchise back to life and they did it in a very original way. What I thought was most important was that they stuck to what makes Terminator great. This movie had to have- quick one liners, explosions, chases, great stunts, and great climax to be a success in my book. I am happy to report is they did not pull a Magic Mike XXL and stuck to what made the franchise so popular and the movie benefited greatly.

I will say that the director made some stellar casting decisions in this movie. J.K Simmons really added just the right amount lightness to the intense chase scenes and all around craziness going on. Arnold Schwarzenegger really picked up where he left off bringing that coldness and tiny bit of dry wit to the role of the Terminator. Some might call into question if Emilia Clarke was the right choice for the role of Sarah Conner. I heard one person even mention that she wasn’t Linda Hamilton. My response to that critique is that while I see what they are saying I think this Terminator movie was fine with Emilia Clarke as Sarah Conner. I think in the old Terminator film the role of Sarah Conner called for an all around badass and this one need a bit badass with mixture of depth as well.

Some might call into question just the level of special effects in the film. I even heard some saying that they had “seen those effects before.” Okay, remember that Terminator 2 Judgment Day, revolutionized the world of special effects and expecting this film to do what that film did so long ago is sadly misguided. I felt that the special effects were more than enough to add the wow that this film needed.

I think what we can learn that sometimes unrealistic expectations can ruin someone’s perspective on a movie. Being realistic about a particular movie not only allows the viewer to enjoy the movie, but more importantly allows them to make their own judgment. My expectation for Terminator Genisys was that I would be entertained and this movie certainly met my expectations.

Relax ! You should be thrilled Arnold has got this under control. — Relax! You should be thrilled. Arnold has got this under control.

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‘I Am Chris Farley’ Trailer: Everybody Cries Through This, Right?

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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June 29, 2015

A trailer for the upcoming documentary I am Chris Farley has been released, and for anyone who grew up in the 90s, this is sure to be an emotional journey through the troubled but wonderfully comedic life of an SNL icon. Loaded with celebrity interviews, I Am Chris Farley looks to be a truly emotional story from those who knew and loved him the most.

Here is the I Am Chris Farley trailer:

I’m sure I’m not the only one around my age who remembers the dark day of Farley’s untimely and tragic death from an overdose. As wonderfully open and friendly and lovable as he was, Chris Farley had some real demons floating around his head, most notably the ones that convinced him his weight was his only talent.

I Am Chris Farley features interviews from dozens of actors and peers who knew and loved him, including Adam Sandler, David Spade, Bob Odenkirk, Bob Saget, Jay Mohr, Mike Myers, and his brother, Kevin. It is directed by Brent Hodge and Derik Murray.

I Am Chris Farley opens July 31 and August 11 on VOD.

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Hollywood Needs More Robert Zemeckis

By

Larry Taylor - Managing Editor

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June 29, 2015

Today, the news came down that Robert Zemeckis, one of the more under appreciated great directors in Hollywood history, said a remake of his iconic 1985 film Back to The Future would happen “over [his] dead body.” The response to the very idea of remaking something as singularly influential as Back to The Future would not only be ill advised for Hollywood, but may spell doom for several films considered untouchable by the tentacles of the remake monster. Hollywood needs more like Robert Zemeckis.

In his interview with The Telegraph, Zemeckis was straight forward in his dismissal of such a terrible idea, and also pointed to the very tangible legal hurdles that would be in the way of a Back to The Future remake. “That (remake) can’t happen until both Bob and I are dead. And then I’m sure they’ll do it, unless there’s a way our estates can stop it.” Zemeckis also assured that neither he or the aforementioned Bob Gale, co-writer, would never sign off on such an absurd idea.

“I mean, to me, that’s outrageous,” he said. “Especially since it’s a good movie. It’s like saying ‘Let’s remake Citizen Kane. Who are we going to get to play Kane?’ What folly, what insanity is that? Why would anyone do that?”

This is one of the better bits of news coming from the stale remake and sequel factory of Hollywood these days. It is comforting to know that one of my formative childhood films, one that stands the test of time, will not be sullied by some hackneyed, slapdash Hollywood cash grab. There are a great number of personal films I would hate to see remade, maybe that is for another segment, but Back to The Future will forever be on this list. If it were remade, what would stop short-sighted studio execs from green-lighting a Jaws remake? A Dog Day Afternoon remake? The Godfather for 2021? It could open a floodgate that may not be stopped because, yes, cinephiles do include BTTF in the conversation with those other great films I have mentioned.

I only wish more people in Hollywood thought like Robert Zemeckis.

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