Zero Dark Thirty

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For the final film of the month we have Zero Dark Thirty 

First off, we have the story which tells the events of the manhunt for Osama bin Laden after the September 11 attacks which leads to the finding of a compound where he could be. I thought the story was the most enlightening part getting to find out what went on about the operation and the struggles and hardships. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were one of the best parts of the film especially the main character of Maya as you follow her throughout the film and her attempts to locate bin Laden and over the years you see her change and adapt to the situation.

Now we have the action which came in many forms from the various terrorist attacks to the torture carried out to find out any information they could which was hard to watch especially There was also the final attack on the compound holding bin Laden to end the entire saga. As for the film's visuals I thought the cinematography for this film was interesting capturing what it would have been like to work in the countries focused on and the jobs going on throughout the manhunt. Moving onto the tone of the film which captured the rough, dangerous and dark times that all the people went through to capture and kill bin Laden. The tension in certain scenes was at an all time high in scenes that captured the events going on. I thought the soundtrack of the film when needed added to the film by either building the tension or adding to the film in general.

Overall, I thought this film was a very entertaining film and with the story and characters being the main focus made it more enjoyable. I though the pacing of the film helped and how the story flowed through the years made it flow better. 

I give Zero Dark Thirty a score of 8/10

Yes Man

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yes_Man_(film)#/media/File:YesMan2008poster.jpg

For the penultimate film of the month we have Yes Man

First off, we have the story which has Carl a man struggling after a divorce learning how to embrace life again and say yes to what he can which leads him to a better life experience in many ways. I thought the story was very formulaic in terms of it's story beats and I thought the message that the film was trying to go for was an interesting one.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of the acting from most of the characters was very good with Carrey being the obvious standout and in terms of the characters themselves I thought some of them worked while others were generic for a comedy.

As for the film's visuals fit the style a comedy usually goes for being bright of places with comedy and darker when times got bad. Moving onto the tone of the film which managed to get a few laughs out of me at points throughout the film with some good jokes but also because of Carrey's performance at times. I thought the soundtrack of the film fit the time the film came out and the tracks were entertaining.

Overall, I thought this film was a mixed bag with an interesting plot idea and some of the comedy, Carrey as the lead role did very well but certain aspects lacked such as some of the supporting characters and visuals felt generic

I give Yes Man a score of 5/10

Tomorrowland

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomorrowland_(film)#/media/File:Tomorrowland_poster.jpg

For the tenth film of the month we have Tomorrowland

First off, we have the story which has a inventor and a young scientist enthusiast embark on a journey to Tomorrowland where the actions they undertake effects their own world. I thought the story was very entertaining and for a science fiction film felt very different from others.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very good with the acting and chemistry of the main leads standing out the most, they also managed to compliment each other very well. i felt the villain however was very cliche and let the film down a bit. 

As for the film's visuals I thought in terms of the design and look of Tomorrowland was intriguing and showing how bad the place had gotten as well as the future of Earth was an interesting motivation for the main characters to strive for. Moving onto the tone of the film which managed to capture the wonder and adventure of Tomorrowland but also the danger of what they find there and have to stop. I thought the soundtrack of the film also managed to capture the adventure and the more intense scenes spread throughout.

Overall, I thought this film was an enjoyable one and surprised me with how much I liked it through the story, characters and visuals and because of the ways it tried to be different with it's message.

I give Tomorrowland a score of 6/10

Transporter 2

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transporter_2

For the ninth film of the month we have Transporter 2

First off, we have the story which has Frank looking after a young boy from Miami as a chauffeur until he is kidnapped and must do whatever it takes to save him. I thought the story was very entertaining and because of the characters and action it made a deserved sequel to the original film. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were mixed with Jason Statham as Frank putting in another excellent performance and his chemistry with Jack shone through and you could see how he cares for him. The villains for this film were much better in this film and more rememberable because of the actions that they pull to get what they want. some of the side characters didn't really work like the father of Jack or the french detective from the last film. 

Now we have the action which again just like the previous film was very entertaining and because of the bigger budget the film had more could be done which could ramp up the stakes along with the fight and chase sequences. As for the film's visuals I thought they were more refined in this film and because of the setting the cinematography could make the film look more rougher. Moving onto the tone of the film which managed to stay consistent from the last film having high action but also fleshed out moments between the characters to make them more convincing. I thought the soundtrack of the film of the film did well at adding to the tension with this having higher stakes than the previous film. 

Overall, I thought this film was another fun action move that continues where the first film left and improved a lot of aspects that were weak such as the villains while make the action and stunts bigger and better for a great time.

I give Transporter 2 a score of 7/10

The Transporter

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transporter#/media/File:Transporterposter.jpg

For the eighth film of the month we have The Transporter

First off, we have the story which focuses on a man who hires himself to transport various items with no questions asked, that is until his next cargo is the daughter of a Chinese crime lord he must work to save her while being chased by a local detective. I thought the story was very entertaining and the idea behind the story was done very well with the running time helping this film a lot.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very mixed with Jason Statham as Frank giving a great performance with his OCD transporter who slowly breaks his habits through his next job. his relationship with the detective Tarconi was an interesting one as the encounter each other throughout the movie. I found the villains for this film very lackluster and not remediable.  

Now we have the action which I thought was very entertaining with both the car chases and the hand to hand/gun action sequences having a fast and lively pace that were very enjoyable to watch. As for the film's visuals I thought it had a very nice look to it with the setting and locations adding to the aesthetics. Moving onto the tone of the film which I managed to capture the essence of an action films tone with the high violence but also balancing the moments between the characters that give the film a bit of life. I thought the soundtrack of the film fit the style of the film and when it came to the fight sequences that's when the music really worked well added to the action.

Overall, I thought this film was a fun and enjoyable one that really surprised me with how much I liked it and as one of the few Jason Statham I have seen I look forward to watching more in the future.

I give The Transporter a score of 7/10

The Maze Runner

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Maze_Runner_(film)#/media/File:The_Maze_Runner_poster.jpg

For the seventh film of the month we have The Maze Runner

First off, we have the story which follows a group of young teens who live in a society surrounded by a large maze which changes layout every time the try to escape and together they try to find a way out. I thought the story which had a intriguing premise however the execution was mixed with the majority of it working but as it moved along something was lost which diminished it. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought in terms of the acting was very mixed with some characters I liked such as the main character Thomas and the rest not really standing out and were generic in terms of stereotypes. 

Now we have the action which came in the form of the running scenes when all the runners go into the maze to investigate it for a way out and because of the dangers such as mysterious creatures those scenes are very intense. As for the film's visuals I thought the world was set-up really well and because of what you it shows you it manages to establish to cut-off environment as well as the dangers and mystery of the maze itself. Moving onto the tone of the film which I enjoyed because of the way it created a dark and depressing atmosphere with the maze looming over the settlement and the situation the group was in. I thought the soundtrack of the film gave the action scenes some fast paced and intense music to work with as the film progressed but the rest of the soundtrack wasn't that memorable. 

Overall, I thought this film was enjoyable with a lot of good parts to it that started a decent movie such as the premise and the action but because of a few lapses in the story and certain aspects the film became a disappointment. 

I give The Maze Runner a score of 7/10

Rush Hour

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rush_Hour_(1998_film)#/media/File:Rush_hour_ver2.jpg

For the sixth film of the month we have Rush Hour

First off, we have the story which has two cops who must rescue the daughter of a Chinese diplomat when she is kidnapped in Los Angeles and must rely on themselves when help doesn't come from their respective forces. I thought the story was very entertaining and the running time for the film helped to cut away any unnecessary parts the film have had.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very entertaining and compelling and the acting and chemistry between the two main characters of Carter and Lee as their relationship grows as they try to solve the case. 

I thought the action was choreographed very well and all the set pieces and and stunts brought life into the film a well as adding to the comedy. As for the film's visuals I thought besides the action having some good direction, the cinematography wasn't not bad but nothing standout. Moving onto the tone of the film which I enjoyed as it managed to balance the comedy as well as the action to create a good balance for the movie. I thought the soundtrack of the film had some really good tracks that fit the time and setting for both the action sequences as well as the comedic scenes between Tucker and Chan's characters.

Overall, I thought this film was a very enjoyable fun with some fun and exciting scenes and two characters who have great chemistry to carry the film and I would watch this film again at some-point.

I give Rush Hour a score of 7/10

Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes

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For the fifth film of the month we have Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes 

First off, we have the story which has a scientist named Will who becomes the of a chimp named Caesar who becomes exposed to a drug meant to cure Will's father Alzheimer's disease and soon gains intelligence and intellect which continues to grow. I thought the story was very good with the ethics taking centre stage which I found intriguing. With this being my first film related to Planet Of The Apes I thought it was an enjoyable one.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were really enjoyable with the main relationship between Will and Caesar was a great focus in order to build up the film as well as the future movies which further expand from the universe and seeing it start from this one relationship shows how far it the films have come.

Now we have the action which slowly built up as the film progressed and when it the apes started to get free and cause chaos it was very entertaining. As for the film's visuals I thought it looked really good with some outstanding shots placed throughout, I was also impressed with the CGI of so many of the apes with Caesar being the standout of course being the main focus. Moving onto the tone of the film which I enjoyed as Caesar began to gain more intelligence the suspense and fallout slowly built up as the film progressed which was interesting to see happen. I thought the soundtrack of the film did a great job at adding tension to the film as the plot progressed to the action. 

Overall, I thought this film was a very entertaining movie with some ethics that bring the film to life and should be thought about in real life when it comes to treatment of animals and I now look forward to the future movies after this one and I would watch this film again in the future.

I give Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes a score of 8/10

Oblivion

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oblivion_(2013_film)#/media/File:Oblivion2013Poster.jpg

For the fourth film of the month we have Oblivion 

First off, we have the story which has a veteran soldier who mines Earth's last vital resources but soon becomes suspicious and questions his mission and himself. I thought the story was entertaining and had it's moments throughout. 

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought Jack played by Tom Cruise was the standout as he discovers the truth about the alien invasion and the truth behind his own past. The rest of the cast were mixed with some working and some of them not. 

Now we have the action which when needed was pretty good with some well executed sequences that kept the film going. As for the film's visuals I thought it looked unoriginal and in terms of it's post apocalyptic setting with the planet being destroyed like any other of this genre, It also had the same aspects you would expect to see such as an a underground group and hidden secrets about the aliens. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought at the start captured the feel of a sci-fi film however the execution of the mystery was lackluster. I thought the soundtrack of the film managed to balance the tracks that were for the action but also for the suspense and mystery.

Overall, I thought this film was a mixed bag with a lot of it worked but also not working but nevertheless it was entertaining to see the film unfold.

I give Oblivion a score of 6/10

Dredd

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dredd#/media/File:Dredd2012Poster.jpg

For the third film of the month we have Dredd

First off, we have the story which has the enforcer of justice: Dredd and his apprentice having to go through a 200 storey block of flats in order to put an end to the crime and stop a well known drug dealer who is somewhere inside. I thought the story was very entertaining with a fast pacing that moved the story along but you could enjoy some of the cooler moments.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very entertaining and i thought the acting backed that up with Karl Urban putting in a great performance as Judge Dredd and his chemistry with Olivia Thirlby as Anderson his partner was interesting as she is tested throughout the film since she is wanting to become a judge. Lena Heady as the villain Ma-Ma was ruthless and dark with the way she handled the citizens left in the building while fending off the Judges.

Now we have the action which was the highlight of the film as Dredd and Anderson fought through each floor of the building to get to Ma-Ma. The use of slow-motion at times had a credible reason for being there and showed off how violent it got with the blood and the detail of people getting shot.

As for the film's visuals I thought the film looked really good with the way it portrayed the living conditions within the city and especially the building they get stuck in as it is grey, grimy and because of the drug gangs not safe to do be in. Moving onto the tone of the film which I really the way it didn't hold back on the violence as well as the blood when the bullets start flying and having it contained in one building escalated the tone as things got progressively harder. I thought the soundtrack of the film when used was ok and it worked well enough throughout the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was a thoroughly entertaining film which I had no expectations for going and at the end I came out very surprised and I would definitely watch this film again. 

I give Dredd a score of 8/10

Dirty Dancing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirty_Dancing#/media/File:Dirty_Dancing.jpg

For the second film of the month we have Dirty Dancing 

First off, we have the story which follows Frances "Baby" Houseman and her family as they go on vacation to the Catskills where she meets a dance instructor who works there and she begins to fall for him. I thought the story was fun with some nice moments throughout.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought worked well with the film but the acting and chemistry between the characters was what made them work and made the story more entertaining.

As for the film's visuals I thought the ones for the dance sequences were the standouts and the choreography for the sequences was great. The cinematography in terms of lighting and camera shots was pretty good and worked well enough. Moving onto the tone of the film which I enjoyed and it fit with the film falling in the category of being a coming of age which worked this time around. I thought the soundtrack of the film was very good and one of the notable aspects about the film. 

Overall, I thought this film was an enjoyable film and I can see why it is one of the better coming of age movies as well as 80's movies.

I give Dirty Dancing  a score of 7/10

2 Guns

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2_Guns#/media/File:Two_guns_poster.jpg

For the first film of the month we have 2 Guns

First off, we have the story which focuses on two officers who work undercover to get into a drugs cartel, that is until they investigate each other and find themselves set-up for something they didn't do, they must work together to find who set them up. I thought the story was was fun and had some cool moments in it.

Next, we have the characters which overall, I thought were very funny and compelling. The acting from Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington was top notch and manged to bring the two characters to life and their chemistry together brought the film to life with their interactions. The other characters were mixed with some of them working and some of the not but the acting was consistent.

Now we have the action which I thought was entertaining with some decent set-pieces set throughout that looked good on screen. As for the  film's visuals I thought they were ok with some decent shots that looked good. The cinematography for the setting definitely made it feel real and worked for this type of film. Moving onto the tone of the film which I thought managed to balance the comedy as well as the action pretty well to make a funny but action packed film. I thought the soundtrack of the film was ok at best and worked for most of the scenes throughout the film.

Overall, I thought this film was a entertaining action movie which I enjoyed very much with fun story and characters that moved the story along very well and I would watch this film again in the future.

I give 2 Guns a score of 7/10