Insurgent

The usual case with me for sequels is I usually enjoy them more because they don't need to spend as much time developing the characters and can jump right into the action. Not so with this film. I enjoyed "Divergent" more. That's not to say I didn't like this movie, just not as much. I still thought it was great. Some parts were a bit unnecessary and slow, I thought the way they filmed the action sequences was great, though. The ending made me wonder "How are they going to continue this?" and I'm excited to see how, whenever that may be. There was a bit of overacting by Shailene Woodley in this film (her crying felt forced and unrealistic) but the other actors did a great job. It's not the best YA series out there, but it is still enjoyable. I'm excited to see part 3 (and possibly 4).
Grade: B  8/10, 4/5 stars

Divergent

Despite what most people think this is nothing like "The Hunger Games." Are there similarities? Yes, but there are also similarities to the Giver and I don't hear people calling plagiarism on that. While some of the dialogue is a bit cliche, and it felt like I'd seen some of the movie before, as a whole, I enjoyed it. They could have chosen a better actress for the main character, Tris, because at times it feels like Shailene Woodley is not delivering the dialogue as she should be. Sometimes she sounds bored, and sometimes she overacts, but Kate Winslet portraying the evil leader of their post-apocalyptic world saves it because she's almost as creepy as Donald Sutherland's portrayal of President Snow in the Hunger Games. I enjoyed the subtle bits of humor sprinkled throughout what is otherwise a dark film. The first hour or so was a bit slow, but the third act was great. I was really enthralled by Hans Zimmers' score, and the electronica music inserted here and there, even though it makes no sense to have it there. I have never read the books (and don't plan to because I want to be surprised) but still enjoyed the film. This is one YA novel film adaptation series I hope succeeds.
Grade: B  8/10  4.5/5 stars

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water

I have to admit, I was skeptical when I heard that there was another Spongebob movie coming out, considering that the first movie was supposed to be the series finale, and since the original creator of the show, Stephen Hillenburg left after the first movie, the show had kind of declined in quality. However, Hillenburg is back for this movie, and is returning to the series! It really shows that he has returned, as the movie has plenty of  well-written jokes for everyone. Is it as good as the first movie? No, but it's not the train-wreck I initially thought it was going to be. Also, don't believe the trailers and posters. Only the last half-hour is spent in the "real world" where Spongebob and his friends are CGI. I thought this film was really clever, and was laughing throughout. The one thing that bothers me, is that in the series, when Spongebob and his friends go above water, they are puppets. (Or in Spongebob's case, a real sponge.) They look just like their cartoon selves the whole time in this movie. (Except for Sandy. She's a real squirrel on land.) Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, and it reawakened the 7-year-old in me, when the first movie came out. The plot felt a bit rushed, but by the end, I left with a smile on my face.
Grade: A-,  9/10, 4/5 stars

Top 10 Films of 2014

10. Interstellar: This is a Christopher Nolan film. How could it not be on here? It's such a deep movie that has to be viewed multiple times.
9. Captain America: The Winter Soldier: It didn't really feel like a superhero movie. It was a little bit of everything.
8. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1: Just the scene with the Hanging Tree song alone was powerful enough for it to make the list.
7. Edge of Tomorrow: It was very clever and original. It had a surprising twist, and I enjoyed it.
6. Non-Stop; This film kept me engaged until the end. The whole time I was guessing who the culprit might be. It was a game of Mafia (AKA Murder in the Dark) set on an airplane and that felt very fresh.
5. Muppets Most Wanted: This was clever, funny, and original. Jim Henson would be proud.
4. The Imitation Game: Benedict Cumberbatch's performance in this is definately Oscar-worthy.
3. Penguins of Madagascar: This was so well written. I enjoyed the puns on actors' names. (Nicholas, cage them!) So clever.
2. Big Hero 6: This is right up there with the other Disney movies "Meet the Robinsons" and "Bolt." It's funny, emotional, and original.
And the winner is..... 
1. The Lego Movie: I enjoyed the satire on pop-culture, the references to other movies, and the exaggerated personalities of DC characters.

I would also like to say a fond farewell to Jeff Vice former movie critic of the Deseret News, who sadly passed away of heart failure on May 29, 2014. He is the one who inspired me to become a movie critic in the first place, so technically without him this blog would not exist. You will be missed.

The Imitation Game

Dear Academy: If you don't nominate Benedict Cumberbatch for Best Actor, then change whoever votes on these things because they clearly don't know what they're doing. This is one of the best films of the year. It's very well done. Benedict Cumberbatch, as always, does a fantastic job. It's a very thought-provoking movie that I highly recommend    to everyone. You really need to pay attention throughout the movie, or you'll miss some very important elements that contribute to the plot. It's got just the right mix of drama and humor, and is a great way to learn a little something about history, too.  This needs to be shown in high school history classes. It's one of the most important, if not the most important movie you will see this year. If you can only see one movie this year, see this one.

Grade: A+  10/10  5/5 stars

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

I wasn't expecting this film to be as good as it was. I only saw it because it's Robin Williams' last film. Surprisingly, it didn't feel like a re-hash and was actually funny. It's one of the funniest films this year. Everyone does such a great job. It's a bittersweet end to both the Night at the Museum films and Robin Williams' films. This is a fun movie and its so clever. Hopefully there will be a box set of all three films released so I can watch them back-to-back. I cried because the end is so bittersweet. It's a terrific send-off to the late, great Robin Williams. You will be missed. 

Grade: B.  8/10. 3.5/5 stars

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

There should be an asterisk in the credits after it says "Based on the book by J.R.R. Tolkien" that says *loosely. The only parts that were in the book was the first 5 minutes. After that it went in an entirely different direction and did its own thing. I'm kind of sad that the world of Middle Earth is finished. After "Hunger Games" ends next year, what other book franchises will there be left to adapt other than "Maze Runner"? Nothing. It will force Hollywood to think of original ideas for once. Which I guess is a good thing, but at the same time I'm going to miss anticipating these movies and seeing them in a theater with like-minded fans. It's an emotional end to The Hobbit and the world of Middle-Earth and I'm sad to let it go. It's perfect in every way. 

Grade: A+  10/10 5/5 stars