This is not the movie you think it is. At least, that’s the take of our round table of thugs on the Film Board this week as we spoil “Kingsman: The Secret Service.” Thankfully, even as we were collectively surprised, we were equally blown away by Matthew Vaughn’s contribution to the spy game.
Chris Hemsworth gives his all in Michael Mann’s study of hacking new this week: “Blackhat.” If most computer films have historically failed the computer stuff, the consensus thus far is that Blackhat has delivered where others have so desperately lacked. But how does it hold up beyond the tech?
Peter Jackson is back with another turn at the wheel of Middle Earth. This time, Bilbo and buddies are off to slay the dragon, fight ye olde Gold Flu, and get all gussied up to ready themselves for the Lord of the Rings, which already happened.
Katnis and crew are back in part one of their journey against the Capitol. Things are grim, as evidenced by the jumpsuits and rubble, and the crying that happens whenever our heroes see jumpsuits and/or rubble in the frame.
The film board gathers to fully spoil Brad Pitt’s and David Ayers’ latest World War II Tank-a-palooza, “Fury.” First spoiler: it’s a war film, more intimate than epic, but it comes with all the violence that such a film typically entails.
It’s throwback time on The Film Board as we take on Denzel Washington’s latest, The Equalizer. We take on all the various social constructs Denzel and director Antoine Fuqua look to equalize, from guns and home improvement to racism and gender inequality.
This, good people, is a summer tentpole we can get excited about. Director James Gunn has delivered a funny and frolicking space opera in “Guardians of the Galaxy” with a terrific cast, immersive effects, and a script that is, as we’re apt to say, way smarter than it needed to be.
Waitwaitwait… what?? A summer tentpole that causes us to ask big questions and congratulate smart filmmaking decisions? WHAT? Such is our review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, people, and we’re as shocked as you are.
Tom Cruise is back in Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow,” tripping through time and trauma on the road to defeat an alien hoard. Here’s the weird thing about this summer tentpole: we all loved it.
Japan + Nuclear Power Plant + Misunderstood Fear of Technology = GODZILLA! The Film Board gathers to take on this summer romp and the jury is split. Did this summer’s dose of midtown mayhem lift you out of your seats?