Movies

The Ides of March Review

It is not a particularly shocking concept that politics in this country consists of corrupt individuals continually sacrificing principals in order to get ahead in the polls. It is also not an entirely original idea to focus on the people behind the scenes. Perhaps this is why even the most shocking revelations in “The Ides of March” feel a bit trite. Everything from the protagonist’s journey from idealism to cynicism to the compromising politics of both sides, seems like a path that is all too familiar to the audience.

Exploring life with snippets

On July 24, 2010 approximately 80,000 people from 192 different countries all uploaded videos to a single YouTube page for the same purpose, to document their days. Academy Award winning director Kevin Macdonald had tasked the world to participate in what seemed to be a modern day time capsule. On the same day, all participants would film all or part of their day, answering a few questions if they felt so inclined. On first glance, it sounds like a terrible idea. There is nothing special about the 24 of July and, for the most part, the videos depict the monotony that no one on earth seems capable of escaping. However, when the 4500+ hours of footage is condensed down and organized into an hour and a half of edited film, the monotony turns into something that unites not just the 80,000 amateur filmmakers, but the entirety of the human race.

Movie Review: Paranormal Activity 3

What cannot be seen cannot be dangerous, right? If “Paranormal Activity 3” is to believed, what cannot be seen can kill.

Movie Review: Beginners

When “Beginners” was released this June, it was not seen on very many theater screens. It was only released in about 100 theaters and did not last that long in any of them. Because it was not in many theaters, most people only recently saw the movie when it made its debut online and on DVD. Expectations were high, as most critics had shined the movie with praise, and while it was entertaining enough, after such a long wait, it left something to be desired.

Movie Review: Real Steel jabs hard to top of box office

In the future, sports are violent and action-packed. Humans, unable to handle the growing violence, create robots to fight in their place. “Real Steel” follows the life of go-for-broke boxer Charlie Kenton, who uses robots to box odd animals and other robots in an underground fighting league.

Movie Review: Contagion

The most recent popular thriller is not one that ends with destruction, but rather a realistic look at a possible catastrophic disease outbreak. The film, “Contagion,” is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow. The film manages to depict an accurate and enthralling story of a modern epidemic. While at times a tad slow, the film as a whole is brought together in its enlightening presentation of a potential pandemic.

“Moneyball” near cinema perfection

Baseball is a sport that has been riddled with problems in recent years, including steroid abuse and wide payroll disparities. “Moneyball,” unlike other baseball movies, is not directly about the sport, but rather the economics behind the creation of a team. Billy Beane, general manager of the Oakland Athletics, portrayed by Brad Pitt, was given the impossible task of creating a winning baseball team with no money and no star players.

Movie Review: Drive

After watching the trailer for “Drive,” I was convinced not to see the full movie. It seemed like a remake of “Transporter” with updated special effects, and I was not a fan of “Transporter.” However, after too many recommendations from friends to ignore, I decided to give it a chance. And “Drive,” starring Ryan Gosling, proved me wrong, swapping frilly special effects for intricate plotlines and understated but impressive chase scenes.

The Eagle Soars with a inspiring tale of honor

In a heroic tale of redemption and honor, Marcus Aquila (Channing Tatum), embarks on a journey to reclaim the lost emblem of Rome; the golden eagle. The story begins with Marcus, a young Roman solider, commanding his first legion in Roman-ruled Britain. The Romans are in a continued war with barbarian tribes of the Northern regions. Shortly after arriving, Marcus is injured while saving some of his captured men. He is recognized by Rome for his valor, but is devastated when he is also given a honorable discharge.

Movie Review: Green Lantern (2011)

“The ring has chosen. Speak the oath.” As “Green Lantern” begins, these words are the audience’s first introduction to a mythical energy that apparently gives the user nearly unlimited power and drives much of the movie’s plot. These powers are not locked safely away, however, but, as is typical in fiction, thrust upon an ordinary human.