Phil Murray

Phil Murray
Your Reviewer

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Netflix Surprise!!!

Hot Tub Time Machine

I had vowed that I would never give John Cusak a dime of my money to watch him in a movie who's concept  seemed absolutely ridiculous to me.  However on a day off with nothing on TV except garbage day time talk shows, while browsing Netflix that is featuring a lot of movies I have seen already, I decided to give Hot Tub Time Machine a try.  And I couldn't be happier that I did.  I laughed 100 times more than I thought I would.  If you can get over the fact the plot is beyond ridiculous I can't see any reason not to watch and enjoy this movie.


Overall Grade

B

Bridesmaids

I would like to preface this review by saying it is/was completely unfair to compare this movie to the hangover movie(s).  The Hangover 1 or 2 are movies in their own category of comedy and ridiculousness.  Comparing any movie to these two is [whether purposely or not] setting a movie up to be viewed as underwhelming or sub par.....

With that being said I was thoroughly entertained by Bridesmaids.  The plot is about two women who have been best friends but live two separate lives. One of the women (Maya Rudolph) is getting married and asks her friend ( Kristen Wiig) to be her Maid of Honor.  Enter a new prettier, richer, bolder friend into the mix and all hell breaks loose in the world of women/best friends.

So follows an hour and a half of shenanigans and a slow train wreck of a psychotic break down of Wiig's character Annie.  The movie has an interesting take on a romantic comedy due to the lineup of all female comedians. I enjoyed the film and especially the antics of Melissa McCarthy's character Megan...

This is definitely a Redbox rental must.  $1 is a good deal for this one.  Also guys this is a great date movie, there's plenty of laughs to distract you from the fact it's a romantic comedy.


Overall Grade

B

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

A Netflix Must Watch! "Middle Men"

While perusing through Netflix a stumbled upon Middle Men.


Middle Men, which is based on a true story, chronicles an important internet business venture.
This movie chronicles the tale of two drug loving losers Wayne Beering and Buck Dolby.  These two come up with the idea to allow people to pay for porn online with their credit cards.

This movie tells the story of how interent innovation mixed with conmen, the mob, crooked lawyers, and a few cameos from the FBI shaped the world wide web of adult sites.  Not only did this change porn but internet shopping forever. 

Although I'm sure the story was embellished, this movie is incredibly interesting, entertaining, and relevant.  I recommend all you Netflix owners check this out immediately.


Overall Grade:

A

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

THOR

Let me begin this review by stating I was never a fan or follower of Thor.  I always thought Thor was hero with a love for 80's hair metal and blue collar worker.

What I really liked about Thor was the amount of time not spent on Earth.  I was worried that this movie would turn into  another Hercules in New York.  We all remember how great that was! 


Thor is a prince of the mighty God/King Odin .  He is an arrogant son, who believes it is his time to be king.  After a run in with some ice creatures disoeys the king and takes a battle to the ice king. 
For this Thor is banished to Earth and his power is stripped.  His father must deal with the fact his one son is banished and his other learns a powerful hidden truth about himself.  This causes so much stress on the king he passes into a coma.



While on punishment on Earth Thor's brother Loki is causing havoc and trickery while the king is in a strange sort of coma.  On Earth Thor learns a bit about respect, control, and thoughtfulness.  He Also falls for an intrigueing earth woman.  A scientist  named Jane played by Natalie Portman (Who could blame him!)


I wont spoil the end of the movie.  I will just sum up by saying if you like the the hero Thor you'll enjoy the movie, if you don't like nor follow Thor you'll still be entertained for an hour and a half as I was.


Overall Grade:


B

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Top 5 Mob Movies

With the last two weeks bring a major drought for Redbox and Netflix, Id like to compare lists of top 5 Mob movies.   Here's how mine came out:

5. Casino
4. Scarface
3. Good Fellas
2. The Godfather
1. The Godfather 2

Definitely interested to see what others come up with!!

Feel free follow right from the site or follow me on twitter  @PhilMurv

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

The Conspirator

History At Its Finest!

The Conspirator directed by Robert Redford, is a civil war courtroom drama that leaves a lasting impression.  Based on a true story, this drama takes us back to the night Lincoln was assassinated.  Following the assassination there are seven men and one woman arrested.  The plot follows the court proceedings of one Mrs. Mary Surratt (Robin Wright.)

In the wake of Lincolns death, Northerners emotions run high and revenge is needed.  Mary Surrat is put on a military trial with a jury of Generals (Opposed to a civil trial with a jury of her peers).  We see this story play out through the eyes of  Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy).  Aiken is a Union Captain who has decided to practice law now that the Civil War is almost over.  His mentor, Reverdy Johnson, delivers him the news that they are to defend Mary Surratt.  Being a Union loving Northerner, the thought of representing someone involved in a brutal act of savagery makes him sick to his stomach.  Furthermore, Johnson appoints the entire case to Aiken, saying "She wont stand a chance without a proven loyal Union man representing her."



As the story plays on Aiken has to make decisions on what is more important to him... Revenge or The Constitution.  Mary Surratt must make a choice between her life or her family.  Aiken must watch as Surratt is basically stripped of her rights as an American and a human being (Thus making his job a wee bit harder than it already was). 

I watched this trial literally feeling Aiken's frustration and hesitation.  The film will truly make one question "What would I do?"   "What would the Founding Fathers say?"
     
     The only question you should be asking now is, "Where's the nearest Redbox?".

Overall Grade:    B+

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Blitz

"Not your average B movie"

That's the best way to describe Blitz.  Directed by Elliot Lester, this Crime/Thriller features a psychotic serial killer "The Blitz" (Aidan Gillen) on a cop killing murder spree.  The lead character is Detective Sergeant Tom Brant (Jason Statham).  Brant must piece together evidence to bring this killer to justice, all while dealing with burn out blackouts, the constant need for booze, and keeping his cigarette lit.


Now if you're like me, you'll watch any movie with Jason Statham.  Take for example movies like Snatch, Revolver, Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,The Italian Job, the Transporter series, I could go on and on.  However in this instance I was very leery when pondering this rental.  There are no other big names in this film, this is only the directors second film, and it was never in theaters.


However, I was pleasantly surprised.  What you get is the always desired action, violence, plot, and of course foul mouthed Brits that you look for in any Statham film.  The story line is solid and the characters were well cast.  This film will never win an Oscar and probably wouldn't have done well in theaters, but if you like action thrillers that are "Stathamesque" you wont be disappointed with this one.

Overall Grade:  B


Word of advice:  If you have Netflix, they have recently added the film to the instant downloads that are available with your xbox, ps3, wii, or computer.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Welcome

Hello,

Do you ever find yourself looking at Redbox or Netflix list and say, "I'll wait until someone I know lets me know whether this is a good movie or not."?  Well I would like to be that guidance for you.  I love movies and I love giving my opinion on movies I watch.  I will be rating each movie on a classic school type letter grade scale.  For example a great movie would receive and A and a poor movie a D or F. I will welcome all additional points, comments, questions, and if you disagree: let me know I enjoy a good debate!  Tonight I will begin the search for the first new movie to critique.

Thanks to everyone in advance!