CHRONICLES OF CRITIC - Always Current News for Movies TV and More

After over a year since the last article went up I, the Movie Scrounger, have returned back to this page with big news, about us, we are now Chronicles of Critic.

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Review: Lone Survivor (2014)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 8/10

Lone Survivor (R)

          Starting the year off right, with an intense, emotional, thrill ride, Lone Survivor is the true story based on the failed June 28, 2005 mission "Operation Red Wings," where four SEAL Team 10 members were tasked with capturing or killing notorious Taliban leader Ahmad Shahd. With high octane action engulfing the majority of the picture, effortlessly mixed with the emotional trauma that accompanies it, this is a movie that grabs the audience tightly and refuses to let go. Mark Wahlberg leads with his excellent portrayal of Marcus Luttrell, followed closely by Taylor Kitsch (Micheal Murphy), Emile Hirsch (Danny Dietz), and Ben Foster (Matt "Axe" Axelson), who fill out the rest of the SEAL Team. Nearly every scene has the audience at the edge of their seat, with teeth clenched in a futile effort to keep the movie from drawing them ever closer. Lone Survivor is a gritty, intense true story of courage that accurately depicts the horrors of war and delivers on all facets.

Review: Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 7/10

Inside Llewyn Davis (R)

           A slow even pace story centered around a young folk singer, Llewyn Davis, as he navigates through 1960's Greenwich Village. the film is carried heavily on the shoulders of lead actor Oscar Isaac, who's fantastic portrayal of the beat down title character is the most noteworthy aspect of the movie. Along with the terrific folk music that was both originally written and taken straight from the time period, the Cohen Brother's have created a movie that truly brings the audience into the life of Llewyn Davis. Although the story is crooked where many questions are asked and few are answered, it takes place over the span of a week in Llewyn's life where he goes from New York to Chicago then quickly goes back to New York. in all it is a sad and slow movie that has the audience both watching and listening as Oscar Isaac dominates the screen in this in depth look inside Llewyn Davis.

Review: The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 7.5/10

The Wolf of Wall Street (R)

         A movie with no limits, a funny and emotional marathon from start to finish, The Wolf of Wall Street follows the rise and fall of Jordan Belfort a wealthy stockbroker living the high life in the 1980's. The story strictly surrounds Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) with little to no detail placed on any other character, this is usually a flaw, but with Martin Scorsese at the helm it becomes a driving force behind the film, though by the end it does leave a few unanswered questions. The setup to the actual story takes the better part of an hour, with this tremendous back story. Then the movie slows down as it details the crime, corruption, and drug abuse that Belfort and his associates undertook; this all intertwines with his marital problems and weaves it beautifully into the main plot. The acting was stupendous as DiCaprio blasts through every emotion conceivable, and delivers a stellar performance. Altogether, The Wolf of Wall Street takes a bit to get in but is no doubt a beyond raunchy, emotional and funny movie that is definitely worth a look.

Review: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 7/10

The Hobbit:
The Desolation of Smaug
(PG-13)

          The Desolation of Smaug is filled to capacity with mystical and magical lure, with dwarves, elves, wizards, orcs, and of course one colossal dragon, this movie seems to have it all. the story picks-up where it left off with Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and Gandalf the Grey (Ian Mckellen), aiding a group of dwarves in their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). the progression of the plot is rather slow, and doesn't actually add anything new to the story until the very end; but with all this extra time there was ample room for character development, something the last film was sorely lacking. The quality of the computer generated graphics fall just short of the bar; throughout the movie it becomes very apparent when a scene shifts from a real shot to a generated one. Though the rendering of larger characters such as Smaug himself is excellent, they truly brought this character to life as a dreadful, greedy, and powerful villain. Though the story ends with more questions than answers, in all this was a joyous movie filled with action and comedy that leaves the audience ready for the final chapter.

Review: American Hustle (2013)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 7.5/10

American Hustle (R)

American Hustle is a compelling story about a 70’s era con man, Irving Rosenfeld, along with his seductive British partner, Sydney Prosser, forced by a wild FBI agent, Richie DiMaso, into a world of Jersey powerbrokers and mafia. The portrayals in this film were beyond excellent all around; Christian Bale (Rosenfeld), Amy Adams (Prosser), and Bradley Cooper (DiMaso) create a complex and harmonic relationship that propels the story forward with a burst of emotion and personality. The plot is a little complicated, as the story jumps around slightly, but the heavy narration keeps the audience on track, making the film all the more entrancing. With the gaudy apparel and extravagant settings every scene on the screen truly had the appearance of the nineteen seventies. Above all else it was the acting that keeps the audience in their seat, along with the amazing scenery and intricate plot lines; American Hustle is definitely worth a look.

Review: Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Brandon Hoyne

Perhaps 6.5/10

Thor: The Dark World (PG-13)

     Thor: The Dark World is a thrilling yet quick ride filled with high octane action, clever witticism and occasional romance. the movie takes the audience on a journey throughout the nine realms as Thor faces off against his most powerful adversary yet. With special effects that absolutely light up the screen this movie is a visual masterpiece. The story moves along rather fast and almost seems to skip along at some points, making the short 112 minutes all the more apparent. Chris Hemsworth portrays Thor as a merciful but powerful god; although Hemsworth falls short on conveying emotions, making any romance with Natalie Portman, who gives one of the only strong performances, all for not.Thor: The Dark World is a stunning yet short story that is a great movie for any fan of the series. Thor: The Dark World is based on the character created by Writer Stan Lee and Artist Jack Kirby. Thor first appeared in Journey into Mystery #83.

Review: Captain Phillips (2013)

Captain Phillips (PG-13)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 8/10

     Captain Phillips is a gritty, gut clenching ride through the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama. the acting paves the way as Tom Hanks charges through a score of emotions with his excellent portrayal, the only fault to his performance is his attempt at a Vermont accent, while his co-star Barkhad Abdi makes a surprising debut through his spectacular portrayal of Somali pirate captain Muse. The film begins quite slow, but gradually gains speed until the heart clenching final scene, were Hanks show off just how truly amazing an actor he can be. Captain Phillips is an absolute must see with its marvelous story told through director Paul Greengrass, with story by Billy Ray, based on the book A Captains Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALS, and Dangerous Days at Sea, by Richard Phillips and Stephan Talty.

Review: Rush (2013)

Brandon Hoyne

Uphold 8/10

Rush (R)

     Rush feels exactly as the title suggests, this absolute thrill ride is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Taking place during the 1976 Formula 1 season, the movie focuses on the true story of the malicious rivalry between drivers Nikki Lauda and James Hunt. The structure of the story is so sound it creates the rare phenomena of no clear protagonists nor antagonist while still keeping the audience interest peeked; usually a story like this is doomed for failure, but with Director Ron Howard at the helm the bio-pic scores high. Though the performance of the lead actors, Chris Hemsworth (Hunt) and Daniel Bruhl (Lauda) falls well short of exceptional, they are well compensated with the spectacular cinematography that glues your eyes to the screen for the prompt two hours.