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| Courtesy of Fox |
X-Men: Apocalypse
(Rated
PG-13 for sequences of violence, action and destruction, brief strong language
and some suggestive images.)
The
cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence and Oscar Isaac.
What
it’s about: The third entry in the X-Men prequel series finds Professor Charles
Xavier (McAvoy) and his super-powered students facing off against Apocalypse
(Isaac), the first mutant who ever existed. He believes the only way for their
kind to prosper is to wipe humans off the map, so he recruits four mutants as
his “horsemen,” including a disillusioned Magneto (Fassbender). It’s up to
Raven (Lawrence) to reach out to her former friend to see if there’s any chance
to change his mind.
The
good: As with the last two installments, the cast is what elevates this above
typical superhero fare. McAvoy, Fassbender and Lawrence are terrific,
instilling far more emotional resonance into their characters than the silly
story would suggest. But the big standout, just like he was in Days of Future
Past, is Quicksilver (Evan Peters). He gets another wildly entertaining
sequence that demonstrates the benefits of his unique power, brilliantly set to
the Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams.” It’s easily the best part of the movie.
The
not-so-good: I’m still not sure why director Bryan Singer thought it would be a
good idea to take an actor as intensely charismatic and photogenic as Isaac and
cover him in a ton of purple makeup to play such a bland villain. I honestly wonder
why he didn’t cast a glorified extra instead. Practically anyone could’ve
played the role and Isaac might’ve been able to take a better part in a
stronger movie. Also, the movie ends with yet another “the entire world is at
stake” battle that contains no suspense. Do we really think one of these
superhero movies is going to end with humanity being wiped from existence?
Grade:
B-
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| Courtesy of Universal |
Neighbors 2
(Rated
R for crude sexual content including brief graphic nudity, language throughout,
drug use and teen partying.)
The
cast: Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, Chloe Grace Moretz and Kiersey
Clemons.
What
it’s about: Picking up a couple of years after the events of the first movie,
Mac (Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Byrne) are expecting a second child and they’ve
finally sold the house that previously caused them so much trouble. The only catch
is that the buyers have 30 days to change their minds. That’s when a new sorority
moves in next door, led by the rebellious and persuasive Shelby (Moretz), and
starts throwing loud, annoying parties. Mac and Kelly find themselves repeating
the past, but now they have a secret weapon: their former nemesis Teddy
(Efron).
The good: Much like
last year’s Magic Mike XXL, this is a seemingly unnecessary sequel that tells
a funny, surprisingly progressive story. The girls start their own sorority solely
because the rules state that only fraternities can throw parties. The
characters simply want to party in a place they feel safe rather than subject
themselves to endless possibilities for date rape. Teddy, in the course of
getting to know the young women, realizes how misogynistic his own views were
when he ran a frat. Oh, and his friend (Dave Franco) from the last movie gets
engaged to a guy and nobody bats an eyelash. It’s not played for gay panic or “ew,
gross” laughs.
The not-so-good: Because
the cast is so much larger, it feels like Rogen and Byrne get sidelined this
time. It’s a shame, because Byrne in particular has proven she’s one of the
most underrated comedic actresses we have right now. I would’ve loved to see
her given more opportunities to showcase her skills.
Grade: B+
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| Courtesy of IFC |
Weiner
(Rated
R for language and some sexual material. Now playing in limited release.)
The
cast: Anthony Weiner and Huma Abedin.
What
it’s about: A documentary that follows disgraced politician Weiner and his
long-suffering wife, Abedin, as his 2013 campaign for New York City mayor
collapses and he becomes a national punchline.
The good: Frankly, I’m
astonished this documentary exists. It’s so revealing (no pun intended) that I can’t
believe the people involved allowed it to see the light of day. Co-directors
Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg do an excellent job of highlighting both
sides of Weiner’s personality. We get a look at the immensely charismatic public
figure who once had a bright figure in politics, as well as the slimebag who
would rather disappoint everyone around him than give up the spotlight.
The film doesn’t sugarcoat
the magnitude of Weiner’s idiotic decisions or the dumbfounded reactions of Abedin
and his advisors. Not even Kriegman is above questioning his subject’s
decision-making skills. In the final scene, he finally asks Weiner – who would ultimately
lose the mayoral race with a paltry four percent of the vote – the same question
running through most viewers’ minds: “why would you let us film this?”
The not-so-good: Nothing,
really. This is one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in years, particularly in
the way it made me view public figures in a completely new light – Abedin,
especially. Primarily known as Hillary Clinton’s right-hand woman, the monumental
patience and grace she exhibits here made me respect the heck out of her. I’d
be willing to bet she’s got a bright future in public service if she can find a
way to deal with all her husband’s baggage.
Grade: A-
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