'A Star is Born' (2018)

 Beautiful music and a well told love story, what a perfect combination. 'A Star is Born' stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Cooper who also directed this remake plays Jackson Maine, a well known country super star, and Lady Gaga plays Ally, a talented singer who's down on her lucks. We can see immediately from the start of the movie, that Jackson has a drinking problem. And it is while he is at a bar following a late show to quench his thirst that he happens to discover the talented Ally. He is mesmerized by her voice and who can blame him. When Jackson encourages Ally to show and share her talents with the rest of the world, their love grows as she goes on tour with him. The film shows the ups and downs of the relationship between the two talented musicians.
  Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga share an amazing on screen chemistry and they fit their roles perfectly. Lady Gaga shines in her role as Ally. I got goosebumps when she first sang her rendition of La Vie en Rose on screen. Cooper also holds his own next to the talented Lady Gaga playing the part of a troubled musician with a haunted past. The film had a much darker tone than I expected. There were parts of the film that felt rushed and out of place, but the heart of the story is portrayed very well. Just to see the performances of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper makes 'A Star is Born' worth a watch.

IMDB-8.4/10
Metascore- 88/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 90% Audience- 85%
Yong's Rating- 3.5/5
 

'22 Jump Street' (2014)

The best thing about '22 Jump Street' is that it knows exactly what it is and isn't afraid to make fun of itself. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are back again to solve a drug case very similar to their time in '21 Jump Street'. Only this time the two buddies are going to college. '22' doesn't have the quirky charm '21' did, but that's expected from a sequel. Like I mentioned earlier, this movie knows what it's meant to do and does a pretty good job sticking to the script.
This time, the budget, jokes, explosions are all bigger. Hill and Tatum share great comedic chemistry. The cast from the first film are all back in some form with bigger roles. However, I was very disappointed that Korean Jesus didn't make a cameo. If you enjoyed the first movie, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as well. If you are looking to just have a good time laughing for a few hours then you should go check out '22 Jump Street'. And don't forget to stick around for the credits!

IMDB-8.1/10
Metascore- 71/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critic- 83% Audience- 90%
Yong's Rating- 3/5 stars

This is the End (2013)

Ever wonder what would happen if a bunch of friends who happen to be actors and comedians got really high together and got an idea for a movie? I'm pretty sure 'This is the End' is as close as you will get to that fantasy. When the world is faced with the apocalypse, a group of lost clueless celebrities can't find a better place to hide out than James Franco's new pad.
Friends James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Rogan, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride and Craig Robinson are forced to stick together to survive the apocalypse. There's really no point in going over the plot, since things get ridiculous pretty fast. This movie isn't going to open your eyes to some grand meaning of life (unless I missed something). But, it will make you laugh. There's a lot of little funny moments and it was fun to watch. If you are not into a lot of guy humor then you might want to stay away from this one. Otherwise, enjoy.



IMDB- 7.9/10
Metascore- 67/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-84% Audience- 81%
Yong's Rating- 3/5

Pan's Labyrinth (2006)

It is because of movies like 'Pan's Labyrinth' that I find myself continuing to go to the theaters and continuing to push the play button at home. On those rare occasions when you do come across a special film that reaches out and speaks to you on a personal level, you suddenly don't mind all those crappy movies that you had to sit through in order to get to that one magical film. I first watched 'Pan's Labyrinth' almost by accident. I was back home in Chicago from school on vacation. On a particular weekend night, having nothing to do, I decided to go to the theaters to catch a show. I had no idea what 'Pan's Labyrinth' was, didn't even know it was in subtitles. I decided to watch it because well it was about to start as I was buying the ticket. That was the night I was introduced to the wonderful fantasy world of Guillermo del Toro. That night, I wasn't so bummed out I had nothing else better to do than go watch a movie by myself on a Saturday night.
Set in Spain during 1944, 'Pan's Labyrinth' tells the story of an imaginative young girl who is forced to seek refuge in her imagination to escape from the horrors of her surroundings. Scared for her sick bed ridden pregnant mother and fearful of her sadistic military stepfather, the only friends Ofelia has are her books and her imagination. Ofelia's imagination takes us into a magical world of fairies, fauns, monsters, kings, and princesses. Even in the dark backdrop of war, a glimpse of hope is shown through a remarkable young girl's imagination. If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing 'Pan's Labyrinth' yet, I'm very very jealous of you.  


IMDB-8.3/10 (#110 on the Top250)
Metascore- 98/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 96%, Audience- 90%
Yong's Rating- 5/5 Stars

Ruby Sparks (2012)

What if you can dream up your perfect girlfriend? And somehow she appeared right in front of you just the way you imagined her. Her smile, the way she moves and even her quirks are all you imagined her to be. Too good to be true? In 'Ruby Sparks', a young writer, Calvin's (Paul Dano) world is turned upside down when a mysterious girl appears in his house. Turns out the girl is Ruby (Zoe Kazan), the very girl he was writing about in his new novel. Once Calvin figures out the identity of the mysterious girl, he can't help but fall in love with her. The movie explores the rocky relationship between the writer and his work of fiction.
'Ruby Sparks' is an entertaining love story that is smart and unique. The story does take some time to develop, but if you let yourself get engaged with the storyline, I think you'll find yourself a very nice movie.

IMDB- 7.2/10
Metascore- 67/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 79%, Audience- 77%
Yong's Rating- 4/5 Stars

To Rome With Love (2012)

'To Rome with Love' is Woody Allen's latest romantic comedy. It continues Woody's recent trend of filming in Europe. Set in the romantic city of Rome, the film tells the stories of an eclectic group of people brought together by the magical city. The ensemble cast features notable actors like Judy Davis, Roberto Benigni, Alison Pill, Alec Baldwin, Ellen Page, Penelope Cruz, and the return of Woody Allen. And as with any Woody movie, the city itself becomes one of the characters. Each of the stories feature light hearted fun mixed with romance, drama, and philosophical thoughts explored in many of Allen's films. While 'To Rome with Love' may not be one of Allen's better films, it's something his fans would definitely enjoy, especially seeing him back on the big screen.





IMDB- 6.5/10
Metascore- 55/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 45% Audience- 49%
Yong's Rating- 3/5 stars

Deconstructing Harry (1997)

'Deconstructing Harry' is one of Woody Allen's more darker comedies. It tells the story of Harry Block (played by Woody), a successful writer experiencing his first writer's block. Burdened with failed relationships, financial troubles, depression, and slight addiction to pills and prostitutes, a case of writer's block seems like the least of his worries. When his former college invites him to be honored for his works, Harry plans a road trip to his old school. The trip serves as a reflection into his past as characters from his novels and people from his own memories intertwine. It's obvious that Woody got the main idea for this film from 'Wild Strawberries'. Will Harry's trip lead him to profound insights into his life as it did for Dr. Borg? Well, I guess you just have to see to find out.


IMDB- 7.3/10
Metascore- 61/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 71% Audience-79%
Yong's Rating- 4/5 Stars

Bridesmaids (2011)

'Bridesmaids' is an all women cast comedy that shows girls can be just as raunchy as the guys. And every bit as funny. When Lillian (Maya Rudolph) gets engaged, she asks her childhood friend, Annie (Kristen Wiig) to be her maid of honor. This does not go well with Lillian's new friend, Helen (Rose Byrne) who is determined to steal the position of best friend. Wiig and Byrne's lives are the complete opposite. Wiig's life is in a mess. She has a failed business, financial problems and relationship troubles.  On the other hand, Bryne seems to have everything in her life in order. And she always looks pretty. When Bryne uses her power to manipulate her friends to get what she wants a fun, hilarious adventure ensues.
'Bridesmaids' isn't just a raunchy rated-R comedy, it also has a heart warming story that's very enjoyable. The cast is very funny and work very well with each other. Melissa McCarthy definitely steals the show with her portrayal of Megan. She made me laugh in every one of her scenes. 'Bridesmaids' is a good balance of comedy and drama that I highly recommend. Most importantly, it teaches us that girls do poop. A lot.

IMDB-7/10
Metascore- 75/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 90%, Audience- 76%
Yong's Rating- 4/5 stars

Horrible Bosses (2011)

Do you hate your job? Do you hate your boss so much that you spend the majority of your day daydreaming about different ways of killing him/her? Well, in 'Horrible Bosses', three close friends are driven to the end of their limits by their bosses. They conclude that the only way for them to solve their problems at work is to have their bosses killed. Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis play the three friends determined to get rid of their horrible bosses (Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell), but have no idea how to get the job done. The movie goes on to show the silliness that ensues as the three clueless buddies attempt to commit the perfect murder or murders. 'Horrible Bosses' does exactly what intends to do. It will keep you entertained and provide some laughs. However, it's kind of like eating out at a greasy fast food restaurant. It tastes so good at the time, but you just know it's not good for you. But who cares, sometimes you just have to give in to your cravings.


IMDB- 7.1/10
Metascore- 57/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 69%, Audience- 72%
Yong's Rating- 2.5/5 Stars

Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)

The lovable haunted sisters and America's favorite demon are back for more scares in 'Paranormal Activity 3' just in time for the Halloween season. 'PA 3' is a prequel to 'PA 2' which was a prequel to 'PA 1'. If you haven't watched the previous ones, don't worry you can jump right in. This movie is made up of footages taken from Katie and Kristi's childhood. Yes, the VHS tapes make a cameo appearance. When the new house starts to make strange noises and sounds, the curious father decides to set up cameras in the rooms hoping to find the culprit. Just like in the previous PA movies, the more attention you give the demon, the more active it gets. That may be good news for the audience yearning for scares, but it definitely is not good for the poor family.
If you have watched the previous Paranormal movies, you know exactly what to expect here. Sadly, the novelty has definitely worn out since the first movie. 'PA 3' is a movie that is meant to be experienced at the theater, preferably with a group of people. It is more like a ride more than movie. You are not going to watch this to find some deep insights into the human existence. No, you go to watch this movie to have some loud noise and freaky images scare the crap out of you. This movie, like the previous ones aren't really scary, but it does excellent job of building anticipation and are full of 'got cha' moments. I must mention that two sisters in this movie does a really good job of creeping you out, especially the younger one who actually talks to the demon. So, if you and your friends are in a mood for some thrill this time of the year, going to see 'Paranormal Activity 3' will beat going to some lame haunted house.

IMDB- 6.5/10
Metascore- 59/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Audience- 69%, Critics- 71%
Yong's Rating- 3/5 stars

50/50 (2011)

I didn't think you could make a comedy about cancer without being too insensitive or offensive. Which is probably why there aren't too many cancer comedy movies out there. However, '50/50' takes the subject of cancer and manages to tell a genuinely funny and compelling story. The movie is loosely based on Seth Rogen's friend Will Reiser who wrote the script.  Joseph Gordon-Levitt portrays Adam, a 27 year old who is diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He learns that patients with his form of cancer has a 50% survival rate. It was moving to watch the progression of Adam through the different phases of treatment. It must be daunting to be face to face with death at such a young age. To be fully aware that death isn't something that you need to worry about years down the line. That it can come at any instant, sometimes without any reason or warning. Coping with something as serious as cancer isn't something one can be expected to deal with alone, and it's important to find a close support group that you can count on. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen are two likable charismatic guys that are enjoyable to watch on screen and they didn't disappoint. Anna Kendrick is also very cute in her role as the young therapist. '50/50' tackles a tough subject with laughs and human drama. I really enjoyed this movie and I recommend it to anyone who is curious about it.



IMDB- 8.1/10
Metascore- 72/100
Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 92%, Audience- 91%
Yong's Rating- 4/5 stars

30 Minutes or Less (2011)

'30 Minutes or Less' delivers exactly what it promises and it does a pretty darn good job. This is in spite of Aziz Ansari's terrible acting performance. Dude's a funny guy, but he just can't act. Even though Jesse Eisenberg and Danny McBride basically play the same character in every role at least they are good at it.

The movie tells the story of two hopeful criminals who kidnap a pizza delivery guy and strap a bomb to his chest and force him to rob a bank or get blown up. Boom! Danny McBride and Nick Swardson play the two losers who need to get their hands on $100,000. They come up with the perfect plan to kidnap someone to rob a bank for them. They play well off of each other and deliver several funny one liners. Jesse Eisenberg is the pizza delivery guy. He was living like a bum without any ambitions, but when he is faced with death he realizes just how much he really wants to live. Aziz Ansari plays Eisneberg's best friend who chooses to help his friend in his time of need. The two buddies must put their difference aside and pull off a perfect bank robbery or risk the very likely possibility of getting blown up into pieces.

'30 Minutes or Less' is a fun buddy comedy with a lot laughs and action. If you are looking for a light movie with a lot laughs this movie well worth a look.

IMDB-6.8/10

Metascore- 48/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 42%, Audience- 68%

Yong's Rating- 3.5/5 stars

Blue Valentine (2010)

Not all love stories end happily ever after. It's a sad depressing thought, but eventually love fades. 'Blue Valentine' tells two stories. One about falling in love and another about falling out of love. Both stories are presented well enough to stand on their own. And in the case of 'Blue Valentine', when the two stories are told side by side, you are treated to an unique perspective on nature of relationships. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams does a wonderful job portraying the hard luck couple. The vast difference between the dynamics of relationship when they first meet and the present time is eye opening. It is interesting to witness just how much you can love someone and just how quickly you can fall out of love with the same person. This film is very well made, and its realistic take on relationships really makes it stand apart from the typical romantic movies out there and for that I think it's well worth a look.

IMDB-7.6/10

Metascore-81/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 87%, Audience- 75%

Yong's Rating- 4/5 Stars

The Change Up (2011)

'The Change Up' is a body switch comedy starring Jason Bateman and Ryan Reynolds. This may be the raunchiest of all the body switch movies out there. Bateman and Reynolds are two close friends who have grown apart over the years. Mostly because Bateman has a career and a family while Reynolds character simply just never grew up. When the two go out for a guys night out and end up peeing in a magical fountain, they wake up the next morning in each other's bodies. The unfortunate switch presents a chance for the Reynolds character to prove to himself that he can be a grown up and a chance for the Bateman character to live life without any stress that comes with a job and a family.

The plot is pretty simple as with most other body switch movies, except this one throws in a lot more adult jokes and language. There's a lot of laughs in this movie, but if dirty jokes aren't your type of thing than you'd better stay away from this one. On the other hand, if fart and poop jokes still make you giggle than you may find this very enjoyable. Seeing Olivia Wilde doesn't hurt either.

IMDB-6.1/10

Metascore- 41/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 20% Audience- 62%

Yong's Rating- 2.5/5 Stars

About Schmidt (2002)

Directed by Alexander Payne, 'About Schmidt' tells the story of Warren Schmidt (Jack Nicholson), a recently retired Omaha man embarking on a new phase of his life. There's just something so subtle yet powerful about this film that I think everyone can relate to. Life for Warren may seem simple on the surface, but underneath the mellow exterior lies a complex man at a serious crossroads with where his life is heading.

"Who is this old woman who lives in my house?"

To wake up one day and find yourself wondering where the past 66 years of your life has gone must be a frightening thought. And that is exactly where we find our hero, Warren. Recently retired, he seems unsure about where his life is heading. His life's work is thrown away and passed onto some young hot shot from Des Moines. Regrets about missed opportunities and chances not taken fill his mind. A wife who feels like a stranger, and his only daughter about to marry a complete loser. Just when you think things can't get any worse for poor Warren, his wife suddenly drops dead. So what do you do when life keeps throwing you cheap shots? You take your camper and go on a road trip to do some soul searching.

I really felt Nicholson gave one of his best performance of his career. He just felt so natural and smooth portraying the part of Warren. Payne provides a genuinely thought provoking movie about life and family that I enjoyed the heck out of and I hope you do too. And how can you pass on the chance to see the gorgeous Omaha skyline in a movie?

IMDB-7.3/10

Metascore- 85/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 85%, Audience- 64%

Yong's Rating- 5/5 stars

The Man From Nowhere (2010)

'The Man From Nowhere' is one of the most exciting movies I've had the pleasure of seeing in a long time. It has everything you want in a good thriller. With its fast-pace action and gritty fight sequences, it will definitely grab your attention. The Koreans seem to have perfected the art of making revenge theme thriller action films. And that is a very good thing for movie fans. A mysterious reclusive pawnshop owner (Bin Won) befriends a troubled young girl who lives next door. She is raised by a drug addicted single mother who loves her daughter but due to her addiction ends up neglecting the young girl. When the mother foolishly steals a stash of drugs belonging to a big drug dealing organization, she doesn't realize the trouble that she has gotten herself into. The gangsters kidnap the mother and the little girl to find the drug and the quiet pawnshop owner gets involved. When he realizes what has happened to his neighbors he does everything in his power to try to save the girl and her mother. As you get to learn more about the past of this man from nowhere, you learn that he is not your average pawnshop owner.

If you have any experience with Korean thrillers, you'll know to expect some dark themes and level of violence not familiar in Hollywood movies. Just a warning for those who aren't fans of violence. Overall, 'The Man From Nowhere' is as a good as any action thriller can get and I highly recommend this one to anyone in mood to watch a kick ass film.

IMDB-7.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes- Audience- 86%

Yong's Rating- 4.5/5 Stars

No Strings Attached (2011)

Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher star in 'No Strings Attached', a romantic comedy about two young people agreeing be each other's sex buddy, with only one rule. No real commitment allowed. Portman plays Emma, a medical resident and Kutcher plays a fun loving all-around good guy. One thing about this movie got right was casting the part for Kutcher and Portman. They really seemed believable for the roles they were portraying.

From the start, you can tell that the no strings attached business really wasn't going to work out well between the two characters. Kutcher character was clearly falling for Portman from the start. And you just got a sense that she just didn't feel he was good enough for her. Overall, 'No Strings Attached' has all the elements of a good romantic comedy, but doesn't really bring anything extra to make it great.

IMDB-6.2/10

Metascore- 50/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-48%, Audience- 59%

Yong's Rating- 2.5/5 Stars

The Hangover Part 2 (2011)

"It happened again...", these are the opening lines of 'The Hangover Part 2' spoken by Phil. And there's just about the perfect way to describe the sequel to the massively successful 'Hangover'. The Wolfpack is reunited for Stu the dentist's (Ed Helms) wedding. Stu, Phil (Bradley Cooper), Doug (Justin Bartha), and even Alan (Zach Galifianakis) are all back for some more raunchy fun. This time, the gang is far away from Vegas. They are in Thailand and due to Stu's wishes skipped a bachelor party. However, when the gang find themselves awake in a cheap Bangkok hotel room without any memory of the previous night, they quickly realize that it has happened again. If you loved the first Hangover, then I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as well. Here's just a quick summary. Switch Las Vegas with Bangkok, the baby with a monkey, Doug (Bartha) with Stu's brother in law.

When the gang find themselves awake without Stu's brother in law Teddy, the guys must search for clues to find Teddy and get back to the wedding on time. As they retrace their steps, you get to find out about the crazy night shared by the gang. And trust me, it's much crazier than the night they had in Vegas. I found the plot a bit predictable, but there are definitely funny parts and it will sure make you laugh and even gasp at times. Just remember that it is rated R for a reason and if you aren't comfortable with this type of movie just stay away.

IMDB-7/10

Metascore-44/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics-35% Audience-95%

Yong's Rating- 3/5 stars

127 Hours (2010)

"127 Hours" is a real testament to one's undying free spirit and the will to survive. Directed by Danny Boyle (cue the dramatic music and clever use of flashbacks), it chronicles the true life story of mountain climber/adventurer Aron Ralston, who famously got his arm stuck between a boulder and a canyon due to a freak accident during a climb. Aron (James Franco) finds himself literally stuck between a rock and a hard place in middle of nowhere, miles away from any signs of civilization. Oh, and he didn't tell anyone where he was going.

James Franco delivers a very convincing, powerful performance as the free-spirited Aron Ralston. Now only if he could deliver a convincing performance as an Oscar host (sorry, I just had to do it). As the title suggests, Aron spends 127 hours contemplating about his situation and reflecting back on his life. As he thoughtfully states during one point in the movie, every moment of his life, every decisions he has ever made had been pushing him closer to his unfortunate meeting with the boulder. With his supplies getting low and his health deteriorating, how far is he willing to go to survive? You can watch the movie to find out for yourself. I found "127 hours" very engaging and well worth the viewing. Just like any good life affirming adventure, there are fun, thoughtful, rewarding and even some gruesome moments for everyone to experience.

IMDB-8/10

Metascore-82/100

Rotten Tomatoes- Critics- 93% Audience- 85%

Yong's Rating- 3.5/5 Stars

Never Let Me Go (2010)

There's a serene quality about the way Carey Mulligan carries herself which makes her the perfect leading actress for a film like 'Never Let Me Go'. It moves with a calm slow pace and gives the viewers the time to take everything in. If you are not a fan of movies with slow pace and not much action (as in things going boom), then this movie probably isn't for you. The movie centers around three children growing up in a peaceful English countryside boarding school. Ruth(Kerira Knightley), Kathy(Carey Mulligen) and Tommy(Andrew Garfield) are close childhood friends whose fates are intertwined with each other in more ways than one.

The movie is told from the perspective of Kathy recalling her past and pondering what is to become of her future. As the film takes you back to her childhood and up to the present, you find out about the mystery surrounding her childhood. The dark secrets, romance, and tension buried between Kathy, Ruth and Tommy all come into light as well. The slow pace and beautiful backdrop of the countryside really made watching this movie just delightful. 'Never Let Me Go' is a smart, thoughtful film I would recommend to anyone willing to give it a try.

IMDB- 7.3/10

Metascore-69/100

Rotten Tomatoes- critics-68%, audience- 72%

Yong's rating- 5/5 stars