Movies Series, Springfield, MO (2024)

09/22/2024

📽️📽️📽️ The Purge (2013)
“The Purge” (2013), directed by James DeMonaco, is a thought-provoking horror-thriller that presents a dystopian future where, for one night each year, all crime is legal. The film follows the Sandin family, who barricade themselves in their home to survive the annual event, only to find their sanctuary threatened.

The concept of the Purge raises significant moral questions about violence, class, and the human condition, serving as a commentary on society’s darker impulses. Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey deliver solid performances as the parents trying to protect their family amidst chaos.

While some may find the premise far-fetched, “The Purge” succeeds in sparking conversations about morality and societal norms. Its mix of horror, thriller elements, and social commentary makes it a unique entry in the genre, appealing to fans of both horror and speculative fiction.

09/21/2024

📽️📽️📽️ The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” (2012), directed by Stephen Chbosky, is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama based on Chbosky’s own novel. The film follows Charlie (Logan Lerman), a socially awkward high school freshman dealing with the challenges of adolescence, mental health, and past trauma.

The story is deeply relatable, capturing the struggles of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Lerman delivers a poignant performance, effectively conveying Charlie’s vulnerability and growth. Emma Watson and Ezra Miller shine as step-siblings Sam and Patrick, providing support and friendship that help Charlie navigate his turbulent emotions.

Overall, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a beautifully crafted film that resonates with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, blending humor and heartbreak in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.

09/21/2024

📽️📽️📽️ The Fault in Our Stars (2014)

The Fault in Our Stars (2014) is a romantic drama directed by Josh Boone, based on the bestselling novel by John Green. The film follows Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley), a sixteen-year-old cancer patient, and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), a cancer survivor. The two meet at a support group and develop a deep and poignant relationship.

The film is praised for its heartfelt performances, particularly Woodley and Elgort, who bring emotional depth to their roles. The screenplay captures the novel’s emotional essence, balancing humor with the gravity of illness and loss. The cinematography and score further enhance the story’s emotional impact.

However, some critics argue that it occasionally veers into sentimentality and predictable territory. Despite this, it remains a moving and well-received film for its honest portrayal of love and struggle in the face of terminal illness.

09/20/2024

🎬🎬🎬 The Conjuring 2 (2016)

The Conjuring 2 (2016), directed by James Wan, is a supernatural horror film and a sequel to the 2013 film The Conjuring. It continues the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators who travel to Enfield, England, to help a single mother and her children who are plagued by a demonic presence.

The film is well-regarded for its atmospheric tension and effective scares, characteristic of Wan’s directorial style. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as the Warrens, delivering strong performances that ground the supernatural elements in emotional authenticity. The Enfield Poltergeist case is portrayed with a mix of dramatic license and respect for the real-life events, contributing to the film’s compelling narrative.

Critics have praised the film’s ability to create suspense and its skillful use of sound and visual effects to enhance the horror experience. However, some viewers feel it relies on familiar horror tropes and jump scares. Overall, The Conjuring 2 is considered a strong entry in the horror genre, particularly for fans of the first film.

09/20/2024

📽️📽️📽️ The Babysitter (2017)

The Babysitter (2017), directed by McG, is a horror-comedy that combines elements of slasher films with dark humor. The film stars Judah Lewis as Cole, a young boy who discovers that his seemingly perfect babysitter, Bee (Samara Weaving), is part of a satanic cult.

The film is noted for its over-the-top, campy style, and its playful approach to horror tropes. Samara Weaving’s performance as the charismatic and menacing Bee is particularly praised, as she brings a mix of charm and menace to her role. The movie balances gory horror with comedic moments, making for an entertaining and unpredictable experience.

Critics and audiences generally appreciate the film’s fun, self-aware tone and its ability to deliver both scares and laughs. However, some find the plot predictable and the humor hit-or-miss. Overall, The Babysitter is often seen as a fun, if not entirely groundbreaking, entry into the horror-comedy genre.

09/20/2024

🎥🎥🎥 Call Me by Your Name (2017)

Call Me by Your Name (2017), directed by Luca Guadagnino, is a coming-of-age romantic drama set in the summer of 1983 in northern Italy. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as Elio, a 17-year-old boy, and Armie Hammer as Oliver, a 24-year-old American scholar who comes to stay with Elio’s family. Their relationship blossoms into a tender yet complex romance, which serves as the emotional core of the film.

Critics have praised Call Me by Your Name for its lush cinematography, intimate storytelling, and powerful performances. Timothée Chalamet, in particular, received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Elio, capturing the character’s youthful vulnerability, emotional confusion, and eventual heartbreak. His chemistry with Hammer is palpable, and their nuanced performances bring depth to the story’s exploration of identity, desire, and longing.

In summary, Call Me by Your Name is a beautifully crafted film that captures the intensity of first love with sensitivity and emotional complexity, bolstered by standout performances and stunning visual and musical elements.

09/19/2024

🎬🎬🎬 A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Mind (2001), directed by Ron Howard, is a biographical drama based on the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who struggled with schizophrenia. Russell Crowe stars as Nash, with Jennifer Connelly playing his supportive wife.

The film is praised for its compelling portrayal of Nash’s personal and professional challenges. Russell Crowe delivers a powerful performance that captures the complexity of Nash’s mental illness and his extraordinary intellectual achievements. Jennifer Connelly’s performance as Alicia Nash adds emotional depth and realism to the story.

Critics and audiences have generally praised A Beautiful Mind for its strong performances, emotional resonance, and the way it brings Nash’s story to life with both sensitivity and respect. It won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, further cementing its acclaim.

09/19/2024

🎬🎬🎬 World War Z (2013)

“World War Z” (2013) is a high-octane zombie action film directed by Marc Forster and based on the novel by Max Brooks. The movie stars Brad Pitt as Gerry Lane, a former United Nations investigator tasked with finding the source of a global zombie pandemic.

The film is notable for its intense and fast-paced action sequences, particularly the chaotic zombie hordes that surge with frightening speed. The CGI effects are generally well-executed, creating a sense of overwhelming danger. Pitt delivers a solid performance, and the global scale of the crisis adds a unique dimension to the typical zombie genre.

However, the film diverges significantly from the source material, focusing more on action and less on the book’s intricate, multi-perspective storytelling. Some critics felt the plot was conventional and lacked depth, with a somewhat abrupt resolution. Still, it remains an engaging and entertaining ride, especially for fans of the genre.

09/19/2024

🎥🎥🎥 Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004), directed by Michel Gondry and written by Charlie Kaufman, is a unique and thought-provoking film. It stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a couple who, after a painful breakup, undergo a procedure to erase each other from their memories. The film blends science fiction with romance and drama, exploring themes of love, memory, and identity.

Jim Carrey delivers a nuanced performance, moving beyond his usual comedic roles, while Kate Winslet offers a compelling portrayal of a complex character. The film’s visual style is imaginative, with inventive use of practical effects and surreal sequences that mirror the disorientation of erasing memories. The nonlinear narrative and the emotional depth of the story make it a standout, offering a poignant look at the nature of relationships and the persistence of love.

Overall, it’s a memorable and emotionally resonant film that challenges conventional storytelling and resonates with audiences through its innovative approach and heartfelt exploration of human connections.

09/19/2024

📽️📽️📽️ Forrest Gump (1994)

Forrest Gump (1994), directed by Robert Zemeckis, is a widely acclaimed film based on the novel by Winston Groom. Tom Hanks stars as Forrest Gump, a man with a low IQ but a heart of gold, whose extraordinary life intersects with major historical events from the 20th century.

The film is renowned for its emotional depth, engaging storytelling, and Hanks’s standout performance, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. It blends comedy, drama, and historical events with a unique narrative style, showcasing Forrest’s journey through significant moments in American history while focusing on his personal experiences and relationships.

The film’s innovative use of visual effects to insert Forrest into historical footage was groundbreaking at the time and contributed to its critical and commercial success. The story’s blend of humor, pathos, and inspiration resonates with many viewers, and its memorable lines and iconic soundtrack have left a lasting cultural impact.

Overall, Forrest Gump is celebrated for its heartwarming story, strong performances, and its ability to balance humor and tragedy, making it a beloved classic in American cinema.

09/18/2024

🎬🎬🎬 The Fate of the Furious (2017)

“The Fate of the Furious” (2017), directed by F. Gary Gray, is the eighth installment in the “Fast & Furious” franchise. The film sees the team facing new challenges as Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) is coerced into working with a cyberterrorist named Cipher (Charlize Theron), leading him to betray his family and friends.

The movie continues the franchise’s tradition of high-octane action and elaborate set pieces, featuring dramatic car chases, elaborate heists, and explosive stunts. The plot introduces new conflicts and expands on the series’ themes of family and loyalty, while also incorporating elements of espionage and global stakes.

“The Fate of the Furious” was generally well-received for its thrilling action and entertainment value, though some critics felt that it was less grounded and more reliant on spectacle compared to earlier entries. Despite this, it succeeded in delivering the franchise’s trademark excitement and continued to build on its global appeal.

09/17/2024

📽️📽️📽️ Assassin's Creed (2016)

“Assassin’s Creed” (2016), directed by Justin Kurzel, is a film adaptation of the popular video game series of the same name. The movie stars Michael Fassbender as Callum Lynch, a man who discovers he is a descendant of a secretive group of assassins through a revolutionary technology that allows him to relive his ancestor’s memories from the Spanish Inquisition.

The film combines historical action with sci-fi elements, exploring themes of memory, identity, and freedom. It features impressive action sequences and period-accurate settings, but was met with mixed reviews. Critics praised the film’s visuals and action, but felt that the plot was convoluted and that it struggled to capture the essence of the game series. Despite this, “Assassin’s Creed” has its moments of intrigue and spectacle for fans of the franchise.

09/17/2024

📽️📽️📽️ Martyrs (2008)

“Martyrs” (2008) is a French psychological horror film directed by Pascal Laugier. The film follows two young women, Lucie and Anna, who seek revenge on those who tortured Lucie when she was a child. As the story unfolds, it delves into increasingly disturbing and philosophical themes related to suffering, martyrdom, and the nature of human existence.

The film is known for its intense and often brutal scenes, which serve as a backdrop to its exploration of deeper existential questions. “Martyrs” is polarizing; while some appreciate its thought-provoking narrative and ambitious storytelling, others find its graphic content and disturbing themes challenging. It has gained a reputation as a significant work in the “New French Extremity” movement, known for pushing boundaries and provoking strong reactions.

09/17/2024

🎥🎥🎥 Audition (1999)

“Audition” (1999) is a Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Miike, based on the novel by Ryu Murakami. The film starts as a seemingly straightforward romantic drama about a widower named Aoyama who holds a fake audition to find a new wife. He becomes intrigued by a mysterious and seemingly perfect candidate, Asami, but soon discovers that she has a dark and unsettling past.

“Audition” is known for its slow-burn approach, gradually shifting from a romantic narrative to an intense and shocking horror story. It explores themes of obsession, control, and the dark side of human desires. The film is both disturbing and thought-provoking, with its disturbing climax earning it a reputation as a standout in the horror genre. Miike’s direction and the film’s unsettling atmosphere have made it a cult classic among horror enthusiasts.

09/16/2024

🎬🎬🎬 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) is the fifth film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg, it continues the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp.

In this installment, Jack Sparrow is pursued by an undead pirate hunter, Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), who seeks revenge. The plot also introduces new characters, including Henry Turner (Brenton Thwaites) and Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), who are searching for the Trident of Poseidon to break a curse.

The film features the franchise’s trademark swashbuckling action and visual effects, with a mix of humor and fantastical elements. While it offers some entertaining moments and nostalgic callbacks to earlier films, it received mixed reviews for its convoluted plot and uneven pacing. Despite this, it provides a fun, if somewhat familiar, adventure for fans of the series.

09/16/2024

📽️📽️📽️ Divergent (2014)

“Divergent” (2014), directed by Neil Burger, is the first film adaptation of Veronica Roth’s popular dystopian novel of the same name. The movie introduces a future society where people are divided into five factions based on their virtues: Abnegation (selflessness), Dauntless (bravery), Erudite (knowledge), Amity (peace), and Candor (honesty).

The story follows Beatrice “Tris” Prior (Shailene Woodley), who discovers she is “Divergent,” meaning she does not fit neatly into any single faction. As Tris navigates the challenges of choosing her faction and discovering her true identity, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the stability of the society.

“Divergent” is praised for its engaging world-building, strong performances, particularly by Shailene Woodley and Theo James, and its adaptation of the source material. The film effectively sets up the dystopian setting and the central conflict, though it received some criticism for its familiar narrative tropes and pacing issues. Overall, it successfully establishes the foundation for the subsequent films in the series.

09/16/2024

📽️📽️📽️ The Scorpion King (2002)

The Scorpion King (2002), directed by Chuck Russell, is a fantasy action film and a spin-off of The Mummy series. It stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Mathayus, a skilled mercenary in ancient Egypt who seeks to overthrow a tyrannical ruler.

The film is notable for Johnson’s charismatic performance and its blend of action, adventure, and fantasy elements. It features impressive set pieces, including epic battles and magical creatures, and has a distinctively campy, fun tone.

While The Scorpion King received mixed reviews from critics for its predictable plot and special effects, it was generally appreciated for its entertaining action sequences and Johnson’s star power. It has gained a following for its action-packed escapades and its role in solidifying Johnson’s status as a leading action star.

09/15/2024

🎬🎬🎬 The Devil's Backbone (2001)

The Devil’s Backbone (2001), directed by Guillermo del Toro, is a Spanish-language supernatural horror film set during the Spanish Civil War. The story is centered around a young boy named Carlos who is sent to an orphanage after his father’s death. At the orphanage, he encounters both a ghostly presence and the harsh realities of war, uncovering dark secrets about the institution and its inhabitants.

The film is noted for its atmospheric tension, haunting imagery, and strong performances. Del Toro’s direction blends historical drama with supernatural elements, creating a poignant and eerie narrative. The movie explores themes of trauma, betrayal, and the innocence of childhood.

The Devil’s Backbone is widely regarded as one of del Toro’s best works, praised for its emotional depth, strong storytelling, and unique take on the ghost story genre.

09/15/2024

🎥🎥🎥 Doctor Sleep (2019)

Doctor Sleep (2019) is a horror film directed by Mike Flanagan and is an adaptation of Stephen King’s 2013 novel of the same name. It serves as both a sequel to King’s 1977 novel The Shining and a continuation of the story from Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film adaptation of The Shining.

The film follows Danny Torrance (played by Ewan McGregor), now an adult who is struggling with the trauma and psychic abilities from his childhood at the Overlook Hotel. He has a new identity and tries to live a quiet life but is haunted by his past. Danny’s life changes when he meets Abra Stone (Kyliegh Curran), a young girl with similar psychic abilities, who is being hunted by a cult called the True Knot, led by Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson). The cult feeds on the psychic energy of children to prolong their lives.

Doctor Sleep explores themes of trauma, recovery, and the impact of past experiences on the present. It was well-received for its ability to balance the eerie atmosphere of the original Shining with new elements and its strong performances, particularly by McGregor and Ferguson. The film also effectively integrates elements from both King’s novel and Kubrick’s film, providing a satisfying continuation for fans of the original story while also standing on its own.

09/14/2024

🎬🎬🎬 Us (2019)

Us is a 2019 horror-thriller film directed by Jordan Peele, following the massive success of his directorial debut, Get Out. Us blends psychological horror, social commentary, and suspense in a story about a family that encounters their sinister doppelgängers.

The plot centers around Adelaide Wilson (played by Lupita Nyong’o), who, along with her husband Gabe (Winston Duke) and their children, returns to a beachside vacation home where she spent part of her childhood. Adelaide is haunted by a traumatic experience from her past, and her fears come to life when the family is confronted by a group of eerie doubles—exact replicas of themselves, known as “The Tethered.”

Us was widely praised for its originality, symbolism, and Peele’s ability to mix horror with deeper societal messages. The film also earned acclaim for its performances, particularly Nyong’o’s, and its chilling atmosphere, making it one of the standout horror films of the decade.

09/14/2024

🎬🎬🎬 Oculus (2013)
“Oculus” (2013), directed by Mike Flanagan, is a supernatural horror film that delves into themes of trauma and the supernatural. The story centers on siblings Kaylie (Karen Gillan) and Tim Russell (Brenton Thwaites), who seek to uncover the truth behind a malevolent mirror that they believe was responsible for their family’s tragic past.
The film alternates between two timelines: the present, where Kaylie and Tim attempt to document the mirror’s sinister influence, and flashbacks to their childhood, revealing the mirror’s previous effects on their family. The narrative explores the mirror’s power to manipulate perceptions and reality, creating a tense atmosphere of psychological horror.
While it may not be groundbreaking in terms of horror innovation, “Oculus” is generally well-regarded for its atmospheric tension and engaging plot, making it a noteworthy entry in the genre.

09/14/2024

🎬🎬🎬 Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)

“Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017), directed by Michael Bay, is the fifth installment in the “Transformers” film series. The film continues the saga with a story involving the hidden history of Transformers on Earth, including their connection to historical events and figures.

In “The Last Knight,” humanity is at war with the Transformers, and the only chance to save the world lies in uncovering the truth about Transformers’ involvement in historical events. The film stars Mark Wahlberg as Cade Yeager, alongside returning characters and new ones, including Anthony Hopkins as Sir Edmund Burton. The plot explores themes of ancient Transformers’ influence on historical events and the ongoing conflict between the Autobots and Decepticons.

Overall, “Transformers: The Last Knight” is seen as a continuation of the franchise’s formula, delivering high-octane action but lacking the depth and engaging storylines that some fans might expect.

09/13/2024

🎥🎥🎥 The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991), directed by Jonathan Demme, is a seminal thriller that has left a lasting impact on the genre. The film stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, a young FBI trainee tasked with interviewing the imprisoned Dr. Hannibal Lecter, played by Anthony Hopkins, to gain insights into capturing another serial killer, Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine).

The film is widely celebrated for its chilling and intense atmosphere, driven by strong performances from its lead actors. Anthony Hopkins’ portrayal of Dr. Hannibal Lecter is iconic, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor. His performance combines charisma with a menacing edge, making Lecter one of cinema’s most memorable villains.

“The Silence of the Lambs” is renowned for its sharp direction, strong performances, and its exploration of psychological themes. It won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Actress. The film’s legacy endures due to its gripping narrative, complex characters, and its profound influence on both thriller and horror genres.

09/13/2024

🎥🎥🎥 Birds of Prey (2020)

“Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” (2020) is a colorful, high-energy film directed by Cathy Yan. It’s a spinoff from “Suicide Squad” focusing on Harley Quinn, played by Margot Robbie. The film features a mix of action, comedy, and a bit of chaos as Harley teams up with other female vigilantes to take down a crime lord, Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor), who has stolen a valuable diamond.

The film is praised for its vibrant style, strong performances, particularly from Robbie and McGregor, and its feminist themes. Its non-linear narrative and quirky tone set it apart from typical superhero movies. However, some critics felt the plot was a bit disjointed and the action sequences, while fun, were sometimes overwhelming.

Overall, if you enjoy fast-paced, unconventional superhero stories with a strong female lead, “Birds of Prey” might be worth a watch.

09/13/2024

🎬🎬🎬 San Andreas (2015)

San Andreas (2015), directed by Brad Peyton, is a disaster film that centers on a massive earthquake caused by the shifting of the San Andreas Fault. The story follows Ray Gaines (Dwayne Johnson), a Los Angeles Fire Department rescue pilot, as he navigates the devastation to save his estranged wife, Emma (Carla Gugino), and their daughter, Blake (Alexandra Daddario).

The film is praised for its impressive visual effects, which depict large-scale destruction, including collapsing buildings, tsunamis, and massive fissures. The action sequences are intense and gripping, delivering the kind of high-stakes, large-scale disaster spectacle fans of the genre expect. Johnson’s performance, as the heroic and determined father, adds a solid emotional core to the movie.

Overall, San Andreas is a thrilling disaster film filled with exciting action and spectacular effects, though it doesn’t break new ground in terms of story or character depth. It’s a solid choice for those who enjoy large-scale, action-packed disaster movies.