Tom Cruise stars in Oblivion, an original and groundbreaking cinematic event from the director of TRON: Legacy and the producer of Rise of the Planet of the Apes. On a spectacular future Earth that has evolved beyond recognition, one man’s confrontation with the past will lead him on a journey of redemption and discovery as he battles to save mankind.

WATCH TRAILER

I expected more from OBLIVION. I mean. It’s a cool movie – - but all the trailer build up didn’t pay off for me on the big screen. Tom Cruise was cool. There was some cool action scenes – the whole slick scenery looked of the film was nice. The beautiful Olga Kurylenko made me smile. (lol) It’s worth the watch but just don’t expect a WOW factor like you do in TRON: LEGACY. Oh – and make sure you pay attention in the movie…don’t get up and leave the theater – - there are some twists and turns that might confuse you if you don’t pay attention. (lol)

I give OBLIVION… 3 out of 5 popcorns!

@ThisFunktional Movie Review: Oblivion

Review By Jesus Figueroa

Taking the legendary classic story “The Great Gatsby” and adding modern elements to create an entertaining film which keeps close to the timeline of the book. Over two hours of visually stunning 3D scenes that combine to make a fabulous telling of a notable novel.

Nick Carraway, played by Tobey Maguire, narrates the story of Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, as Jay chases after his past love Daisy Buchanan, played by Carrey Mulligan. DiCaprio delivers a strong yet confusing performance with emotions being subtle and not quite projected enough for audiences to grasp fully. The graceful Daisy gets a sensual portrayal by Mulligan as she takes advantage of flattering costumes which give her a ravishing figure. Her acting leaves a bit to be desired but she does get some laughs from her dainty performance. Stealing the show is Maguire who grabs hold of the audience with strong narrative vocals that intrigue and keep the movie moving forward in a steady pace which does not let the winded dialogue draw. His acting is charming and captivating with magnificent facial expressions which change the mood of his scenes.

The turbulent 1920s era stylized film sets the scene for scene for the dramatic story of Jay and Daisy which in turn engulf Nick. The lavish parties that Jay host at his enormous mansion are truly larger-than-life due to the what seems like thousands of people enjoying the ruckus of the high-class celebrations. Jay uses Nick to try and rekindle a spark shared with Daisy, who has in the five years Jay has been away, married Tom Buchanan, played by Joel Edgerton. Edgerton does a fine job of playing the womanizing bigot Tom. Although quite the character he seems to not let Tom get so out of hand that the audience loses interest on his character. The story love triangle that Nick gets caught up in intensifies with every passing scene up until the final resolution.

The ending is a fantastic payoff that leaves audiences stunned. It’s powerful and strives to give a social commentary of a non caring world where everyone is disposable.

I give this film 4 out of 5 popcorns. The Great Gatsby was visually stunning with non intrusive 3D effects. Enjoyable as Tobey Maguire steals the movie from out of Leonardo DiCaprio’s grasp. The music was hit and miss with jazz infused renditions of modern songs.

A follow-up to the 2009 release of G.I. JOE: RISE OF THE COBRA, which grossed over $300M worldwide, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with HASBRO and di Bonaventura Pictures, commences production on G.I. JOE: RETALIATION. In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Park, Adrianne Palicki, Jonathan Pryce, RZA, Ray Stevenson, Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. Directed by Jon M. Chu, and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner, from a screenplay by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick based on Hasbro’s G.I. Joe(R) characters, the film is scheduled to be released on June 29,2012.

WATCH TRAILER

G.I. JOE: RETALIATION. I just watched the trailer again and I was right – - for ME…the trailer was definitely better than the movie. (lol) Don’t get me wrong – I’m a fan of the cast. Channing Tatum was cool…The Rock a beast…Adrianne Palicki…HOLY CRAP BALLS!! That’s all I’m going to say about her. (lol)

I remember watching and thinking – “so far so good.” THEN…it got cheesy – - the whole meeting of Joe (Bruce Willis) – - guns all hidden in his house and was it just me – - but when I blinked – Bruce Willis was gone…like NOT a whole lot in the movie?! (lol) The Rock going to his old neighborhood?! THEN came the super cheesy stuff – Rza as a ninja master?!!? WTF?!!? That whole story between Storm Shadow and Snake Eyes. WTF?!?! G.I. JOE: RETALIATION  felt rushed and confusing. For me – - it was a total let down.

I give G.I. JOE: RETALIATION… 2 ½ out of 5 popcorns!

@ThisFunktional Movie Review: ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’

Review By Jesus Figueroa

A magnificent terrifyingly fun thrill ride with Eli Roth presents “Aftershock” directed by Nicolás López that starts calm and casual but quickly intensifying into a gory thriller. Although the beginning is a comical party sequence where everyone is having a good time it does drag a bit having the story flip the mood almost right in the middle of the film.

Gringo, played by Eli Roth, spends time in Chile with his two buddies Ariel, played by Ariel Levy, and Pollo, played by Nicolás Martínez. While there they come across three tourist; Russian model Irina, played by Natasha Yarovenko, party girl Kylie, played by Lorenza Izzo, and her sister Monica, playe by Andrea Osvárt, who are traveling through Chile. After a great time in the costal city of Valparaíso the group of friends go to a club where while dancing an earthquake hits and sends the happy partiers into turmoil.

Roth and López co-wrote a magnificent story that engages the audience in the beauty of Chile before twisting the world around with the catastrophic earthquake. Roth does well in portraying an out-of-touch single father struggling in the dating world. He brings not only a confusion to his character but also a charisma that keeps audiences rooting for him. Martínez makes audiences dislike his character but want to be part of his group. Pollo is self centered and arrogant but can get anyone into anywhere in Chile. Yarovenko is hot through out the movie and captivates audiences with an authentic feel of terror and chaos. She’s a strong character but not over powering to the storyline.

The story continues through this fantastically destroyed Chile as the streets are filled with crumbled buildings, shattered people and criminals escaped from prison. Through all the unexpected twist and turns of the film the ending comes as a shock. The payoff is grand and leaves audiences in awe.

I give this film 4 out of 5 popcorns. The beginning drags as characters are introduced and become quite annoying, but the pace quickly picks up as the horror of the story becomes apparent. The acting was fantastic from everyone and they played off each other well. It kind of feels like “The Hangover” but with a horror aspect. The ending is definitely worth sticking through out the movie for. The film is not only a mixture of two genres, comedy and horror, but sets everything up and knocks it down at the end.

Eli Roth Presents “Aftershock” out in theaters and On Demand May 10.

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Los Angeles Press Junket: Aftershock

On this podcast Jesus Figueroa of iWatchMike.com and ThisFunktional.com sits down to chat with Producer /Co-Writer / Actor Eli Roth, Director / Co-Writer / Executive Producer Nicolás López, Actress Lorenza Izzo and Actress Natasha Yarovenko.

They talk about the inspiration behind the film, AFTERSHOCK – the earthquake in Chile, surviving the earthquake, digital vs. practical effects, expected reactions from Chile and more.

LISTEN HERE

On Twitter? Follow @ThisFunktional

Review By Jesus Figueroa

The ethics of Tony Stark come into question in “Iron Man 3″ as the vulnerability seeps into the suit and bring out his humanity.

The film quickly grabS hold of the audience showcasing the charm and charisma of Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., as he seems to be magnificent even as he breaks down. Stark struggles to comes to terms with the unbelievable aftermath of “The Avengers.” Struggling to protect the only thing that makes any sense to him, that keeps him sane and which he can’t live without, Pepper Potts, played by Gwyneth Paltrow.

The chemistry from both previous “Iron Man” movies, as well as “The Avengers” movie, continue. Downey Jr. and Paltrow play off each other well while keeping a feel of authenticity in their connection. Downey Jr. continues to have the larger-than-life feel that embodies the Stark character fans have fallen for. Paltrow continues to look beautiful as Potts. Her sensibility seems to ignite Potts flair for inspiring Stark. Set against the Mandarin, played by Ben Kingsley, and Aldrich Killian, played by Guy Pierce, come up strong to face the monumental Iron Man. They come toe-to-toe and rattle the already shaken Stark sending him on a harsh journey of self discovery. Kingsley is hilarious and powerful as the Mandarin. He plays an enjoyable role that will catch audiences off-guard. Pierce tries hard to compete with Downey Jr.’s massive portrayal of Stark. Pierce does play Killian to the point where he gets under the audience’s skin.

The battle scenes were well placed, the pacing was spot on and through it all the charm of Iron Man shone through. The explosions and just right battles brought “Iron Man 3″ to a whole new level of action. Battle after battle the film showed the manner in which an enemy needs to outdo themselves to stand a chance.

I give this film a 4 out of 5 popcorns. It had many moments that had my eyes glued to the screen but there was a small part which seemed to drag. The ending came as a brief surprise and satisfied decently. The acting is magnificent and its a movie I will want to see again and again.

“Iron Man 3″ is out in theaters in 2D and Imax 3D formats.

WATCH MY MOVIE REVIEW – Mike ‘the movie guy’

The music of Christopher beck drives the short love story of the animated short “Paperman.” Incredibly enticing and epically creative the short animated film displays a beautiful entwinement of both digital and hand-drawn animation.

The silent animated film driven by the powerful instrumental song by Beck is a simplistic story of boy meet girl and they share a moment. After the girl leaves, the boy goes back to being his normal self until he discovers her a second time. The story up to this point engulfs the audience into this silent world. The magnificent drawings captivated the heart and propel the story line forward. The pace quickens as well a the tempo of the song as extraordinary events occur leading to the finale which captures the heart and hopes of viewers.

I give this short film 5 out of 5 popcorns. It may be less than 10 minutes long but tells a complete story which is riveting. The main character is always being rooted for and there is no dragging in the storyline. There is a down side, although many will not consider it a downside, audiences will want to see more. It’s beautifully animated and the story leaves for a continuation to occur.

“Paperman” is out now and can be purchased on iTunes.

Review By Jesus Figueroa

Science fiction action film “Oblivion” takes a long journey through a destroyed futuristic Earth. The story takes a long time to get to the key aspects of the story making the film feel stretched out at its already long run time of two hours and six minutes.

Security repairmen Jack Harper, played by Tom Cruise, stationed on an evacuated planet Earth, is part of a massive operation to extract vital resources from Earth. After decades at war with a terrifying alien threat who scavenge the remains of the planet, Jack and his teammate Victoria, played by Andrea Riseborough, are two weeks away from rejoining the rest of humanity. While on their mission they are protected by drones. Jack continuously has a recurring dream about a woman he feels is familiar but does not recognize.

Cruise does an excellent job of portraying a strong protective warrior who enjoys being on earth.

The relationship between Jack and Victoria has an awkward feeling although their interaction is quite passionate. Riseborough gives her Victoria the feel of being infatuated or obsessed with Jack. Victoria does not seem to be a full partner or couple with Jack. A shuttle crashes down containing five humans  in “delta sleep,” as the film calls it, inside pods. Jack goes to explore the crash. Drones destroy four of the pods but he protects the remaining pod. The pod contains Julia, played by Olga Kurylenko, who is the woman Jack has been dreaming of.

The mood to the story intensifies as Julia and Jack’s chemistry increases. The story goes off in a different direction as Jack starts to learn more about this world he has been living in. The fate of planet Earth relies on the courage of Jack.

I give this movie a 3 out of 5 popcorns. It’s entertaining but builds up up so much tension for an unsatisfying ending. There’s so much the film leaves unexplained and just assumes the audience will fill the plot holes.

“Oblivion” out in theaters now.

Today was #MovieFriday and what did I see this morning? FILLY BROWN. First showing of the day. Check out  my movie review below.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Review By Jesus Figueroa

From original to reboot “Evil Dead” has gotten a red colored gore make over that may boost this 2013 film into cult classic status.

With an introduction to the “Book of the Dead” and a previous incident the film’s pace is set from the beginning to be a gory and intense. The rest of the film lives up to the strong beginning with a large number of spewing blood scenes and many creative death scenes. It’s a gore fest filled incredible movie with a cast that created a magnificent feel for the terror the film does have.

Mia, played by Jane Levy, becomes the host of the evil spirit which is released when Eric, played by Lou Taylor Pucci, reads from the Book of the Dead while at a cabin in the woods. Along for the ride are Mia’s brother David, played by Shiloh Fernandez, his girlfriend Natalie, played by Elizabeth Blackmore, and friend Olivia, played by Jessica Lucas.

There are very few actual scares that will have audiences jumping out of their seats but the bloody gore will stick with audiences well after the film is over. Some scenes take gore to a new extreme. Levy grabs hold of audiences’s attention and will not let go. Her performance as a junkie trying to get clean and as a possessed woman are quite convincing. Possessed Mia uses a box cutter to split her tongue in half oozing blood, a number of characters end up with nails in their bodies and blood squirting out once the nails get pulled off. But maybe the most memorable scenes are those of dismemberment. The beautiful use of practical effects gives these intense images of bloody gore a realistic feel believable through blood gushing scenes.

The cult classic original “The Evil Dead” staring the charismatic Bruce Campbell, who is a producer in this film, is different in a few aspects but the reboot/remake does the franchise justice. This film does drag on in certain areas as it tries to build up suspense and seem to not lead to anything notable, but those dragged on scenes do not affect the entertainment horror value of the film.

I give this film 4 out of 5 popcorn. The film seems to almost come to an end several different times and the actual ending does satisfy. The blood and gore galore are wickedly intense. Jane Levy is extraordinary and quite hot even as a possessed deadite. This film is definitely not for someone with a weak stomach but a must see gore extravaganza. This may be one of the few films I actually go back to theaters to watch a second time.

Review By Jesus Figueroa

“42″ hits it out of the ball park with a film that chronicles the start of Jackie Robinson’s career in Major League Baseball. The two hour long movie had no dull moments and used its time wisely to sufficiently explain the troublesome situations that tested the mettle of Robinson.

Brooklyn Dodgers legendary number 42 Jackie Robinson, played by Chadwick Boseman,  began his career in the MLB as Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford, recruits him for the Montreal Royals, affiliates of the Dodgers. The story grows in intensity with prejudice and racism taking the front line if the film. The challenges facing Robinson become more and more prominent as his career progresses.

Baseball is a big part of the film but other issues seem to be much more important. All the elements the film uses makes it enjoyable to everyone, even those who are not baseball fans. It is not a baseball film with minor sensitive plots, rather it’s a story of legendary Brooklyn Dodger Robinson’s struggles to be accepted by the baseball community.

Boseman portrays Robinson as a complex emotional character who’s journey changed the United States. He brings the heroic demeanor necessary for a hero such as Robinson was. Robinson finds strength in confiding in his wife Rachel Robinson, played by Nicole Beharie, the majority of the baseball community seems to be against him. Joining the struggle of racial inequality Wendell Smith, played by Andre Holland, a sports writer who understands the struggle Robinson will be going through and is recruited to help him through it.

Racist remarks are made throughout the film but hardly any are as prominent as Philadelphia manager Ben Chapman, played by Alan Tudyk, who pushes and pushes Robinson using many racial slurs.

Ford is an outstanding actor who takes the role of Rickey and brings heart, emotion and genuine humanity to the role. Along with Boseman, Ford drives the storyline entertaining audiences.

I give this film 5 out of 5 popcorn. The pacing is spot on never dropping the ball. The story went far enough into the career of Robinson  keeping the film impactful. It does not feel like a two hour long movie. The cast brings a feel to the film that emerges the audiences’s to the story.

“42″ hits theaters Friday.

Review By Jesus Figueroa

A 3D conversion of academy-award winning “Jurassic Park” comes to the theaters showcasing a wonderful film with brilliant use of 3D effects. The conversion of the film was quite well done with the 3D not being too intrusive on the storyline. Many post 3D conversions are strangely done sending objects flying towards the screen in hopes of getting jumps and screams from an audience waiting to experience more realistic experience.

Twenty years ago Steven Spielberg brought dinosaurs back to life in a spectacular film. A theme park of dinosaurs is the setting for the thrilling adventure that Dr. Alan Grant, played by Sam Neill, Dr. Ellie Sattler, played by Laura Dern, and Dr. Ian Malcolm, played by Jeff Goldblum, experts sent on the first tour of “Jurassic park” in hopes of the park being endorsed. John Hammond, Richard Attenborough, creates “Jurassic Park” in hopes of bringing the real experience of dinosaurs to the world.  Sending his grandchildren Tim Murphy, played by Joseph Mazzello, and Lex Murphy, player by Ariana Richards, to experience the wonder he has helped in create.

The acting from the entire cast is incredible. They take their roles and make audiences believe what they are watching is true.

When everything goes to wrong due to the greed and deception of Dennis Nedry, played by Wayne Knight, the children, Dr. Alan Grant and Dr. Ian Malcolm get stranded out in the wilderness with dinosaurs roaming the grounds in hunt for food. Dennis, in search of a small fortune from competitors, sabotages the security system to be able to steal the the stands of DNA used to clone the dinosaurs.

The film is an action thriller with many frightening scenes that have audiences squirming and jumping in their seats, the storyline also contains some funny parts to lighten the mood. Goldblum is quite arrogant and funny playing the rock star scientist who predicts the park is a disaster waiting to happen.

I give the 3D conversion of this classic film 5 out of 5 popcorn. The storyline is amazing explaining everything that needs to be explained and keeping everything entertaining. Re-watching this film I realized how much I missed a story with actual well thought out plot. The animatronics used for the dinosaurs and the CGI may be cheesy with the advancements made but the story stands on its own.

“Jurassic Park 3D” out in theaters now.

‘JURASSIC PARK 3D’ OFFICIAL TRAILER UP-COMING MOVIEQUEST [VIDEO]

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@THISFUNKTIONAL ATTENDS THE ‘JURASSIC PARK’ EVENT IN LA [VIDEO]

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WATCH MY MOVIE REVIEW: ‘JURASSIC PARK 3D’ [VIDEO]