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.

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’

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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]

Oh and don’t forget my JURASSIC PARK 3D T-shirt giveaway ends this Sunday. CLICK HERE to enter.

WHO’S GOING?!

Review By Jesus Figueroa

The heart of a zombie is they key in “Warm Bodies” puts a twist in the zombie genre. A zombie action romantic comedy that doesn’t just step on the line of zombies as we know them but tramples on it on its revolutionarily amazing zombie live story.

R, played by Nicholas Hoult, portrays a zombie that is just not going to settle for being a zombie. Not only that, but he falls in love with his food, Julie played by the lovely Teresa Palmer. Palmer plays Julie terrifically as she has a sense of fear and intrigue when coming into contact with R. Her progression through the film is steady and subtle but by the end is well noticed. The acting of Hoult as R is one stellar performance. Having to not just play a zombie but give him a tenderness that attracts Julie and he does it brilliantly. The movement of Hoult is that of a zombie but through emotion filled eyes and brief grunts of audible words an phrases he creates an emotional likable zombie. Palmer is a fantastic match as Julie bringing a fiercer counterpart to R.

The zombies are awesome in the film and this film created a creature even zombies are scared of called”Bonies.” Bonies are what zombies turn into after they have gone to the extreme part of being the living dead. Zombies are kind of the purgatory if things. Not quite dead and not quite living. The scenery is in this post apocalyptic society is really desolate and yet keeps its worldliness about it. The land of “Warm Bodies” just seems lonely. The ending definitely shatters the zombie genre.

I give this a 5 out of 5 Popcorn. There’s action, there’s romance, and there’s zombies with a giant twist. This film is one zombie fanatics can enjoy and get a new perspective on zombies, romance fanatics can enjoy and, and everyone can be entertained by. Definitely a must see movie.

Out Feb. 1st everywhere “Warm Bodies” brings life to all with a delightfully pure message of love.

Be sure to listen to “Thisfunktional LA” for clips from interviews from the writer of the book “Warm Bodies” Isaac Marion, Screenplay Writer and Director Jonathan Levine, lead actor playing R Nicholas Hoult, lead actress playing Julie Teresa Palmer, actress playing Nora Analeigh Tipton, and actor playing “Perry” Dave Franco.

Review By Jesus Figueroa

For a movie about riding bicycles around New York there really is so much more to “Premium Rush” than meets the eye. Beginning with the narration which quickly brings the story front and center. The chapters are likable and it all combines to engage audiences into the world of bicycle delivery people. As the narration continues the scenery, shot selection, and ambience of it all contribute to the excitement of the story.

Then we get to the “genius” of delivery boy Wilee played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Somehow this delivery boy has the same power as Sherlock Holmes or maybe even better because he can stop time and plan his route of travel. No needless fluff after that right to the main part of the story, the conflict. It’s presented almost in the first quarter of the movie. So great since I did not want to just keep waiting to see where this movie was going. The excitement of this film, the quick life world of Wilee is matched greatly by his quick wit and funny persona. All these elements come together to multiple problems leading to great conflict.

What really got to me was the constant use of CGI. It’s quite noticeable and very distracting. Not to mention GPS cut scenes. Does the audience really need to know everything. Might have been better to just leave some mystery. On top of the dilemma at hand with the package he is carrying the added stress of daily life is added. The rivalry of his nemesis who works at the same company he does and of course the girlfriend problems. Cliche is an understatement for this. The main villain being a crooked detective.

More cliches. His story comes into play here too. Wow does this really need to be explained? Very needless, seemed just dragged on. It also threw me off a bit from the rest of the story. I was confused after seeing that backstory. Not sure if it was intentional to move around time frames and just have a clock indicate what time it is but I think it’s badly structured. There’s so much going on on-screen why add more? To confuse is my guess. Going back and forth in time may have been the worse part of the storyline. The linear story is pretty good. Delivery boy gets stuck between a woman trying to get a large amount of money for a worth while cause across town and a dead beat dirty cop who needs to get this cash to pay off gambling debt. That seems awesome but this back and forth showing everything that happens is so confusing.

The bike races are pretty cool. No brakes is this guy crazy, no that’s just the way he lives life. Non-stop and head on.

I give this movie a 3 out of 5 Popcorn. The story is actually good but some parts of the story are just awesome.

Review By Jesus Figueroa

An incredible performance by Dakota fanning in “Now is Good” telling the story of a  dying girl sets out to experience life as extremes and thrilling as humanly possible.

Strong willed and incredibly brave Tessa Scott played by Dakota Fanning seeks to deal with dying of leukemia at a young age. Proudly she proclaims that most of the things she would like to experience are illegal while on a radio station. Fanning gives an incredible performance that captures the troubled an at times confused mindset of a young woman dealing with her impending death. British accent and all Fanning delivers a performance worth watching. Heartwarming and at times shocking her performance gives chills. Even if she seems like a villain thought much of the film there’s no reason why she would be any less aggressive than what she is. Fanning drives the film and captivates with her brilliant portrayal.

The story takes a wild ride through the chaotic emotions of coming to terms with death. It starts from anger and frustration and leads to peace and tranquility hitting every emotional string possible. Experimenting with drugs and delinquency, it is just one big wrecking ball of a journey from the beginning. Self-destructive behavior over takes Tessa knowing she does not have much time left. The progression in her character continues on with strong captivating emotions. Going through a list of things she wants to do before she dies. The fight in Tessa gets infused with the passion for her love interest and continues to battle on.

There is only one possible ending but it’s still a tear jerker. There’s more than the coming to terms with death that contributes to the progression but the realization that loved ones have to continue on and that she will be missed. The hard truth sets in and it becomes more than just the journey of one young terminally ill girl. It becomes a story about the people who surround her and their struggles as well.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 Popcorn’s. It comes out strong an fierce and drives trough the message of chaotic thoughts in the process of dying young. The acting is incredible and brilliant. This movie is heartfelt and strong. Definitely a must see movie.