Re-Porter Blog: Top 5 Films of 2013

Good Evening Followers!!!! As many of you know, today is the final day of 2013!!! I can’t believe how fast the year has come and gone. The films released this year have been memorable in both a positive and negative way. But now, focus is shifting to the films that await us in 2014. With the New Year just hours away, let me share with you my top 5 films from this past year.

 

 

 

Star Trek Into Darkness

Out of all the films I could think of this year that had a lasting impact on me, Star Trek Into Darkness constantly appeared in the conversation. As the follow up to one of my all-time favorite sci-fi films, Into Darkness was an action packed and emotionally engaging spectacle that delivered big in every aspect. From the brilliant performance of Benedict Cumberbatch to the intense action sequences that left me breathless, Star Trek Into Darkness is no question a clear cut choice as one of my top films of 2013

 

 

Pacific Rim

One of the big surprises on this list is Pacific Rim. I came into that movie with high expectations. But my expectations were soon outmatched by an epic spectacle that is just as big as its larger than life fighting robots. Pacific Rim delivered on what I believe to be the best action movie of the year. Combining eye popping visual effects with white knuckle action, Pacific Rim became a huge success story during the Summer Movie Season. I for one am glad that this film made it on the list. It clearly earned the spot as one 2013’s best pictures.

 

  

Lee Daniel’s The Butler

This one truly is a first, a film on my list that made an impact on me not with visual effects, explosions, or loud action, but with its incredibly powerful story of triumph and strength. Headlined by an incredible all-star cast, Lee Daniel’s The Butler is proudly displayed on my list. An engaging story told with strong emotion and little apology. Daniels truly doesn’t hold back in his films. You truly get the full effect of what the characters go through during that time period and it is sometimes hard to sit through but by the end, you are glad you did. This film defiantly belongs on this list as well as it belongs on the nomination board for the upcoming award season.

 

 

Captain Phillips

Miles out at sea, far away from human contact, and pirates are bearing down on your position. What would you do to keep your crew safe? That question was answered in full in the Tom Hanks thriller Captain Phillips. One of the most powerfully intense films I’ve ever seen, Captain Phillips isn’t a guns blazing explosion fest, but a very emotionally intense experience that holds you all the way through. This film is now among my favorite Tom Hanks movies and one of the best films of the year. Behind Hanks and some great up and coming talent, Captain Phillips is a triumph that belongs in the conversation as a possible Oscar contender.

 

 

 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Can’t really say I’m surprised by this one. The sequel to the 2012 blockbuster came in with high expectations and delivered on them as smooth as silk. Behind another strong performance by Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, Catching Fire displayed the first film’s strengths and improved greatly on its weaknesses. Newcomers to the franchise Sam Claflin and Jena Malone were fantastic in their roles as Finnick Odair and Johanna Mason respectively in addition to veterans Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth building on their characters. Delivering bigger action and thrills, more emotion, and staying tremendously true to the source material, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire establishes itself as the best film in the franchise and raises the bar for incoming young adult novel adaptions which hasn’t been done since Harry Potter. The odds were no question in this film’s favor.

Compiling this list was extremely tough given all the great films I saw this year. But in the end, the result is exactly how I wanted it. These films were among 2013’s best and I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store. Speaking of which, check in tomorrow for my list of the ten movies I’m psyched to see in the New Year. See ya soon!!!

Re-Porter Blog: Special Edition

By: Brandon Porter

Happy Hunger Games Followers!!!! Though it might be hard to believe, the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster hit of 2012 is only a few days away. I’m sure, like me, you are itching to return to Panem for the 75^th running of the Hunger Games. But before you attend the film, let’s look over some helpful tips that should help you make this experience unforgettable!!!

.

1.       Get Your Tickets If You Haven’t Already

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past two years, The Hunger Games franchise is insanely popular. That being said, it’s a given that tickets for this film will be in high demand. Since they have been on sale since October 1^st, a large majority of fans already have secured their seats. If you don’t have a ticket yet, I suggest you get on the ball before you’re on the outside looking in

 

 

 

 

2.       Familiarize Yourself!!!

As I said before, if you been paying attention, you realize that The Hunger Games is a beloved book series and a high value cinema piece. If this is your first time hearing about the series and want to know what all the hoopla is about, take some time, if you have it, to read the books before viewing the film. However, if you are already a fan and love the first movie, haven’t seen the first movie, or just want to see it for the 99^th time, find a way to view it before seeing this one.



 

 

3.       Dress Up/Gear Up!!!

 

Just like any sports fan dresses up to let everyone know about the passion he has for his team, you should do the same for Catching Fire. So make sure when you’re at the opening release, wear something to show your pride. Whether it be small like a mockingjay pin or go all out with a custom made costume, anything that tells people: “I’m proud to be a Hunger Games Fan!!!” is more than enough. Get creative and show your pride.

 

4.       Plan Ahead and Get There Early!!!

As I have stressed, Catching Fire will be a very much anticipated film this week. For those of you already with tickets, Congrats!!! You’re already ahead of the game. However, you still need to plan accordingly to make sure you get the best seats. Looking at past big time releases like Harry Potter, The Dark Knight Rises, and the first film, expect fans to arrive as early as the day before maybe earlier. If you plan to camp out, be sure to bring food and things to keep you busy like a laptop or iPad (which you can use to watch the first film again).  

 

5.       Leave All Negative Hunger Games Comments At The Door

I’m sure you have heard this before: “Nobody likes a party pooper!!!” If you don’t like The Hunger Games franchise, hate the books, hate the movie, or the fans, here’s a friendly suggestion: “Stay Away From the Opening Showings!!!” It doesn’t make sense for you to be around something you just can’t stand. It’s like being in a snake pit knowing you hate snakes. However,  If you find yourself dragged to a Catching Fire release party, try your best to leave any negative comments about the franchise at the door because keep in mind you might be the only person in the room with bad things to say about the series which usually means you’ll be outnumbered!!! Drink your haterade with caution.

 

 

6.       Leave All Twilight- Related Content At The Door

I believe this speaks for itself. Moving On…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.       Grab Your Friends!!!

If you plan on going to the movie solo, that is perfectly fine!!! You can indulge in Josh and Liam at your lonesome. However, if you want an even more memorable experience go to the movie with a group of friends or family. It is always more exciting to do something you love with other who love doing it too. The more the merrier.

 

 

 

 

 

8.       Do It BIG!!!!!

It’s the 2^nd Hunger Games movie!!! You have waited for this film for almost a year and now you’re finally able to see it. Why not go all out to make this the best movie experience ever. If you’re able to, find a way to catch the film on large format screens preferably IMAX. Add on to the fact that sequences of the film were shot with IMAX cameras, you shouldn’t have any other reason not to catch the quarter quell on a larger than life 6 storie screen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, most importantly….

 

 

 

 

9.       Watch and Enjoy The Movie!!!!

You waited patiently for the film and now the wait is over. This is the reason why you camp out days prior, wear t-shirts, accessories and other apparel with pride. This is the most important part of this list: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!!!!

 

 

Follow these steps and you should should have an awesome time this opening weekend!!! I know you’re just as excited as I am!!! With that, See You Next Time Followers and May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor.

SEE YA THIS WEEKEND!!!!!

2013 Summer Movie Season: Special Edition

Happy Labor Day Weekend Followers!!! As many of you know, Labor Day weekend marks the official end of summer. Even though the kids have been in school for a few weeks, this sunday officially puts us in the fall months. With that said, this gives us a chance to look back at what has been a memorable summer movie season. It’s hard to believe those three months went by as fast as they did. With so many memorable moments the summer movie season films brought, quite a few stood out and I will highlight them in this inaugural edition of the Re-Porter Blog’s Summer Movie Awards.

 

                                                                              

Best Superhero Movie

Man of Steel 

 

Despite Marvel Studios dishing out the box office monster that was Iron Man 3, I felt that the true superhero film behemoth was Zach Snyder’s Man of Steel. A reboot of the superman franchise, Man of Steel was a true summer blockbuster that is well deserving of the Best Superhero Movie award. Clark Kent will return in the sequel in 2015 alongside a man known as Bruce Wayne.

Best Superhero Studio

DC Comics

After two years of getting manhandled by Marvel Studios, DC comics came out on top as the best studio this year with their film Man of Steel which went up against Marvel’s Iron Man 3 and The Wolverine.

 

 

 

Best Underrated Movie

Now You See Me

 

 

It’s always refusing to see the underdog come out on top. This can clearly be said for the very well done Now You See Me. With clever tricks, a surprisingly well done twist and turn script, and solid performances all around, I’m proud to say that Now You See Me is more than deserving of the Most Underrated Movie award.

 

 

 

 

Best Animated Feature

 

Despicable Me 2

Tear inducing hijinks were frequently present in the hilarious family comedy Despicable Me 2. A follow up to the 2010 breakout hit, DM 2 brought twice the laughs this time around courtesy of the always entertaining minions. Speaking of which, the minions will return next year in their very own movie in the form of a spinoff/prequel.

 

 

Best Epic/Spectacle

Best Action Movie

Pacific Rim

Wanna know what film was a thrilling yet engaging eye candy fest, it was none other than the monster/robot epic Pacific Rim. Guillermo del Toro’s amazing sci-fi kaiju movie brought fans some of the most mind blowing action and special effects in recent memory. Which is why this film garners the Best Action Movie award and the Best Epic/Spectacle award.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Sci-Fi Movie 

Movie of The Summer

 

Star Trek Into Darkness

 

If there was a film that captivated me in everyway possible, it was J.J Abrams sci-fi masterpiece Star Trek Into Darkness!!!! Brimming with emotion, high octane action, and adventure, the sequel to the 2009 reboot was my clear choice for not only the Best Sci-Fi Movie award, but the highest honor: The Movie of The Summer award!!!

 

 

 

 

 

All these films are well deserving of all these awards.  This was a fun summer movie season and I look forward to doing it all again next year. Be on the lookout for more post later in the year. Till We Meet again followers!!!!

 

2013 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

Month 3 Recap (July 2013)

Hello Followers, Well…This is It, The Final Month Recap of the Summer Movie Season. It’s been an awesome month and a memorable 3 months overall. Let’s take a look at how the films in July faired.

Here Are Some Of Standout Films That Were Released This Month

 

 

 

Pacific Rim

                Guillermo del Toro’s Monster/Robot epic was a monumental eye candy extravaganza that no question entertained audiences who were lucky enough to see it. However, as good as it was it tragically suffered a defeat in the US Box Office losing to the Adam Sandler comedy Grown Ups 2. The defeat at the box office sent a devastating chill over people who enjoyed the movie. Any hopes for a sequel were dashed in an instant. Luckily, a record breaking box office run overseas has resurrected talks of a sequel. This is great news knowing that possibly in a few years’ time, the Jaegers and Kaiju will make a welcome return to the big screen.  

 

 

 

Despicable Me 2

                Following the fun film from 2010, Despicable Me 2 was met with both praise and criticism. Being that the first film was so memorable, many fans expected the same from the next entry. Most fans said that they were very satisfied with what the film brought the second time around, others weren’t to pleased. Overall, the film had a record breaking July 4^th weekend box office performance and may very well be in contention for best animated film of the year.

 

 

 

 

The Wolverine

                Serving as the first of two X-Men films in back to back years, The Wolverine saw the return of Hugh Jackman as the title character. Being the last wolverine had a standalone movie resulted in a brutal panning from fans, The Wolverine served as a redemption movie as well as a new entry in the X-Men franchise. The film itself delivered a solid story, but slaked on action and overall impact. As a result the film just fizzed into a lead up into next year’s film. X-Men Days of Future’s Past due out Summer 2014. The film ultimately took the top spot at the box office and now fans eagerly await the all-star mutant fest that awaits them on Memorial Day next year.

 

 

 

Here are How These Films Did Financially and Among Critics

 

 

Best Box Office Numbers

1. Despicable Me 2: $745,981,845 Million

2. Pacific Rim: $ $344,170,000 Million

3. The Wolverine: $306,686,000 Million

 

 

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Despicable Me 2: (75% Certified Fresh)

2. Pacific Rim: (72%)

3. The Wolverine: (68%)

 

Which Film Did You Enjoy Most In July? Stay tuned for all the latest post. Till Next Time Followers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



2013 Summer Movie Season - The Wolverine: Review & Analysis

 

 Dustin Off The Claws!!! Hugh Jackman Returns In New Adventure As X-Men Fan Favorite!!!

Review By: Brandon Porter



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guess Who's Back, Bub!!!

 

 

Story

Years after the cataclysmic events in San Francisco, James Logan Howlett (Hugh Jackman) has disbanded from the rest of the X-Men and has been on his fending for himself ever since. Every night he is haunted by nightmares of Jean Grey, the woman he was forced to kill.  After a brief bar one evening, he encounters a young female warrior named Yukio (Rila Fukushima). Yukio has been sent to retrieve Logan by order of Master Yashida, head of a large scale technology corporation and a soldier Logan saved during World War II. Logan travels to Japan to meet the man he helped save. To repay him for saving his life so many years ago, Yashida offers Logan a gift….Mortality. Soon, Logan finds himself physically vulnerable for the first time with his ability to heal suppressed. With new threats approaching in every direction, He must now face his greatest challenge yet and the end result will either destroy him or make him more powerful than ever.

 

 

Logan and Yukio Attend Yashida's Funeral

 

 

 

Analysis

                After the colossal critical bomb that was X-Men Origins: Wolverine, fans of the famed comic book series were looking for a return to form for their favorite anamantium clawed mutant. The Wolverine seemed to accomplish just that. Garnering a solid 68% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes among critics and 79% approval rating among fans and moviegoers, it would seem this Wolverine focused film was the one the fans wanted to see. ABC News’ David Blaustein gave the film  strong 4 out of 5 stars stating “The Wolverine” is comparable to “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight,” though it’s not as good as either of those movies.” He went on to say It was a bit unwieldy but its moral complexity, Jackman’s acting, and an absolutely stunning sequence that manages to turn the overdone top-of-the-train chase scene into something we haven’t seen before, puts “The Wolverine” in the upper echelon of super hero summer blockbusters.” Coming Soon.net praised the film as well giving it an 8.5 out of 10 stating, "Fans of the character disappointed by X-Men Origins who have been clamoring for a great Wolverine movie, one that lives up to Bryan Singer's early X-Men movies, should be thrilled. Those just wanting a solid, well-made action film might be surprised by how much depth Mangold brings to the mix. The results are the best comic book movie of the summer and one that rarely feels like a comic book movie.” Overall, The Wolverine delivered in many ways and gave fans the Wolverine movie they wanted and deserved.

               

 

Logan and the Silver Samurai Face Off

 

 

Review

                As an avid fan of the X-Men film franchise, The Wolverine was a movie that I definitely wanted to check out. With this being the first of two X-Men films with another arriving in 2014, I was eager to see what Marvel could bring to the famed member of the mutant team. After watching the film, I can say for the most part pretty pleased. The film starts off pretty slow in the beginning but the action picks up over the course of the film. Hugh Jackman is by far my favorite thing about the movie. He hasn’t lost his touch as the cigar chewing anamantium claw-wielding mutant. He bring the same energy that made him own this role over a decade ago. He clearly has a strong passion and love for the character and it shows through the entire film. Another plus was Rila Fukushima’s portrayal of Yukio. She had a strong performance throughout the film and she became instantly likable from the jump. She had a great sense of playfulness and badassness that was such a joy to watch. In terms of action, the film delivered good moments, but not quite enough. The bullet train sequence was by far my favorite. Others including the climactic battle between Logan and the silver samurai were somewhat underwhelming. Overall, The Wolverine is a decent film that somewhat comes out to be an appetizer for a bigger more epic prize yet to come

 

 

 

Rating and Final Thoughts

 

                Delivering decent action and a strong well developed story featuring Logan, The Wolverine, despite its flaws, manages to be a good addition to the superhero franchise.

 

 

 

 

Remember When I Said The Wolverine somewhat comes out to be an appetizer for a bigger more epic treat yet to come. That Treat Comes In The Form of Old School and New School getting together in the big screen adaption of one the most storied comic book arcs in X-Men history.

 

 

2013 Summer Movie Season - Pacific Rim: Review & Analysis

 

 

Eye Candy Goodness!!!! Guillermo del Toro’s Monster Robot Epic Is A Visually Entertaining Spectacle!!!

Review By: Brandon Porter

Man and Machine Vs. Beast...Let The Battle Begin!!!!

Story

                For many years, Humanity always believed extraterrestrial life came from outer space. They had no idea however that it actually came from deep beneath the surface of the earth via portal in the Pacific Ocean. Out of that portal came massive destructive beast known as Kaijus or giant monsters. They caused havoc across the globe. Destroying cities and killing millions of innocent people. In response to these monsters, the world created monsters of their own. Humanoid fighting robots called Jaegers. Piloted by two individuals via neural link, the Jaegers seemed like a heaven sent defense from the destructive enemy. Unfortunately, the long and tiring war has given the Kaiju time to evolve and the mighty Jaegers are now being decimated and humanity now hangs in the balance. Out of options and out of time, the world now leans on Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba), commanding officer of the jaeger program, Raleigh Becket (Charlie Hunnam), a former jaeger pilot still recovering from losing his brother in the line of duty, and young Mako Mori (Rinko Kikuchi), a rookie jeager pilot orphaned by a kaiju attack when she was little. Together with the other members of the Jaeger program, they must face the monsters that threaten their world and cancel the impending doom that looms on the horizon. 

 

Raleigh and Mako Feel Each Other Out In A Bo staff Sparing Match 

Analysis

                After being announced at comic con a year ago, Pacific Rim drew much anticipation heading into 2013. A movie by legendary director Guillermo Del Toro about monsters and robots seemed almost to good to be true. As time for release approached, moviegoers seemed interested on what del Toro had to offer in this visual spectacle. The film did solid critically garnering a very commendable 72% fresh rating on rotten tomatoes and an 87% rating among moviegoers. Robbie Collin of The Daily Telegraph awarded the film a perfect 5 out of five stars. He praised del Toro for investing his own affection for the genre and sense of artistry into the project in such a way that the viewer found themselves immersed in the film rather than watching from afar. He also noted that the director had catered to younger and older audiences alike and expressed surprise that the film could rise above the sum of its parts. Angela Watercutter of Wired also gave the film praise calling it the "most awesome movie of the summer", a "fist-pumping, awe-inspiring ride". She added that its focus on spectacle rather than characterization "simply does not matter" in the summer blockbuster context. At the box office, the film sadly fell short. It ended up with just the 3^rd position at the box office behind Adam Sandler’s Grown Ups 2 and Despicable Me 2. But on a positive note, the film did well overseas garnering $53,000,000 million as opposed to the $38,300,000 in made in North America. Pacific Rim gave good performances critically despite financially struggling in the US. I guess fart jokes and comedians are more popular fighting robots and monsters.

 

 

Hey, Batta, Batta, Batta...SWING!!!!

 

 

Review

                When I found out about Pacific Rim at Comic Con a year ago, I became more and more excited as I began reading into it. A sci-fi action robot monster movie?! Sign me up!!!! I was lucky enough to catch the film in IMAX 3D and all I can say is…I have rotted my eyes to the core with this smorgasbord of Eye Candy!!! Guillermo Del Toro has delivered one of the summer’s biggest spectacles that is action packed and beautifully made. His imagination and passion for the Kaiju genre is on full display in most moments of the film. In terms of the actors, there are plenty of stand outs. Idris Elba is at his best in his portrayal of Stacker Pentecost. He brought the perfect blend of compassion, courage, and no nonsense attitude that made him a great all around presence. Charlie Hunnam delivers big too as Becket. As a soldier who experienced a traumatic episode, Hunnam was very likable and brought a youthful and enthusiastic edge to the film that added to the fun. Rinko Kikuchi’s performance as Mako Mori I believe is very satisfying. Out of all the characters, you connect with her the most emotionally. You root for her and want her to become a jaeger pilot despite the mental challenges she faces. Del Toro and company did a good job creating a strong female lead that you connect with and cheer for. One surprise for me is Charlie Day’s performance in the film. He did a solid job and brought a light hearted comedic aoura that was both refreshing and fun. In terms of action, the film didn’t disappoint. The action sequences were irristatably entertaning and had plenty of thrilling moments that were a joy to watch. Despite the great action, there are only a small handful of them. Del Toro really makes us wait and anticipate each sequence to the point where I was begging for the delicious eye candy. When I finally got it though, it was more than satisfying. Overall, Pacific Rim touched that 5 year old in me that spent his Saturday mornings watching those Power Rangers megazord fights on TV. I couldn’t be happier with the film as it exceeded my expectations a year ago when I was first introduced to it at the san deigo convention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rating and Final Thoughts

 

A visually stunning and thrilling summer blockbuster!!! Guillermo Del Toro creates a moving love letter to the giant monster movie genre and to all those people who also grew up with these fantastic fictional beast.

 

Those who loved the epicness that was Pacific Rim Will Be Pleased To Know
That Another Kaiju film arrives next year. This one in particular one you might
be familiar with.