2015 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

Month 4 Recap (August 2015)

Hello Followers, The final month of the summer movie season has concluded and it was a lot of highs and lows. Records were broken and fun was a plenty in the month of August. Let’s go over how the films of August did in the final month recap of Summer Movie Season 2015….

 Here Are Some Of Standout Films That Were Released This Month

Fantastic Four

In the case of the rebooted origin story of the group of young scientist who gain powers, let’s just say that "Fantastic" might be the polar opposite of what people thought of Josh Trank’s widely panned sci fi superhero film. Despite a collection of tremendous young talent, the film suffered heavily in critical reviews and the box office culminating in the summer’s lowest critical rating and box office totals. Only a matter of time before talks of Marvel’s first family moving to the “mouse house” start picking up steam. 

Straight Outta Compton

Hard beats, powerful acting, nostalgic music, and all around impact are what is used to describe arguably one of the biggest movies of the year. Straight Outta Compton garnered universal acclaim as well as breaking several box office records for the month of August.  Behind director F. Gary Gray and a ultra-talented trio of Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, and O'Shea Jackson, Jr, Straight Outta Compton has become one of the summer’s most talked about films. Easy-E would be proud.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E

The sixties were an interesting period of civil change and global tension. But unlikely heroes stepped up to take the reigns and save the future of both their countries. Guy Ritchie's groovy spy action comedy delivered a substantial amount of unique action and solid performances from Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer. Who knew US and Russia would make such an effective and entertaining team.

Hitman Agent 47

If you need proof that not all video games make good movies, look no further that the latest addition to the Hitman series. Behind over the top action and a bland lead actor, Agent 47 tries to stand out but it misses the target. Maybe it's time for this assassin to be like the hair on his head and just disappear from sight.

Here is a Breakdown on How the Following Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of August 31st, 2015)

1. Fantastic Four : $146.2 million

2. Straight Outta Compton: $140.8 million

3. The Man from U.N.C.L.E.: $70.7 million

4. Hitman: Agent 47: $40.3 million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Straight Outta Compton (90% Certified Fresh)

2. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (67%)

3. Fantastic Four (9%)

4. Hitman: Agent 47 (8%)

Good way to end August. What the best movie you saw this month? Stay tuned as we prepare to put a bow on this year's summer movie season with the SMS Awards coming soon. Till next time.

2015 Summer Movie Season - Month 4 Preview (August 2015)

 

The Home Stretch!!! Final Month of Summer Movie Season has Hitman, Rappers With Attitude, and Fantastic Super Squad!!!

By Brandon Porter 

Hello Followers!!! Well, this is it!!! The final month of the summer movie season. It has been a wild SMS so far and the final films look to bring a memorable close to a historic and all around fun summer. Marvel Entertainment, Universal, and 20th Century Fox have potential blockbusters set to put a ribbon on this years' summer movies. Let's go over em...

Marvel's First Family returns in the reboot from 20th Century Fox

Fantastic Four (20th Century Fox/Marvel Entertainment; August 7th)

The Fantastic Four have been one of the most beloved and iconic super hero teams in Marvel Comics history. 20th Century Fox prepares to bring the team back in the 2015 remake of the origin story of Marvel's first family. Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Mara, and Jamie Bell star as Marvel's first family: Mr. Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Thing, and the Human Torch in Fantastic Four in theaters August 7th.

Check out The Latest Official Trailer

America and Russia work together in the 60s era spy thriller
from the director of Sherlock Holmes

The Man From U.N.C.L.E (Warner Bros. Pictures; August 14th)

In the age were tensions between Russia and America are at an all time high, a severe threat that threatens both counties forces a skilled CIA agent and a hardened member of the KGB to team up to save their countries from destruction and all out war. Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer, and Alicia Vikander team with director Guy Ritchie for the sleek and stylish espionage thriller about to skilled agents who are polar opposites in a mission to save the world in The Man From U.N.C.L.E opening August 14th.

Check out The Latest Official Trailer



The world's most dangerous group gets their story told in the
highly anticipated biopic from F. Gary Gary.

Straight Outta Compton (Universal Pictures; August 14th)

The 80s and early 90s were a truly traumatic time in America. The rise of the crack epidemic and gang violence soared as well as police brutality. In the oppressed streets of Compton, California, five young aspiring rappers used the realities of their world to fuel their music and spark an age of hip hop that would change the world forever. From director F. Gary Gary, Universal Pictures tells the story of one of most controversial, dangerous, and influential hip hop groups in the history of music. Witness the rise of NWA in Straight Outta Compton in theaters August 14th.

Check out The Latest Official Trailer



Rupert Friend takes on the role as Agent 47 in the newest
installment of the Hitman series

Hitman: Agent 47 (20th Century Fox; August 21st)

Trained, hardened, skilled, merciless, and flawless. The Hitman comes back with a new mission and a new set of skills as he sets his sights on his next target. Zachary Quinto and Rupert Friend star in the latest instalment of the assassin action franchise. The target is in sight and no one is safe when Agent 47 hit the theaters August 21st.

Check out The Latest Official Trailer

What a great way to close out this 2015 SMS. Be on the lookout for these films and more post in the coming days. have a safe and happy Friday.

2015 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

Month 3 Recap (July 2015)

Hey Followers, We are now through the third month of the summer movie season. This month has delivered the thrills and surprises we were hoping for and then some. Let's look back at some of the films that made big noise at the box office this month in our month by month recap for July

  Here Are Some Of Standout Films That Were Released This Month

Terminator Genisys

The reboot of the beloved sci-fi action franchise was met with major skepticism. However, the film that was shown was anything but a complete waste of time. Fast paced action, moments of nostalgia for long time fans, and the return of Arnold himself made Terminator Genisys arguably one of the best action movies of the summer movie season. Here's hoping the Terminator will be back for more.

Minions

Once looked at as hilariously lovable sidekicks, the yellow henchman took the world by storm in their very own animated spin-off that clearly shows the characters appeal and overall impact on pop culture. Gru may have his work cut out for him as these minions have all the right tools for total world domination.

Marvel's Ant-Man

Serving as the official closer to Marvel Studios' Phase 2 line-up, Ant-Man was met with intense skepticism that it could reach the overall appeal of the other films in the MCU. Thankfully, the film turned out to be a fun and innovative film that sets itself apart from the other Studios' films. With Phase 3 set to launch next summer, Marvel ended their latest film line up in a BIG way.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation

Ethan Hunt and his crew have faced countless threats and cataclysmic crises on a global scale. But their latest mission proved to be their most physically and psychologically endearing. Rogue Nation builds on the high stakes foundation placed in Ghost Protocol to help reinvent the action espionage franchise. The IMF continue to thrive in this new age of film with more missions, more allies, and more insane stunts sure to come.

 

 

Here is a Breakdown on How the Following Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of August 6th, 2015)

 

1. Minions:  $859.3 million

 

2. Terminator Genisys: $318 million

 

3. Marvel's Ant-Man: $296 million

 

 

4. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation: $134.5 million

 

 

 

 

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

 

 

1. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (93% Certified Fresh )

  

 

2. Marvel's Ant-Man (80% Certified Fresh )

 

 

3. Minions (54%)

  

 

4. Terminator Genisys (27%)

 

 

 

 

The fireworks were flying this month for sure. What was your favorite movie in July? Stay tuned for more post coming soon. Have a great day!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2015 Summer Movie Season - Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation: Review and Anaylsis

Going Rouge!!! Latest MI Entry Offers Smart Thrills and Added Flair!!!!

Review By: Brandon Porter 

Friend or Foe

Story

After the cataclysmic events of Ghost Protocol, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his team have continued to live off the grid. But out of the shadows, comes a new threat that is prepared to push Ethan and his friends to their limit. An underground Syndicate that is as skilled, cunning, and well equipped as the IMF emerges threatening to destroy Hunt, his team and the entire organization. Ethan, Benji (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames), William (Jeremy Renner), and a mysterious new ally (Rebecca Ferguson) set out on their most daring, high stakes and challenging mission yet. The fate of an entire organization rest in the hands of those who know how to do the impossible.

Ethan and the Crew go over their game plan in seclusion.

Analysis

It’s been 4 years since the Mission Impossible franchise gained new life with the universally acclaimed Ghost Protocol. With fun performances, solid script, and jaw dropping stunts and action sequences, the Mission Impossible franchise has turned into the high stakes action franchise that Paramount Pictures can bank on. 2015 brings Ethan Hunt and his crew back into action with Rogue Nation, the fifth installment of the Tom Cruise action franchise. With momentum of the previous instalment on their side, critics and fans hoped that Rogue Nation could continue the series new found relevance in this new age of film. Thankfully, it was just that and then some. Mission Impossible Rogue Nation performed well critically and financially. Rogue Nation earned a superb 93% certified fresh rating from critics and an equally strong 92% critical rating from audiences via Rotten Tomatoes. Financially, the film nabbed #1 at the box office with $56 million dollars domestically with an additional $65 million overseas for a worldwide total of $121 million. Rogue Nation continues the momentum of what worked in Ghost Protocol and also shows that Cruise is a capable and still relevant action star in this ever changing age of film.

"Benji!!!, Open The Door!!!"
"The OTHER door!!!!"

Review

I was one of the many taken aback by how incredibly insane and fun Ghost Protocol was. It created a fun and well-structured action film that brought a new found sense of purpose the action spy franchise. Mission Impossible Rogue Nation looked to offer the same thrills and great scale that its predecessor brought and continue the franchises momentum. After seeing the film in IMAX, I can confirm that franchise has another solid entry. Rogue Nation is a twist and turn thriller that has plenty of edge of your seat set pieces and great all around performances. Tom Cruise doesn’t miss a beat as Ethan Hunt and neither do Renner, Rhames, and Alec Bladwin. Simon Pegg is the standout among the returning cast as the comedic glue that holds the film together. As for the new chracters, Rebecca Ferguson is teriffic in the film. She plays a very complex character that is hard to read but is also a straight up badass. She is a perfect blend of sexy, cunningness, sleekness, and finesse making her arguably one of my favorite female characters in the series so far. Action wise, the film moves like an Old Testament action movie. Sequences like the motorcycle car chase to the infamous plane scene are all standout action moments that help the film’s entertainment value. Some of the quieter heist sequences offer some very tense moments that will have you literally “holding your breath” to the end. Overall, Mission Impossible Rogue Nation is a smart, sleek, and overall satisfying entry into the franchise. As the franchise continues to ride the momentum of these latest installments, my hope is that the series can continue to find relevance and purpose as it strives to be one the biggest spy franchises in Hollywood.

 

Rating and Final Thoughts 

Smart, sleek, sexy, and thrilling are what describes the latest installment of the story of the IMF as the Mission Impossible Franchise continues to hit all the right notes in their new found relevance.

Another Mission Accomplished For The IMF. Where their next Mission (should they chose to accept it) will take them next?….You’ll have to find out at a later date.