The Neon Demon - Box Office Review

I didn’t find much media buzz around this movie. I was curious about the film because what I did hear suggested it was going to be something of a psychological thriller. Women, models actually, living in Los Angeles mentally tormenting each other in a manner believable to anyone who’s ever dealt with models. This was not that movie at all. This is the most artsy film I will probably see in 2016. So let’s dive in and take a look at my thoughts on “The Neon Demon” in this box office review…

First, you have to understand how artsy this film is. It’s so artsy, it almost feels like two completely separate films and I’m almost certain director Nicolas Refn prefers it that way. You have one part of the story which is the life of “Jesse” played by Elle Fanning at her hotel with her kind of boyfriend and then her life as a model. It literally feels and looks like two separate films. I’m leaning towards intentional planning over bad cinematography. I feel it was planned because both look incredible in their own ways. The modeling scenes have some of the most vivid colors and entertaining flashes of black to white to color to everything else and more. The motel scenes are grainy and dirty similar to the life she lives when she’s not part of the Los Angeles modeling scene. This film looks incredible.

Ok, now let’s get weird. This film uses symbolism like nudie pamphlets being handed out on the Vegas strip. It’s everywhere. It’s non stop. It’s inescapable. It’s leaves you feeling perplexed and possibly even slightly disturbed walking out of the theater. There’s murder. There’s dancing. There’s modeling. There’s minimal dialogue. There’s an over abundance of symbolism. I still don’t understand the neon triangles and what those were suppose to represent but they occurred throughout the film and if anyone knows why please comment below and inform me. The ending, we see something incredible disgusting but it’s symbolism for the passing of guilt and freeing oneself of the burden of guilt and how another human can pick up that guilt and carry it with them. It’s gross but it’s also poetic in a sense. I found myself thinking, “dear god this uncomfortable but my goodness this is a creative way to show a person self destruct.” 

Ok, so all in all, the acting isn’t great. The dialogue is almost not even present and what dialogue is there feels like a high school junior could’ve written it and that’s about it. It’s slow. It’s bizarre. It’s artsy. It’s gonna probably make you feel like taking a prozac afterwards. It’s also gonna make you see models differently too. I’m still trying to figure out those stupid neon triangles and the ending is gross but clever. 

“The Neon Demon” is playing in theaters now! I will not recommend anyone see this movie because I do not want people blaming me for whatever weird thoughts and/or feelings they experience from this bizarre film. If you do decide to watch this in theaters, VOD or Redbox you do so on your own merit and not by my recommendation (disclaimer over). So yeah, still don’t understand the neon triangles. Oh well, one of life’s great mysteries I suppose. 

Follow Maskerpiece Theatre:
Website: abnormalentertainment.com/maskerpiecetheatre
Facebook: /MaskerpieceTheatre and Fan Page
Twitter: @MPTheatre2015 -Masked Blogster @MaskedBlogster -Mandy @moviefreakgirl -Handsome J @jbrunansky -Matt @MpTheatreMatt 
Instagram: maskerpiece_theatre 
Pinterest: /abnormalpodcast/maskerpiece-theatre/

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show on our Support Us page.

The Nice Guys - Box Office Review

If asked, I’m sure you have a particular director that you look forward to seeing additional films from. Their name appears and immediately your interest is peaked and you anxiously wait for the next film to be released in theaters. Shane Black has become one of those directors who, mostly, has been making entertaining films that I am re-watching almost 30 years later (Lethal Weapon 1987, he wrote it but Richard Donner directed it). When the news dropped that he was writing and directing “The Nice Guys” I had high expectations so let’s dive and take a look at my thoughts regarding this film in this box office review… 

The films starts off in Hollywood California in the 1970s. A girl has gone missing, another one dead and as the story unfolds it’s clear that this won’t be just another easy cash grab job for either of the main characters. There’s violence, nudity, car accidents, humor, great music and more in this film. It’s practically got everything you’d want from a murder mystery/cop drama set in Hollywood of yesteryear. 

Russell Crowe plays a hired hand who beats people up who mess with underage girls. Ryan Gosling plays a private investigator whose most recent case involves a missing person who hasn’t been seen since their funeral. These are not your typical hero’s, in the traditional sense, but they are the two men we are routing for as the film progresses. 

The film revolves around the relationship these two men have with each other as professional colleagues but it’s Angourie Rice who really brings a sense of humanity and realism to the film. Her portrayal as the daughter of Holland March (Gosling) is not only believable but enjoyable. She brings out the best in both Jack and Holland and her determination and intelligence added a fresh personality on screen to keep things moving and feeling fresh. 

“The Nice Guys” is in theaters now! I recommend you see this film on the big screen. It’s not special effects heavy but the story is entertaining and the characters so remarkably done that it’s worth supporting with your hard earned dollars. I have seen it twice now and the second time was even more enjoyable than the first and I thoroughly enjoyed my first viewing. It's a wonderful blending of "Lethal Weapon" meets "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." If you enjoy character driven stories that keep you guessing and can make you laugh, this is the film for you. It’s quite possibly my favorite film of the year and definitely in the top 10 so far. It's a fresh story and it succeeds without being tied to any other franchise or genre currently popular. Go see this film!

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Agent Carter: Ep 1 Season 2 Recap

Season 2 begins immediately where season 1 left off. Agent Carter and the men of the SSR seem to be working strategically to capture Dottie Underwood, soviet spy. Team work prevails and Dottie is captured and brought back to SSR headquarters for detainment and interrogation. Meanwhile near Los Angeles California, newly appointed West Coast station head, Daniel Sousa has stumbled upon a most curious and chilling discovery. The decision is made to send help and Agent Carter is off to Hollywood. 

Working closely with Sousa once again Carter finds that things and people don’t function the same as in New York and a new approach and strategy must be found. Agent Carter and team are trying to solve the mystery of the freezing, glowing people when things become even more complicated. A new secret order of influential people adds further difficulties. Unbeknownst to Agent Carter, this new evil force is pulling the strings from the shadows. The team is slowly building towards a discovery when the newest member of the team finds himself in peril. With little time left, Agent Carter realizes that perhaps Jarvis was right. Maybe there isn’t a single person who can carry the weight of the world on their shoulders, alone and everyone needs backup. 

I was not disappointed in the level of fun delivered in this show. It continues to exude that special charm from season 1. It’s a delight seeing Agent Carter, Sousa and Jarvis back in action. There are a few new faces as well that have promise to bring their own unique flair to the show, adding wit, laughs and ulterior motives. 

It’s clear that the special effects team is the same group as in “Agents of SHIELD” and that doesn’t bode well for this show. I do understand how Peggy Carter is part of the SSR (Strategic Scientific Reserve) and that certain anomalies will appear that only her and her team can handle. I would prefer they not appear so fake or CGI specific. The charm of season 1 relied in part on the predominant use of practical effects (the cars exploded or caught fire, buildings blew up, guns were shot, people were punched and kicked, etc). I was not a fan of the glowing frozen people or mysterious ooze that creates black holes. It reminded me more of events I’d see in “Agents of SHIELD” and I don’t care for that show, at all.

I’m hoping as this season continues we will see a departure from the bizarre and a return to practical. I do enjoy the science fiction and the bizarre however I did not believe they were well placed in this premier episode. I want this show to maintain it’s charm and barely, if at all, connect to that unimaginative and poorly written show, “Agents of SHIELD”. This show can stand on its own as it proved in season 1. It doesn’t need to connect to the other show. There are decades of time and stories to join with before the events of that other show occur. Stay away from what doesn’t work and get back to what delights and entertains me and everyone who agrees. 

I’m not giving up on Agent Carter and I hope you don’t either. We have a few more episodes of possible redemption. I have faith that when Peggy Carter saves the day, she will also save the show.

PS: I did enjoy, more than I probably should have, the scenes where Jarvis was dealing with or chasing the pink Flamingo.

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

A New Years Message From Handsome J...

The year is almost over and what an enjoyable film reviewing ride it has been. So many terrific movies this year and a few duds. I’d argue that 2015 produced a majority of entertaining films. I didn’t start writing reviews for this website until about four months ago which leaves so many other films unaccounted for. This is in no way an indication they aren’t worth seeing. They are, I just wasn’t writing about them at the time. 

Below is a list of films that came out in 2015 and are ready for you to read, if you are so inclined. Each of the movies I saw in theaters and decided to write about for you. The goal is to provide you insight that might help you decide which films are worth your hard earned dollars and which can wait for Redbox. Additionally, I try to keep each review near 500 words. I do this specifically to ensure you have time to read them without it taking up no more than perhaps 5 minutes. I understand that all film is subjective, just like all art, but it’s my hope that you read these and appreciate the perspective I provide.

The Man from U.N.C.L.E, End of the Tour, Hitman Agent 47, Ant-Man, Black Mass, The Intern, The Visit, Sicario, Bridge of Spies, Hotel Transylvania, Crimson Peak, The Martian, Our Brand is Crisis, Spectre, Trumbo, The Peanuts Movie, The Night Before, Secret In Their Eyes, Creed, Krampus, Macbeth, Legend, The Good Dinosaur, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Sisters, The Big Short

2016 is almost here, possibly has arrived when you read this, and I’m excited about what Hollywood is distributing. Below are a few films I’m looking forward to in 2016 and I hope you have films you are excited to see as well! 

The Nice Guys, Captain America Civil War, Batman VS Superman, Deadpool, GhostBusters, X-Men Apocalypse, Dirty Grandpa, Kung Fu Panda 3, Assassins Creed, Zootopia, Star Trek Beyond, Rogue 1, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Suicide Squad, Jungle Book, Hail Caesar, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Zoolander 2, Barbershop the Next Cut, and my most anticipated film of 2016 is Doctor Strange. 

I hope you all continue to tell your friends and family what you enjoy here with Maskerpiece Theatre. Thank you again for your support folks. Here’s to 2016, being a movie junkie and reviewing film!

Cheers,

Handsome J

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

Maskerpiece Theatre is sponsored by MoviePass. See unlimited movies at a theater near you for a low monthly rate.

You can also support our show by using our Amazon banners or donating on our Support Us page.

Comic Book Review: The Fade Out - Issue 1 - Image Comics

“The Fade Out”  Issue #1

Written By: Ed Brubaker

Art By: Sean Phillips

Synopsis:

Charlie Parish, a Hollywood screenwriter, wakes up in a bathtub after an evening of revelry with the Los Angeles celebrities of 1948. Confused as to his whereabouts and how he arrived in a bathtub are all pieces to a smaller puzzle he’s about to discover.  Charlie is slowly piecing together the events of the previous evening when he stumbles upon a dead body in the room next to the restroom where he woke up. Scared and alone Charlie must decide who he can talk with about this discovery but more importantly he has to live with the fact he was inebriated and incapacitated in the room adjacent to where the murder took place.  Some dialogue occurs that details more specifically what occurred that evening before he blacked out and he meets with Phil Brodsky, head of studio security, to discuss matters further. Charlie leaves the meeting feeling better about the situation but shortly after makes a startling discovery that could make him person of interest number 1 to the police investigating the murder, if they ever find out. 

Opinion

I feel reading a well written period piece is always enjoyable. Add the drama and intrigue of a murder mystery to this post World War 2 Hollywood story and now you have a winning combination. The characters are written so well that even though we are meeting them for the first time in this story it feels like we have known them much longer. The art captures each emotion the characters express and feel so accurately that as I read the story I was completely swept away into this world being created. By the end of the issue when a startling discovery is made I couldn’t wait to read the second installment in this series and it didn’t take long for me to decide this will be a story that will be in my collection going forward. I also love the first page that gives you an introduction to each character important to the issue you are about to read. 

Two thumbs up with a wink and smile. 

Click here to listen or right click and choose "Save As..." to download.

Please support our show by clicking the links to our Sponsors.