Angry Birds - Box Office Review

Historically, video game movies have been one disappointment after another in theaters. Going all the way back to “Super Mario Brothers” in 1993 it’s been one long train of missed opportunities or box office bombs. Hollywood takes an intellectual property that has storylines, developed characters and an established fan base and somehow can’t make it work. So maybe the key is to make a film that only has a fan base. Let’s dive in and take a look at my thoughts on “Angry Birds” in this box office review…

If you want voice talent for a film then here’s your answer. This film is stacked with talent. Unfortunately, the lead voice actor Jason Sudeikis comes off more as a frustrated bird than an angry bird. I have enjoyed many performances of his but when I think angry I expect something similar to Lewis Black playing the emotion “Anger” in the Pixar movie “Inside Out.” However, Josh Gad playing “Chuck” the super fast bird was delightful. His vocal performance capturing the high energy and optimistic nature of this bird was spot on. I loved it. 

The story deals with how everyone has a role to play in their community. They might be an outsider but at some point, duty will call and it will be their time to shine. This is a comedy after all so that means it’s not as serious as I might have made it sound just now. There’s a few laugh out loud moments but mostly I found myself chuckling. I will say that I felt the trailers gave away some of the more humorous moments which was disappointing after I realized it. 

“Angry Birds” is in theaters now! If you have kids you might consider taking them to the theater for a family viewing. The only inappropriate joke I thought was the eagle peeing in the water the birds were playing and splashing around in. This was in the trailer so it shouldn’t be too surprising for anyone. Overall, it’s humorous and the way they integrate the aspects of the game into the film were fun to watch. If you don’t have kids you can probably skip this film and see something else, like “The Nice Guys.” I wouldn’t say this film is as disappointing as previous video game movies but I will say it’s a step in the right direction without being a “must see” film. 

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"Hitman: Agent 47" Review

"Hitman: Agent 47" is the second film based on "Hitman" the popular video game series available for Xbox and Playstation. In 2007 Timothy Olyphant shaved his head and took up the mantle as one of the worlds best assassins and now in 2015 the audience is given an entirely new cast and premise. By no means is this film a sequel. Directed by Alexander Bach "Hitman: Agent 47" takes the audience on a brand new trip around the globe while Agent 47 (Rupert Friend) attempts to locate Katia (Hannah Ware) before the Syndicate search team led by John Smith (Zachary Quinto) finds her and forces her to locate her father who holds important information that could change warfare, forever.

The film has enough enjoyable twists throughout to keep you engaged even though the cuts/edits draw your attention away from what's happening on screen. If you have any sensitivity to flashing lights this film has the potential to give you epileptic seizures but is entertaining enough that you probably won't be mad once you stop shaking. Additionally, the action sequences had potential if not for the fact the camera angles almost seemed intentionally distracting leading the viewer to assume these actors couldn't fulfill the physical requirements of the film.

The story is entertaining enough to warrant a watch either at matinee prices, a Redbox rental or online via an Apple TV download once available. However the cost of a full evening ticket price might leave some disappointed as the film falls short on the technical aspects that help drive the story & keep viewers engaged. The flashback sequences had an intentional blur effect to remind viewers the adult just on screen is now the child on screen (which wasn't necessary). Very little was left to the viewers imagination in this regard unfortunately.

There is good news. The fact this films protagonist is an assassin certainly suggests that action would be a driving force for the story. The violence didn't disappoint and if you just want a film that allows massive explosions, clever methods of killing people, helicopter rides and car chases this movie won't disappoint. The amount of action met if not exceeded expectations.

The special effects and music were reminiscent of the late 80’s and early 90’s action films. There was even some dialogue that felt like it was paying homage to the films that were featured during a period when the American slogan “movies for guys who like movies” was popular. One shouldn't be surprised considering the film is about an assassin and the last chatty film assassins I can remember were Martin Blank (John Cusack) and Grocer (Dan Ackroyd) in "Gross Pointe Blank" back in 1997.  This film was not heavy on dialogue and rightly so; however, the story telling then relies on the visual medium and while the action was ever present the special effects were blatantly obvious and the edits/cuts were so choppy it was at best a distraction.

If you want to see a film that's action driven with little thought required this is the perfect choice for you. It delivers on popcorn action sequences that excite even if they don't necessarily make sense.

I give it a shoulder shrug & a smile. No thumbs up though & zero high fives.

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Act 19: We Got Game... Video Games

Masked Blogster is joined by Mr. E Marquee and Liger to talk about their faovrite video games of all time. The also talk beer, Detroit, #tweetyourtits and much more!

The end of the episode features MB and the Beer Czar reviewing 3 different beers from Marble Brewery.

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