Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Rated PG-13

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Director

James Gunn (Dawn of the Dead, Scooby-Doo, Slither)

Cast

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, David Bautista, Lee Pace, Vin Diesel

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

From the creators of "The Avengers," Marvel studios brings another beloved comic book ensemble to life on the big screen. In this adventure, Peter Quill, a rogue space outlaw steals a mysterious orb whose origins are slowly revealed as Quill joins forces with four other intergalactic misfits. 

Review Byte

Raves

• Mix between Star Trek and The Avengers, but different than both in the best of ways...and more enthusiastic
• Ensemble cast flowed very well together with individual quirks, all held together by the likable and funny Chris Pratt
• Family-friendly, sheer fun and thoroughly humorous for all ages
• Nostalgic and perfectly selected soundtrack leaves you wanting more

Rants

• Since the film is based on a comic book, much of the content is filled with space jargon and alludes to its comic book elements that is slightly difficult to follow
• Screen time hits around two hours, which is a fairly long feature, though most Marvel films tend to have similar running times
• Peter Quill (played by Chris Pratt) was no doubt a breath of fresh air as the lead, but many golden moments were simplistically performed by Groot

Fun Fact

According to IMDB, Chris Pratt cites heroes Han Solo and Marty McFly as influences on his performance as Star-Lord/Peter Quill. This mixture essentially summarizes the feel of this witty adventure.

Final Consensus 

If this is still in theaters near you, definitely check it out. If not, check it out just the same. Pure fun. 

Now You See Me (2013)

Rated PG-13

Now You See Me (2013)

Director

Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk, The Transporter)

Cast

Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

Four magicians, dubbed the "Four Horsemen," become the target of FBI and Interpol when they start incorporating heists into their performances.

Review Byte

With a very promising premise, "Now You See Me" fails to deliver the polished slick heist flick it could have been. It still manages to be an entertaining magic movie if you set aside high expectations and any hopes of comparisons to "The Prestige" or "The Illusionist."

Raves

• Fun cast that keeps the plot moving
• Perfect for those looking for a fast-paced heist flick
• The compelling concept alone keeps you interested until the end

Rants

• The film doesn't live up to the potential that is presented in the trailer
• The climax is too far-fetched and vague to be ignored
• A movie that tries to be too smart for its own good, plot could have been presented in a much simpler fashion

Fun Fact

The card trick in the opening sequence was intentionally edited to make the audience pick the seven of diamonds.

Final Consensus 

If you're into heist flicks and need to pass time, go for it. Otherwise, find another movie. 

New Addition: Netflix Movie Reviews!

Hello, Movie-goers!

We've decided to add a new component to our blog: movie reviews of films on Netflix! Netflix subscribers make up a bulk of our film-saavy audience and let's be honest, not everyone can make it to the theaters every week. So, for those of you deciding on what to watch in the comfort of your own home tonight, keep a lookout for some Netflix recommendations! They will be categorized in their own section, and we'll focus on reviewing movies that are popular on Netflix/Twitter. Feel free to leave feedback regarding this idea--thumbs up/thumbs down? Also, suggestions for which movies to review are very much welcome!

--ReviewBytes

P.S. Here's a reward for all my readers, old and new...a useful article for cinephiles: How to Watch Movies in the Theater for Free! 

The Hangover Part III (2013)

Rated R

The Hangover Part III (2013)

Director
Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Starsky & Hutch, Old School)

Cast
Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong, Justin Bartha

Twitter-fied Plot Summary
The Wolfpack returns for the third and final time after the death of Alan's father. What they believe to be a short road trip for Alan ends up being a frantic search for an old acquaintance when they are abruptly stopped by thugs.

Review Byte
Phillips takes a different route with this installment to avoid re-hashed jokes. What follows is just a poor attempt to continue a overworked franchise that should have ended two movies ago. It didn't have the seamless effort witnessed in the first 'Hangover' movie. At best, this was just a barely comedic adventure flick with familiar faces, nothing more.

Raves

• Better than the second film of this trilogy due to its fresh approach
• Appropriate storyline for those interested in simply watching continued shenanigans by the Wolfpack
• A nifty, nostalgic scene at the end

Rants

• Disappointing attempts at unfunny jokes
• Entire series felt like a "one-hit wonder" that just didn't know when to quit
• Relied too much on Galifianakis' character for laughs

Fun Fact
Stay for the post-credits scene, the only scene of the film that employs the signature "Hangover" style.

Final Consensus

Easily skippable, but if you're eager to watch this, wait for the DVD release and dive in with low expectations.

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Rated PG-13

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

Director

Justin Lin (Fast & Furious, Tokyo Drift, Fast Five)

Cast

Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Luke Evans

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

In this sixth installment of a blockbuster franchise, Hobbs approaches Dom Toretto with a job which requires re-assembling the old crew to take down a team of mercenaries in return of pardons and a chance to reunite with an old friend.

Review Byte

You walk into the movie expecting fast cars, cheesy one-liners, and amplified action sequences...you walk out with just that. This flick is well-aware of the kind of entertainment it's meant to be and doesn't fail to deliver just the kind of popcorn flick you expect to see...nothing more, nothing less. Yes, there are laughable moments in the movie that defy all forms of logic, but at this point it almost feels as if it comes with the franchise. Overall, this adrenaline-filled movie is no fine piece of film, but it doesn't pretend to be either.

Raves

• Follows the fresh, fast-paced attitude of Fast Five
• Embraces its mindless amusement
• The purpose of this franchise in the first place: fast cars and street races
• Gina Carano's fight scenes
• Post-credits scene (arguably, the best part of the movie)

Rants

• Absurd action sequences that ignore all laws of physics, gravity, etc...
• Almost non-existent acting
• Laughably cheese-tastic lines
• Longest. Runway. Ever.

Fun Fact
Needless to say, stay for the post-credits scene.

Final Consensus 

A definite must-watch for Fast & Furious fans. Otherwise, watch if you're in the mood for action or else it may come off as too mindless.

Pain & Gain (2013)

Rated R

Pain & Gain (2013)

Director

Michael Bay (Transformers, Armageddon, Bad Boys)

Cast

Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Harris

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

A buff personal trainer hoping to attain the "American dream" recruits his gym buddies to pull off a kidnapping and extortion scheme. Chaos ensues. 

Review Byte

If you walk into this with minimal prior knowledge of the movie, a lot will make sense when "Directed by: Michael Bay" flashes before your eyes at the end when you're sitting there wondering what you just endured. This movie truly depicts the kind of entertainer Bay is, and the only words that seem to come to mind are "cheap" and "excessive." The movie's ambitions to come off as a dark comedy is evident, however it felt too mindless than comedic, and too off-putting than dark. 

Raves

• Quite the interesting subject matter (you'll find yourself periodically asking in reassurance if this is all really based on a true story)
• Seemingly never-ending twists and unexpected moments
• Sprinkles of irony here and there
• Dwayne Johnson's amusing portrayal of a gentle giant

Rants

• Poor attempts at finding humor in an otherwise heinous story of a true crime seems downright insensitive at times
• You will feel your IQ levels drop as the story progresses (this may have been done intentionally?)
• Michael Bay's signature style of shallow amplification with very little payoff is just too blatant

Fun Fact

In order to prepare for their roles, Wahlberg and Johnson altered their diets to include a combined number of about 17 meals per day. 

Final Consensus 

Only watch this movie after it gets released on DVD...or better yet, just skip it altogether.

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Rated PG-13

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Director

Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, writer of Lethal Weapon franchise)

Cast

Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley

Twitter-fied Plot Summary

This installment has Tony Stark facing his past with the threat of an international terrorist while battling an identity crisis after the events that took place in New York. 

Review Byte

Though a fun, action-filled flick with enough entertainment for the whole family, it lacks the usual stylish demeanor of the past films in the 'Iron Man' franchise. Iron Man 3 tackles a new, mature theme of self-discovery with Tony Stark questioning his identity outside of his suit. While it's an interesting and refreshing premise, it was poorly explored and executed. This chapter in the Iron Man series essentially comes off as simply a filler movie while we wait for the release of Avengers 2.

Raves

• Well-presented performances by key actors (specifically RDJ and Sir Kingsley) 
• Properly executed delivery of comedic lines and scenes
• 'The Mandarin'

Rants

• Plot not necessary to drive the progression of the 'Iron Man' series
• Lacks usual zeal that was present in the first and second Iron Man, which were both directed by Jon Favreau
• Absence of a kick-ass soundtrack (also presumably due to the change in director)

Fun Fact

Be sure to sit through the credits to catch the post-credit scene which features a familiar face.

Final Consensus

While skipping this wouldn't hinder your understanding of the 'Iron Man' storyline, it's a good popcorn flick to watch with the family or a group of friends. 

Welcome to the Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

Whether it was an incessant amount of random Google-ing or our charming tweets that brought you here, WELCOME to Review Bytes. Let's cut to the chase, if you're looking for a site with short but concise movie reviews to decide what to watch tonight, you're at the right place. Reviews will generally consist of the basic information of the film followed by rants and raves discussing why or why not you should watch it...and fun facts of course, because fun facts make the world a better place. Also, just a disclaimer, the format will change continuously until we settle on something with the perfect balance between organized and enlightening. Meanwhile, enjoy the reviews and tell your friends! As a token of our appreciation--here's a welcome gift: