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Geekscape Movie Reviews: Black Mass

by MCDaveSeptember 18, 2015

Scott Cooper has developed into a very intriguing filmmaker. After guiding Jeff Bridges to Oscar immortality with his 2009 directorial debut, Crazy Horse, Cooper then followed with the gripping, albeit flawed, drama, Out of the Furnace. Hence, cinephiles watched closely as news developed regarding Cooper’s third major motion picture, Black Mass. And as details emerged and footage of leading star Johnny Depp began to surface, moviegoers everywhere awaited eagerly in hopes of watching Cooper take the next big step in his career. However, things don’t always go according to plan.

On the mean streets of Southie in Boston during the 1970s, local Irish gangster, James “Whitey” Bulger (Depp), finds himself pitted against the Italian mob who have infiltrated the city’s criminal underground. And when a loyal Southie native and FBI agent, John Connolly (Joel Edgerton), is ordered by his superiors to take down the Italian mob boss, Gennaro Angiulo, he reaches out to Bulger for assistance. While the feds dismantle Anguilo’s crew, Bulger and his “Winter Hill Gang” become an unstoppable force throughout the entire city of Boston and beyond.

It’s very difficult to pinpoint a specific tone for Scott Cooper’s latest offering, Black Mass. The film lacks depth with its dramatic elements and paces along too aimlessly to sustain any true sense of action. In fact, Black Mass serves as nothing more than a highlight reel of Whitey Bulger’s murderous repertoire. Instead of developing some form of moral conflict or complexity with its writing, the audience is forced to sit through scene after scene of Scott Cooper’s glorification of violence. Make no mistake about it, the film caters solely to a visceral appeal and circumvents any attempt at telling a deeply layered story. Perhaps, notorious criminal mastermind “Whitey” Bulger is simply a cold-blooded and ruthless killer, nothing more. If so, then there’s really no interesting story worth telling in a major motion picture setting. Leave that for the ID Channel or any of its other similar true crime programmers.

Despite all of the many issues surrounding Black Mass, Johnny Depp provides handfuls of memorable scenes that keep the film from utter disaster. This isn’t the devoted actor’s finest work, but his performance is still magnetic. Solid enough that it makes Cooper’s painful journey down the mob movie checklist somewhat fathomable. An absence of originality and authenticity reveal Black Mass for what it truly is, a superficial one-man show that’s as cold and lifeless as its main character.

Expectations undeniably carry a bias toward any movie experience and, admittedly, I was hoping for much more from Black Mass. Scott Cooper’s first two films were on the fringe of something special but instead of propelling his career to another level, he takes a big step backwards with this latest effort. Character development through storytelling is such an integral part of any cinematic experience and, unfortunately, it’s nowhere to be found here.

Grade: 2.5/5

Check out other reviews and movie lists at MCDAVE’s host site

Geekscape Movie Reviews: The Giver

by MCDaveAugust 18, 2014

For all of the many passion projects floating around Hollywood, it’s amazing to imagine that Jeff Bridges has spent nearly 20 years begging and pleading for an opportunity to play the title role in an adaptation of Lois Lowry’s 1993 futuristic novel, The Giver. Finally, after decades of struggle and perseverance, the Acadamy Award Winning actor’s wish has been granted. Yet, director Phillip Noyce’s visually compelling finished product proves that good things don’t always come to those who wait.

Following a world filled with war and pain mankind adopts the idea of communities, seemingly perfect places where extreme “sameness” and “likeness” leave no room for envy or jealousy. With happiness and conflict no longer in existence a young boy named Jonas (played by Brenton Thwaites) is given his future assignment, which is to meet with “The Giver” (Jeff Bridges) and become the Receiver of Memory. It’s here where Jonas learns about the old world and discovers a wide range of emotions that he never knew existed. These revelations force the boy to question the entire foundation of his upbringing.

There are many issues circling around the latest sci-fi drama, The Giver. First, the film lands in an enormous line of young adult novels adapted into major motion pictures, which forms a natural comparison against blockbuster franchises that include The Hunger Games and Divergent. And while The Giver isn’t a far cry from the newly popularized genre’s finest offerings, it struggles to earn a respectable place in the crowded collection. Another blemish resides in the film’s superficial approach to the story. For a novel filled with controversial and stimulating ideas about societal issues, The Giver‘s screenplay barely scratches the surface with properly addressing such topics. Therefore, the feature concludes as a cheapened adaptation focused more on appearance and style than delivering a mindful interpretation of Lois Lowry’s novel.

To be perfectly honest, there aren’t many glowing attributes to this summer’s newest blockbuster. Outside of a tasteful filming style with its clever use of colors and state-of-the-art camerawork that captures some fantastic shots, The Giver is a rather bland movie. Jeff Bridges gives a fully committed performance but the rest of the cast is serviceable at best. Even fans of second hand stars such as the great Meryl Streep and music sensation Taylor Swift should harness their expectations, because neither character or performance adds much soul to the film. And despite leading man Brenton Thwaites’ valiant efforts, he never feels like the right fit for the role of Jonas.

The Giver helped spawn the young adult novel movement over two decades ago and, ironically, kept getting skipped over during the recent cinematic surge. Now that audiences and fans of Lois Lowry’s work are given the opportunity to visualize her words, it feels like a huge disservice. Perhaps the thought-provoking themes surrounding The Giver were never meant to be translated to the big screen.

GRADE: 2.5/5

You can find plenty more reviews, trailers and movie lists at MCDAVE’s HOST SITE

New Banner Released For ‘R.I.P.D.’

by Derek KraneveldtJune 5, 2013

Following the first trailer for the film, Universal Pictures has debuted a new banner for their upcoming action-comedy R.I.P.D.

Based on the Dark Horse comic, R.I.P.D. follows two cops dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker, and it definitely gives off a Men In Black vibe.

Take a look at the new banner below, and let us know what you think! R.I.P.D. hits theatres on July 19th!

Source: Cine1

Second Poster For ‘R.I.P.D.’ Released

by Derek KraneveldtMay 8, 2013

Following the April debut of the film’s trailer, Universal Pictures has released the theatrical poster for their upcoming Action/Comedy/Sci-Fi, R.I.P.D. The movie is an adaptation of Peter Lenkov’s Dark Horse Comic, Rest In Peace Department, and is being touted as a more supernatural Men In Black.

I haven’t read the book myself, but to those of you who have, are you looking forward to the film? How does the movie’s look and feel compare to that of the comic?

In any case, check out the new poster below, and let us know what you think! R.I.P.D. hits theatres on July 19th!

Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds headline the 3D supernatural action-adventure R.I.P.D. as two cops dispatched by the otherworldly Rest In Peace Department to protect and serve the living from an increasingly destructive array of souls who refuse to move peacefully to the other side.

Veteran sheriff Roy Pulsifer (Bridges) has spent his career with the legendary police force known as R.I.P.D. tracking monstrous spirits who are cleverly disguised as ordinary people. His mission? To arrest and bring to justice a special brand of criminals trying to escape final judgment by hiding among the unsuspecting on Earth.

Once the wise-cracking Roy is assigned former rising-star detective Nick Walker (Reynolds) as his junior officer, the new partners have to turn grudging respect into top-notch teamwork. When they uncover a plot that could end life as we know it, two of R.I.P.D.’s finest must miraculously restore the cosmic balance…or watch the tunnel to the afterlife begin sending angry souls the very wrong way.

First Trailer For ‘R.I.P.D.’ Debuts

by Shawn MaddenApril 17, 2013

The first trailer for R.I.P.D. starring Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges has debuted online. The upcoming adaptation of the Dark Horse comic focuses on a recently murdered cop joining a team of undead police officers and tracking down the man who murdered him. Kind of gives off the Men In Black vibe. Well, if you replace aliens with the dead that is.

A recently slain cop joins a team of undead police officers working for the Rest in Peace Department and tries to find the man who murdered him.

R.I.P.D. hits theaters July 19, 2013

Source: Machinima

‘R.I.P.D’ Teaser Poster Goes High-Res!

by Derek KraneveldtApril 16, 2013

At last week’s Las Vegas CinemaCon, the first teaser poster for Universal’s upcoming adaptation of Dark Horse Comics’ R.I.P.D. was spotted in the wild. Today, that poster was officially released in a much higher resolution.

Take a look at the poster below, and let us know what you think! R.I.P.D. stars Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, and Mary Louise-Parker, and will hit theatres on July 19th!

The Dark Horse comic R.I.P.D. is adapted by Universal Pictures with this fantasy crime film focusing on a newly deceased cop (Ryan Reynolds) who’s drafted into a squad of zombie cops that battle the supernatural. Red’s Robert Schwentke directs, with Jeff Bridges co-starring as his partner and Kevin Bacon playing the villain.

The first trailer for R.I.P.D. is set to premiere with Friday’s Oblivion, so look for it online soon!

Teaser Poster Spotted For ‘R.I.P.D’

by Shawn MaddenApril 14, 2013

Another teaser poster has been spotted at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The time around it’s the upcoming Universal adaptation of the Dark Horse comic R.I.P.D. starring Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges. The trailer for the film is set to hit next week so it’s likely that we will be seeing an official version of this popping up sometime soon as well.

The Dark Horse comic R.I.P.D. is adapted by Universal Pictures with this fantasy crime film focusing on a newly deceased cop (Ryan Reynolds) who’s drafted into a squad of zombie cops that battle the supernatural. Red’s Robert Schwentke directs, with Jeff Bridges co-starring as his partner and Kevin Bacon playing the villain.

R.I.P.D is set to hit theaters July 19th 2013.

Source: Collider

First Official Image From ‘R.I.P.D.’ Debuts

by Shawn MaddenApril 11, 2013

There’s been plenty of set pictures and videos that have popped up but we haven’t seen anything official yet regarding R.I.P.D. until today. Entertainment Weekly has debuted the first official image from the upcoming Dark Horse adaptation starring Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges and Kevin Bacon. A trailer for the film is expected to drop soon.

The Dark Horse comic R.I.P.D. is adapted by Universal Pictures with this fantasy crime film focusing on a newly deceased cop (Ryan Reynolds) who’s drafted into a squad of zombie cops that battle the supernatural. Red’s Robert Schwentke directs, with Jeff Bridges co-starring as his partner and Kevin Bacon playing the villain.

R.I.P.D hits theaters July 19th 2013

Source: BD

Geekscape’s Before First Class – What If An Avengers Movie Was Made In The 80s?!?

by Joe StarrMarch 21, 2012

With an announced sequel to X Men: First Class, and the rumors of a rebooted 1960’s Fantastic Four, retro Marvel is officially IN. This has led Geekscape to wonder: what if different Marvel franchises had actually been released in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s?

Or, maybe you think it’s stupid to cast a Marvel movie in a different decade, justify the lineup, and pitch a plot. Well, that’s why we at Geekscape consider ourselves to be heroes, in a way. We waste our time doing the stupid things the world is afraid to do. Last time, we shook the 90’s to their very core with a 1994 X Men film. Time to step back a decade!

THE 80’S: AVENGERS ASSEMBLE!

The Pitch: After a battle to take down Ultron results in an absurd amount of collateral damage, the Avengers reluctantly agree to accept government oversight in the form of Henry Gyrich. The Vision attempts to bring stability to the world by taking control of its computer systems, but is being manipulated by Ultron! It’s the Avengers vs. a Vision-Ultron-Skynet! Will the Avengers prevail? Meanwhile, a young Wanda Maximoff is taken in by the team and falls for the android! Can Scarlet Witch use the human power of love to bring Vision to his senses? And when she does, can the song ‘Power of Love’ play? When I think Avengers, I think Huey Lewis. And his news.

CAPTAIN AMERICA

In the 80’s, there was only one man that could sling the shield. The only man that John Connor trusted enough to go back in time and bang his mom: Michael Biehn. He is the unsung action hero badass of the 80’s and also The Rock from the 90’s. I mean the movie The Rock. He wasn’t The Rock, though I can still smell what he was cooking. Come on. Picture him doing that monologue to Ed Harris from The Rock in Cap’s costume and you will get a nerd boner.

Don’t fight it. It’s natural.

IRON MAN

Avengers Assemble? AS YOU WISH. Cary Elwes would have been an awesome Tony Stark back in the day. The wit, the arrogance, and the massive amount of girls wanting to bang him. Plus, most of the Dread Pirate Robert’s lines could probably double as Stark lines, so we save on screenwriters. That way in the spin off we get to see Iron Man challenge the Mandarin to a fight to the pain.

GYRICH

I’m doing my best to justify a Henry Gyrich in every decade I cast a movie in. Charlie Chaplin will end up playing him by the end of this. But before the Dictator gets his shot, the role belongs to John Ritter. Ritter’s been killing it on Three’s Company and it’s time to show his range as a greasy, back stabbing government yes man! This could be his ‘Razor’s Edge!’

THE VISION

I wish there was a guy we could call that does robots good…

SCARLET WITCH

Mia Sara! Too young? No way. It takes a dumb teenage girl to fall deeply in love with a robot, and Mia Sara’s career has been built on poor romantic choices: first Tom Cruise in Legend, and then Ferris Bueller, a husband who no doubt will eventually look into a camera and say ‘who could be faithful on a day like this?’ Mia has a perfect wide eyed spaciness for a young woman struggling with chaos magic. Is it chaos magic? I’m really not sure at this point. THANKS BENDIS.

Besides, no one complained when two teenage boys fell in love took a shower with Lisa in Weird Science. There’s no room for your double standards in THE AVENGERS.

One more for the road.

ULTRON

Next.

BEAST

Like, Jeff Bridges, man! Change him out of the Tron suit and put some blue fur on the guy. The Beast abides, man. The Beast abides.

HAWKEYE

Something something winning something something dismissive wank. Charlie is a bad ass, and if you remember Hot Shots Part Deux (AND YOU SHOULD) you will remember that he is also dry and hilarious. He’ll also be perfect as part of our important subplot I just figured out: That Hawkeye hates young cocky scientist Hank Pym for having Janet, and is going to murder him when the hitting starts. And you know the hitting will start.

YELLOWJACKET

And when I think of hitting women, I think of Rob Lowe. A dashing scientist, inventor of size changing stuff, and a Duke Silver level saxophone player, Lowe has all the tools needed to play a sleazy piece of shit that needs some redemption. Literally, my favorite person for this role.

I CAN’T DEAL WITH INVENTING ULTRON! JUST LET ME ROCK THE PAIN AWAY!

THE WASP

Janet needs to be someone you really, really want to bang and really, really hate Hank Pym for being able to bang. I’m going with Demi Moore to keep the Brat Pack repping in this summer blockbuster. And it’s not so much that Demi would be an awesome person to hit, but she could sell a backhand super good. Just thinking about it makes me want to kill Rob Lowe.

WONDER MAN

My understanding of Wonder Man isn’t the best, but based on the pre Secret Invasion Mighty Avengers, he’s a smug hacky actor turned super hero and I think he should be Kurt Russell. Please refer yourself to Jack Burton. Clean yourself up, and then see him in Sky High. And then clean yourself up. What? That Scott Pilgrim chick was in it.

DIRECTOR

Every movie needs a director (Except for the three Transformers films and anything I shoot of myself crying). The insane amount of androids and evil AI points to Ridley Scott for this thing. He’s the obvious choice for this epic, and while my heart says John Carpenter, my mind is keeping it Ridley.

Next time: It’s Warren Ellis’ Thunderbolts… 70’s grindhouse style!

First TRON 3 Tidbits Leaked At WonderCon

by Eric DiazMarch 19, 2012

The first real tidbits of information concerning TRON 3 were inadvertently leaked this weekend at WonderCon; Speaking with io9 at the convention this weekend while promoting their ABC show Once Upon A Time, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis (who co-wrote TRON: Legacy and are producers on the third installment) ended up giving an update on a potential third movie. Due to their schedule on Once Upon A Time, they are not the screenwriters for TRON 3, but had this to say “We are working on a sequel….we’ve moved to be co-producers on it. But there’s a script being written right now. Dave DiGilio is writing it, (TRON Legacy director) Joseph Kosinski is right now shooting Oblivion, but we’ve had a lot of meetings and conversations and we’ve seen the first draft of the TRON sequel.”

The writing duo were asked about the possible return of Jeff Bridges’ Kevin Flynn, who (SPOILERS for the last movie) seemingly died at the end of TRON: Legacy. “I would say the definition of life and death in the digital realm —Will be explored in the sequel.” Also making comments lately about a third installment is TRON himself, as Bruce Boxleitner has said the current plan is to shoot the movie around 2014.

I know TRON: Legacy has its fair share of haters out there, but despite the crappy acting by lead actor Garrett Hedlund and a generic script, I pretty much dug it. I adored the updated world of the grid, and I think the Daft Punk soundtrack is one of the best soundtracks in years (in other words, I’m shallow, and to impress me you just need to have pretty lights and cool sounds and I’m sold) And for those who maintain that TRON: Legacy was some kind of bomb for not making Avatar level money…I remind you that the movie made $400 million on a $170 million budget. Believe me, right now Disney wishes John Carter was “bombing” like TRON: Legacy did.