Insurgent.
I liked Divergent enough to at least be looking forward to this run of the mill, cliche ridden, and predictable sequel. It's a terrible waste of talent that hamstrings its actors with bad dialogue, cheesy CGI, and an excess of Deuce Ex Machina's. Shailene Woodly, Ansel Elgort, and especially Miles Teller prove that they are some of the most exciting group of young actors working today and they all deserve better than this derivative YA dystopian trilogy. I would be more upset at the waste of time this movie is but it's also utterly forgettable, saving me from the torture of dwelling on it. D-
Do You Believe
Another film from the makers of last years God's Not Dead that tries to recreate Magnolia, Crash, and Disconnect for Christians and mostly fails. It's better acted then what we've come to expect from Christian producers but it's cliche story telling and absolutely ridiculous miracle ending makes this an almost complete bust. I think its sad that my fellow Christians will happily embrace something because it has a good message or good morals and not demand good quality. I expect better because I know they can do better. C-
Cinderella
I've caught a lot of shade because of how much I enjoyed this film. It's not Maleficent or Snow White and the Huntsman and that's fantastic! It's a throwback of a fairy tale and at the same time modern. Take your kids to see it and stop judging the guys like me that loved this movie...maybe we're just romantic! A
Run All Night
It's Taken and A Walk Among the Tombstones kinda meshed together. Cliche action movie that Liam Neeson fans will gobble up. Can Neeson just go back to making good drama's? Except for the vastly underrated Tombstones of last year, he hasn't done anything remotely resembling his earlier work. You can do better Mr.Neeson... C-
Television.
Grimm
It's really hit its stride! Some strong writing and character development. Definitely one of the stronger seasons yet! It's at a new time, now at 8 on Fridays. B+
Better Call Saul
You better watch Saul! The best thing to happen to television since Breaking Bad. Acting, writing, directing all a step above. Must Watch. A+
Vikings
It's been renewed raiders! A strong season that has really started to become deadly for main characters. Some crazy twists. One of the best shows that isn't universally watched. A
The Americans
What started out as something of a slow burn of a third season has turned into a great showcase for Keri Russel and Mathew Rhys. This weeks episode has perhaps the greatest scene of the series to date and despite its recent brutal violence, is still a must watch. A
The Flash
Still strong. This is a freshmen show for the record and for the most part you can say its better than its 'Mother Show' Arrow. Some great episodes and character work as Barry had to deal with time travel. Next week look for Mark Hamill's Trickster! B+
Arrow
A Strong episode this week after a pretty meh season. Michael Rowe lights up the screen as Deadshot and Diggle finally gets married. Still needs some work. B-
Justified
Wow. A main character brushes incredibly close to death again. I don't think everyone will get out of Harlan alive and with only three more episodes left, there's not much more avoiding it. Elmore would be proud. A+
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