Over the course of this summer, I had the luxury of working part-time at a movie theatre. If I got one thing out of my experience, it was that free movies are awesome. Although I thought the summer blockbuster line-up was extremely underwhelming this year, I still tried to see as many movies as possible. I saw some pretty good ones and some awful ones, but here are my top five movies of this summer:
5. NOW YOU SEE ME
As far as critics were concerned, a lot of people were split about this movie. I was among the belief that the good in this movie far outweighed the bad. The plot follows FBI agents who are trying to keep up with the "Four Horseman", a group of magicians who turn a number of serious heists. I'll concede that the characters were mildly underdeveloped. Save for a few minutes of background at the beginning, any exposition of the Horsemen themselves was non-existent. However, I think the plot was engaging enough to counter-balance. By no means am I justifying a lack of character development, it just seemed like it really didn't matter. For me, the visual spectacle and overall pace of the movie made it extremely worthwhile. If nothing else, it's a movie worth watching for it's cast, which consists of Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo and Dave Franco. Overall, I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10.
4. WORLD WAR Z
This movie got a lot of flack simply because it wasn't like the book. Having never read that, I was free of any reservations going to see the movie. As far as zombie or action movies go, this film really didn't offer anything new to the table. However, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's like if your mom made mac n' cheese for dinner. Sure, it's you've had it a million times, but you're not going to complain that you're having it now. World War Z delivers right where it has to, with a pretty fluid plot and visually spectacular action right where its needed (Yeah, those are zombies to the left). Well acted and directed across the board, it is simply a fun and engaging movie. I will also give this one a 6.5 out of 10.
3. FAST AND FURIOUS 6
By most standards, this should literally be the worst movie of all time. Any semblance of plot is virtually non-existent. However, that really doesn't seem to matter in this movie. Basically, the "gang" starts working on the right side of the law this time, trying to catch another group of international criminals. The things this movie gets away with are absurd. There are times where a character will go off, looking to solve a problem or gather intel, learn nothing, act like the did, and all is well. You know that old thing where every scene is supposed to advance the plot? Not in this movie. It goes nowhere, but the movie is so ridiculous and fun that it doesn't matter. Action packed and surprisingly heart-warming, Fast 6 has the ability to accept and go beyond its flaws. If you're looking for a movie where you can just kick back and watch something awesome, this is the movie. 8/10.
2. FRUITVALE STATION
I cannot begin to express how beautiful this movie is. Fruitvale Station follows a day in the life of a young man before being wrongly shot by the police. To put this movie into perspective, the only other film that I've cried so much during was Toy Story 3, and that movie kills me. Beautifully shot, acted and directed, this movie will definitely get you thinking. Although it has a serious message about the dangers of racial profiling, and unfortunately the problems with the police system as it exists today, it has another message. Although, its easy to overlook it, as it's so perfectly woven into every scene, Fruitvale Station encourages its viewers to realize the true beauty of life. This is a film that can tear you down and build you back up again. That in itself makes it all worthwhile. 9/10.
1. The Way Way Back
Although, Fruitvale Station was undeniably spectacular, The Way Way Back just hit me in a different way. The script is masterfully crafted ( by Jim Rash a.ka The Dean) in a way that allows the film to encompass many genres in a really engaging way. Part coming of age story and part family drama, this movie can touch almost everyone in one fell swoop. Although it addresses some serious problems, it never fails to put comedy the forefront, making this film heartfelt and engaging. It has a stellar cast that certainly doesn't disappoint, including Sam Rockwell, Steve Carrell and Maya Rudolph. The Way Way Back is one of those movies that will make you wish it went on forever. 9/10
As far as critics were concerned, a lot of people were split about this movie. I was among the belief that the good in this movie far outweighed the bad. The plot follows FBI agents who are trying to keep up with the "Four Horseman", a group of magicians who turn a number of serious heists. I'll concede that the characters were mildly underdeveloped. Save for a few minutes of background at the beginning, any exposition of the Horsemen themselves was non-existent. However, I think the plot was engaging enough to counter-balance. By no means am I justifying a lack of character development, it just seemed like it really didn't matter. For me, the visual spectacle and overall pace of the movie made it extremely worthwhile. If nothing else, it's a movie worth watching for it's cast, which consists of Woody Harrelson, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Mark Ruffalo and Dave Franco. Overall, I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10.
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