Summer Movie Reviews Part 2....

Does anyone else feel like there have been a lot of awesome movies released this summer? There are always good movies that come during the summer, but for some reason this year there seems to be a lot more than usual. I haven't quite seen every movie that has come out the this summer, but I've seen a lot of them so I thought I would share my two cents again like I did with the movies that came out in May.

Man of Steel 

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I've always liked Superman, but he's never been my favorite. I like that he represents the noble American superhero, but I find that his invincibility sometimes makes him not as interesting as other superheros. I mostly enjoy the old Christopher Reeves movies, but they were never great movies for me, even when I watched them as kid. Even though I've never been the biggest Superman fan I've always rooted for him to make a truly epic movie, because I've always known there was potentially for one, and let me say that this is the Superman movie I have been waiting for! This movie turned me from a casual Superman fan to die hard Superman fan. It's still no Batman, but it is very close. 

This movie was emotional, it was action packed, it was thought provoking, and inspiring. This movie is truly epic with amazing action sequences, but it's also a very personal and character driven movie as well. I loved the style of the film, and how it makes you feel like you are on the planet Krypton, the farm in Smallville, or in the battle of Metropolis watching Superman and General Zod duke it out. The acting is outstanding, and I especially enjoyed the roles that Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner play as Clark two fathers. Hans Zimmer who did the music does one of his best scores ever in this movie.

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This movie didn't just entertain me but it was a reminder that we all have greatness in us. We each have talents and abilities that can help us change the world for good. The thing I enjoyed most about this movie was the story of Clark Kent trying to figure out who is, and why he is so different. He knows he can do good things in the world, and this film is about his journey in discovering these talents and abilities. I also love how this movie showed how important the role of fathers are. It shows that Clark Kent would have not become who he was if it wasn't for the influence of his fathers. This is one movie that I would definitely see again in theaters if the opportunity presents itself, and I am definitely buying it when it comes out! This movie is probably my favorite movie I've seen so far this summer, followed very closely by Star Trek Into Darkness. 

 Score: 9.5

Ephraim’s Rescue 

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This is the movie about the mormon pioneer named Ephraim Hanks, and his incredible life changing experiences. Movies in the mormon cinema genre are sometimes hit or miss. Many times the low budget, and inexperienced actors really show and it's hard to take the movie serious. Ephraim's rescue while having a small budget is not one of those films. There are a few things here and there that makes it feel like a low budget, but overall this is an incredible film. It is filled with amazing true stories and experiences of the mormon pioneers that are both heartbreaking and inspiring. The music and the cinematography is beautiful and adds such a great presence. This movie made me incredibly grateful and proud for my pioneer ancestries that sacrificed so much so that I could have the life I have now. I walked away from this movie with a strong desire to be a better person, and theres not many movies that can do that.

Like Man of Steel this was a movie that does a lot more than being an entertain. It's thought provoking and it taught me how important it is to stick to your values and beliefs, and that having faith in those beliefs can bring about miracles in our lives. It also taught me that striving to be good person is one of the most worth while goals we can aim for in life. It's only playing in one theater in Mesa (that I know of) which is Harkins Superstition Springs and it probably won't be there for much longer, so I would suggest going and see it now before it's too late. 

Score: 9

Monsters University

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Pixar's return to the world of monsters was a very enjoyable one. This film chronicles the days of Mike and Sully's college years and how they first met. I had the opportunity to see this with my nieces which it made the experience even more enjoyable. This movie has a lot of the same fun things that the first film had, but it also adds to some great things to the mix. There's a lot of great jokes, and a lot of really cool new monsters. One thing I love about Pixar is that they are always trying to push towards more innovation and creativity with their films. While this movie isn't totally new since it's a prequel, it still does a great job at being original, fresh, and exciting. It's not as good the other one, or even some of Pixar's other films, but it's a very enjoyable film.

Score: 7.5 

Despicable Me 2

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I haven't laughed so hard in movie as I did with Despicable Me 2 in a long time. This movie's plot may not be as interesting or original as the first one, but it is as funny if not funnier than the first one. This movie is of course a kids show, but it's one that both adults and kids can enjoy together.The minions of course steal the show as they did in the first one. I've heard a few people say that there was too much minions in this movie, but I couldn't disagree more. Every scene they were in was hilarious, and I can't wait to see them in the Minion movie next year! I really enjoyed the new characters in this movie as well, especially the character El Macho. I've heard some people say it wasn't as interesting since Gru is no longer a villain, but I actually really enjoyed his character and it was fun to see him be a dad. Overall this is just a really great feel good movie, that does nothing but put a smile on your face, and make you laugh through out.

Score: 9 

White House Down

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I had very low expectations for this movie, and I was actually not really planning on seeing it (The only reason why I did was because it was either seeing this or spend the afternoon shopping at the mall). While the movie is pretty cheesy at times it is also incredibly entertaining. As I was watching I was actually surprised at how much I was enjoying myself. It was intense, action packed, funny, and even a little moving at times, and I didn't expect any of those things going into it. Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx had great chemistry and the main villain (played by the guy who voiced Hades on Hercules) was actually very interesting, even if he was at times a little cliched. Some of the situations in this movie were a little far out there, but who cares, it was really fun to watch. This movie is a pure entertainment, and tons of fun! If you're looking for a good time go see this movie!

Score: 8

The Lone Ranger 

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I had a lot of fun watching this movie. Yes there are some flaws in it, and sometimes it may seem it all over the place, but it's still an incredibly fun movie. It's funny, action packed, intense, and there are some good lessons to learn along the way. It's the origin story of the Lone Ranger and I really enjoyed seeing him discover and become who he is. It hasn't been doing too hot at the box office, and a lot of people are ripping on it, but I think that this movie deserves some more good buzz. Kind of like how John Carter, which was a very fun movie as well, got a bunch of bad word of mouth when it really wasn't. That's how this movie is too. I understand why some people have some beef with this movie, but there is a lot great things and a lot of fun to be had with this movie. I just realized I keep using the word fun, so remember this is a fun movie. It's not meant to be taken serious, (just like White House down) so go enjoy it!

If you have enjoyed any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies (like I do) you will enjoy this. It's not quite as good as those films, but it's still a great movie.

Score: 8

World War Z

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This was another movie that I didn't think I was going to like. I'm typically not a zombie movie fan, and the trailers made this one look like a zombie movie with really bad CGI. In reality though this movie was about one man and his experiences in trying to solve the zombie epidemic, and save his family. The first 30 minutes are incredibly intense, and while in drags a little in the middle, it ends with very exciting, and unexpected ending. Brad Pitt does a great job, and makes you real care about his character. He alone makes this movie very interesting, and it made me care about what happens.

Score: 8.5 





Well like I said before, there has been a lot of great movies come out lately! I don't think I have seen a movie so far this summer that I didn't enjoy, and while I know I am pretty easy to entertain, there is usually at least one or two movies I see during the summer that I walk away from wishing I hadn't just spent my time and money watching. What have been some of your favorite movies to come out so far?