‘Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation’ (2015) Review

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015) Review The Mission Impossible franchise has always had something to prove. The first film was an action movie based on a television series from 30 years prior, striving to find it's own footing amidst an established mythology. The second was a follow-up to what was a surprise hit and had to sustain that momentum. The third had to win back the legitimacy...that was lost by the second, and the fourth had to usher in a whole new cast of teammates for Ethan Hunt to ignore while he goes on a superjog.This couldn't be more appropriate as every Mission Impossible film starts with Ethan Hunt being disavowed and forced to prove his innocence or his worth. Of course, this won't ever change. The series will be damned to prove itself again and again to viewers who constantly say "Yeah the last one was good, but there's no way this one will be worthwhile". Mission Impossible has never been the belle of the ball and that's what's always forced it to try to look its best.Fighting against impossible odds can either make or break a film. Naturally, this is what's pushed Rogue Nation to be one of my favourite films of the year so far. Right off the bat, Rogue Nation impresses with one of it's more incredible set pieces. Much like spy-sister James Bond, the scene takes place as sort of a mini mission, showing the spy team at the end of an escapade. The impressive part…

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‘Ant-Man’ (2015) Review

Ant-Man (2015) Review As much of an avid follower of all things superhuman, even I had to admit, 'Ant-Man' was an uphill battle excitement-wise. Starting production 9 years ago, 'Ant-Man' initially garnered the excitement of fans of 'Shaun of the Dead' director, Edgar Wright who was attached to direct the project. However, much like the character the film is based on, 'Ant-Man' was passed over in favour of Men of Iron and Captains of America.Creative differences caused Mr. Wright to leave the project, with Peyton Reed shuffling into fill the director's chair. Trailers for the film seemed to lack a grasp on a general tone; the lead role was seemingly miscast, and to be honest the core concept seemed extremely difficult to pull off. The last time a superhero movie had issues getting the audience to go with it's premise the results were abysmal.So with all that said, I had subsided expectations for 'Ant-Man'. I didn't go so far as saying the movie would be bad, I just didn't expect to be blown away. Thankfully, the movie fared pretty well, and was one of the better experiences in the theatre this year. Set some time after the events of Age of Ultron, 'Ant-Man' continues the saga of the marvel cinematic universe. While it's set in the present day, the movie actually opens in a flashback featuring young Michael Douglas, courtesy of digital enhancement.Quick aside: I used to believe that every film was…

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‘Inside Out’ (2015) Review

Inside Out (2015) Review Let's retrace the steps for the day. Woke up out of bed for work Disgust. Had to feed the dog and he got dirt on my pants Anger. But then he licked my face as I was brushing it off Joy. I got into the car and thought about how my engine died Sadness. The car jerked coming out the driveway and almost hit a lampost Fear. Then the car got back on track and went really fast Joy. The sharp turn around the corner was like that time I went go-karting Joy. Then I realized how late I was for work Anger. Finally got to work and I was behind on an assignment. Maybe I'll get fired Fear. If I get fired I won't be able to do anything I planned to Fear. Maybe I'm just not good enough for those things Sadness. I hate this stupid job anyway Anger. Does anyone really like working here? Disgust. Not to mention the food. Utter disgust. Then again, it's a living. JoyThat little ditty right there is 'Inside Out' in a nutshell. Except instead of chronicling the day of the slightly depressive 20 something, 'Inside Out' tells the tale of the much more marketable Riley. An 11-year-old girl with not a care in the world. Opening with the cardinal cinema sin of narration, 'Inside Out' begs the question, have you ever looked at a person and wondered "What is going on in their head"? This narration is even more invasive than you might've thought because it doesn't just come…

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