Demon Fighting Pirate? Sure, why not.

For a long time Netflix has wanted me to watch Solomon Kane. A man can only hold out for so long. Director M.J. Bassett put together a surprisingly entertaining movie.

In a lot of ways this movie has a distinctly Diablo feel to it. Did they make a Diablo movie yet? Oh dear, yes, but not what I'm talking about. James Purefoy plays our lead character Solomon Kane. He really gives the role his all. I mean, there isn't a ton to work with here, but that does not stop our hero. Purefoy's greatest character of course was Prince Edward in A Knight's Tale. There are some other people in the movie. For reasons known only to him, Max Von Sydow shows up.

I suppose I should talk about the plot a little. Well, there is a pirate who is a really good fighter, and apparently he made a deal with the Devil. There's some time spent in a monastery, and then Kane decides to get some revenge. He is pretty good at revenge it turns out. The IMDB rating is in the 6s. You can't expect the world here.

If you have a few hours on a rainy Saturday you can do worse than this movie. Honestly, this is an enjoyable, albeit kitschy, movie. 6/10 seems about right.

p.s. Spoiler Alert: The Hound shows up.

Self-Own Squad

I really wanted to like Suicide Squad from David Ayer, but it was not meant to be. This movie is chaotic, rushed, and a big hot mess. The DC Universe is supposed to be darker, gritty, and seemingly more well-suited to film. Pity.

For those that are unfamiliar, Suicide Squad is about villains in the DC Universe being used as a squad to do good for the US Government. The coordinator of this squad is Amanda Waller played by the wonderful Viola Davis. Her performance is one of two bright spots. The other being Jay Hernandez's fantastic Diablo. Some of the other character's introduction is effectively non-existent. As far as plot, the squad is put together, some bad stuff happens, and they get called in to duly to save the day. That's basically it.

By the way, um, Will Smith and Margot Robbie are in this. They play Deadshot and Harley Quinn respectively. They do a serviceable job, I guess. Oh, and Ben Affleck as Batman shows up.

This movie is a necessary component of the DC Extended Universe. So, you know, watch it for that.

This movie is a 4/10. Do not waste your time unless watching as part of the DC Extended Universe.

The Return of the Force

It is difficult for me to explain just how much I love Star Wars. "A lot" doesn't really get us in the ballpark. You can imagine my excitement when I saw this. JJ Abrams did it. Star Wars is back with Episode VII: The Force Awakens, and I couldn't be happier.

One of the biggest questions everyone had before this film was how they would manage to combine the old elements (actors, tropes, even technology) with this new world set 30 years in the future where we last left things in Return. Fear not, they succeeded. Harrison Ford is back baby! Carrie Fisher is back. Peter Mayhew. The droids. Mark Hamill. Plus, the new cast is pretty stellar: Daisy Ridley (total badass), John Boyega, Oscar Issac, Adam Driver, Lupita Nyong'o. The future is in good hands.

You'll notice I haven't talked much about the film. That is for two reasons. The first is that I don't want to spoil anything. The second is that it is Star Wars. You know what to expect in many ways. Explosions. Spaceships. Wookies yelling. I mean, if you don't already like these things you will like being introduced to them. This is an entertaining fast paced space western comedy drama movie. Just like the old ones. Not like the prequels.

9/10. I wouldn't change much. Sure, a few things, but I love Star Wars. I'm a homer.

Who runs the world? Girls.

Suffragette is an excellent period piece about the struggle for suffrage for women in the UK. Director Sarah Gavron's third movie is definitely worth your time.

The star of this show is easily Carey Mulligan. Her role as the reluctant suffragette with a family is inspiring and well done. Her portrayal is in stark contrast to that of her husband played by Ben Whishaw. Helena Bonham Carter is pretty sweet too. Oh, and would you believe it, Meryl Streep is in this for like two seconds.

Do you like inspiring movies? Do you like female focused movies? Of course you do. Watch this.

This movie is a very solid 7/10.

NASA propaganda done right

The Martian is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. I read the thing in 18 hours. Fact. Ridley Scott directs the film adaptation of the book. Do I even need to write a review?

A small note, but an important one because it speaks to the quality of the film. I saw this movie in 3D, and I forgot that it was 3D until after the movie was over. There were no needless 3D action sequences. The 3D was a seamless part of the movie. Bravo. As far as the acting? All top notch. Matt Damon delivers. Jessica Chastain is great. Michael Peña is severely underrated in Hollywood. Why isn't he in more movies? He has 72 acting credits. Maybe I'm not watching enough of his stuff. Chiwetel Ejiofor is awesome. Sean Bean! Jeff Daniels! Okay, now I'm just listing people in the movie. Kate Mara. I'm done.

This review is light on analysis. Why? Because it can be. This movie is damn near perfect, and all I need to say is go see it.

9/10, I should just give this 10/10. Actually this is 10/10.

Khaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!!!!

Star Trek: Into Darkness is a worthy successor to the J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot. I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise since Abrams directed both.

I'd be remiss to not type this, "KKKKKKKHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!" Now that is out of the way. This is an above average sequel. I enjoyed Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, and all of the gang! Beneditct Cumberbatch steals the show. What are you surprised? I didn't think so. Listen, there's some plot, and conflict, and it is entertaining.

If you like Star Trek you will definitely like this movie. Yep, that's it.

7/10, very solid 7

I got 99 problems and my home is one

The financial crisis of 2008 was devastating to homeowners. 99 Homes is a tale about that devastation. Ramin Bahrani's movie showed on a very intimate level the pain of that crisis for one family, and the money that was made by some.

When did Andrew Garfield become a serious actor? I guess he was pretty good in The Social Network. Regardless, Andrew Garfield is great in this movie playing a dad trying to make things right for his son and mother. Unfortunately for his character he enters the employ of an extremely shady real estate agent played by Michael Shannon. Michael Shannon has been on fire recently, and his performance in this movie is pretty spectacular. Laura Dern is decent as Andrew Garfield's mom, but Noah Lomax is superb as Andrew Garfield's son.

This movie is well written, and well acted. I think that some people may not like it given the subject matter, but that is probably because the movie hits a little too close to home.

8/10 on most days, 7/10 on the others. Again, I should really just adopt half points.