King's Guide: Top Ten Films of 2014

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the net, the King's Guide was unveiled, for all those to marvel.

Best Picture: Grand Budapest Hotel
Best Animated Feature: How to Train Your Dragon 2
Best Underrated Film: Edge of Tomorrow
Best Breakout Performance: Gugu Mbatha- Raw in Belle and Beyond the Lights
Biggest Disappointment: 22 Jump Street
Worst Film of the Year: Transformers: Age of Extinction

Top Ten

The Grand Budapest Hotel
Snowpiercer
Chef
Guardians of the Galaxy
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Gone Girl
Belle

Edge of Tomorrow
Boyhood

Obvious Child

Honorable Mention

The Lunchbox
Dear White People

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Films I Have Yet To See 

Selma

Birdman

The Theory of Everything

Whiplash

John Wick
The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies
Mockingjay-Part 1

Three Flicks to Rent

1. Edge of Tomorrow

A hilarious sci-fi adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It really should be renamed the Edge of Awesome.
2. Obvious Child

A sweet, honest and daring romantic comedy. Jenny Slate is a revelation.

3. Snowpiercer

Absolutely brilliant. It's a thrilling and bittersweet adventure. The whole film is a fantastic metaphor about humanity. 

Fall Movie Preview: 2014 Edition

Here is 2014 Fall Movie Preview. Let me know what movies you are excited to see. 

October

• Gone Girl- October 3
• Annabelle- October 3
• The Good Lie- October 3
• Left Behind- October 3
• Addicted- October 10
• Dracula Untold- October 10
• The Judge- October 10
• Whiplash- October 10 (Limited release)
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad  Day- October 10
• You're Not You- October 10 (Limited Release)
• Kill The Messenger- October 10 (Limited Release)
• The Best of Me- October 17
• The Book Of Life- October 17
• Fury- October 17
• Birdman- October 17
• Men, Women and Children- October 17( Nationwide Expansion)
• Dear White People- October 17 (Limited Release)
• St Vincent- October 24( Nationwide Expansion_
• Laggies- October 24
• Ouija- October 24
• John Wick- October 24
• White Bird in a Blizzard- October 24
• Nightcrawler- October 31
• Before I Go To Sleep- October 31
• Horns- October 31

November

• Big Hero 6- November 7
• Interstellar- November 7
• Rosewarter- November 7
• Dumb and Dumber To- November 14
• Foxcatcher- November 14
• The Imitation Game- November 21 (Limited Release)
• Mockingjay Part 1- November 21
• Horrible Bosses 2- November 26
• The Penguins of Madagascar- November 26

Summer at the Movies: August Edition

Summer is starting to unwind and soon fall will be upon us. The month of August brings a few studio leftovers and the last potential blockbusters. Here is my final installment of the Summer Movie Guide.

August 1

• Get on Up
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• What If (Limited Release)
• Calvary (Limited Release)

August 8

• The Hundred- Foot Journey
• Into the Storm
• Step Up: All In
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
• About Alex(Limited Release)

August 15

• Let's Be Cops- opens August 13
• The Expendables 3
• The Giver

August 22

• If I Stay
• Frank Miller's Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
• When The Game Stands Tall

August 29

• As Above, So Below
• The November Man
• The Congress( Limited Release)

Speed Ratings

I thought it would be a cute idea to give lightning fast film reviews. It is kind of like speed dating version film critiquing. I have seen a few movies over the past month.

22 Jump Street
Not as funny as the original. The movie is saved by the excellent facial expressions of Ice Cube and the chemistry between Tatum and Hill. Verdict: Skip This

Maleficent
Visually stunning. Angelina Jolie is a force of nature as the titled character. It was a refreshing and darker take on a classic tale. Verdict: Must See

X-Men: Days of Future Past
I had high expectations and this film delivered. It was everything a summer blockbuster should be-funny, smart and action packed. The best film of the summer so far. Verdict: Must See

Neighbors
Funny and smart. Verdict: Must see

Belle

 Powerful and beautiful. One of the best movies of the year. Verdict: Must see

The Way Way Back
Heartwarming. Absolutely brilliant. Verdict: Rent this

May's Lackluster Performance

I do not believe the movie executives are quite thrilled with how their films are performing at the box office. Each weekend highly anticipated films open with stellar numbers but plummet the following weekend. At this rate none of the films that opened last month will gross more than $250 million at the US box office. What is going on with the movie going public? Are they not satisfied with the films coming at them? Maybe it is the cinemas being saturated with films. That each week, the audience wants to play with the new and shiny toy.  The key to having a successful film is not how you start but how you finish. You want people coming to see your movie weeks after it was released.

Take a look at The Amazing Spider-Man 2 which is a reboot from the highly successful Spider-Man trilogy. I was disappointed with the first film and I had no interest in seeing this sequel. It looks like I was not the only one. Even though it is performing well overseas, Sony can't be happy with its under-performance in the domestic box office. I can't see the film making over $200 million at the US box office. If the number holds up The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will the least successful Spider-Man film Sony has ever released.

Even with strong word of mouth X-Men: Days of Future Past had a steep drop in its second weekend. It is important to note the film has out grossed its predecessor and is tracking higher than Captain America: The Winter Solider. I am a bit disappointed at the numbers but I know the true test will be next weekend. I believe that over the course of the summer X-Men will balance out and finish strong. It has a chance of grossing north of $210 million but I can't foresee it grossing more than $220 million at the domestic box office.

One of the biggest shocks for me was the success of Godzilla. Out of all the films that opened last month it had the biggest opening weekend. I believe its' performance after that is indicative on the word of mouth from viewers. Its' performance these past two weekends have been anything but worthwhile. When the summer has ended, it will be one of the biggest surprises of the summer.

Neighbors and independent films like Chef and Belle have buck against the trend and performed stellar at the box office. It will be interesting to see how Maleficent performs during the course of the summer. It is estimated that the film grossed over $70 million domestic and $100 million international. That is a strong opening weekend but the true test is the second weekend. Will Maleficent have strong legs or will its' gross be front loaded?

Disclaimer: My analysis is based off numbers at Box Office Mojo and Box Office Guru. 

Summer at the Movies: June and July Edition

Here is the second part of my Summer Movie Guide. Let me know what movies you are most looking forward. 

June

• Edge of Tomorrow- June 6
• The Fault in our Stars- June 6
• 22 Jump Street-June 13
• How to Train your Dragon 2- June 13
• Jersey Boys- June 20
• Think Like a Man Too- June 20
• Transformers: Age of Extinction-June 27

July

• Deliver Us From Evil- July 2
• Earth To Echo- July 2
• Tammy- July 2
• Life Itself- July 4
• Begin Again( Limited Release)- July 4
• And So It Goes- July 11
• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes- July 11
• The Fluffy Movie- July 11
• Boyhood( Limited Release)- July 11
• Wish I Was Here(Limited Release)-July 18
• Planes: Fire and Rescue- July 18
• The Purge: Anarchy- July 18
• I Origins( Limited Release)- July 18
• Sex Tape- July 18
• Hercules- July 25
• Step Up All In- July 25
• Magic in the Moonlight( Limited Release)- July 25
• Lucy- July 25

Summer at the Movies: May Edition

So I have been working hard on my Summer Movie Guide 2014 but it is apparent my computer hates me.  Instead of having one massive guide, I will be dividing my guide into months. Today I will be previewing the biggest attractions in the month of May.

May

• The Amazing Spider-man 2- May 2
• Belle( Limited release)- May 2
• Neighbors- May 9
• Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return- May 9
• Mom's Night Out- May 9
• Fed Up (Limited Release)- May 9
• Godzilla- May 16
• Million Dollar Arm- May 16
• Half of Yellow Sun( Limited Release)- May 16
• Blended- May 23
• X-Men: Days of Future Past- May 23
• A Million Ways to Die in the West- May 30
• Maleficent- May 30
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April at the Movies

Rent This: Captain Phillips

Heart-stopping thriller filled with powerful performances. How Tom Hanks did not get nominated for Oscar is beyond me. Barkhad Abdi gives a mesmerizing performance. This film was outstanding.

Skip This: Man of Steel

One hot-ass mess.

Catch This: The Grand Budapest Hotel

A delightful masterpiece

Catch This: Captain America: The Winter Solider

A smart, funny, action- packed thrill ride. 

Alright Alright Alright!

I admit it has taken me a little time to come down from the Oscar high. I admit I am struggling to write this post because I don't want the Award Season to be over. After months of preparation the Academy Awards aired last night and it was fantastic. I felt it had the right tone and all the winners were well deserved.

Can we all give a round of applause for Ellen DeGeneres. She was absolutely perfect last night. Anyone who can create the greatest selfie in selfie history will always be my hero. Everything about that moment was flawless.

I felt that all of the musical performances were out of a dream. The performances had me either dancing or moved to tears. When I think I can't love P!nk anymore than I do, she proves me wrong.

I don't know what was in the air last night but we had some of the best acceptance speeches in Oscar history. Jared Leto proved that his soul is as beautiful as his hair. Matthew McConaughey delivered my favorite speech of the night. How he made the conscious decision to turn his career around is truly inspirational. The work he has been doing over the past four years have been spectacular. I really got to watch True Detectives. I have a sneaky suspicion that he might end up getting an Emmy nomination for his work on that show this fall. Can I get a amen for Cate Blanchett calling out sexism this entire award season. I freaking love that women. Lupita Nyong'o has stolen my heart and I can't wait to see what her future has in store for her. It would be dream for her career to take off like my BFF in my head Jennifer Lawrence.

Everyone looked sublime last night.I am not the biggest fashionista so I want go into much detail about the fashion. This moment right here warmed my heart.

The moment when my heart stopped was when the Best Picture was being announced. I had no idea if 12 Years a Slave would take home the grand prize. I was thrilled that it won because it was the best picture of the year in my opinion. Overall, it was a spectacular night and I cannot wait until the Oscars air next year. 

Showtime: The Oscars are Here

The red carpet has been rolled out. The reporters are honing in their interviewing skills. Hundred of fans are lined up eager to get a glimpse of their favorite stars.  In a short few hours, the biggest award show will begin. Yes, the time has arrived for the Oscars. As an avid film enthusiast the Oscars are a definite highlight for me. In my humble opinion, 2013 was an excellent year for films. I predict that Gravity and 12 Years a Slave will be the biggest winners tonight. Make sure you check out my blog tomorrow for the full rundown of tonight's show. In the meantime, here are my final predictions for tonight.

Best Picture
Will/Should Win: 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: American Hustle

The Best Picture race is really between 12 Years a Slave and Gravity. The reason I choose American Hustle as the film that could win is because I believe the Academy adored the film. There is a possibility that this film will walk away with the grand prize. I hope not but it is a possibility.

Best Director
Will Win: Alfonso Cuaron for Gravity
Should Win:Steve McQueen for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: David O.Russell for American Hustle

Best Actor
Will Win: Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club
Should Win: Chiwetel Ejofor for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: Leonardo DiCaprio for Wolf of Wall Street

Matthew has been a roll this entire award season. Even though, I will be happy if he won I am rooting for Chiwetel. There is a possibility that Leonardo could sneak up and win this award. If he does, it will be a long time coming.

Best Actress
Will/Should Win: Cate Blanchett for Blue Jasmine
Could Win: Judi Dench for Philomena

Best Supporting Actor
Will/ Should Win: Jared Leto for Dallas Buyers Club
Could Win: Michael Fassbender for 12 Years a Slave

Best Supporting Actress
Will/Should Win: Lupita Nyong'o for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: Jennifer Lawrence for American Hustle

I will be beside myself if Lupita does not win this award. If she does not win I hope June Squibb wins for her amazing performance in Nebraska.

Best Original Screenplay
Will/ Should Win: Spike Jonze for Her
Could Win: Eric Singer, David O. Russel for American Hustle

Best Adapted Screenplay
Will/Should Win: John Ridley for 12 Years a Slave
Could Win: Steve Coogan for Philomena

Fruitvale Station: The Review

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz and Octavia Spencer
Written and Directed by: Ryan Coogler
Rating: 5/5 Unicorns

Fruitvale Station is the mesmerizing debut feature from Ryan Coogler about the last day of Oscar Grant's ( Michael B. Jordan) life. I have been dying to watch this film since I first heard it was being made. I was ecstatic as it got high praise at both Sundance and Cannes. When I put the DVD in, I was overwhelmed. This was a movie I had waited forever to see but I dreaded the emotions the viewing would have. I knew that there would be tears and that most likely I would be consumed by anger. In the end, I am happy that I got the privilege to watch this film.

Fruitvale Station was well written film with incredible performances. Octavia Spencer's portrayal as Oscar's mother Wanda was heartbreaking. Micheal B. Jordan not only gave an Oscar worthy performance but did the incredible task of breathing life into Oscar Grant. I have to give him and Ryan Coogler props for making Oscar Grant human. He was not portrayed as hero nor as a villain. He was a young man trying to turn his life around. He was your brother, your son, your father, your friend and your neighbor. He was someone you could relate to and root for. Unfortunately, these days there are not too many films that portray black males as human. They are just caricatures of what the media believes about blackness. Throughout the film we remain hopeful that things will work out for Oscar but in the back of our minds we know how his life will come to a tragic end.

The last twenty minutes of the film is heart stopping. You are watching the events unfold and you are disgusted with yourself that you allowed it to happen.I remember thinking to myself this is what film-making is all about. It is suppose to create a dialogue. You are suppose to react to what you are seeing. Ryan Coogler's first film is nothing short of spectacular. It is a shame that this fine film was overlooked by the Academy.I will go on the record and say Fruitvale Station was one of the best films of 2013. 

Just Let It Flow: Recap of the 71st Golden Globes

The Golden Globes are a time when the best in television and film mingle for three hours as they celebrate each other with a countless supply of booze. Some might argue that The Golden Globes are irrelevant and nothing more than the bastard stepchild of the Academy Awards. I believe that The Golden Globes set the tone for the rest of the award season. Some people are all up in arms over the winners last night but it is important to note that the Hollywood Foreign Press is not the Academy. Don't freak out just yet, wait until the Oscar nominations are announced than you can freak out.

Overall, I thought the 71st Annual Golden Globes was a success. There were things that irked me but I want to focus on what was great about the night. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey were sensational hosts. They had some of the best one-liners of the night. Their jokes about George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio had me laughing for hours.When it comes to hosting, Amy and Tina really are the golden pair. I was completely ecstatic about the wins for Andy Samberg, Amy Adams(finally), Amy Poehler(once again finally), Elizabeth Moss, Jared Leto(my favorite in his category), Leonardo DiCaprio( Tumblr rejoice) and Cate Blanchett( rooting for her to win the gold).

I know there is still a good chance that Lupita Nyong'o will win the Oscar but I was disappointed that The Hollywood Foreign Press did not recognize her as the best supporting actress. We all know my love for Jennifer Lawrence is strong but in no universe was her performance stronger than Lupita's. To tell you the truth, I was really pissed that out of the seven nominations 12 Years a Slave walked away with one. I am happy that it won Best Drama but come on it should be sweeping the awards. It's just The Golden Globes, there are several other awards for the taking. I was disappointed that Chiwetel Ejiofor did not win Best Actor in a Drama but if he was going to lose to anyone it would be to the lovely Matthew McConaughey. Isn't it amazing to see how Matthew has reshaped his career. I am so happy for his success.

The beginning of award season may have gotten to a bumpy start, but with the Oscar nominations being announced this week and both the Critic Choice Awards and SAG awards this week the season should be full of surprises. Tell me what was great about last night and what had you shaking your head. I want to know your thoughts. 

State of the Race 2013: Best Picture

Before I breakdown the Best Picture race I want to wish all y'all Happy New Year. We are only days away from the announcement of nominees for the 86th Academy Awards. This is the time in the year when my stomach goes into knots. Will my favorite films of the year get the recognition they deserve? Only time will tell.

The state of the Oscar race is forever changing. Earlier during the season, the buzz was all about Gravity. I watched Gravity but it did not really strike a chord with me. I believe it will be nominated for several awards next week. After the buzz for Gravity died down that is when 12 Years a Slave took over. I believe this film is the one to beat. I have not seen a better film this year, in fact ever. I will be more than pissed if this film does not go the distance. Right now American Hustle is the favorite to win. I have watched American Hustle and I found it to be hilarious. It was fantastic ensemble piece but it no way near the best film of the year. I believe the little gem Nebraska was a superior film. I really hope that it receives several nominations.

I am not too sure how many pictures will be nominated for Best Picture this year. I believe that there will be somewhere between 7-10 pictures fighting for Best Picture this year.
Front-runners

1. 12 Years a Slave
2. American Hustle
3. Gravity
4. Nebraska
5. Captain Phillips

Second Tier

1. Her 
2. Dallas Buyers Club
3. Inside Llewyn Davis
4. The Wolf of Wall Street
5.  Saving Mr. Banks

Possible Contenders

1. The Butler
2. Blue Jasmine
3. Fruitvale Station
4. August: Osage County
5. Rush