Fruitvale Station

Fruitvale Station is based on the true story of Oscar Grant III. I am embarrassed to say that I did not remember this story until my manager brought up wanting to see the movie. I was living in California when this incident occurred in 2009. I heard here and there about a white cop shooting a young African American but that's all I remembered.

As so many horrible things do in our society, as soon as the next horrific thing happened, I forgot about this story. But, as soon as I saw the preview for the movie I knew I had to see it. I knew it was an Indie film, and if you haven't learned already, I love watching Indie films. According to Wikipedia.org this movie was filmed in 20 days which is incredible. I am unsure whether or not that fact is accurate, but if it is, wow.

I have done a great deal of research about the true facts of this movie and what actually happened. When it comes to true stories I like to find out just how much is actually truth. The underlying point to this story is that justice needs to be served. Oscar Grant was not a "stand up citizen," he had many problems which are documented all over the wonderful world wide web. He sold drugs, went to jail, cheated on his girlfriend (mother of his daughter), and was unable to retain his job. Some of these things are depicted in the movie, there is an added scene which appears to be added to make you feel a sense of connection to the character in a positive manner. But despite who Oscar Grant was or the mistakes (big and small) he made, what happened was unacceptable.

In the movie and through interviews from those who recorded the incident on their phones it appears that Oscar was involved in a scuffle. A fight, is what the police called it, but someone who witnessed it said it seemed to be no more than two guys wrestling. Despite what the fight was or wasn't, cops showed up on the scene. It all lead to Oscar being forced to the ground by a couple cops, face down on the ground, unarmed, a cop pulls his gun and shoots Oscar in the back. This is the fatal shot that (eventually) ended Oscar's life. The officer was charged with manslaughter.

This is a personal side note based on my research, but the officer was given 2 years including time already served, which is LESS than the minimum for manslaughter. However, the officer was let out after 11 months served. To me that is absolutely unacceptable. This is where the justice system failed. I think this movie is completely worth renting. Not only because it is a real life story but because it may cause us to look at the discrepancies within our justice system.

Lee Daniels' The Butler

The Butler, what can I say? I'm going to be honest, I had absolutely no want to see this movie. I have a hard time tolerating Oprah Winfrey (I know I'm the minority) so the fact that she is a lead in this movie made me want to steer clear. On the opposite end of the spectrum I have a great amount of respect for Forest Whitaker and I think he is a brilliant actor.

This is the true life story of Eugene Allen. A lot has happened throughout this man's life and I cannot imagine what it would have been like to recap what it was like to serve under multiple presidents. I understood this film to be the story of a man working as hard as possible to give his family everything.

It is painful to watch at certain points when you watch his eldest son say horrific things to him or learn about his younger son going to war. Watching as Eisenhower talks about how he doesn't necessarily agree with desegregation in schools and knowing that he is that man's butler.

I cannot imagine what it was like to be Mr. Allen and live this life. It was hard for me to watch because at some points I felt like he was doing so much at that time eventually being honored by President Reagan but at the same time having to deal with Presidents who still saw him as just the butler. I know that this is a man's life story and deserves to be respected, however I felt as if the movie was a little long. I wouldn't say that that warrants a "don't watch." I would say if you are interested in the movie go ahead and RENT it, it is worth a view.

Blackfish

This is absolutely, 100% one of the best movies, let alone documentaries I've ever seen. I saw this film on the recommendation of my friend Salwa Sabet and I can not say thank you enough! I have tried to convince everyone I come in contact with to watch it.

I think most kids grew up wanting to go to Sea World. Heck, I was super excited to go to Sea World just a matter of years ago when my parents offered to take me. I, however, am sad to say that will be the last time I ever go to Sea World. It is a sad reality as we get older to realize how animals are treated in things such as the circus and theme parks.

I know for myself I never stopped to think where do they keep these huge animals all the time? I just assured myself, they take care of them and enjoyed my entertainment. It is in that statement alone however that I find the true issue. Animals, especially ones as large as killer whales, were not ever meant to be entertainment for the masses. They are these absolutely amazing creatures who are meant to swim free for miles and miles each day.

This documentary is absolutely a must see for everyone. I don't care if you "don't want to watch because it will make you sad." How do you think the whales feel? I made my mom watch it and she usually only watches movies with happy endings. It is ridiculous what Sea World has done and especially in the cases of their own trainers being injured. Please please please I beg of you, watch this documentary! It will change your life, okay maybe not, but it will change your outlook on Sea World.

In case you missed it, SEE IT! I saw it in the theater and again once it was released.

Rapture-Palooza

This movie is just stupid funny. I am slightly obsessed with Anna Kendrick, she is amazing. I think I've covered this before but I fell hard for her in the first Twilight, so regardless of how terrible some of her films may be, I will see them all.

My guess is this movie was made in the wake of This is the End. Someone decided hey it's really funny to make fun of those who believe in the apocalypse, so let's jump on this bandwagon. It wasn't a terrible idea and although I'm probably in the minority I laughed more during this movie than I did during the previously mentioned.

Before you even start the film you will see one of Craig Robinson's funny moments in the film which I'm going to be honest, I watched over and over and laughed. "Who is a sexy beast, I am a sexy beast." It's funny and ironic so what more could you want.

If you enjoy dark humor/comedy and are not easily offended than I say go ahead and watch this one. It was funny and if I am looking for a no thought worthy but laughable film I would watch this again. Wouldn't pay to see it in the theater, but would rent it again.

Mud

Pay close attention, are you focused in? Great, now the important news. Matthew McConaughey has lost it. I have known this for awhile but kept my opinions to myself, for the most part, because the majority seem to find him incredibly irresistible. Now, while I don't disagree that he is pretty to look at, his acting has been mediocre typically.

This is one of those movies, one of those movies you want to be good but instead, it is just mediocre. The two boys who are in the movie did an amazing job. I don't think it is their fault I didn't love the movie, because I really enjoyed watching them.

I'm honestly not sure what to say about this movie that for the majority you can't get from watching the trailer. I thought the trailer was interesting and that's why I rented the movie, but I felt like I could have taken away the main concepts from just the trailer. I hate that. It is by far one of my biggest pet peeves, I want a trailer to give me just enough that I want to see the movie, but once I see it I don't want to feel like I should have just stuck with the trailer. I'm rambling at this point.

Realistically the only reason I rented this movie was to see Reese Witherspoon because I adore her. This is one film RottenTomatoes.com and I will always disagree on, they rated it very highly, I however would say skip it. My apologies, Reese, I so wanted to like this movie.

Pretty Wild

First things first, thank you E! for this poster. I can't say thank you for the show though. The whole reason I decided to watch this train wreck was because I sat through The Bling Ring and found out these are the girls that movie was based on.

Let me just tell you, the show was just as horrific, if not more so, than the movie. I am unsure how these girls have made it this far in life with the (lack of) parenting that existed. I am not sure where everyone is on encouraging their children to become pornstars or present themselves in Playboy, but that is what this mom was about.

If you would like a guide on how NOT to raise children I strongly suggest watching this show. You could also watch this show if you like watching the strong misfortune of other people. But, if you want to keep all of your braincells I'd go with... SKIP IT!

Compliance

Holy cow! This movie is ridiculous, in the best way possible. I watched this based on a recommendation from my old roommate and friend, Sarah Drake. I had no idea what it was about or (at the time) who the main actress being terrorized even was.

I definitely know who Dreama Walker is now though and I'm glad I do! If you are unaware of this movie or what it is about go ahead and read (True story) about the incidents this movie is based off of. Long story short someone prank calls different facilities and convinces them they are the police and to strip search their employees.

I don't know what is more upsetting about this film the fact that it happened or the fact that people are so willing to believe someone over the phone is who they say they are. If you didn't check out the link I provided about the story be aware that instances such as this have happened over 70 times in multiple states.

If for no other reason than to see what has already happened, watch this movie! It is not appropriate for the children, but it is a good watch. Keep in mind it is rated R for a reason. I would definitely watch this again, this is the perfect example of an Indie film down right!

Fun Size

Fun Size, what a fitting name, not because of the pint size actor, Jackson Nicoll, who steals the show, but because that is about how much fun you can expect from this movie. Before I hate on this movie a great deal, I do have to point out that it was not made for a 26 year old.

I know that "kid movies" are not made just for kids anymore. For years the industry has been revolutionizing how kids movies are made so that parents/aunts/uncles/grandparents/etc don't feel bored during the movie and can enjoy it as well.

This movie doesn't necessarily do that, it has some adult humor in it so I'm not sure it is really for kids under about 10, but I'm not sure those over 15 would enjoy it, so small demographic is a let down. I pretty much only watched it to see Chelsea Handler, I didn't expect miracles from this movie but I didn't laugh nearly the amount I would have liked to.

Was it worth the money I spent at Redbox? Yes. Did it help me not be frightened since it was my follow up movie to a "scary" (Mama) movie? Sure. Was it a movie I would want to sit through again with my nieces and nephew, probably not.

So, if you have children between 10 and 15 who may want to watch this movie, go ahead and allow them. It's not necessarily a pass, but I'm not rushing out to watch it again.

Spring Breakers

Oh my gosh! I don't know what I was thinking when I decided to watch this movie. I guess my thinking consisted of, "Hey, I like James Franco and it would be interesting to see Vanessa Hudgens do something outside of High School Musical."

The sad reality would appear that she was so desperate to escape that stereotype she decided to take part in this horrific film. Words truly cannot express how awful this movie was.

I had high hopes for Ashley Benson of Pretty Little Liars, but will never look at her the same either after this movie. My suggestion would overwhelmingly be, skip this movie! I wish I had even one good thing to say about this movie but I don't. So, I'll keep this review short and (bitter)sweet.

On this movie, I'm going to have to take a hard pass.