Now You See Me REVIEW

Well the Motion Picture Buff would like to present a review for the film Now You See Me. This film is about four magician/illusionists that are brought together by one mystery master magicians. What they do includes robbing banks, stealing money, and other highly illegal. An FBI agent is after them and so the panic ensues.

So lets think of some negatives of this film. I would have to say the love story aspect in this movie is just completely unnecessary. The movie already had enough to it with all the plot twists (which I will talk about later) and the love story just made it a little to much. The chemistry between Mark Ruffalo and Mélanie Laurent was just very poor and didn't seem believable at all. It just seemed to be intrusive to the plot of the film. One other thing I wanted to mention is that this movie has to many twists. Do not get me wrong I love twists in movies, but not more than one or two. Now You See Me is filled with twist after twist. It becomes annoying because as soon as you think one thing it changes to be something else, but guess what it changes again.

Lets talk about the positives from this film. Well firstly I want to mention that all of the actor and actresses in this film. Now You See Me includes the cast of Jessie Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fischer, Dave Franco, and lots others. They all do a fantastic job. I love each one of the four horsemen's, the characters are very well played out and very enjoyable. Each one of the actors do a great job. Now the plot of this movie is also very well. I really enjoyed this story, I was hooked right from the opening sequence. The plot flows well and keeps you hooked all the way through. There may be quite a few plot twist but it is still good. This story also has a good meaning behind it to. There is a reason behind why the four horsemen do what they do, and the reason makes sense and is very good. I would also like to mention the magic in the film. Some of the tricks were pretty darn cool.

Wrapping this review up I will say that this movie is a darn good time. You should enjoy it. Sure there are a few things bad with it, but it doesn't detract from how good and enjoyable this movie is. I would for sure give this movie a "Buy on Blu-Ray" rating. This movie would also be prefect for a popcorn movie night, you will surely enjoy cuddling up one night under a blanket with a bowl of popcorn and a drink. Now out of 10 stars I will give it a 8/10 rating.

Now sorry about the lateness on this review . . . I hope you enjoyed it though. Make sure you stay tuned for more reviews coming in the following days. I have a few movies that I have planned to review. Make sure you stay tuned for more movie review, information, and other thing involved in the movie industry.

Noah Mark Bitney

Trailer Talk: Oz the Great and Powerful

Well it has been a long time since I have done a trailer talk here, and when I woke up this morning I watched a trailer to "Oz the Great and Powerful." I got so excited about this trailer that I just HAD to talk about it. You can find the trailer below.

Well now I am here to talk about the actual trailer itself. For starters I guess I can say that I am actually really intrigued by the idea driving this movie. I loved the musical "Wizard of Oz." One of my four sisters always loved that movie, and so we watched it quite a bit and surprisingly I love it. I can also remember reading the book in fifth grade. So yes a movie about how the Wizard arrived in Oz and got the fame he got it going to of course be on "The Movie List."

What did you think about the trailer though? Are you excited to see it? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

The Motion Picture Buff

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me REVIEW

"I am back baby!" Here is the "Motion Picture Buff's" second review of the "Austin Powers" series, "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." In this film Dr. Evil has made another legendary return, but this time he has a "Mini Me" as an accomplice. Dr. Evil's new plan is to steal Austin Powers mojo, which drives him and makes his "shaggless."

So negatives to start off again. Well I think again the only thing to say here is that the film has complete and utterly stupid humor.

Other than that though this film is just again hilarious. Austin Powers gets us again with a comedy that we will all enjoy. Their is dumb comedy and then their is "Austin Powers." Mike Myers and Micheal McCullers wrote the screenplay for this film and the story is just as funny and just as engaging. Like the first Austin Powers film, you are laughing from beginning to end. The jokes are relatable and funny. The dialogue between the characters makes you laugh, and most of all the action is just hilarious. Good job at creating yet another hilarious movie. Mike Myers of course returns as Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, but their is a new character introduced in this film, Fat Bastard. He impresses you with all the characters he does become, because sometimes it is hard to tell that he plays all three of them. Heather Graham is the next Power's girl, and she really is a great Power's girl. I found her funny and the chemistry between her and Mike was really good. Robert Wagner, Seth Green, Verne Troyer, Rob Lowe, and more are in this film. They all help create a funny cast that have amazing chemistry together to make a great comedic film. Verne is great as Mini Me. Jay Roach returns yet again as director for the "Austin Powers" film, and he does just as great as before. This is a comedy you won't soon forget.

So all-in-all a great comedy that again goes down as one of my favorite comedies. For the ratings I will give it again a DVD buy worthy rating. It gets the popcorn rating again, along with family night flick as long as kids are at least older than 12. It will get a must-see rating again. As for the rating because of the stupid humor I will have to "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" a 3.5/5 rating.

Well thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this review. Make sure you "like" the "Motion Picture Buff" on Facebook HERE! It really helps me out, along with spreading the word about the reviews. Thanks again and stay tuned for more . . . coming REALLY soon.

The Motion Picture Buff

Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery REVIEW

Here comes the "Motion Picture Buff's" first review in the "Austin Powers" series, "Austin Powers International Man of Mystery." In this film a 1960's hippie super spy is frozen to be there when Dr. Evil returns. When Dr. Evil returns Austin Powers is awoken and he must adjust to the new lifestyle, try and defeat Dr. Evil, along with getting the girl.

Well negatives shall we start with? Well yes this movie is hilarious but its that stupid kind of funny. I mean more on this later, but the only negative is that it is just the dumb funny.

In this film though the dumb funny works too. So the positives right? Yes the dumb funny can be annoying but in all reality the dumb funny is also HILARIOUS. In this film it just works. I like how they make fun of what movies always do too. Just helps add to the humor. Mike Myers wrote this film and I have to say that he does a good job at making all of us laugh. He jokes you get, they are humorous, and they will have you laughing all the way till the end. It has pointless humor, but Mike does it in a good way. Mike Myers also stars as Austin Powers and Dr. Evil. I believe that helps with the humor, and he plays both roles perfectly as well. Elizabeth Hurley, Seth Green, Robert Wagner, and others are in this movie. Everyone helps make the film even more funny. I just loved it. Whenever I am in a bad mood, these films always cheer me up. Jay Roach is director of this film and he has a way with this film that just helps add to the humor. The score and theme of Austin Powers is phenomenal and if you have seen this film you will remember it forever. Just has that crazy Austin groove to it. I want to say props to the costume and make-up department too because you really are put into the 1960's at point and they did it so well.

So all-in-all a freaking hilarious film that will keep you laughing. I will give it a DVD buy worthy rating. No need to go get it on Blu-ray. I will give it the popcorn flick rating along with family night film, just make sure your kids are at least 12 years or older. It is a classic to me because I grew up with these movies so yes a must-see film rating "Austin Powers" is going to get. As for the rating I can only give "Austin Powers International Man of Mystery" a 3.5/5 rating. This does not stop it from being one of the funniest comedies out there.

Thanks for tuning in for the review. I hope you have enjoyed it. Sorry about lack of reviews, I have been busy moving. I got some time today so I thought I would do some. So stay tuned for more . . . coming REALLY soon.

The Motion Picture Buff

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade REVIEW

The "Motion Picture Buff" would like to present his third installment in the reviews of the "Indiana Jones" franchise. In this film Dr. Henry Jones Sr. goes missing while on a pursuit for the Holy Grail. Indiana Jones or "Junior" must find his father and beat the Nazi's to the grail.

So are their negatives to this film? Unfortunately I am going to have to point out a few. First of all Alison Doody plays Dr. Elsa Schneider. I didn't find her character or performance the greatest. She bugged me and in a nutshell she didn't sell her performance very well. The other thing I really want to mention is that the plot is a bit predictable the whole way through. Something happens, but you know what the outcome will be.

Other than that this film is great! In my opinion this is the greatest "Indiana Jones" film out their. Harrison Ford returns as Indiana and again no one could have played this character better. He just has that great quality for Indiana Jones. Sean Connery comes in to play Indiana's father in this film, and he is amazing as Indiana's father. Sean and Harrison have amazing chemistry together, and it is hard to believe that he actually isn't his father in real life. I would not have been surprised otherwise. The rest of the cast does a great job at creating an enjoyable movie. Steven Spielberg returns as director for this film and lets say he does a decent job with this film, nothing spectacular but good. John Williams is at the helm of the score of the film again, and I loved his composition for this film. Defiantly deserved that Oscar nomination he got. Lets say it is a must-buy, I know I am going to. Is it weird to talk about the sound effects in a movie, but I just loved them in this movie. Like everything sounded perfect and just right. The cinematography too looks amazing. I have always enjoyed the cinematography in the "Indiana Jones" films though. They always have this look and feel to them that gives them that western look, but in reality its not a western. Oh one last thing to mention is I like the beginning of the movie and how they divulge into Indiana's past. I found that enjoyable, and I thought they did a good job with casting the right young Indiana Jones, River Phoenix, may he rest in peace.

So all-in-all a great addition to the "Indiana Jones" franchise, and in my opinion the most enjoyable one. Its got that action and classic feel to it that made you fall in love with the first one. For the ratings, I am going to give it a must-see rating along with a Blu-ray buy worthy. It most likely looks way better on Blu-ray! I will give it a popcorn flick rating, but it can pass as a good family night film. As for the rating out of five, "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" deserves a 4.5/5 rating.

Well thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this review. To view the reviews of the other "Indiana Jones" films click the name of them here: "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Temple of Doom." Thanks again and stay tuned for more . . . coming soon.

The Motion Picture Buff

Beetlejuice REVIEW

In the Halloween spirit the "Motion Picture Buff" would like to review a Halloween classic, "Beetlejuice." In this film a couple of newly made ghosts hire a "bio-exorcist" to help get ride of the obnoxious new family that moved in to their house.

Shall I begin with the positives that come from this film? Well lets begin with the acting in this film. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis were the two newly made ghosts in this film and I thought these two had amazing chemistry together. They really seemed like the perfect couple and I really enjoyed their characters. Oh and I never realized how awesome Alec Baldwin used to look. Jeffery Jones, Catherine O'Hara, and Winona Ryder (as a teenager) were the Deetz family that moved into the house. These three did a good job, but Winona stood out the most. I really enjoyed her performance in this film. Moving on I thought the story and screenplay of this movie was actually very well done. The whole story seemed to just work, and it was very interesting. It was funny when it needed to be, and it was the good funny that actually made you laugh and remember why you were laughing which makes you laugh again. Director Tim Burton did an excellent job with this film . . . right up until the end (more on that later though). The music in the film isn't bad either, it is pretty darn enjoyable. As a movie as a whole though, I will have to say it is extremely enjoyable and it keeps you watching. Originally I wasn't going to watch it all the way through, I kept telling myself, "One more commercial and then I will go do my homework." Instead though I watched the entire movie, and ended up doing my homework late into the night. I hate to love how a movie can do that to me.

So what are the negatives of this film? Well the last maybe 15-25 minutes of the film were completely timburtonized. The word timburtonized means that it is completely over-the-top weird and just down right creepy and dumb. In this film the that is what you endure for the last half-an-hour about. I just found it annoying. Then the only other thing was Micheal Keaton's performance as the character Beetlejuice. It was completely over-the-top and just down right annoying.

So all-in-all a extremely good Halloween flick that you and your family or friends should enjoy. I can see why it is a classic. For the rating I will give it a must-see rating along with a popcorn flick; which includes for a family-night. It is probably Blu-ray buy worthy but you can probably pick it up on DVD too. As for the rating out of five, "Beetlejuice" is going to receive a 4/5 rating.

Well thanks for reading and I hope that you have enjoyed this review of a Halloween classic. Make sure you stay tuned for more . . . coming soon.

The Motion Picture Buff

Raiders of the Lost Ark REVIEW

Here comes the first installment in the reviews of the "Indiana Jones" series. The "Motion Picture Buff" would like to present a review for "Raiders of the Lost Ark." In this film an archaeologist and adventurer named Indiana Jones is hired by the US government to find the Ark of the Covenant. The only problem is that he is also fighting against the Nazi's.

Well negatives . . . negatives. Anyone who has seen this movie would now that it is really hard to find a negative in the first installment of this series. I know I can't, so here I am going to talk about the positives. Well the acting from everyone in this film is just magnificent. Harrison Ford does a great job as Indiana Jones and everything. He was literally born to play this role. Now I know I say that about a lot of people but literally, nobody could have fit the hat and whip better. Karen Allen is also in this movie and I loved her. The chemistry between her and Harrison is just great. Paul Freeman, Denholm Elliot, John Rys-Davies, and others are also in this film. A great cast came together to make a great film. Steven Spielberg directed this film and let me just say he does a great job with this film. As they say this is one of his best films. He just has a way of keeping you engaged in the film that makes it so enjoyable. He also creates some elements to the film that are great. John Williams is at the helm of the composition for this film and he has created a masterpiece of a score with this film. Of all the soundtracks I have told you to get make sure this is on the top five list. I love John Williams, he is for sure my favorite composer still to this day. Now this film came out in 1981 and for its time period it definitely had some pretty good graphics. The cinematography I also loved in this film, the film just had that action/adventure look and feel to it. The other thing I wanted to mention was the costumes, I thought for the time period of the movie that they did a pretty darn good job with recreating the clothing for the characters. This also leads me to the sets, I thought that they definitely recreated the late 1940's for us. Now the last thing to mention though is the screenplay. George Lucas and Philip Kaufman created the story of Indiana Jones, but the writer of the screenplay was Lawrence Kasdan and I thought it was great. What makes a great script is great dialogue and a plot that makes logical sense and this film did it well.

If I think back on it now the only thing I could mention negatively about this film, is that at some points I felt like the movie's plot seemed a bit rushed and a little unnatural.

So all-in-all a GREAT action adventure film that is fun for the whole family. It has an amazing cast and just a great story with it too. "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is going to get a must-see rating of course, along with a popcorn flick rating. I will also award it the rating of Blu-ray buy worthy and a good family flick for one night. As for the rating out of five, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is going to get a worthy 4.5/5 rating.

Well thanks for reading and I really do hope that you enjoyed this review. One thing to mention is that make sure you like "Motion Picture Buff Reviews" on Facebook HERE. Thanks again and stay tuned for more . . . coming soon.

The Motion Picture Buff

Despicable Me REVIEW

The "Motion Picture Buff" would like to present a review for the kids film, "Despicable Me." In this film a criminal mastermind, Gru, uses orphan girls to help in his attempt to steal a "shrink-ray" from yet another criminal mastermind. He does find that their love has changed him though . . . for the better.

Lets begin with the positives shall we? Well Gru is voiced by Steve Carell and I think they could have found no one better for the job. He just fits the character extremely well. Russell Brand and Jason Segel are also in this film and I think they are great for their characters as well. I do also enjoy Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier, and Elsie Kate Fisher as the orphan girls. Perfect job finding the right voices for the film! The characters you care the most about are the orphan girls and Gru, but who you are going to love the most is "the minions." The little yellowish creatures that you can see in the poster above. They are the main comedic relief in this film, and what I enjoyed most about this film. The minions are what also keep the parents enjoying the film along with the kids. It is great when a kids movie can bring enjoyment to the children and the parents or the older kids that have to sit and watch it with them. The film has a good message to it which is love and family. I think the directors of this movies, Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud, did a good job with a great kids film. I believe it must be hard to make a good kids film that parents and children enjoy, but they did it just perfectly. This movie also just looks cool, you know what I mean? It has a good look to it. The animation I guess is what I am trying to get at is just visually great.

Negatives though that I will have to give it? This being a professional (in a way) review I have to say that the plot is jumpy and seems to be rushed. It is all that inventive (if you know what I mean) either. The action that is involved in this film is short and just over-the-top. Not at all that interesting also.

So all-in-all what is this film deserve? Well a GREAT kids film and a good family film for everyone to enjoy! It will get a popcorn night rating along with a DVD buy-worthy rating. You and your kids will want to watch it again sometime. As for the rating out of five, "Despicable Me" will get a well deserved 3.5/5 rating.

Well thanks for reading and I am hoping that you enjoyed this review. Now, make sure you like the "Motion Picture Buff" on Facebook: either CLICK HERE or click the like button on the bottom of the sidebar. Thanks again and make sure you stay tuned for more reviews of motion pictures . . . coming soon.

The Motion Picture Buff

Looney Tunes: Back in Action REVIEW

The "Motion Picture Buff" would like to present a review for "Looney Tunes: Back in Action." In this film "The Looney Tunes" go in search for a man's father, and for the legendary diamond, the blue monkey.

Well hm how can I really describe the negatives of this film. Well the direction and just well lets say this movie really doesn't appeal to the critic's eye. The plot of this film is rushed and just moves along at what I think is to fast of pace. One thing is happening and before you know it another thing is going on already. It is extremely predictable and corny. Next, I really do not like Jenna Elfman in this film. I founded her performance and her character just annoying.

After all that though the film is a fun and goofy ride that you will enjoy regardless your age. I loved in this film the classic "Looney Tunes" references. The film made me fall in love with the characters I fell in love with when I was a kid. A serious critic part to this film is that the acting required from Brennan Fraser and Steve Martin was great! Steve Martin can really play a creepy basterd. Back to why I loved this film, which is because it made fun of the things movies do all the time. The characters in the film made fun of what they were going or what they were doing, when it is found in loads of movies made. Like when you know the two main characters are going to fall in love. I just loved that. I made the movie more enjoyable and gave it a reason to be funny. No matter how stupid and pointless this movie was it still was an enjoyable film, even though I am 18 years old.

So all-in-all I am going to say it is a kids film for the whole family to enjoy one night. I realize this wasn't the best review, but sometimes there is a movie that roles around that you just have to sit back and enjoy. This movie made itself that. So yes it is DVD buy worthy, and as for the rating, "Looney Tunes: Back in Action" will get a 3/5 rating.

Well thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed this film review. I do have some news to tell you before I end this review. I am now currently enrolled in Full Sail University for a Creative Writing for Entertainment Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. I plan on still doing reviews, but sooner or later my reviews won't be everyday like they have been. I still plan on doing a couple every week when I get time, but I thought I would let my loyal fans know. Thanks for the continued support and I hope you still continued to stay tuned for more . . . coming soon.

The Motion Picture Buff

Over the Hedge REVIEW

The "Motion Picture Buff" would like to present another review off the track of the "Harry Potter" series reviews, a review for "Over the Hedge." In this film a raccoon fools a family of forest creatures into helping him repay a debt of human food. They invade the new suburban neighborhood that popped up while they were hibernating for the winter. Panic ensues and in the end it leaves a good message.

Well lets start with the positives that come from "Over the Hedge." Well firstly the entire cast that voices this characters in this film are great. They definitely did a good job picking the correct characters here. Steve Carell, Wanda Sykes, Bruce Willis, Garry Shandling, William Shatner, Nick Nolte, and Thomas Haden Church all are fantastic. The the storyline of this film follows a great tone and keeps you well interested the whole way through. I loved how they poked fun at humans since the main of this film is about the animals life. The messages within this film are great too for little ones. They get to watch an enjoyable movie, and yet it sends them off with the right message. The directors of this film did great, keeping every detail of the film important. The animation of the film just looked great and I loved it. Then there was the humor in this film . . . usually humor is a hard thing to get by on me. Well I thought this movie was hilarious. It did a great job at giving me some laughs, and I remember as a kid I laughed. So this movie is great for a babysitter to have when babysitting some kids.

Negatives that come from "Over the Hedge." Well I have to say there is just TOO much funny is spots where is needs to be serious. The character Hammy was just over the top funny, and in the end could be enjoyable but got annoying to how much they over-used him for funny. The last thing I want to mention here is that the movie felt really rushed. I realize its a kids movie but its not even an hour an a half long. I just feel like that is too short to be a feature film, don't you agree? It just seemed to keep moving and moving with and moved from one point STRAIGHT to the next.

So all-in-all what did I think of this film? Well its definitely a DVD buy-worthy. You and your kids will enjoy it more than once. Good family night film, and you guessed it . . . a kids film. Not a must-see though. On the scale out of five, "Over the Hedge" will get a three point five out of five. 

Well thanks for reading this review of the animated film "Over the Hedge." Hope you have enjoyed it. I do want to say one thing though . . . again (like I always do) before I leave with this review. Thanks for the continued support here. It means the world to me. I am almost at 1500 views in about four months . . . may not seem like a lot, but to me it is just HUGE. I never thought I would have this many. So thanks again and make sure you spread the word about "The Motion Picture Buff Reviews." Hey also stay tuned for more . . . coming soon.

The Motion Picture Buff