'The Conjuring 2' Opens With $16.4 Million on Friday

Madison Wolfe as Janet Hodgson

Image via collider.com

This year has been disappointing in terms of sequels. Films such as The Huntsman: Winter's War, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Now You See Me 2 have not been met with high praise. These days, many sequels have been viewed as "cash grabs" rather than necessary continuations of their predecessors. We know that sequels have a tendency to underperform, but history has shown that sequels also have the possibility of being even better than the original films. For example, Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Aliens and The Godfather Part II have been viewed as the best of these franchises. So, sequels can work, and The Conjuring 2 definitely did not disappoint.

In July of 2013, The Conjuring finished its opening weekend with a domestic total of $41.8 million. It's equally as terrifying sequel finished at #1 on Friday, beating two other sequels (TMNT 2, Now You See Me 2), with a total of $16.4 million. It is on pace to finish the weekend with a total of $38 million, just $3 million shy of the original film.

Having seen this film already I can say that it is definitely a worthy sequel. I hope that the film continues to do well because James Wan, his team and the actors really do put their heart and soul into these films. I think because they've gotten so close to Lorraine Warren, they want to make sure these are quality films that do justice to these cases and the families involved. Personally, and as stated by the writers of both films, Chad and Carey Hayes, I hope these films continue to be made. The whole team involved in these films have such a hold on the subject matter and the characters of Ed and Lorraine Warren that it would be a crime to abandon their stories.

If you'd like to hear more about The Conjuring 2, check out this interview with Chad and Carey Hayes from the Schmoes Know Show and remember to subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Review Rewind: 'Hector and the Search for Happiness'

Once again, I've hit the jackpot when it comes to finding some great movies on Netflix. While some may be intrigued to watch a film based on its star rating, or because they've exhausted all other options and are fearful that their night will be a total waste, I often only need to know one thing: who's in it? When I saw Simon Pegg was the lead actor, I was immediately on board. He's slowly become one of my favorite actors working today. His comedic timing, dramatic chops and overall acting ability instantly elevates any film he's in. Not to mention Gone Girl star Rosamund Pike is also in this film, which was a huge plus. So, without further ado, let us talk about this charming and adventurous film, Hector and the Search for Happiness.

Simon Pegg plays the role of Hector, a psychiatrist who views his life as routine driven and lacking any sort of adventure. This prompts Hector to go on a journey to discover what makes people happy, feeling he's unable to help his patients, or give them any advice that will improve their lives until he discovers this for himself. Beginning his trip of self-discovery, disguised as psychiatric research, Hector begins in China and ends in Los Angeles. Along the way, he encounters certain people and places that make a profound impact on him, for better and for worse. There's a storyline of a lost love, reconnecting with old friends, and doing things you wouldn't normally do. What this film succeeds in doing so well, among other things, is sending the audience one the same journey. You really begin to think about your own life and what you've done. Its 104 minutes of self-examination.

Hector and the Search for Happiness is an incredibly fun film, although it does have some tense moments. Simon Pegg is such a likable actor, and his roles often reflect that, so when you see his characters evoke certain emotions, its much more effective. Rosamund Pike, although not in the film a whole lot, turns in a great performance as well. Don't worry, she is definitely not her character from Gone Girl, which was especially terrifying.

This is one of those films that take you on an adventure and touch on almost every emotion. If you're a fan of Simon Pegg, I highly recommend this film. In my opinion, this film is what filmmaking should be. You're inspired to tell a story that will connect with a large audience and you tell it with care and people who believe in your vision. The message of this film will resonate with a those who watch it because we've all asked ourselves this question at one time or another. So, if you're staying in this Saturday night, I highly recommend treating yourself to this film. Or, you can go out and have a life while I'm watching movies in a room surrounded by Star Wars books, Pop Vinyl's, and other memorabilia. Oh, and Star Wars pajamas. I may have said too much... Just go watch the movie!

'The Conjuring 2' Review

Image via comingsoon.net

Let me begin by saying that I rarely see horror movies in the theater. I think the last film I saw in the theater  that can be classified as such was a film titled The Fourth Kind, centered on alien abduction (don't see it, it's not good). For one, I'm the type of person who watches horror films with my head resting on the palm of my hand, elbow on the armrest, so in the event of a tense scene, I can quickly cover my ears to ease the effect of those damn jump scares. On the other hand, horror films haven't had a great track record in the last 10-15 years. But, when The Conjuring was released back in July of 2013, I knew I had to check it out, just not in theaters. So, I watched it on demand and loved the film. Now, with the release of The Conjuring 2, I made the decision to bite the bullet and go see it the way its meant to be seen: alone, in a pitch black auditorium, while you hear the sounds of thunder and rain outside the building.

The Conjuring 2 sees the return of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they investigate the Enfield Haunting, following their involvement in the Amityville Horror case. After their investigation of the former, Lorraine Warren thinks that it is necessary for the couple to take a break from these cases for a while, citing a vision she has concerning her husband. But, as fate would have it, a family of five in Enfield, London begin to experience hauntings in their own home through 11-year old Janet Hodgson. What begins as explainable happenings quickly become sinister. As we see in the trailer, Janet becomes possessed by a demonic entity, which prompts a war of convictions between believers and non-believers.

This film is, without a doubt, terrifying. Sitting in that theater alone, I began to trick myself into hearing certain noises or feeling like things were a bit off. That is how you know you're engrossed in a film and when the story is compelling, although seeing the words "based on a true story," always helps. One thing I did notice about this film as opposed to the previous one is that there was much more disturbing imagery, from the appearances of the demonic entities to the actual events that occur in the film. In a way, this film feels much more supernatural as far as believability goes. Some of the things that happen to those involved just don't seem possible, while the events in the first film do. However, that's not to say that I don't believe the Hodgson family and they're accounts of what happened to them. The writers, director and Lorraine Warren herself have made it very clear that there is truth to this film.

Behind the camera, James Wan and the Hayes brothers knock it out of the park once again. You can tell that they really concentrate on getting these films right. On many occasions, horror movies rely on the "based on a true story" tagline just to get people in the seats, but those involved with these films have had such a personal connection to these cases now that they have to do them justice, especially for Lorraine Warren. James Wan, in my opinion, is a master of suspense. The slow, methodical camera work and tracking of these characters throughout the movie just builds so much tension that the scares become much more effective and I think that's a big part of why this film succeeds.

Madison Wolfe (left), Vera Farmiga (right)

Image via rogerebert.com

On screen, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson deliver another great performance as the famed paranormal investigators. While this is a horror film, there is a love story involved and you really see that they have an unbreakable bond. No matter what the Warren's may face, you know they're going to face it together. But, I think Madison Wolfe (Janet Hodgson) completely steals this movie. Her ability to portray a normal 11-year old girl, and then totally transform into a terrifying, demonic presence is something to marvel at. So far, both of these films have been able to cast incredible child actors, something that seldom happens in this genre. There's one scene involving Wolfe and Farmiga as they sit on a swing set that is both chilling and a tear jerker. Watch out for that one.

Overall, I thought The Conjuring 2 was an excellent horror film. It utilizes jump scares in the right way, has a compelling story that is all the more terrifying since these are based on firsthand accounts, and boasts tremendous talent. The film also succeeds in injecting some lighthearted moments in the midst of all the turmoil and it totally worked for me. So, if you're in the mood for a great horror movie and were a fan of the first film, definitely go check this out. If not, you can always go see Now You See Me 2. I mean, it does have Daniel Radcliffe, but I'd rather see him play a farting corpse in Swiss Army Man than be wasted in that unnecessary sequel. Spend your money wisely, fellow movie goers.

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Has Exited Its Final Theater

Image via starwars.com

Today, is bittersweet. My most anticipated film of 2015, resurrecting my all-time favorite franchise, has ended its theatrical run. Star Wars: The Force Awakens breathed new life into a universe that we all thought had run its course. J.J. Abrams was given the daunting task of returning this beloved world back to prominence while introducing new characters that we care about, but not forgetting about those that came before. I know the naysayers are out there in regards to the quality of this film (rehash, copy, etc.), but I will continue to defend it.


Now, to get to the main point of this topic, Star Wars: The Force Awakens finished with a domestic total of $936,662,225. It now sits atop the all-time domestic box office totals, surpassing Avatar and Titanic. Ironically, they could not accomplish the same feat in the international box office. Avatar remains at #1 and Titanic at #2. Despite those numbers, Star Wars does own two other spots on the top 10 domestic box office list (Star Wars, Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace). I find it interesting how the first installment of each trilogy are the ones to reach those numbers, yet Empire Strikes Back and Revenge of the Sith, believed to be the best of both trilogies, do not crack the top 10. I'd very much like to see if that trend continues now with Episode VIII.

Lucasfilm does not plan on this trend to stop anytime soon. This December, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, directed by Godzilla director, Gareth Edwards is slated for release on December 15. Taking place before Star Wars: A New Hope, Rogue One is centered around the mission to steal the Death Star plans, referenced in the opening crawl of the first film. Darth Vader will be in the film and will have the feel of a war film, which I am very excited about. Then, a year later, we will get the next installment in the Skywalker Saga with Episode VIII, directed by Brick and Looper director, Rian Johnson. Following that film, six months later, returning these films back to their home in late May, will be the untitled Han Solo film. Starring Alden Ehrenreich as our new Han Solo, Phil Lord and Chris Miller of 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street fame will helm the film, slated for a May 2018 release. Then, 2019 will bring an end to this trilogy with Star Wars: Episode IX, written by Rian Johnson and directed by Jurassic World director, Colin Trevorrow. An untitled anthology film is scheduled for a 2020 release, but there are no details about story or anything else for that matter.


For all of us Star Wars fans, we have a lot to look forward to. I guarantee we'll get a lot more information about Rogue One, dispelling the rumors that these reshoots mean the film is a disaster, as well as more details regarding filming for Episode VIII. Definitely something to watch next month, especially Dave Filoni's announcement that may introduce the return of a beloved Legends character. A lot of exciting developments and I'm glad I'll be a part of it next year at Star Wars Celebration Orlando!


May the Force be with you.

'The Lobster' Review

First off, thank you to Alicia Malone for recommending this film to her viewers and Twitter followers while she was covering the Cannes Film Festival (have yet to dislike a film she's recommended). Before this year, I've never paid much attention to indie films, partly because they are usually limited releases and don't have the same appeal as other, more well marketed films. Luckily, The Lobster was a wide release, and had great reviews, so I did not hesitate in buying my ticket and embarking on yet another cinematic journey.

The Lobster is set in a dystopian society where couples are the norm, and those who have yet to find their mate are sent to a hotel that gives them 45 days to meet someone, or risk being turned into an animal of their choice (guess which animal Colin Farrell picked). Following the story of David (Colin Farrell), a man who checks into this hotel after an 11 year and 1 month relationship leaves him newly single, we see the bizarre and weird unfold. It honestly feels like you're checking into a prison rather than a hotel, due to the strict regulations and guidelines that surround this place. They emphasize the need of a partner, demonstrating different scenarios that mean life or death if you're either alone or with someone. Compatibility is also used in a very superficial way, assuming that people only need to have one thing in common for them to be suitable partners. Think of the "Martha" scene in Batman v. Superman.

The characters you meet along the way in this film are never assigned a name, only a description, which makes it hard for you to really connect with them on a deeper level. For some films that could be quite detrimental, but it works tremendously well here. Character interactions in this film are unlike any I've ever seen before. Awkward conversations, blunt requests, bizarre developments and dark humor surround almost every scene. Aside from the central plot, a love story does unfold between Colin Farrell's character and Rachel Weisz's character. I honestly cannot delve deeper into that part of the story because I feel it would take away from the experience. The ending will leave you a bit speechless.

These small films really do have some of the best performances audiences will see and The Lobster is no exception. Colin Farrell's portrayal of David is extremely captivating. While we've seen him play a number of different roles in the past, his portrayal of this awkward and seemingly depressed man is probably his best yet. Rachel Weisz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Wishaw and John C. Reilly also turn in great performances and give this film a lot of variety in terms of their personalities. None of these actors are there just to earn a paycheck. Everyone in this film adds a little something different that makes it the odd, yet very entertaining and thought provoking film it is.

Before you run out and buy a ticket for The Lobster (which I know you're doing right now, obviously), this film is not for everyone. Despite a 91% critic rating, I know many people will hate this film (animals do die in this movie). But, if indie films are your thing or you're into watching these types of films with original, character driven stories, definitely see it. But, if you end up gouging your eyes out with a knife, I apologize.

"Zootopia' Crosses $1 Billion Worldwide

Zootopia follows the story of a rabbit police officer who lives in a world of talking animals, set in a modern metropolitan city. The Disney animated film currently sits at an extremely fresh 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Since its release in early March, making $73.7 million in its opening weekend and being the biggest opening for a Disney animated film, as well as the largest opening for an animated film in the month of March, Zootopia continues to make noise. After remaining in the top 10 at the box office for three consecutive months and being named the second highest-grossing film based on an original story, the film has finally reached the $1 billion mark.

Disney has owned the first half of 2016, also benefiting from the overwhelming success of The Jungle Book and Captain America: Civil War. There should be no reason to believe that this trend will stop. We still have another Marvel film to be released in November with Doctor Strange, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story slated for release in mid-December. According to ScreenRant, of the 26 films to cross $1 billion, 11 of them are Disney products. These include: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Frozen, Iron-Man 3, Captain America: Civil War, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Toy Story 3, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Alice in Wonderland, and Zootopia. I think its safe to assume that Doctor Strange and Rogue One will soon be added to that list.

Unfortunately for me, I have yet to see this film (I know, I know, I'm a terrible person). But, given that the Blu-Ray is available on June 7th, that will end very soon! Follow my lead if you have yet to see this film and go buy it! If not, then you just hate Disney.

Review Rewind: 'Whiplash'

Image via The Huffington Post

Whiplash is a film that I remember was being talked about 24/7 after its release, especially the performances by Miles Teller (who performed 90% of the visual drumming in the film according to director Damien Chazelle). Unfortunately, and regretfully, I did not experience this film at the time of its release. I actually completely forgot about this film, until I bought Chris Stuckmann's first book "The Film Buff's Bucket List," while browsing the On-Screen section in the back of my local Barnes and Noble. Whiplash was on his list and that alone made me stop whatever I was doing in order to finally watch this film. So, thank you, Chris. Now, I owe you one.

Andrew (Miles Teller) is a very ambitious and talented drummer who attends the most prestigious music school in the country. He wants to be the next great talent and doesn't want anything to stand in his way as he sets out to achieve that goal, something he makes very clear to a potential love interest. His family, on the other hand, can't quite connect with this dream of his and instead embody the idea of a more traditional career path. There's a scene at the family dinner table where this is wonderfully presented. Now, enter Terence Fletcher, the most respected music director in this institution (J.K. Simmons). Essentially, he is THE guy you have to go through if you even think you have what it takes to be great. As soon as Fletcher enters a room, everyone stops what they're doing and seem visibly intimidated, and for good reason. After Fletcher takes Andrew under his wing and gives him a core spot in the band, Fletcher's manipulative, vulgar and abusive side emerges. If you are off tempo, out of tune, or unsure of what you're doing wrong, get ready to be greeted with insane insults and flying objects to the face. This is not your traditional instructor. Andrew is the target of many of these outbursts, one of which involves a lot of red stuff on his drums, but you'll just have to see that.

The performances by J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller, along with the direction by Damien Chazelle, really succeed in elevating this film to its full potential. Their clashes in the classroom and during rehearsals succeed in placing you in the front row as if Andrew's fate was your own. There were moments in this film, thanks to Fletcher's unpredictability and explosiveness, where I was legitimately hesitant to watch their next practice or performance. That is when you know a film is truly impacting the audience. The characters and situations become real and make you feel like you're a part of the narrative. I thought Whiplash did this very, very well.

Whiplash is also a beautifully cut film. During the intense music sequences, the fast cuts and close ups of the instruments and Andrew's bloodied hands make the film much more intense. I honestly cannot explain it, you'll just have to experience it for yourself. But, if I had to sell this film based on only one thing, it is definitely Andrew's final performance. I liken it to the feeling you get when Rocky and Apollo fall to the mat, and just when you think the fight is going to end in another draw, Rocky survives the 10 count. I promise you, this performance will make you feel that same way.

I will continue to recommend this film to anyone who wants to watch a superbly acted film with a compelling story. Also, if you're a fan of music, there's definitely something for you here as well. Just don't expect any Stairway to Heaven. Now, if your reaction to this film is not the same as mine, that's cool. I mean, all film is subjective, right? No need to send death threats or accuse me of being paid off by Sierra Affinity. On second thought, if that makes this review reach more people, go for it!