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Brave Movie Review

Published by in Animation, Movie Review on June 21st, 2012 | No Comments »

Disney Pixar jumps into the summer box office fray with “Brave.”  It’s the story of Princess Merida, a spirited lass from the Highlands of Scotland.  Animators first journeyed to Scotland way back in 2006.  They then returned in 2007 to immerse within Scottish culture.  Their research included taking in stories steeped in the Scots culinary habits, foggy weather, wildlife, trees & rich ancestry.  These steps are what make the animation is as good as what you’d expect from Pixar.

Merida’s journey revolves around a universal theme of most teenagers throughout the ages, ‘Let me live my own life!’  The conflict comes from within the family must be resolved with family.  The story involves witches, potions, ferries & thundering horseback rides.  Young girls all over the world will absolutely love watching ‘Brave.’  The movie is being pushed as 3D, but you can save a few bucks per tickets by watching it in 2D.  It’s just as fun.

I think Brave is a wee bit scary for kids under the age 6.  There’s classic Disney villains & there’s things nightmares are made of.  Hit a bullseye like Merida & Follow Leo on Twitter @leoquinones.  The Film Freak iPhone App is %100 FREE. Just search Film Freak.

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Alvin & The Chipmunks at Grauman’s Chinese Theater w/ Leo Quinones

Published by in Animation, Family Films, Movie News, Movies on November 4th, 2011 | No Comments »

I had the honor of being the Master of Ceremonies for the PAW print in cement ceremony for Alvin & The Chipmunks.  Jason Lee was on hand along with producers/creators Ross Bagdasarian & his wife Janice.  This has been an 84 year tradition at Grauman’s Chinese Theater & it happens in the very heart of Hollywood.  The kids were loving it!

During the ceremony, one adventurous chipmunk went AWOL. Of course,  I’m talking about Alvin. He’s gone. He’s out.  We don’t know where he is.  If you’d like to find out & join the search, log onto www.whereisalvin.com.  ”Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked” sails into theaters December 16th, 2011.


Puss In Boots Movie Review

Published by in Action, Animation, Comedy, DVD Review, Family Films, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on October 27th, 2011 | 1 Comment »


Antonio Banderas’ voice is simply perfect for the animated feline, Puss in Boots……oh, and the Nasonex Bumblebee. Puss In Boots finally steps out into his very own adventure.  This story takes us to a time and place years before the feisty feline ever met a wise-cracking ogre named Shrek.

This a prequel I like to call, #OccupyFairyTale. It weaves in familiar characters like the dude with those crazy-magic beans, Jack, (voiced by Billy Bob Thorton). Or the dude who’s rightfully afraid of heights, Humpty Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galiafinakis).  Oh & there’s furry love too with Kitty Softpaws, (voiced by Salma Hayek).

Puss In Boots is silky smooth with all the lady cats, but come morning, he’s makin’ tracks.   The story synopsis:  Running from the law, Puss is an outlaw, with wanted posters adorning his hometown.  As kids, Puss In Boots & Humpty Dumpty were thick as thieves living in the same orphanage.   They both had a dream, they’d one day get Jack’s crazy-magic beans, plant the beanstalk & ascend to rarefied air, the place where a magic goose lays Golden Eggs, (by the dozen).

That scheme gets put into motion.  If there’s a theme for the young ones here, it’s trust issues. Trust your friends.  They may sometime betray you, but that’s life.  Learn from it.  There’s plenty of scenes that involve swordplay & dancing. I’m confident all the kiddies will be spellbound for the 90-minute running time.

My favorite parts of the movie were when we see the little things cats do.  Scratching, cleaning, rubbing & purring. I especially enjoyed seeing Puss In Boots order up a straight shot of milk in a western saloon.  Hats off to the animation team.

This is a fun movie.  Kids will love it.  As for movie critics who gave it an F, do us all a favor, just quit.  Can’t you let kids enjoy a movie without snooty criticism? Does every single movie need to be an Oscar contender starring Helen Mirren?   Get out of the business.

This movie is being touted as Puss In Boots 3D.  There’s an option here as many theaters are showing it in 2D.  You can easily save a few bucks there. If you want honest movie reviews, I’m always here.  Get the Film Freak iPhone – iPad app. It’s the app that saves you money on movies.  Just search Film Freak.

You can also follow me on Twitter @leoquinones


30 Minutes Or Less Movie Review

Published by in Action, Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, DVD Review, Family Films, Heist, Horror, Movie News, Movie Props, Movie Review, Movies, Rock Concert, Romantic Comedy, Science Fiction, Suspense Thriller, Western on August 12th, 2011 | No Comments »

Jesse Eisenberg is Nick.   A guy who hates his job, his boss & probably his life.   What does he do for a living?  He delivers pizzas like a NASCAR Ninja in just 30 Minutes or Less.   Nick’s last delivery is gonna be a doozy.  Two second rate losers (Danny McBride & Nick Swardson) hatch a plan to make quick money.  Instead of robbing a bank themselves, they’ll strap a homemade bomb on a stranger & make him do it.

As you’ve seen in the trailer, once the bomb has been planted on Nick, he seeks help from his best friend Chet (Aziz Ansari).  Armed with only knowledge of 80′s action flicks, these two idiots rob the local bank to the tune of 100,00 bucks.

Two familiar faces are scene stealers with limited screen time. First, the hitman (Michael Peña). Very funny.  Also, from TV’s “Rules of Engagement,” is Bianca Kajlich who plays a local stripper. While dancing on Danny McBride, Bianca goes full blown topless. No special digital effects or enhancements. Man, the one time I want 3D & it’s not even there.

The idea of these two numb nuts getting away with this high profile robbery in Grand Rapids, Michigan is certainly a stretch. You’ll just have to go with it.  It’s a straight up rated R stoner comedy.  If you dug “Pineapple Express,” this is your movie.

There’s nothing worse than having a bomb strapped to your chest.  Can you imagine!?!  On the other hand, there’s nothing better than the Film Freak iPhone – iPad App. It’s the movie app that saves you money on movies. Just search Film Freak

I’m not a credible bank robber, but life is fun. Follow me on Twitter @leoquinones

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Final Destination 5 Movie Review

Published by in Animation, Comedy, DVD Review, Family Films, Horror, Movie News, Movie Props, Movie Review, Movies, Suspense Thriller on August 11th, 2011 | No Comments »

There’s an old saying, ‘Give the people what they want.’  And what they want is yet another dose of ” Final Destination.”  The popular film series flies in the face of everything.  It just doesn’t care. It’s all about scary premonitions & Death’s Design.  The TV spots have given away so much. What the audience wants to see, disturbing as it may seem, is beautiful people getting maimed, twisted & crunched in the most incredulous deaths imaginable.

Instead of being shocked & horrified, the crowd just laughs & cheers!  This time around, a bridge collapses & all but eight people on board escape with their lives.  Well, if you’ve seen the trailer, Creepy Coroner guys says, “Death doesn’t like to be cheated.”  One by one the survivors get picked off in a way sinister manner.  Death’s scenarios have been well documented in every TV spot. There’s the Lasik Eye Exam, the gymnast & the sensual Asian massage parlor & more!

When it comes to Final Destination 5, you best not over think it.  I saw it with a sold out crowd & they ate it up.  They were straight up laughing as the actors delivered their ‘serious’ lines.  Every time someone gets taken out, you can hear the ‘Ohhhhhhh-turn-into-sheer-laughs.’

I must admit, Final Destination 5 was super fun.  It’s rated R for extreme violence, but less nudity than Final Destination 4.  What’s up with that?  Personally speaking, I thought Final 3′s topless girl slow-cooking in the tanning bed death was a high point in the series.

The 3D thing is so played out…in the first 5 minutes!  3D opening credits show slow motion with things coming at you all through shattered glass. Yawn.  A hammer. A prosthetic arm. A skull. A tire. A Metal Rod. Yawn. A brick.  By the start of the movie, the 3D is totally on your nerves.  Save 4-5 bucks by seeing Final 5 in 2D.

The Film Freak iPhone App is where it’s at in movies.  It’s the movie app that saves you money on movies.

If I ever have a premontion about Death’s Design, you best follow me on Twitter @leoquinones.  Cuz, when I get that eerie vision, I will certainly Tweet about it & quite possibly save your life.

Thank me later,

Cheers!

Q

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Cars 2 Movie Review

Published by in Action, Animation, Comedy, DVD Review, Family Films, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on June 24th, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Make sure you arrive early to see “Cars 2″.  You just can’t miss the “Toy Story” gang in an all new short called,  “Hawaiian Vacation.”   Woody, Buzz & company are arguably Pixar’s most beloved characters and the studio has done an amazing job of continuing their adventures.

Movie critics are so slimy.  They’re trashing “Cars 2.”  I absolutely do not agree.  I’m watching this movie thinking, this movie is better than the original.  The story weaves in themes like, mechanical sabotage, international espionage & most importantly, sticking by your friends while not trying to change them .  Sir Michael Caine has the perfect voice as Finn McMissile, a slick 007-type British agent car.   Mater (Larry, The Cable Guy) has a much bigger role this time around.

There’s yet another terrific message targeted specifically to young people.  Director John Lassiter is sticking his neck out, really far.  The villain in “Cars 2″ isn’t an evil hot rod, or a ill-tempered tractor. No way. The Bad Guy here is BIG OIL.  That’s right.  At its core, this movie is about implementing an eco-friendly biofuel called, ALLINALL as an alternative to fossil fuel.  It’s all about saving planet Earth.   This movie will inspire millions of young people to rethink energy & seek a new path.  For that reason, plus the fact that it’s a solid movie, I’d say “Cars 2″ is a must see.  You can save money by seeing it in 2D.  It’ll be every bit as good.

Lightning McQueen & Mater never ever hit up the Radiator Springs Drive In without first checking out their Film Freak iPhone App.  It’s the movie app that saves you money on movies! Search Film Freak

Find out cool movie news by following me on Twitter @leoquinones

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Kung Fu Panda 2 Movie Review

Published by in Animation, Comedy, DVD Review, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on May 24th, 2011 | No Comments »

Jack Black returns for another animated adventure as the Kung Fu Panda, Po.  This time around, Po needs to discover much about himself & who he really is.  Questions arise.  Where does Po comes from? Who are his parents? What ignites the unknown fear within himself?  How do you go about achieving life’s inner peace?  What’s Po’s destiny? Pretty heady stuff for kids, but that’s what I love about this film.

Themes woven into the fabric of the story are incredible learning tools for young people.   Even the youngest of kids benefit from seeing Po do things like facing his fears head on, or overcoming amazingly tough obstacles & sticking with your buddy no matter what happens.

Po goes head-to-head with an evil peacock named Shen, who’s driven to take over all of China.  Shen holds the key that may very well unlock the  secret to Po’s mysterious childhood.  No spoilers here.  The animation is excellent, giving Pixar a run for their money.  There are also varying types of animation styles within the film that prove to be very effective & adds wonderful layers of texture. The 3D stuff works fine, but if you’re paying for a large group, you’ll save money going 2D.  It’s every bit as good.

If you seek to be wise in Po’s world of Kung Fu, may I suggest the Film Freak iPhone/iPad App.  You may not become a Kung Fu warrior, but at least you’ll save money on movies!  Just search Film Freak.

My path is curious, yet fun.  You’re invited to follow on Twitter @leoquinones

Email me: Leo@filmfreak.com

Kung Fu Panda 2, what a great movie.

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RIO Film Freak Movie Review

Published by in Animation, Comedy, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on April 13th, 2011 | No Comments »

“Rio” is the latest animated adventure from Blue Sky Studios, creators of “Ice Age.”  With that said, make sure you’re on time because before the movie starts, there’s a 2-minute “Ice Age” short with Scrat the Squirrel & is ever-elusive nut.  It runs a stunning parallel to one of my childhood faves, Wile E. Coyote(Super Genius)  & The Roadrunner.

This story comes from the imagination of Carlos Saldanha. He directed and or co-directed all the ‘Ice Age’ films.  Rio de Janeiro is his hometown.  Knowing that, you’ll see many layers of visuals only a local boy would know & implement into the frame. Whether it’s ripe, colorful fruit at a local Farmer’s Market or gritty backstreets where suspect deals are made in shade.  The city, countryside & energy of “Rio” is beautifully animated throughout the entire film.

The story revolves around Blu, a Minnesota homebody Macaw who thinks his purpose is to sit in his cage & live off the fat content of his hot chocolate.  The last thing Blu wants or needs is an adventure.  Blu is grounded, literally. He will not even attempt to fly.  That’s the heavy hand Blu was dealt, but he’s ok with it.

A scientist named Tulio travels to Minnesota to inform Blu’s buddy & owner Linda that he’s the last male of the species.  To make things right in nature, he’s gotta take Blu back to Rio to meet Jewel, (Anne Hathaway) the only surviving female. You do the math.

The main characters soon find themselves in the heart of the jungle.  There’s plenty of help along the way from Rafael the Tucan (George Lopez) Nico, a soda pop cap wearin’ canary  (Jamie Foxx)  Pedro, a cardinal (will.i.am) & Luis the bulldog (Tracy Morgan).  “Rio” kicks in with elaborate musical numbers & kids will eat it up. I did like the villain, Nigel the Bitter Cockatoo (Jermanine Clement). He’s over sized, scruffed up & wasn’t to be trifled with in the least.

And the end of the day, what’s Blu’s purpose? What’s the message?  What I took from this is….fly & be free.  You might be scared to death, but there comes a point in your life when you’ve gotta say ‘what the heck’ & jump out of the nest, whatever that nest may be in your life.   There were a bunch of kids at the screening I attended.  They simply loved it.  One kid was so upset, he began kicking, screaming & crying because he didn’t want the movie to end. He wanted his new friends back on the screen.  That’s the most real & honest review you should consider.  “Rio” was made for him.

“Rio” is Rated “G”

Email me: leo@filmfreak.com

Follow me on Twitter @leoquinones

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Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, Jamie Foxx, will.i.am, Tracy Morgan, George Lopez, Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes, Leslie Mann, Jermanine Clement, Rodrigo Santoro
Directed by: Carlos Saldanha
Release Date: April 15, 2011

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Mars Needs Moms Film Freak Movie Review

Published by in Action, Animation, Comedy, Movie Review, Science Fiction on March 11th, 2011 | 1 Comment »

“Mars Needs Moms” tells the story of a kid (Seth Green) who has a falling out with his mother (Joan Cusack).  Cue the Martians who, zero in on this Earthly Angst Energy Vibe between mother & son.   Lightspeed to Planet Earth.  Said Mother gets plucked from her warm bed & transported back to the Red Planet. Why?  Martians will extract her motherly brain behavior.  These motherly instincts are to be programmed into, wait for it . . . . NannyBots.  Kinda like ‘Inception’ for Day Care Stormtroopers!

The 3D effect is there & does come into play a few times. But if you’re a kid in New York City & want to see “Mars Needs Moms” 3D IMAX, your Mom may disown you.  The child admission price is $15.50.  For that kind of money, I’d like a ride on NASA’s KC-135 Vomit Comet & experience real weightlessness!

There’s a ton of 3D choices out there & a ton of animated flicks in theaters.  Unless your kid gets to see every single animated that’s released, this one’s gonna slip through the cracks.  It may come in handy in a few months when you’re browsing what to rent on DVD.  The rental will go like this, “Hey Mom!  I’ve  seen everything, except this one,  “Mars Needs Moms. Let’s rent it please please!!”  It’s like I can go into the future. Thanks to my buddy, Doc Brown.

What?!? This is Robert Zemekis production.  So y’know I had to weave in a “Back To the Future” reference.

Get the Film Freak iPhone App now!  It’s the ONLY app that saves you Money on Movies!  Search Film Freak
Email me: Leo@filmfreak.com
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Film Freak Movie Review Rango Rambles On In Hilarious Romp.

Published by in Animation, Comedy, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on March 3rd, 2011 | No Comments »

Make no mistake, “Rango” will 100% rope in an Oscar Nomination for Best Animated Feature in 2012.  It’s a lock.  “Rango” tells the story of desert varmints in need one thing for a better life…..water.  The animation is simply staggering against the backdrop of numerous classic Westerns.  The voice cast includes Johnny Depp, Ned Beatty, Bill Nighy, Alfred Molina, Abagail Breslin & Isla Fisher whose character’s name is Beans.  The Aussie actress says her secret to getting the voice just right was combining a bit of Clint Eastwood with a twang of Holly Hunter.  She did a fantastic job.  As did Johnny Depp.  Rango’s Ramblings are classic.

The movie drops a number of sophisticated jokes that will catapult straight over kids’ heads.  I like that.  It reminded me of  old Saturday morning Looney Tunes cartoons. There’s tons of adult humor woven into the material while the kids are still entertained.  This is such a clever effort.  You can see so many intricate layers within the animated frames, be it tumbleweeds, iconic gunfights, windblown sand, complex lighting, shading & overall attention to detail.

Go see it for yourself.   This movie is a terrific bang for your movie dollar.  Special shout out to director Gore Verbinski for fighting & insisting that “Rango” be released in regular 2D.   After seeing “Drive Angry” 3D, I’m just so burnt out on 3D.  It’s just too expensive & they are released to the public every weekend with or without reason.  Hollywood is always about the cash so thumbs up to Verbinski for standing his 2D ground.

Get the Film Freak iPhone App now!  It’s the ONLY app that saves you Money on Movies!  Search Film Freak
Email me: Leo@filmfreak.com
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