Maze Runner

Going in I hadn't read the books so I wasn't sure what to expect. The reviews were pretty positive and I recognized some of the cast. (Love Actually kid and We're the Millers guy) The story involves teenage boys who wake up in a Lord of the Flies-esque community. They have no memory of their past, only their name. A new "Greenie" (boy) arrives each month. The boys live in a sort of field surround by a huge maze that allows them access each morning and closes around dinner time. A group of boys called "Runners" traverse and map the Maze each day trying to find a way out. Things begin to change when Thomas arrives. The plot really sucked me in and it never really let up. The series will be a trilogy so the ending sets that up. I thought this movie was really cool and unique. I think I may check out the books after seeing this like I did with Hunger Games. You obviously want to see this if you've read the books and even if not. 

8/10 RT 63%

http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1790864/

A Walk Among the Tombstones

Based on the Matthew Scudder books by Lawrence Block. This was a must see for me as I usually enjoy Liam Neeson's movies. He has the brooding, kick ass archetype down pat. Tombstones was also especially cool for me in that a former co-worker/friend of mine played one of the bad guys. This was Adam's first big movie role and man he kicked ass. He went toe to toe with Neeson and held his own. Neeson plays an ex-cop/private eye who is hired to find the killers of a drug trafficker's wife. The thrilling plot and action scenes definitely held my attention throughout. Astro from X-Factor does a good job and adds humor as Neeson's sidekick as well. If you love Liam Neeson like I do you won't be disappointed here. 

8/10 RT 67% 

http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0365907/

Meme of the day

The Drop

In the last 48 hours I've seen James Gandolfini's final two films. The other night it was Enough Said (Great little movie) and today it was his final film, The Drop. This one starred Gandolfini, Tom Hardy (Who's had a great run of late) and Noomi Rapace. The story takes place in Brooklyn where Hardy tends bar for his cousin, Gandolfini. Every night Russian mafia members pick a different bar for it's money drops. Gandolfini's bar is chosen and then subsequently robbed. The plot was a little involved but easy to follow. Great acting all around and there were some twists I didn't expect. Of course being set in Brooklyn, JG had a little Tony Soprano in his accent which was fun to see. I definitely recommend this one if only to watch the final film of a great career. You'll be entertained by Hardy's subtle but excellent performance as well. Plus he rescues a puppy!
8/10 RT 88%
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1600196/

Sin City 2

I really liked the originality and style of the first Sin City so I've been clamoring for a sequel for the past 9 years. I think the long wait caused this one to suffer at the B.O. as it has tanked pretty hard. I rather enjoyed it though. It was very similar to the first one and had a lot of the same cast returning with the addition of the always great Josh Brolin and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The tone and style was almost identical as well. I recently re-watched the original and forgot it had both Brittany Murphy and Michael Clarke Duncan. Both gone too soon. If you enjoyed the first Sin City I don't think you'll be disappointed here. Not to mention a little more Alba is always a good thing.  :)
7/10 RT 45%
http://m.imdb.com/title/tt0458481/

Pug meme of the day