Caught in the Binge

I have been busy, and lazy for the last couple of weeks. I have the first two sentences to my Focus review but it got buried with other stuff. It was supposed to be a stand alone review post but instead I have to merge it with another film and a TV show (web show?). Sorry. I know I haven't done a stand-alone review post but who's counting? So now I'm binge-ing the reviews because I just binge-watched House of Cards.

Focus
Crazy, Stupid, Love is my absolute favorite of modern-day rom-com. Now directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra made Focus. It stars Will Smith and the always smoking hot and immensely watchable Margot Robbie as conning con men. The premise is sexy and slick. We have Will Smith as Nicky the pro con man and Jess who wanted to be Nicky's protege. Margot Robbie herself is already worth your admission, add that with Will Smith's return to form after his snooze-inducing After Earth (I actually almost fell asleep there), and top them both with an exotic location. For the first forty minutes or so, the two leads are the only elements that keeps the movie watchable, then comes the set piece in the ball game. That gambling scene with the Asian guy must rank as one of the most intense scenes in 2015 for sure. The movie gained some pretty serious steam after that making it intensely watchable as we watch the con surrounding the lovely two leads with their incredible chemistry. But then my only sigh was the resolution. If you think of it as Crazy, Stupid, Love, this film ends during that jaw-dropping-early Shyamalan twist-worthy midpoint. So it is kind of a bummer to have a half-assed ending in an otherwise amazing twisty comedy drama. But come for Margot Robbie, you won't be disappointed. Focus: rated 3/4.

Chappie
I am actually kind of exhausted of Neill Blomkamp's style. In the beginning of Chappie, we see the similar interview-style footage like in his stellar District 9, then we see the setting of the movie "Johannesburg, South Africa". YAWN. Seen that in your last two movies and two short movies. If he makes the next Alien movie in South Africa then someone should sue him. To begin with, Chappie is a strange film to market. I think even Hugo is easier to market. This film is weird. It's about a child robot who's stuck in the wrong neighborhood in the middle of an internal conflict in a weapons company. The trailers wiped the two leads, Ninja and Yolandi of Die Antwoord rap group, who are actually playing themselves in the movie. Weird, but their characters are quite interesting as the story progresses. Hugh Jackman's villainy is pushed aside, as well as Dev Patel's protagonist side is. This film lacks focus. I don't say it often. In the action scenes or the pivotal scenes it's so good: the direction, cameraworks and score are in perfect sync. But in the filler scenes, it's a bit wobbly and that makes the whole film wobbly. Not to mention that Jackman's character is also a bit short-sighted in his plan. The poster sells this film as an explosive robot saga but you're in fact in for some shrouded child abuse film. But huge kudos to Sharlto Copley who's mo-capping as the titular robot. In conclusion, Mr. Blomkamp, I know you're South African and proud but please, it's getting old. It's like why do every alien invasion invades the States, you know. Why? Invade Europe for a change or I don't know, Thailand. Chappie: rated 2/4


Some House of Cards opinion...
I just finished House of Cards season 3, and most of it revolves in this [SPOILER ALERT, sorry I forgot to write it before] ridiculous plan dubbed America Works. I'm pretty dumb (and wholly ignorant) at politics but I think America Works is even dumber than I am at politics. Taking entitlements for 100% employment? I'm pretty sure it doesn't work like that. Frank Underwood is smart and his plan to push this plan is making him vulnerable and stupid. Please tell me I'm wrong. I mean those people at his 2016 campaign are asking the wrong questions. Jordan Valley is pretty far from you, and what you should be concerned is that your Medicare and Social Security will be no more to give people you don't know jobs. Jobs that they are not even entitled to, because look at Freddy the ribs guy, he could be kicked out anytime when the program isn't working. People would be coming to the States with AmWorks and that would drain the funds totally if the goal is 100% employment. If Underwood's keeping up with this shit bill, then Dunbar for 2016! I have so many complaints on this third season. Usually my complaint was that the fact it's about American politics that I know jackshit about, so those complaints were for my ignorant brain. But this third season they have a subplot with the writer which is like whaaat the fvck is happening. And don't get me started on Doug's storyline. But hey, House of Cards is still binge-worthy as ever. Frank and Claire is still my favorite power couple as are Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright are amazing in their roles. And Magnussen from Sherlock is basically Putin in a very incredible role as Underwood's Russian equal.

Next up another binge-reviews of
Cinderella
Run All Night
SpongeBob
Insurgent

I'm not promising all of them though.
Unless you send me some dollah or eurahs, jk, I accept rupiah too.