Popcorn Bag Reviews: “Guardians of the Galaxy, ” “Get On Up,” “Boyhood”

1) GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (PG-13)
Walt Disney

One of the most highly anticipated movies of the summer is the big screen adaptation of Marvel Comics’ “Guardians of the Galaxy.” We had three of our Fox 4 viewers, selected from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kansas City, serve as “Guest Critics” for this one. Thanks to Frank Trotta and his nephews Alex and Roman for covering it.

Frank said, “I thought it had an interesting story. I would give it 3 out of 5 popcorn bags.”
Alex said, “I thought it was pretty good. I liked the funny stuff. I would give it 4 out of 5 popcorn bags.”
Roman said, “It’s my new favorite movie. I would give it 4 out of 5 popcorn bags.”

FRANK: 3 Popcorn Bags
ALEX: 4 Popcorn Bags
ROMAN: 4 Popcorn Bags

2) GET ON UP (PG-13)
Universal

RUSS:

Chadwick Boseman gives an energetic performance in “Get On Up,” the story of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. The unusual biopic doesn’t follow a linear narrative, but jumps back and forth in time in an attempt to give us an overview of the life of the hardest working man in show business, a complicated artist who could be kind and cruel in equal measure. That choppy approach works against it, preventing “Get On Up” from achieving the real emotional punch it was aiming for.

But the film is well produced, the music is great and Boseman shines even when working through some unconvincing old age makeup. Boseman may need to make a little room on his mantle come Oscar time.

SHAWN: “Get On Up” is a fascinating and energetic biopic that explodes off screen. Not conventional but daringly dances around as told from James Brown’s perspective. The flashbacks are clever. The musical numbers are explosive and Chadwick Boseman is electric and Oscar-worthy.

RUSS: 3 Popcorn Bags
SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags

3) BOYHOOD (R)
IFC Films

RUSS:

In one of the boldest cinematic gambles in recent memory, writer director Richard Linklater took 12 years to film an involving coming-of-age story. “Boyhood” chronicles the life Mason, played by Ellar Coltrane, from age 5 to 18. The result is more than just a gimmick. It’s a surprisingly moving experience. Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke are impressive playing Mason’s parents in all their dysfunctional glory.

Rather than a plot, we’re offered a series of seemingly unrelated scenes from Mason’s life. After 2 hours and 45 minutes, we feel like we’re part of the family. Some may find this a dull and slow moving exercise, but patient viewers will find it rewarding. It may not be the masterpiece that many critics have claimed it to be, but “Boyhood” is an impressive achievement nonetheless.

SHAWN:  “Experimental and engrossing. Cinematically genius and compelling at every level. The most different movie I’ve seen in a long time.”

RUSS: 4 Popcorn Bags

SHAWN: 4 Popcorn Bags

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