Phil celebrates the 42nd Anniversary of Troma Entertainment-February 3, 2016

OK, I was planning on writing this anniversary tribute back in 2014 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of America's oldest independent film studio, but my life has had several distractions in it (i.e. work, bills, drunken orgies, etc). However, it's now time to party down because tonight's entry I'll be celebrating the 42nd anniversary of my favorite independent film studio of all time: TROMA ENTERTAINMENT!

As I mentioned previously, I discovered Troma through my favorite television show USA UP ALL NIGHT back on Saturday, March 21, 1992. They were showing all three TOXIC AVENGER films and I stayed up all night, devouring every single frame from each film. I had never seen anything like this before up until that time. This single event transformed my entire life forever and I have been a Troma fanatic and supporter ever since.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1979)

Troma was founded in 1974 by Yale graduates and friends Lloyd Kaufman and Michael Herz. Inspired by the films they saw from director Roger Corman and Sam Arkoff's company American International Pictures, they sought out to show the world that it was possible to make entertaining and provocative movies on shoestring budgets. Troma made a big splash in 1979 when they released their raunchy slapstick comedy classic SQUEEZE PLAY. They would make several other films in the same genre like STUCK ON YOU, WAITRESS and THE FIRST TURN-ON.

In 1984, Kaufman and Herz scored their biggest hit ever with THE TOXIC AVENGER. Blending over-the-top gore, comedy, horror, sex and the world's first full-on head crushing scene, the film played to huge crowds during its midnight run at the Bleaker Street Theater in New York and became an instant cult classic when it was released on video. The film has since spawned three sequels, a Saturday Morning cartoon show, toys, board games, tee shirts, video games, trading cards and remains to this day their flagship mascot.

Theatrical Movie Poster (1984)

Over the years Kaufman has directed several other cult classics like CLASS OF NUKE 'EM HIGH, TROMA'S WAR, SGT. KABUKIMAN N.Y.P.D., TROMEO & JULIET, POULTRYGEIST: NIGHT OF THE CHICKEN DEAD, RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH PART 1 & 2 and all of the TOXIC AVENGER films.

The Troma library consists of over 1,000 + cult classics and B-movie gems such as SURF NAZIS MUST DIE, MOTHER'S DAY, RABID GRANNIES, MONSTER IN THE CLOSET, BLOODSUCKING FREAKS, KILLER CONDOM, TEENAGE CAT GIRLS IN HEAT, A NYMPHOID BARBARIAN IN DINOSAUR HELL, FEROCIOUS FEMALE FREEDOM FIGHTERS, THERE'S NOTHING OUT THERE, COMBAT SHOCK, GETTING LUCKY, SUPERSTARLET A.D., REDNECK ZOMBIES, HAUNTING FEAR, and FATHER'S DAY.

Among today’s Hollywood superstars who got their start with Troma include Marisa Tomie (THE TOXIC AVENGER), Vincent D’Onofrio (THE FIRST TURN-ON), Samuel L. Jackson (DEF BY TEMPTATION), Kevin Costner (SIZZLE BEACH U.S.A.), Billy Bob Thorton (CHOPPER CHICKS IN ZOMBIETOWN), Trey Parker and Matt Stone (CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL), Michael Jai White (THE TOXIC AVENGER PART II), Jenna Fischer (LOLLILOVE) as well as writer/directors like Oliver Stone (THE BATTLE OF LOVE'S RETURN), Paul Sorvino (CRY UNCLE!) and James Gunn (TROMEO & JULIET).

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The company has also acquired and distributed early films featuring some Hollywood's biggest stars such as Robert De Niro (THE WEDDING PARTY), Dustin Hoffman (MADIGAN'S MILLION), Carmen Electra (THE CHOSEN ONE: LEGEND OF THE RAVEN), Vanna White (GRADUATION DAY) and David Boreanaz (MACABRE PAIR OF SHORTS).

When he's not making movies, Lloyd Kaufman spends his time writing numerous instructional books, novels and memories. His first book, the autobiography "All I Need To Know About Filmmaking I Learned a From The Toxic Avenger" is recommended reading for anybody who wants to learn about the history of Troma and as well as about Kaufman himself. He's also written an novelization of his creation "The Toxic Avenger" and has a series of how-to books about the filmmaking process. "Make Your Own Damn Movie!" was the first in the series and became very popular amongst fans. He later wrote in chronological order "Direct You Own Damn Movie!", "Produce a Your Own Damn Movie!" and "Sell Your Own Damn Movie!", each book filled with real life experiences, helpful tips and his own unique and grotesque toilet humor which I love to read.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2014)

Kaufman also started the annual Tromadance Film Festival, originally designed to be the antithesis to the Sundance Film Festival, which was held in Park City, Utah at the exact same time as Sundance. The purpose of the festival is to celebrate truly independent cinema from the so-called indie films that were being shown at Sundance. Another appealing aspect of Tromadance is that there is no entry fee for filmmakers and all screenings are free to festival goers. In the past couple of years, the festival has been held in New York City and the month was moved from January to June.

In a show of appreciation to their loyal fans, Troma released over 100 films from their library to be watched for free on their YouTube channel beginning in August of 2012. Then in 2015, they took the next step in their quest in disrupting media (or in this case cyberspace) by launching Troma Now, the company's exclusive subscription Video-On-Demand service available through VHX. For only $4.99 a month, fans and movie lovers can watch their favorite Troma films and shows, new releases and so much more. Their newest film to have its debut on the service back in January was B.C. BUTHCER, the world's first prehistoric slasher film directed by the then seventeen year-old Kansas Bowling, who was the first inductee into "The Troma Institute for Gifted Youth."

To give you an idea of what Troma movies are like, below are several trailers to some of my all-time favorite films. Warning: the following trailers contain gore, violence, nudity, sexual situation, foul language, radioactive squirrels, lesbianism, political and social commentary, cannibalism, singing and dancing, hideously deformed creatures of superhuman size and strength, severed body parts, cretans, nymphoid barbarians, surf nazis and a duck. Viewer discretion is advised.

Let me tell you all a quick story. Years later I was finally able to meet Lloyd Kaufman at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica back on March 29, 2014. While I was attending the annual Monsterpalooza convention in Burbank that weekend, I found out the that the theater was having an all night Troma movie marathon. Not only that, but Kaufman himself was going to be there. So my friends and I rushed out to attend the event and finally, exactly 22 years to the month when I first saw THE TOXIC AVENGER films, I got to meet my hero. He was very kind and generous, answered all my questions and signed every single memorabilia I brought for him to autograph. The very next day I saw him and his lovely wife Pat at the RETURN TO NUKE 'EM HIGH signing at the Dark Delicacies Bookstore. I was able to take a picture with him and the Toxic Avenger. It was one of the best days of my life and do this day I still can't believe how lucky I am to have meet my hero. 

Lloyd Kaufman, myself, and the Toxic Avenger. (2014)

It's hard to describe the impact Troma has had on our society, on pop culture and on film history. For over 40 years, Llyod Kaufman and Michael Herz have done the impossible: created a truly independent movie company with world wide appeal that has captured the hearts of millions of fans. To this day, Kaufman, Herz and Troma continue their fight against the major Hollywood studios and international corporate conglomerates. By going against the system, they have forged their own unique path that inspires fans and filmmakers alike. And after all these years, they still inspire me. 

You can follow Troma on several social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. To learn more about Troma, their enormous film library, to purchase Blu-Rays, DVDs, posters and to sign up for their streaming service Troma Now, visit their website at www.troma.com.

Thanks for reading, and now let's make some art! 

Phil sees THE HATEFUL EIGHT from The Weinstein Company-January 3, 2016

So for my first film to review for 2016, there was really only one choice. Now the name Quentin Tarantino conjures up a plethora of images and one-liners that most people associate with him. After all, this is the man who brought us some of the most original and most violent images ever captured on film. RESERVOIR DOGS, PULP FICTION, JACKIE BROWN, KILL BILL VOL. 1 & 2, GRINDHOUSE: DEATH PROOF, INGLORIOUS BASTERDS and DJANGO UNCHAINED are works of art that attract both critical praise and uproarious controversy. With his latest film THE HATEFUL EIGHT, Tarantino continues this streak while entertaining and shocking audiences worldwide.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie's Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…

The film also stars Channing Tatum (Jody), James Parks (O.B Jackson), Dana Gourrier (Minnie Mink), Zoë Bell (Six-Horse Judy), Gene Jones (Sweet Dave), Keith Jefferson (Charly), Lee Horsley (Ed), Craig Stark (Chester Charles Smithers), and Belinda Owino (Gemma) as well as Tarantino as the Narrator.

First, let's get something cleared up. This is a Quentin Tarantino film. It's full of Quentin Tarantino humor, Quentin Tarantino over-the-top violence, Quentin Tarantino film references, Quentin Tarantino profanity, Quentin Tarantino racial slurs, and of course, Quentin Tarantino colorful cast of characters. So those who don't like this, then don't see it. Period. But don't criticize and bash it IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT!! It really pisses me off when people verbally trash a movie that they haven't seen!! You may think you know what you're saying, but in the end you're just talking out of your narrow minded ass!! So do us all a favor and knock that shit off!!

Oh, by the way, I really loved this fucking movie!!

Quentin Tarantino shot the movie on film stock, but not on just any old film stock but on 70mm film stock! This I found very interesting and somewhat perplexing since the majority of the movie takes place in one location. However, this is Tarantino that we're talking about so I'll let it pass. Now I saw this at my local movie theater chain so I didn't get to view his full vision of the film. The Weinstein Company is roadshowing the film in 70mm special theaters and it contains 12 minutes not seen in regular theaters so it looks like I'll be seeing this one again soon.

THE HATEFUL EIGHT is in my humble opinion Quentin Tarantino's best film ever! And I have seen all his films (all eight that he's made but you know what I mean) and it has everything you want in a holiday film and more. So bring grandma and have share a laugh while you two watch eight people beating, shooting, cussing and killing one another! Oh, and if it's playing in 70mm then go see that version! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

THE HATEFUL EIGHT is playing in theaters nationwide. The film is also being shown in limited 70mm screenings at selected theaters as well. In the Sacramento area, it's playing at the Tower Theatre in 70mm for a limited time. To view screen times, visit their website at www.readingcinemasus.com/tower.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil wishes you all a very Happy New Year-January 1, 2016

Me & Jesse Jane at the AEE Expo (January 2015)

Happy New Year everybody!! Well, another has come and gone. While I didn't blog as much I would have liked to, I still saw a lot of films last year. Plus my life changed dramatically. I now have a fiancée, I'm getting married this year, I changed careers, I moved from San Jose to Sacramento, made some new friends, overall 2015 was definitely a transitional year.

However, 2016 will begin another fun-filled year, to which I'll be working on some very exciting new projects. I'll be conducting several interviews with up and coming filmmakers and actresses, as well as their new films. I'm hoping to be attending a couple of film festivals here in the Sacramento area, along with some of my favorites back in San Francisco. Plus, to commemorate the celebration of this country's oldest independent film studio, Troma Entertainment, I'll be starting a new installment series entitled Phil Gets Tromatized. For the entire year, I'll be reviewing several of Troma's most infamous and popular movies.

Not only that, but I'll be reviewing a lot of cool movies ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to indie films, cult classics to porno chic, comedy and GLBTQ films. You name it and I'll be watching and reviewing it!

As you can see, I'm gonna be very busy and this is just the tip of the iceberg. I'll have some other surprises that'll make you want to come back over and over again. So get ready folks for one hell of a ride in 2016!!

Thank you all out there who have been reading and supporting my blog. I don't get paid doing this. I do it for the fun of it. I'm a film fanatic, cinephile, movie junkie, whatever you want to call me. So I hope you'll stick around another year as I bring you another year of reviews, fun and adventures!

Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!

Phil sees TRAINWRECK from Universal Pictures-December 29, 2015

Let me first start this review off by making this very important statement: I love Amy Schumer. Seriously I love Amy Schumer. I think she's funny, sassy, and smoking hot. She has the sexiest legs I have ever seen. And those eyes; they look so sultry but yet tough and independent. She has more balls than most of her male comedian peers. She's fearless when it comes to her stand-up performances. And those legs. Good grief I love this woman! I love you Amy!! OK, sorry about that people. I just had to get that off my chest. Now all of this leads up to today's review of her film TRAINWRECK which I finally saw.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Since she was a little girl, it's been drilled into Amy's (Amy Schumer) head by her rascal of a dad Gordon (Colin Quinn) that monogamy isn't realistic. Now a magazine writer, Amy lives by that credo - enjoying what she feels is an uninhibited life free from stifling, boring romantic commitment - but in actuality, she's kind of in a rut. When she finds herself starting to fall for the subject of the new article she's writing, a charming and successful sports doctor named Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), Amy starts to wonder if other grown-ups, including this guy who really seems to like her, might be on to something.

Also appearing in the film are Brie Larson (Kim), Vanessa Bayer (Nikki), Tilda Swinton (Dianna), Dave Attell (Noam ), WWE wrestler John Cena (Steven), Norman Lloyd (Norman) and LeBron James as LeBron James with cameos by Daniel Radcliffe and Marisa Tomei.

Amy Schumer is just laugh-out-loud hilarious in the film. Her performance as the swearing, drinking, pot smoking, rude, unapologetic, promiscuous, does whatever she feels like is so refreshing, honest and real. Now not only is she a really funny comedian and a talented actress but she also wrote the film as well! Her script is spot-on accurate with today's women who are just as rude, crude and sexist as their male counterparts. I had no problem laughing at the film. I think we need to see more female characters like Amy in today's films. We also get to see her grow as a person when she's caught off guard and falls in love with Bill Hader's character Aaron. It was interesting to see Bill play the straight guy cause usually he's the comic relief. When these two are on the screen together, there's magic right there. Their on-screen chemistry is perfect and we, the audience, fall in love with these crazy kids and we want them to be together. Truly, they are the perfect couple we can all relate to because they are us and vise versa.

Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed were the funny, eccentric and diverse supporting cast. Quinn's Gordon is a misogynistic, racist, inconsiderate douchebag father we all love to hate, but we really do love guy. Swinton's Dianna is pretty much just as bad as Amy but only with a sexy British accent. Lovable Norm is a lovable guy that we wish was our grandfather. Dave Attell is Noam, who is one funny bum that I would like to have drink and piss with in the back of an alley. But the biggest surprise is wrestling superstar John Cena has the big, buff, homoerotic bodybuilder who seems very gay. I only say this based on the freaking hysterical dialogue he says in the film, especially during the sex scene and again in the movie theater. Trust me when I say that it is some funny ass shit!

The film was directed by the very talented Judd Apatow, the man responsible for making THE 40 YEAR-OLD-VIRGIN, KNOCKED UP and FUNNY PEOPLE and produced  PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, BRIDESMAIDS and the ANCHORMAN films. Amy actually wrote the script with having Apatow directing it in mind so this was a match made in heaven. Great set-ups, awesome shots of New York and just overall an awesome and incredible director.

TRAINWRECK is my absolute favorite, laugh-out-loud, so funny my balls hurt, raunchy, vulgar, feel good, romantic comedy of the year!! So for all you ladies and couples out there who are tired of seeing the same old, boring, predictable rom-coms, then this film is for you! And don't forget to bring your box wine! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

TRAINWRECK is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees ANT-MAN from Walt Disney Studios-December 24, 2015

There's nothing Marvel Studios can't do. Sure, they can make film adaptions of their biggest and most popular characters like Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and the Avengers. But then Marvel took a huge gamble when they made GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, an obscure comic book to adapt for the big screen. However, with James Gunn at the helm, it became one of their biggest and most popular films, transforming Groot and Rocket into household names. Now, those crazy kids are at it again, adapting one of their oldest characters and a founding member of the original Avengers in the comics. So let's get down to the small talk and discuss their newest film in their Phase Three plan entitled ANT-MAN.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, con-man Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas), protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.

The film also stars Evangeline Lilly (Hope van Dyne), Corey Stoll (Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket), Judy Greer (Maggie Lang), Michael Peña (Luis), David Dastmalchian (Kurt), Tip 'T.I.' Harris (Dave), Bobby Cannavale (Paxton), Abby Ryder Fortson (Cassie Lang), Martin Donovan (Mitchell Carson) and Marvel regulars Anthony Mackie (Sam Wilson aka Falcon) and the beautiful Hayley Atwell (Peggy Carter).

Once again Marvel's gamble has paid off both handsomely and financially. Casting Paul Rudd as our lead and hero was surprising to me initially but the man pulled it off fantastically. His portrayal of Scott as our everyday, down on his luck, trying to get a head, average guy who just so happens to be our only hope of saving the day works. His comedic timing is perfect and he gets to kick some ass as well. What's great about having Rudd as our hero is that you believe him. He feel sorry for him and we are right with him when he's playing hero. 

I never thought I'd see a Hollywood legend like Michael Douglas in a Marvel Studios movie. The man is an icon! The son of Kirk Douglas! He's starred in films like ROMANCING THE STONE, WALL STREET, BASIC INSTINCT, THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT, TRAFFIC  and indie films such as KING OF CALIFORNIA, SOLITARY MAN and BEYOND THE REACH. But he is great as scientist/former superhero Dr. Hank Pym. Smart, tough and he has some of the best lines in the movie. Together, he and Rudd have great on-screen chemistry. We get a mentor/student and father/son relationship and we see this grow throughout the film. They play off on another and it looks like they had a lot of fun making this movie.

Director Peyton Reed has a long list of credits to his name. From directing films like BRING IT ON, DOWN WITH LOVE and YES MAN to television shows like New Girl,The Weird Al Show, and Upright Citizens Brigade, this guy is very talented and also vercified. He can direct a romantic comedy and then turn around and make this funny action superhero film. He does an excellent job of capturing the humor and the edge-of-your-seat action that Marvel is known for. The film was originally going to be directed by Edgar Wright, the man who bought us SHAWN OF THE DEAD, HOT FUZZ and THE WORLD'S END but left the project citing creative differences with Marvel. However, they still used some of his ideas for the film.

So once again San Francisco is our backdrop for the film. Now let me count how many films the city has been in this year alone: it's been in TERMINATOR: GENISYS, INSIDE OUT, SAN ANDREAS, VACATION, this film and it was also on the poster of PIXELS. Wow, things are getting crazy out here! But at least the filmmakers didn't do the whole "destroy the Golden Gate Bridge" thing again cause that shtick is getting really old fast.

Overall ANT-MAN is another worthy entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that fans will have fun watching! And it'll also be fun as to how he'll be interacting with the other actors in the upcoming CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR film. So we haven't seen the last of our super small superhero. So all you comic book fans out there, this is a must-see film!! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommend!!

ANT-MAN is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in 3D from Walt Disney Studios-December 21, 2015

When George Lucas sold his company LucasFilm to the Walt Disney Company back in October 2012, Disney wasted no time in announcing that they were going to make the next trilogy installments to the STAR WARS saga. The legendary episodes VII, VIII, and IX were finally going to be made after all. At first I was kinda hesitant. Lucas had created this universe that has been loved and cherished my millions of fans spanning generations. It seemed very odd to think of seeing a STAR WARS film that he wasn't involved in. However, the prequels that he released between 1999-2005 didn't exactly live up to audiences' expectations. So maybe it was a good thing that he sold his company and walked away. Now a new generation of filmmakers who grew up watching the original trilogy will be able to continue to tell the story that took place a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. The first to take on this task was J.J. Abrams, the man who relaunched the STAR TREK franchise, would be the man who would direct the highly anticipated next chapter of the STAR WARS saga. For the past three years fans have been waiting impatiently for the movie to hit theaters. And now, the moment has arrived. This past weekend, I took my family to our local theater to finally see STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in 3D.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: The Galactic Empire was defeated thirty years ago. The Galaxy is now facing a new threat: a new faction named the First Order. Their main mission is to rule the Galaxy and destroy all who oppose them. Their commander is a ruthless, mysterious, powerful Sith, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Kylo has an ambition to find and kill the last Jedi who is able to restore order and revive the Jedi ways, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Luke's unknown location is also a main concern for Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), a General from the Resistance that now trying to find him too. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) meet some new companions: Finn (John Boyega), a defective First Order Stormtrooper, and Ray (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger from the Jakku planet who acquired Luke's location through a BB-8 rolling droid. This unexpected team is forced not only to fight and resist the First Order, but also to find Luke Skywalker.

Also appearing in the film are original trilogy cast members Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Kenny Baker (R2-D2) and new cast members Max von Sydow (Lor San Tekka), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Lupita Nyong'o (Maz Kanata), Greg Grunberg (Snap Wexley), Bill Hader (BB-8) and special guest appearances from Simon Pegg, Judah Friedlander, Daniel Craig and voices from Frank Oz and Ewan McGregor.

First let me state that this is a SPOILER FREE REVIEW!! I will not reveal any part of the story or any of the surprises if you haven't seen the film yet (which begs the question why are you reading this and not going out to see the movie?). So now that I've made that announcement, let me take you all on a trip back in time for a bit. I will return to my review of the film after this important message.

When I was a small child in May of 1977, the world that I was growing up in was, how do I put it, still in a state of chaos. Nixon, Watergate, and the Vietnam War was still fresh in the minds of the American public. The gas crisis crippled this country for a bit, and the Jonestown Massacre shocked people into a state of disbelief and sadness. The United States, at that time, looked like it was about to spiral out of control. It was during this period of disenchantment that a little, low-budget, sci-fi film caught my eye and took me on an imaginary ride that forever changed my life for the better. Little did I realize, that same film would also inspire other people from all walks of life to shake off the shackles of responsibility, and for about two hours, let them feel like a child once again, to experience the wonders of the imagination. That film was STAR WARS, and it gave people the chance to feel free, and to feel inspired to create a whole new world for themselves. The STAR WARS saga defined a whole generation of people, and helped create a bona fide pop culture phenomenon that will last for as long as mankind exists. For myself, that night in 1977 forever ingrained that sense of wonder and hope.

Now I am older, wiser, and have responsibilities. Work, bills, the usual adult baggage that most of us have. A lot of my friends have children, and this new generation's world is in a sorrow state as well. The September 11 attacks, global warming, cutbacks on public schools while higher tuition costs for college students. Most recently, the Paris bombings and the unbelievable lack of gun control in this country has lead to an unfathomable amount of gun related violence and deaths. It seems that history does repeat itself, which is where this generation's imagination and hope resurfaced in a big way.

After the forgettable prequels left a bad taste in our mouths, J.J. Abrams came on board to do something to the STAR WARS franchise that hasn't been done in a long time: he brought back the magic, the imagination, and the wonderment that we needed so desperately. He made STAR WARS fun again. By telling a simply story of good versus evil but layering it with mythology, family issues, amazing characters, epic space fights and the power of the Force. And the use of real sets, practical effects combined with some CGI made it feel and look more like a real movie. That part I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing again. Suddenly, it was fun to go to the cinemas and be transported to another world in a galaxy far, far away. Watching this movie was like reliving my childhood of watching the very first film.

This now brings me to my review for the last film in the series. All I'm gonna say to all of you is this: STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is one of the best films of 2015, and in the end, will be loved by audiences everywhere! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS in now playing in 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide. Check your local theater to see if it's playing near you.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!

Phil sees MINIONS from Universal Pictures-December 14, 2015

I saw DESPICABLE ME when it first came out back in 2010. It wasn't my favorite film but I did fall in love with those cute, little yellow minions. Apparently so did the rest of the world. Then DESPICABLE ME 2 came out and then the minion fandom really took off. There were toys, games, posters, rides, even a kids cereal! Soon it became clear that eventually Universal Pictures were going to release a minion movie to cash in on the popularity. And wouldn't you know it? They did release a minion movie entitled MINIONS. And it was a cute movie to watch too.

Theatrical Movie Poster (2015)

The film's official synopsis: Ever since the dawn of time, the Minions have lived to serve the most despicable of masters. From T. Rex to Napoleon, the easily distracted tribe has helped the biggest and the baddest of villains. Now, join protective leader Kevin, teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob on a global road trip where they'll earn a shot to work for a new boss-the world's first female super-villain-and try to save all of Minionkind...from annihilation.

As with most kids movies, the plot is pretty straight forward and predicable but you know what? Who bloody cares! Why do I say this? Because it was a cute, sweet and funny movie that tickled my funny bone and me forget about life's problems for a while. Being an adult and parent, I have a lot to worry about stress over. There's work, bills that need to be paid, rent, car issues, groceries, laundry, etc. But when was the last time you indulged your inner child? Whenever I see a family film, I always like to stress that idea. Go ahead and just have fun watching a film that will make you laugh out loud with joy and care-free delight. After all, that's what being a child is all about.

The movie was directed by the combo of Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin, the later directed the DESPICABLE ME films. They keep the film light on its feet, the laughs frequent and the fun at full throttle. The script was written by one Brian Lynch, the man who wrote PUSS IN BOOTS, HOP and the upcoming Illumination Entertainment/Universal Pictures release THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS. Granted this isn't the best written story, but for the kids, they will eat it up. And I wouldn't be surprised if you and your family started quoting the movie as well. Plus, since the film takes place in 1968 (yup, this is a prequel), there's a lot of far out catchphrases to quote man.

Actress Sandra Bullock finally makes her villain debut as the infamous Scarlet Overkill who, along with her ultra groovy husband Herb (Jon Hamm),is in need of some henchmen to help her take over England. Bullock's portrayal of Scarlet is evil, nasty and hilariously entertaining to watch. She's just simply a cold-blooded monster that we get to laugh at. So she's a despicable villain that you'll love to hate. The great Michael Keaton and Allison Janney play funny villain couple Walter and Madge Nelson respectively, who pick-up our hitchhiking yellow friends and take them along to the super cool Villain-Con where they meet their new master.

Co-director Coffin provides the voices to out three favorite minions: Bob, Kevin and Stewart. They're cute, yellow, funny and lovable and are so mass marketed now that I'll make you sick. Seriously these guys are freaking everywhere. But that's OK cause that's Hollywood for you. But in all honesty, I really did enjoy the movie and all the wacky, crazy schenanigans these three get into. Kevin is the brave leader who must keep them together and focused on their mission of locating a super villain to work for. Stewart is the guitar playing, smooth talking ladies man who might love his bananas more. And then there's Bob. Yeah, I love Bob. He's my favorite minion just because he's so damn adorable! I just wanna pinch those fat cheeks of his and give him a whole barrel of bananas!! 

Overall MINIONS gets my vote for Best Family Film of the Year!! It'll warm your heart while make you laugh out loud with action and adventure that only a minion could have! So grab the family together and see this movie! 4 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!

MINIONS is now available on both Blu-Ray and DVD at your local retailer. The movie is also available at your local Redbox as well as on Netflix and Video On Demand.

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!