The Revenant

Visceral. Artistic. Horrible. 

Explanations below: 

Visceral: Holy crap, this movie is a few steps short of being straight up gore porn. From the heart pounding survival nightmare scenarios, to the brutally realistic fights, The Revenant really sells the violent reality of the 1800's. It starts off brutal, and only continues ramping it up until it culminates with a spectacularly shot (and seemingly realistic) fight that leaves you feeling absolutely exhausted. 

Artistic: Sure we're in an age of "trendy" art flicks. A time when every random Joe wants to show a a close up of someone's face for 15 minutes and claim it's art. Luckily every so often one of those people trying to get cute with movies really pulls off something exquisite. The Revenant features some breathtaking landscape shots, along with an amazing score to really pull some strong feelings out. I know there were moments where some beautiful shots lingered a hair too long (To the point I really took note of the pause), but overall this was a brilliant way to let the audience a chance to catch their breath after some particularly heavy or intense events. This of course isn't even touching on the beautiful details, and great choice of shots employed. The Revenant is a good example that not every art flick needs to be slow paced or dull. 

Horrible: It's been a long while since a movie evoked feelings such as agony and despair. A scene late in the movie in particular really sold a point the film tries to suggest early: This isn't a fantasy version of the American Frontier. I know horrible is a word with negative connotations, but here it just fits. Tom Hardy's John Fitzgerald is a horrible, horrible creation. How well Hardy brings this character to life is just amazing. I know he probably won't get enough credit, but for as good as Leonardo DiCaprio is, Hardy made me legitimately hate Fitzgerald. This movie will invoke some horrible feelings in most, and it's all the better because of it.

Ride Along 2

Physical, Succinct, Mild

Explanations Below:

Physical: This movie reminds me of a 90's comedy. More about the physical gags then hilarious lines or amusing antics. Things like using your partner's bullet proof vest (While they're still wearing it), or amusing slaps being exchanged during a heated situation. I want to say the physical comedy is welcome, but with two really funny people in Cube and Hart on display... I feel like we comedy viewers were cheated just a bit.

Succinct: This movie gets a nice amount of stuff right. Including the wonderfully brisk pace, and a run time that seemed perfect. I never once found myself losing interest, nor did I feel like any details or situations needed wrapping up. It's rare to find a movie (Especially a throw-away buddy-cop comedy) that doesn't outstay it's welcome.

Mild: I came away pleased with the ticket money spent, but I can't say I'd see it again if given the chance. My expectations were a bit higher due to my enjoyment of the previous film, but even without high expectations I think this movie misses on just enough things to keep it from being a solid comedy. Enjoyable sure, but it could definitely have been more.