****

Let me start this out by saying "Shaun of the Dead" to me is a masterpiece. I remember seeing that in the theater with my brother and buddy Scott and just laughing our balls off. I can watch that a 100 times and never get tired of it. "Hot Fuzz" on the other hand is just ok, and probably one if I rewatch I'll like more. Here is the finale of Edgar Wrights' "Cornetto Trilogy"(the three movies he directed starting Nick Frost and Simon Pegg). The less you know about this the better. It's basically a group of old friends who have gotten older and grown apart who come together for a one night epic pub crawl that they didn't finish 20 year earlier. During the crawl crazy stuff happens and this becomes something you wouldn't expect if you didn't know what happens(so I won't ruin it), but it's awesome. The cast is great, and it's hilarious throughout the entire movie. Much better than "Fuzz", not as good as "Shaun", but it's up there. I was very surprised at how good the effects and fight scenes are, but then again Wright did direct "Scott Pilgrim"(another amazing movie). I will say, that I didn't really care for the ending. Just not how I would have ended it, but it doesn't really damper the movie at all. If you're not into British comedies, then you probably won't like this or get some of the humor. But then again it may end up being right up your alley. One of the better comedies of the Summer season. Great watch and great conclusion to their trilogy, although I hope they continue to make movies together, because these three are awesome when teamed up.

**

Some movies have really good casts and they just don't work out. "Big Wedding" is one of those movies. Robert Di Nero, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigl, Topher Grace, Amanda Seyfried, Susan Sarandan round out the cast. But even with all that star power, this is a very uneven, unfunny romantic comedy. It's basically about a dysfunctional family coming together for a wedding, and all their problems come to a head. Women will probably enjoy it more than the guys(even though Emily passed out and didn't care for it all). Worth a watch? Maybe a one time on Netflix. But not really worth any money.

***1/2

Michael Shannon is one weird, creepy actor and he is awesome for it. Here, he is at his creepiest as a serial killer hitman nicknamed The Iceman. Based on a true story, he kills over a hundred people. This isn't so much about his murders(although there are a lot of them). It's more about how he balances his home life as a husband and father of two, with his life as a killer. It's interesting and intense. The supporting cast is great with Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, James Franco, and Chris Evans, who is completely disguised. But this is Shannon's movie. If you enjoyed him in "Take Shelter" or on "Boardwalk Empire", then this is a must watch. I can see him getting award recognition for this. The biggest issue with the movie is the pacing. It's kind of slow and tedious in spots, but overall it's still entertaining. Worth a watch.

****

"Prisoners" is one of those movies that is going to be hard for a lot of people to watch. It's a movie about a child abduction and the lengths that a father will go to to get his daughter back. If you mixed "Mystic River" and "Seven" together, then you would get "Prisoners". There are lots of twists and turns, and it will keep you on the edge of your seat and eyes glued to the screen. The cast in this is absolutely amazing. Spearheaded by Hugh Jackman playing the father, and this is his best role yet. If he doesn't get a best actor nomination at the awards shows this year, then there is something very, very wrong. There were two scenes with him where I nearly had a tear or two come out. It's very powerful stuff. Jake Gyllenhall is also terrific as the lead detective on the case. Paul Dano, Viola Davis, Terrance Howard, and Mellissa Leo round out the ensemble, and each one is terrific. This is one of those movies where it'll end and you will immediately say "I would have done this..." or I agree with this person. It's very easy to put yourself into their shoes, especially if you're a parent. My wife asked if this would have had the same impact 5 years ago, and I don't think it would have. This is an amazing movie, with a truly gripping story. Sure some won't like it or want to watch it, but for everyone else, this is one of the best movies of 2013 right now. I'd be very surprised if this doesn't end up on my top 5 list at the end of the year.

"You're Next" is a complete throwback to 80's type horror movies. It's fun, funny, has jump out moments and one of those horror movies that you won't forget. It's basically a home invasion movies. A rich family get together for the 35th anniversary of the parents, and then they get attacked from outside intruders with crossbows, axes, and machetes. From there the movie is what you would expect with a couple twists that most people will see coming, and a bunch of moments that you will either laugh at, jump, or go "Holy Shit". When I was younger, friends and I would get together some Friday nights and watch horror movies. This is perfect for that. It doesn't take itself very serious, and has the best death scene of the year involving a blender.. Horror fans should love this, if your don't like horror or are squeamish, then just know, you're missing out.