Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s “Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” follows the story of a washed-up actor who use to receive a heavy amount of recognition, but has issues with his ego, his family, and it is all in the midst of a new Broadway show he is set to star in. The cinematography is done by Emmanuel Lubezki, who did the cinematography for “Children of Men” (2006), The photography for “Burn After Reading” (2008), “The Tree of Life” (2011), “Gravity” (2013), and this masterpiece “Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance).” This film is about the stress of being famous on Broadway, and the ugly competition of critics reviewing Broadway productions. It is also like Wes Anderson’s “Moonrise Kingdom” (2012), however with much more emphasis on the situation with many technical effects to make melancholy. Therefore, “Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” is a dark comedy, but is also spectacle.

The movie’s star, Riggan (Michael Keaton) is a man with many challenges ahead of him. The film starts off with him being in his imaginary mind-set with a voice speaking to him. While trying to figure out how his next production is going to workout properly, he happens to dysfunctions with his daughter Sam (Emma Stone). Sam is someone who has had to go through rehab and such for depression and probably other reasons (but her issues are not defined as much because she is not much of the focus of the subject). Riggan realizes also that his agent Jake (Zach Galifianakis) is desperate for his approval of a new cast member to join the ride for Riggan’s new production. Riggan is not easy to get along with on sides of the industry of Broadway. He is extremely self-centered. Surprisingly, in a heart-beat, Mike (Edward Norton) steps in to be a part of the production. Mike is talented but believes he has much more going than Riggan does and he always wants to receive attention on a variety of levels because he is obsessed with himself purely. Finally, there is one of the lead actresses of the production Lesley (Naomi Watts). Lesley is captivating and has high expectations as well but does not know if she can work with Mike or Riggan, given they can both be complete jerks. The characters in this film are all set for a recipe to be either a masterpiece or a disaster.

Mike is a strange man, on first sight, he may seem like a lady’s man (Norton generally appears that way in almost all of his films in the beginning). He is not afraid to expose himself or how he feels towards other people. In a glance between him and Sam he goes for his opportunity to get laid or to catch her eyes into her believing that she would want a relationship with him. He does the same with Lesley but goes overboard a bit. I am not going to explain anymore because if you want to know how twisted Mike really is, you will need to see the movie to find out for yourself.

The lead Riggan is quirky also, but his quirkiness plays into the film’s seriousness much more, however Norton’s role is oscar-worthy. In some moments, Riggan is seen having a bad day (on numerous occasions) or just stressed out to the extent. In those times, the voice comes back to him and he imagines his old character that earned him lots of appraisal and that character is “Birdman.” A character he played years ago but turned it down because he got bored with it. Just he does not know what he wants to be known as. Either between Riggan or “Birdman.” To be honest I think “Birdman” the name that makes his mark.

I love this movie, I am a huge fan of stage productions because of past experiences and ushering in Not-for-profit theater venues. The weird-world of “Birdman (Or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” makes seeing Broadway feel like a first from its immersive and creative background behind it.

Four stars.

David Ayer brings a tremendous, biographical flick with “Fury.” It stars many well-known actors, but the audience will see these actors in a stage of massive-catastrophe.

The month is April, and the year is 1945. Don ‘Wardaddy’ Collier (Brad Pitt) commands a Sherman-tank and five men tag along. The men are Boyd ‘Bible’ Swan (Shia Labeouf), Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman), Trinio ‘Gordo’ Garcia (Michael Pena), and Grady ‘Coon-Ass’ Travis (Jon Bernthal). Together, they are all trying to challenge the overwhelming odds in their best chances to reach the point of conclusion in Nazi Germany.

“Fury” was action-packed with shootings and explosions. Ayer did what he can to get actual rifles to make the movie feel more realistic. All actors did well in the action moments. Bernthal was ruthless and nosed no mercy, while Labeouf, Pena, and Lerman all did what they can do best–and they can obviously act well in a war flick by Ayer.

The lead role which was Pitt was the main focus of this triumphant classic. He was great as the leader in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglorious Basterds” (2009), and it was great to see him play this role seriously and dramatically.

To be honest, some moments dragged. There were times when some scenes felt they were longer than they needed to be. However, the surprise explosions kept my attention.

Despite the films minor drags, “Fury” is great, spellbinding, and heroic–definitely to be seen on the big screen.

Three stars.

Generally these family comedies have not grabbed my attention all that much, but “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” was quite amusing. It is an adaptation based off of the classic book also called “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.” Long story short, I loved the book as a kid and read it consistently, so I just had to see this movie.

The movie stars two well-known celebrities that hold your attention throughout its entire ninety minutes. As always, Steve Carell never disappoints. He always has something to offer that will make the film hysterical at any given moment. Finally, Jennifer Garner fits the role of being the mother in this quirky, family film. The casting in this film all works perfectly, and the movie is somewhat ridiculous, but a a family film with a few laughs is what is fun for family fun at the movies.

As said earlier, the movie is an adaptation based off the children’s novel written by Judith Viorst. Alexander (Ed Oxenbould) is having the worst day of his life followed by a bunch of other disappointments and it is all taking place on the day before his birthday. Issues relating to friends, school, popularity, and his family agitating him all the time. All of this makes Alexander have one wish. That wish is for his family to see what it is like to have a terrible day. That wish comes true and when it does the anarchy begins with many disasters with everyone that is Alexander’s annoyance besides himself.

Even though the film is a bit over done to be funny, I personally had a good time with it. I felt like I can relate to the film because I remember a variety of days where I just felt like my day sucked. Regardless of how bad your day is, for Alexander’s family, their day cannot get anymore disastrous. You can’t help but become dazzled by how over the top the disasters are.

I enjoyed the family-first memo in this movie. Without any spoilers, there is the moment where you just know that the ending is going to be a good ending since this is a family film. You will wonder if Alexander is going to admit its his fault for his family’s day being such catastrophe. If he does or does not, no matter what you will still be laughing until it hurts.

Overall, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” is somewhat dumb, but has many touching moments. If you are looking for a film to have a laugh with your kids this is definitely the right one for that scenario. I will say at least three stars for this movie.