Contributing Writer
Jared Hill

Minions

Director: Kyle Balda, Pierre Coffin
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Jonn Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Geoffrey Rush
The prequel to Despicable Me is a rumbling, bumbling, stumbling tale of the fruitful (preferably Banana-full) history of the “Minions”. They are a species that emerged from the primordial ooze whose only purpose was to serve the meanest and most despicable boss-man/lady they could find on Earth. There is nothing logical about these Looney-Toon-like creatures. There are only nonsensical hijinks, outrageous song-and-dance numbers and an abundance of goofiness. The main story takes place in 1968, where 3 Minions – Kevin, Stuart, and Bob — take on a mission to save their tribe parading the globe for a new boss. 1968 sets up for refreshing gags on things such as: Richard Nixon, Jimi Hendrix, The Dating Game, a young Queen Elizabeth, and even The Beatles.

Rating: 2.5/4

Ant-Man

Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Michael Pena
Wow, you may not think this right away. I know how cheesy this may sound, but believe me when I say this: Ant-Man packs a great punch! As skeptical as I was going in, I was blown away with what Ant-Man had to offer. The science behind it all, the closing of distances between atoms, and the metaphysical concepts are absolutely unreal! Marvel has delivered a cold splash of water to our faces during this hot, hot summer. It’s booming with originality, teaming with comedy, and packed with superb action sequences. The science sounds great, and again: As a project within the Marvel Universe, it ties together perfectly with everything else!

Rating: 3.5/4

Nightcrawler

Director: Dan Gilroy
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Riz Ahmed
Jake Gyllenhaal is in-arguably one of the greatest actors of the 21st century; and if you’re feeling skeptical about that fact, Nightcrawler will surely put those doubts to rest. His character – Louis Bloom – is incredibly smart (too smart), and incredibly hard working (too hard working). Fate has seemingly found him a career in local crime journalism. With an enormous character arc, Gyllenhaal transforms Bloom from an every-man to what is essentially a demon comparable to the likes of Hannibal Lecter. He is a cold, shadowing stalker of the Earth; A Nightcrawler by profession and by nature.

Rating: 4/4

The Jamestown Gazette is pleased to bring our readers insightful and informative reviews of some of the nation’s most popular, current films. Jared Hill’s past commentary and reviews will be archived at Jamestown Gazette’s website, www.jamestowngazette.com.