Matthew R. Reis: Film and TV Critic

Risen. From the ashes. 5 Stars Blog Exclusive! The best way to describe "The Dark Knight Rises" (TDKR) is by analogizing it to that of a train leaving a station. It starts off slow and steady, gradually building up steam. When it's operating at full tilt anything can happen. In "Rises" Bruce Wayne/Batman (played by Christian Bale) has to overcome demons starting from the somber opening sequence all the way through a twist filled conclusion. Along the way he meets alluring personalities such as the devious, sexy criminal Catwoman (Anne Hathaway) and Bane (Tom Hardy), a ruthless mercenary threatening to become Gotham's reckoning. Batman stands in his way, but Bane's his strongest adversary yet. Only the will of ordinary people banded together can help save the city. Aiding TDKR story are many grandiose set-pieces, Wally Pfister's flawless, sweeping cinematography and Hans Zimmer's genre bending score. Even minor details even feel like they...

"Drive Angry" film review by: Matthew R. Reis (Now on DVD) 3 Stars As featured in: The Ithacan Back in 1996 Nicholas Cage won an Oscar for lead role in Leaving Las Vegas,” but has lately accepted far less noteworthy roles in flops like this January’s “Season of the Witch.” However, the clichéd “Drive Angry 3D,” is an oddly fulfilling movie showcasing a reinvigorated and refocused Cage. Set in the Deep South, convicted felon Milton (Cage) has literally been to Hell and back. He busts out of Hell in order to rescue his baby granddaughter from the same cult who killed his daughter. Milton enlists the help of Piper (Amber Heard), a sexy twenty-something waitress with a mean streak. But, the Devil’s right hand man, The Accountant, isn’t fond of being short a soul is eager to return Milton to his fiery cell. The movie recycles plot elements from previous Cage films in a highly cohesive and successful manner. While “Ghost Rider” also features Cage as a hell dwelling vigilan...