By Leslie Olvera

The summer blockbuster movie season has just begun, but springtime has had some good choices for movie buffs. Some of these recent releases will initiate laughter, some tears, and even a few goosebumps!

THE HUNGER GAMES:
MOCKINGJAY PART 2

The much anticipated release of Part 2 premiered a little while ago, but those who had seen the first few Hunger Games movies, or even just Mockingjay Part 1, are destined to become fans of this incredible phenomenon. Coming from District 13, protagonist Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), returns to fight for the freedom of her people. As in the previous Mockingjay film, Katniss has been symbolized as “The Mockingjay” and she will return to a furious revolution against the autocratic Capital with the help of her district (District 13) that will change the lives of everyone in their world.

CHAPPIE  – Hugh Jackman stars as Vincent – Photo Credit: Stephanie Blomkamp © 2014 CTMG, Inc. All rights reserved.

CHAPPIE

Chappie has become a big hit that has touched the heart of every audience member. In the near future, robots became extremely useful to the citizens as well as the military. While fighting crime, one of the robots was destroyed leading to being deemed, just another “old machine.”

The creator of the robots, Deon Wilson (Dev Patel), tried to produce a robot to have feelings. While trying to sneak out the old robot, he was hijacked by a group of criminals. Doing anything to save his own life, Wilson was forced to experiment on Chappie the robot, leading to an emotionally active robot. This robot changes the lives of the criminals as well as his creator, Deon Wilson. Throughout the rest of this film, the Chappie’s simple truths about life force all those around him to question their own humanity.

INSURGENT

Next in the Divergent series, Insurgent continues to develop the life of Tris (Shailene Woodley) and Four (Theo James) as they continue to explore the ruins of Chicago. In this world divided into factions based on their perceived virtues, Tris must try to survive a plot to destroy divergents. A divergent is someone who does not fit into any of the factions. Tris and her friend Four must discover what makes the divergents so dangerous before it is too late.

The characters of Tris and Four are developed more fully and the family history of Tris is also explored. Many of the questions raised in the first film are answered in this one. This action-packed science fiction film is the perfect movie to sit and enjoy with friends and or family!

UNFRIENDED

Unfriended leaves its audiences scared to death! The high school years are usually an unforgettable time, but in this film it is especially so for a group of teenagers who witnessed the death of a prior classmate. After Laura Barns (Heather Sossaman) committed suicide at the school playground, strange events started to occur. During a group chat, the group of teens mysteriously received a new member, whom was unfriended. Who’s unfriended? Nobody knows but what is known is that he or she wants revenge.

The teenagers soon start to disappear and some even kill themselves! Who would hack into a dead girl’s account? Who knows, you’ll have to watch and find out yourself. The person behind the screen may be someone that was never expected, nobody is safe. This movie will actually make you put down your cell phone for a little while.

TAKEN 3

This is the long anticipated third installment of the famous Taken action thriller series. As in the original two movies, actor Liam Neeson plays the lead roled of retired CIA agent Bryan Mills. Taken 3 premiered on January 9, 2015 with the most unexpected twist when Bryan Mills’ ex-wife, Lenore (Famke Janssen), is brutally murdered after enjoying a period of reconciliation. After Mills had been framed for the murder of his ex-wife, he fled. With the most powerful FBI, CIA, and police departments in pursuit to bring Mills to justice, he goes on the hunt to find Lenore’s real killers. This task is hard enough, but at the same time Mills must also secure his daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) from finding the same fate as his wife. This ex-CIA agent brings a specific skill set and ferocity which makes the audience cheer with him.

FURIOUS 7

The Fast and Furious franchise is expanded again with the movie that everyone has been waiting for finally coming out! The Fast and Furious crew is back with another sequel to the suspenseful action! Deckard Shaw seeks revenge for the death of his brother. To think it’s just another “car chasing” movie, think again because in this one, there will be flying cars! This action thriller will touch the hearts of many, especially those fans of Paul Walker. It is well worth the wait to see this movie.

THE BOY NEXT DOOR

Intrigued by a handsome and charming young neighbor, Noah (Ryan Guzman), who also befriended her introverted son, Claire Peterson (Jennifer Lopez) finds that her innocent fling is not so safe. Director Rob Cohen uses this somewhat trite storyline to create goosebumps as this romantic thriller shifts from fun to suspense, over the course of the film.

As Claire Peterson befriended Noah and making her so called “harmless move,” she initiated the short romance. But it bloomed out of control, and it changed when Claire realized it was all a huge mistake. In the process of Claire putting an end to the relationship, Noah becomes utterly violent leaving not only her life in great danger but as well as her beloved son.