Son of God

My View:  Son of God (2014)  PG-13  The story of Jesus (Diogo Morgado), from his humble beginnings, his lifelong teaching, his crucifixion and his resurrection.  Morgado is admirable in the role and has a pleasing presence on the screen with the perfect amount of charisma the part needs.  The supporting cast is a little weak, with the exception of Darwin Shaw, who plays the hot-headed Peter.  It is very evident that this film was made on a very small budget, especially when the film keeps showing very obvious shots of miniature models of the towns of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. This isn’t a bad film, but it’s a film that brings nothing new to the story of Jesus.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Son of God Website

Indiefest:  Kids for Cash (2014)  PG-13 A documentary about the “kids for cash” scandal that unfolded in Pennsylvania in 2008.  A hard-line judge, who was known for his stiff sentences of juveniles, was accused of accepting bribes from privately-owned juvenile prison facilities. By handing down the harsh, long term sentences, the judge increased the number of inmates at the prisons, making the facilities more profitable. This is a film that could have been better as it never quite finds its emotional punch. The film does a excellent job of letting both sides express their opinions, including letting the judge accused of taking the bribes, keep digging his case for prosecution deeper and deeper.  But we only see the emotional impact of the case near the end of the film, and it's not an impression that this type of film needs to make.  My Rating:  Bargain Matinee  Kids for Cash Website

Forgotten Film:  A Private Function  (1984)  R  In 1947 England, rationing due to World War II is still going on, but that doesn't discourage a small town from having a party to celebrate the marriage of Princess Elizabeth.  Soon the whole town is in a frenzy on how to provide food for the celebration, and a plan is hatched to steal a pig, that is until the pig the townspeople want to steal is missing.  This is a light British comedy that makes fun of life in small town post war England.  The comedic talents of Maggie Smith and Michael Palin are on display to enjoy and savor.  My Rating:  Full Price  A Private Function Info

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)  I don’t know what the plot is but does it really matter?  This film is directed by Jonathan Liebesman, the same man who brought us Battle: Los Angeles (2011) and Wrath of the Titans (2012).  Enough said.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD/Blu-ray):  Gravity (2013)  PG-13  A medical engineer, Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock), and a veteran astronaut, Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney), are on a space mission. During a spacewalk, satellite debris crashes into the Space Shuttle and sends Dr. Stone adrift into space with limited oxygen.  I hope you took my advice and saw this film in the theatre.  Sandra Bullock is perfect as the astronaut who is tries to survive in space.  The storyline is so strong that even if you see the film on a small screen, you will still be wowed.  My Rating:  I Would Pay to See it Again  Gravity Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of 3 Days to Kill (2014):  ripper

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Chef (2014)  Jon Favreau wrote, directed and starred in this film about a chef, who, at the sacrifice of his family life, rises to the top of the culinary world, only to lose it all.  Now, he starts a food truck business to not only resurrect his career but to give him time to reconnect with his family.  An all-star cast includes Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Dustin Hoffman, John Lequizamo, and Oliver Platt. Chef Info 

Until Next Time