Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

My View:  Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)  R  Conner4Real (Andy Samberg) is a world-famous recording artist. A documentary team follows Conner as he undergoes the reuniting with his old boy band, “The Style Boyz.” If you are a fan of the Lonely Island videos that pop up from time to time on Saturday Night Live, then you will love this film because it’s really one long music video. The music videos that Lonely Island usually does are funny, but there just isn’t enough material to fill out an 87 minute movie. There are some very funny bits in this film, but they are too few and far between to keep the film moving. I did enjoy the numerous cameos by a whole host of musical stars. I especially enjoyed the performances of Mariah Carey and Usher. About half-way through the film I was hoping that Popstar would just stop. My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Website   

Indiefest:  Me Before You  (2016)  PG-13  Lou (Emilia Clarke) has lost her job, and there aren’t a lot of prospects in her small town. She is forced to get a job as a caretaker for Will (Sam Claflin), who is wheelchair-bound after a motorcycle accident. This career move will change both their lives forever. Be sure to bring lots of tissues because you are going to need it. I really enjoyed this film, mostly due to the impressive and highly likable performance by Emilia Clarke. She lights up the screen and is an absolute delight to watch. There is a marvelous chemistry between Clarke and Claflin, making their attraction to each other seem real and believable. The storyline is sweet but also sad, so be warned. My Rating: Full Price   Me Before You Website

Indiefest:  Dark Horse  (2015)  PG  In an old mining town in Wales, a group of friends decide to take on the elite “sport of kings” and breed themselves a racehorse, a horse named, “Dream Alliance”. “Dark Horse” isn't just about horse racing, it's about the power of animals to help us heal, to feel better and bring people together. It's an uplifting film that will bring a tear to your eye from time to time. It's also a “Rocky” tale of a working class group of people taking a “working class” horse, that has no way of winning in the high-price stakes of racing, and turning their world on its ears, because not only does this horse win, it wins big. I loved this warm and uplifting film. The love between the horse and its owners is almost overpowering. Each and every one of them felt that Dream was part of the family. “Dark Horse” is about beating the odds and, as long as you believe in yourself, you can succeed. If you like rooting for the underdog or the little guy, this is the film for you. “Dark Horse” is a winner no matter how he places in the race.   My Rating: Full Price   Dark Horse Facebook Page    

Indiefest:  Presenting Princess Shaw  (2015)  Documentary about a young woman from New Orleans whose songs on YouTube are turned into viral hits by an Israeli composer/video artist Kutiman. Princess Shaw was a wannabe singer who worked at a nursing home. She posted videos of her singing but had only twenty followers. One of her videos is seen by a world famous video artist who turns her song into a music video. There is a great scene in the film when she realizes that someone has taken her song and people are watching it. Her joyful reaction is just beautiful to watch. If you enjoy music and wonder how some of the YouTube music videos are made, this film is for you.  My Rating:  Full Price   Presenting Princess Shaw Website

Forgotten Film:  Straight Time  (1978)  R  Max (Dustin Hoffman) is a lifetime criminal. He gets released from prison and decides to go on the straight and narrow. The world seems determined to make sure that Max doesn’t succeed, but soon, Max is back to his criminal ways. Hoffman is brilliant as the doomed Max, and he is helped by an outstanding supporting cast including M. Emmet Walsh as a creepy parole officer who is determined to make sure Max doesn’t find a job. This is a gritty look at the world of a criminal and how hard it is for someone to overcome their past.   My Rating: Full Price   Straight Time Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Me Before You:  Weather Consultant

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: Free State of Jones  (2016)  R  During the Civil War, a Mississippi farmer (Matthew McConaughey) decides to quit the Southern army and lead a rebellion against the Confederate army.  It is interesting how I used to detest McConaughey’s movies and now I can’t wait to see them.   Free State of Jones Website

Until Next Time!