Avatar: The Way of Water

My View: Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) PG-13  After years of peace, a familiar threat returns to finish what they previously started with a new weapon. Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family must now decide whether to stay and fight or run and hide. You must see this in a theatre on the biggest screen you can afford, and if you like 3-D films, this is one you will want to see because it uses the 3-D format to dazzle and amaze you. It is a gorgeous film, and the underwater sequences are absolutely outstanding. The brilliant colors and the lush detail of the underwater world are almost overwhelming. This tops the first film, and the visual experience is awe-inspiring. I will warn you that the film was shot at a different frame rate and takes a bit of getting your eyes used to. That being said, the film is very long (3 hours twelve minutes), and you sometimes feel the length. The storyline, unfortunately, is the movie's weak point, with some plot holes that a whale could swim through. The film creates some evil superbad guys, and then they seem to be pretty easily killed (anyone figure out how to stop an arrow going through a windshield? No, I didn’t think so). You will have a sense near the film's end that we have been here before, and you would be right. I hope that for the next Avatar film, James Cameron spends a little more time in the writer's room and less time in the special effects room. That being said, it is worth seeing for the experience of going once more into the world of the Navi and the wonders it has to display.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Avatar: The Way of Water Website  Now playing in theatres nationwide.

Indiefest: Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths (2022) R  An legendary Mexican journalist and documentary filmmaker, Silverio Game (Daniel Giménez-Cacho), is being courted to receive a prestigious award in the US, where he now makes his home with his family. Silverio will go on a journey to reconcile the past with the present and his identity as a Mexican citizen. There are some films that, when they start, you know you could be in for a long night. This is one of those films. The film opens with a scene where we see the shadow of a man running in the desert, gaining enough speed that he suddenly becomes airborne. This is a beautiful and thrilling shot, but then we see it happen again and again and again. That's what you are in for in this film, an exploration of a man who likes to talk, a lot. Speeches go on for minutes that seem like hours. The film seems to ramble, as does the speeches that Silverio makes, and although the film is filled with mesmerizing images, it feels like a movie that could never find the point it wants to make. Too surreal for my taste and way too long; I wanted this film to end much sooner than it did.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Bardo Website  Now playing in select theatres.

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Seen Only in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Detective Knight: Redemption (2022) R  The Christmas Bomber is leading a group of Santa Claus disciples on a terror spree. In walks Detective James Knight (Bruce Willis), who is out to stop them by any means necessary. This is another of the Bruce Willis films he made in the last few years, so don’t expect him to be in many scenes. But hey, just in time for Christmas!  Detective Knight Info  Now playing in select theatres.

Forgotten Film: Prancer (1989) G Jessica (Rebecca Harrell) is a 9-year-old who is living on a farm with her father (Sam Elliott) and her brother. She misses her late mother, especially around Christmas time. She finds a wounded reindeer and is convinced it’s one of Santa’s, Prancer. Jessica feels it's her mission to save Christmas and get Prancer back into shape for Christmas Eve. Now, if only her family and the rest of the town would believe it. Besides Sam Elliott, the cast includes Cloris Leachman, Abe Vigoda, Johnny Galecki, and Michael Constantine, which helps the film, but it’s the performance of Rebecca Harrell that makes this film work. It’s a stunning performance, and she plays well off of Sam Elliott. This is one of those feel-good Christmas films that works.   My Rating: Full Price  Prancer Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Avatar: The Way of Water: Performance Free Diving Coach

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023) Our local friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, aka Miles, is asked by Gwen Stacy to join forces and travel across the Multiverse to fight a villain more powerful than anything they have ever encountered. The first film, 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was not only one of the best-animated films of that year (Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film) but was one of the best films of that year. I can’t wait to see what they do next! Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Info  Film will be releasing in June of 2023.

Until Next Time!

Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul.

My View: Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul (2022) R  Trinitie (Regina Hall) and her husband, pastor Lee-Curtis (Sterling K. Brown), used to be the king and queen of a prominent Southern Baptist Mega Church. However, that was before a major scandal, and now they must rally and put the pieces back before it all goes away. I loved the performances of the two leads, especially Regina Hall, who dominates every scene she is in. Hall can do more with a look to the camera than most actors can do with a whole speech. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t know what it is. Is it a mockumentary? Is it a comedy? Is it a drama? Most of the film is shot as if it is for a documentary, but there are times when the film isn’t part of the documentary, as in a bedroom scene where the couple attempts to have sex, which makes for a very confusing mess of a film. I will say that there is a hilarious scene during a car ride where the two get into a rather profane rap song, but that’s the film's highlight as far as humor goes. The problem is that the film is a one-trick pony on how a Christian couple is more concerned about their wealth than their souls, and it pounds us over the head with that notion throughout the film.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. Website   Now playing in theatres nationwide and is currently on the Peacock platform.

My View: Love in the Villa (2022)   Julie (Kat Graham) is a woman who always has a plan. After a long-term boyfriend breaks up with her, she takes the ‘romantic trip’ to Verona, Italy, that the two had planned together. Once there, she discovers that the villa she reserved has been double-booked, and she’ll have to share her vacation with a cynical British man (Tom Hopper). Come on, what more do you want in a rom-com than a trip to Italy with two mismatched, great-looking soon to be in love people. Predictable, but with the beautiful scenery, who cares? The first third of the film is a bit rough (a little too much of a grab for humor), but Graham and Hopper give the movie a bit of a spark, and you get an ending that you want. And there are all those shots of Italy.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Love in the Villa Website  Now playing on the Netflix platform.

Indiefest: Gigi & Nate (2022) PG-13   Six weeks away from his first year at college, Nate (Charlie Rowe) suffered a horrible accident, leaving him a quadriplegic. His world seems small and cold in that wheelchair until a unique service animal entered Nate’s life. A tiny capuchin monkey named Gigi. This is a film that is in two parts. The first part is an enjoyable film about a young man who finds hope and solace in a service animal. The film is enjoyable as Gigi and Nate slowly bond, and both Nate and his family begin to heal. The second half of the film takes a hard turn to try to give us a message that seems very heavy-handed, making a statement that it doesn’t know how to deliver without hitting us over the head with it. The film takes a big swing and misses. It's too bad because the first half is winning look at overcoming a horrible thing with the help of love and family.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Gigi & Nate Website  Now playing in select theatres. 

My View: Wire Room (2022)   New recruit Justin Rosa (Kevin Dillon) is working in ‘the Wire Room,’ where federal agents monitor in a remote facility the most dangerous criminals in the world. Rosa is watching a cartel member, Eddie (Oliver Trevena), who he has been told to keep alive at all costs. Things go wrong when Justin sees that a team of assassins has descended on Eddie’s house, and Justin warns the man of the danger. It’s a move that could cost both of their lives. It is tragic this is the last film that Bruce Willis will be in, and it is evident that he was having trouble with lines, with all the one-shots he is involved with, speaking one sentence at a time. Most of the film is horribly put together, with a plot line that stretches any sort of reason. It’s sad that your two leads only have action sequences near the film's conclusion, and then it’s mostly a shoot-out that ends with a whimper. Sad end to what was a great career.   My Rating: Cable    Wire Room Website  Now playing in theatres.

Indiefest: The Good Boss (2021)   With his company up for an award that could save it, Blanco (Javier Bardem) is willing to do just about anything to ensure it happens. First, I went into this film thinking it would be a comedy, but it’s more a drama with humorous undertones. Blanco is a man who is used to things going his way. He is all bluff and bravado, thinking he can talk his way out of anything. However,from the start, we see cracks in Blanco’s life and work. A worker he has let go of is causing a scene right at the film's beginning, and things get worse as Blanco tries to control an out-of-control situation. Blanco's world is slowly crumbling around him, from his right-hand man having a breakdown to a fling that turns horribly wrong. Javier Bardem is brilliant in a role that is very different from most that he has done in the past. This is a performance for the ages, as the more that Blanco tries to put out the fire, the more the flames rise up to bite him. It’s a character that, at first, we like, but as we get to know him, the more we detest his ability to charm. But is Blanco as slick as he thinks he is, or will everything come tumbling down? You will have to watch to find out.   My Rating: Full Price   The Good Boss Website  Now playing in select theatres.

Forgotten Film: Silvia Prieto (1999) R  Silvia (Rosario Blefari) is a woman in her late twenties who is perfectly happy going from job to job, moving around when she feels like it. It all changes when she finds out a second person is also called Silvia Prieto, and her life changes. Unfortunately, these changes are not what she hoped for. This delightful film from Argentina works because of the performance of Rosario Blefari, who is marvelous in the role of the strange and flighty Silvia. The film is full of wit and an excellent supporting cast. Truly a gem of a film and well worth watching.   My Rating: Full Price   Silvia Prieto Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul: Child Labor Coordinator

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Barbarian (2022) R  A woman (Georgian Campbell) rents an Airbnb to find that someone else is already renting it. She reluctantly stays the night, only to find that the home has hidden secrets that could cost her more than the rent. The film is getting great word of mouth. The film is in theatres nationwide on Sept. 9, 2022.  Barbarian Info

Until Next Time!

Cyrano

My View: Cyrano (2021) PG-13   The legendary story of a wordsmith and master swordsman, Cyrano (Peter Dinklage), who falls madly for the lovely Roxanne (Haley Bennett). Despite being in love with Roxanne, Cyrano is too full of self-doubt to make a move but then is enlisted by the dashing Christian (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) to woo her with letters that Cyrano writes for Christian. Cyrano de Bergerac is one of my favorite plays and has been brought to the screen numerous times, including some of my favorites of all time: Love Letters (1945), Cyrano de Bergerac (1950), Electric Dreams (1984), and the classic Steve Martin romantic comedy Roxanne (1987). So, accordingly, I fell in love with this version of Cyrano, a musical starring Peter Dinklage, who, instead of the enormous nose making Cyrano feel that he is not worthy of Roxanne’s love, it’s his size that causes his doubts. This version of Cyrano is a musical with a score written by members of the Indie-rock band The National. While not a great singer, the songs in the film allow Dinklage to half-sing, half-speak the songs, but this makes for a more mournful and soulful Cyrano, as he pours out his heart for a love lost. Dinklage is one of those performers who commands your attention, and he does this with an ease that makes him seem effortless on the screen. Haley Bennett is superb as the lovely Roxanne and Kelvin Harrison, Jr. belts some of the film's best songs as the tongue-tied Christian. I thoroughly enjoyed this revisit to an old friend about a man who sacrifices his happiness for what he thinks will make the love of his life happy, only to be disappointed by the cruel turn of events.   My Rating: Full Price  Cyrano Website  Now playing in theatres nationwide.

My View:  Studio 666  (2022) R   Dave and the rest of the Foo Fighters are looking for the perfect place to record their much-anticipated 10th album. Finally, they have found the ideal location, a mansion in Encino that is steeped in rock and roll history. However, there is one problem: supernatural forces threaten to take over their lives. If you are a fan of the Foo Fighters and have enjoyed their music videos, you will have a good time watching this film. Based on a story written by frontman Dave Grohl, a huge horror fan, the film is a take on the haunted house theme, with an evil force possessing Grohl for mayhem and gore. The film is a takeoff on all the low-budget slasher films you have seen, with each new death bloodier and grosser than the last one. The film is funny, but it overstays its welcome by at least 30 minutes, and I got tired of the seemingly endless plot, as the killings keep going long after I thought it was fun. The band looks as if they were having a blast and a lot depends on if you like Dave and his tendency to overact. If you're not a fan, you might want to skip Studio 666 and maybe try something like The Cabin in the Woods (2011) or Tucker and Dale vs. Evil (2010) instead.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Studio 666 Website  Now playing in theatres nationwide.

My View: No Exit (2022) R  Darby (Havana Rose Liu) is a runaway from rehab desperate to visit her sick mother, but Darby is stranded by a blizzard in an isolated highway rest stop. Shortly after arriving, she discovers a kidnapped child hidden in a car belonging to one of the people inside the rest stop she is stranded with. Darby (Havana Rose Liu) is a runaway from rehab desperate to visit her sick mother, but Darby is stranded by a blizzard in an isolated highway rest stop. Shortly after arriving, she discovers a kidnapped child hidden in a car belonging to one of the people inside the rest stop she is stranded with. No Exit is a gripping suspense film that starts with the premise that there is a kidnapper among the four people you meet in a rest stop, and you have to figure out who it is and how to get the child safe while trapped in cramped quarters. The film has plenty of nice twists to keep you interested while keeping the suspense high. I enjoyed this film, where you get to play detective along with Darby and try and figure a way out of an impossible situation. Havana Rose Liu gives us someone in Darby to help us figure out what is going on in a desperate attempt to rescue the child. No Exit loses a bit of steam in the second half, but it’s still a cool roller coster ride that becomes a bit horrific.  My Rating: Full Price   No Exit Website  Now playing on the Hulu platform.

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): A Day to Die  (2022) R   After killing a drug syndicate member while protecting a parolee, Connor (Matt Dillion) has one day to pay two million dollars in reparation. He enlists his old military ops crew, led by Brice Mason (Bruce Willis), to steal two million dollars. Anything these days with Bruce Willis on the movie poster is a bad sign. Willis is making a ton of these direct-to-video movies where he comes in, acts for a day or two, and then departs, making the film basically a walk-on for him, and the rest of the film is an action film without its star.    A Day to Die Info

Forgotten Film: Nobody's Fool (1994) R  Sully (Paul Newman) is a man in his 60’s who has lived a carefree life. He has a job as a construction worker, lives in a rented apartment, and gets by because he is charming and good-looking. He spends most of his days drinking beer at a local watering hole and flirting with his boss's wife (Melanie Griffith). Then in walks his son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), going through a messy divorce and has moved back to his hometown. Now, Sully must confront the past he has long ignored. Newman was one of those actors who could do incredible things with very little. Newman’s Sully is a man who, though full of faults, is someone you still root for. It’s that easy-going charm that Newman fills the screen with as no one else can. Nobody's Fool is a film that lets Newman fill with his presence, and it's a performance that is one of his best, especially of his later career. The cast is outstanding, including Bruce Willis as Sully’s boss and Jessica Tandy as Sully’s landlord (and old 8th-grade teacher), but it’s Newman that makes this film work and worth watching.   My Rating: Full Price    Nobody's Fool Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of Cyrano: Action Prop Buyer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (2022)   A cash-strapped Nicolas Cage (yes, that Nic Cage) has agreed to make an appearance for 1 million dollars at a billionaire’s (Pedro Pascal) birthday party. It gets complicated when Nic learns that the billionaire is not only a fan but is a drug kingpin. OK, Nic Cage is playing himself, so this could go one of two ways: a heck of a lot of fun or a huge mess. Either way, it will be worth seeing for this Cage fan.      The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent Website

Until Next Time!

Glass

My View:  Glass  (2019)  PG-13   Three men are being held in a high-security mental institution: David Dunn (Bruce Willis), a former security guard who has somehow supernatural powers, Kevin (James McAvoy), a killer that has 24 personalities and a mysterious man named Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson). The film is much too long, and the middle portion of this film slows down, with Sarah Paulson, playing a therapist, that just sits there and lectures the three men, sometimes alone, sometimes at all three together. Samuel L. Jackson’s character Mr. Glass is in a drug-induced haze for much of the film. Bruce Willis looks puzzled and uninterested. As with his performance in Split, James McAvoy is fantastic as he instantly goes from one personality to another. I had hoped that M. Night Shyamalan had gotten back on track, but it proves once again that when given a big budget, he tries to do too much. Glass is a superhero movie that rarely lets the superheroes be heroic.  My Rating: Cable   Glass Website

My View:  Destroyer  (2018)  R   A police detective (Nicole Kidman), seventeen years ago, went undercover and things went horribly wrong. Now she is exploring her past to make peace. I found the storyline a little weak, and it takes a while to get going, but the reason to see this movie is Kidman. She gives a deep, vulnerable performance as a broken woman who is trying to right the wrongs that she created 17 years ago. I liked the ending of the film, which ties everything up, I wish it had gotten to that point a little quicker.  My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   Destroyer Website

In Case You Missed It (A movie just released on DVD/Blu-Ray):  The Old Man & the Gun  (2018)  PG-13      Based on the true story of Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford) who escaped from San Quentin and then went on to rob over 80 banks while in his seventies. If this is genuinely Redford’s last acting performance, then he goes out on a high note. It’s a brilliant, understated performance that only someone with skill like Redford can do. Redford’s performance is bolstered by the performances of Casey Affleck, the world-weary cop trying to catch Forest, and Sissy Spacek, who slowly falls in love Forest. The film is based on a true story, and I loved the ending of the movie where they used old photos and footage of Redford to illustrate the 16 prison escapes that Forest did over the years.   My Rating: Full Price    The Old Man & the Gun Website

Forgotten Film:  Control  (2007)  R    Fascinating film about the troubled life of Ian Curtis (Sam Riley), the lead singer of the legendary band Joy Division. The film gives us insight into why at age 23 he decided to commit suicide. The film at times almost feels like a documentary and is based on Curtis’s wife Deborah (played by Samantha Morton) book on Curtis’s life. The photographer Anton Corbin, whose pictures of Curtis, made him the sex symbol of young, like-minded teens, directed the film. The film is shot in black and white, and the cinematography is just gorgeous. I loved the performance of Morton as Ian’s long-suffering wife in the movie. Her performance is almost magical it is so good. Control is a movie about a man who came to the conclusion that he must end his life to stop his misery.  My Rating: Full Price   Control Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Glass:  Prosthetic Makeup Design and Fabrication: Charlayne Woodard's Aging

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  The Kid Who Would Be King  (2019)  PG   King Arthur’s half-sister Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson) is going to take over the world in 4 days in modern times. Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis) has found the legendary Sword in the Stone and is able to pull it out. Now Alex and his friends must go on a quest to find the opening of hell and battle Morgana. The guy, Joe Cornish, who wrote and directed Attack the Block, is back with a new film, so you know I’m seeing this one.    The Kid Who Would Be King Website

Until Next Time!

Turbo

Family Faire:  Turbo (2013)  PG   Theo (Ryan Reynolds) dreams of being the best race car driver in the world, just like his hero, five-time Indianapolis 500 champ Guy Gagne. There is just one problem Theo is an ordinary garden snail. Theo’s life changes when, by accident, he gets sucked into the supercharger of a drag racer and his DNA mixes with nitrous oxide, which results in a snail with super speed. Now, Theo can live up to his nickname, Turbo, and make his dreams come alive.  This is a movie that kids will love since it's is filled with bright colors, lots of movement and likeable characters. Adults may find the storyline a little too simplistic and not engaging.  The story drags in places , and it seemed to move at a snail’s pace, taking forever to get to the Indy 500. Ryan Reynolds doesn’t bring a lot to the character of Turbo , but I did enjoy Samuel L. Jackson as the racing snail, Whiplash and Paul Giamatti as Turbo’s reluctant and always cautious, Chet.    My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   Turbo Website

                                                            

My View:  Red 2  (2013)  PG-13   Your favorite retired black-ops are back. Frank (Bruce Willis) is just trying to fit in and live the normal life with his girlfriend, Sarah (Mary-Louise Parker) when he is notified by Victoria (Helen Mirren) that Interpol is on the hunt for him. To clear his name, he gets the gang back together on a quest to hunt down a missing portable nuclear device.  I really enjoyed the first film, Red (2010), but this one wasn’t as much fun. In the first film, we didn’t know any of the characters, so some of the joy of the film was getting to know their quirks and their specialties. Also, the first film seems much more tongue-in-cheek.  It's a fun film, and, any time you get to see Helen Mirren shoot a big gun, it’s a win. The film has lots of huge explosions, shoot outs and some really cool fight sequences with a new member of the team, Korean martial artist, Byung-hun Lee. I will say I missed Ernest Borgnine, who sadly died before this film was made.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee    Red 2 Website

My View:  The Conjuring  (2013)  R   The Perron family (Lili Taylor, Ron Livingston) is being terrorized by a mysterious presence in their old family farmhouse, so they bring in Paranormal Investigators, Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine (Vera Farmiga) to get rid of the entity. This case may be bigger, though, than anyone ever thought.  This is a damn scary film that is firmly situated in the true horror genre. It takes a while for things to really start happening, but once they do, watch out because there are a lot of things that go bump in the night. The dialogue is a little clunky and occasionally funny as the film is set in the early 1970’s. Overall, this is a scary film that delivers truly frightful, intense scenes. The film does ask you to believe that the Paranormal Investigators are the real deal, but it’s just a little price to pay for such a fun ride.   My Rating: Full Price    The Conjuring Website

My View:  R.I.P.D.  (2013)  PG-13  Detective Nick Walker (Ryan Reynolds) is killed in a shootout and discovers that there is a whole other dimension inhabited by the spirit world. Now Nick works for the R.I.P.D – the Rest in Peace Department, the police force of the undead. Partnered with Roy Pulsipher (Jeff Bridges), Nick has to stop evil spirits from taking over the living world.  This film went downhill almost from the start as a chase scene goes on with some of the worst CGI special effects that I have ever seen.  Every one of the characters in this film seemed be inspired by 1950’s cartoons, and bad ones at that.  Bridges performance is especially disappointing as he has decided to go over the top with his cowboy accent and bigger than life facial expressions.  Reynolds looks as if he wishes he was in another movie and the usually reliable Kevin Bacon, playing Nick’s best friend, just never connects with his character or the audience. Thirty minutes into this film, I was looking at my watch, hoping that this film was almost done.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t.  My Rating:  You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again   R.I.P.D. Website

Indiefest:  Fruitvale Station  (2013) This is the true story of the last day in the life of Oscar (Michael B. Jordan), a 22-year old man who was killed by transit cops in the Bay area of California one New Year’s morning. This film will make you angry and sad at the same time.  The cast is astonishing, led by Jordan’s breathtaking performance as Oscar. The film was shot in documentary style at most of the actual locations, which allows you to get inside the world of Oscar. The film is heartbreaking from the beginning where we see the actual camera phone footage of Oscar’s death. This is one of those films you will walk out of and immediately start talking about it. This is one of my must see smaller films of the summer, and you shouldn't miss it.    My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again    Fruitvale Station Website

Indiefest:  Crystal Fairy  (2013) Jamie (Michael Cera) and his friends are traveling through Chile when they encounter a woman (Gaby Hoffmann) who calls herself, Crystal Fairy. The gang, with Crystal in tow, embark on a quest to find a psychotropic cactus that they plan on eating while on a beach. It’s a trip they never will forget. Cera’s character, Jamie, is extremely unlikeable as he is all about his needs and wishes and doesn't  about other people.  Cera definitely does a good job projecting that selfish attitude. Hoffman is the main reason to see this film, though, as she is perfect in the role of the always talking, sometimes maddening, self-proclaimed Crystal Fairy. This film doesn’t quite hit the mark, but the performances are worthy, just as long as you don’t partake of the psychotropic cactus.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   Crystal Fairy Info

Forgotten Film:  Tumbleweeds  (1999)   PG-13   Mary Jo Walker (Janet McTeer) is a single mother who usually picks the wrong man to get involved with. When things get messy, Mary Jo’s instinct is to run. Ava (Kimberly J. Brown) is her long suffering daughter who has gotten used to moving to new towns and starting life over. When Mary Jo once again gets involved with the wrong man, Ava, must take a stand and get her mother to face her fears. This is a moving drama that relies on the great chemistry between McTeer and Brown. Mary Jo is one of those characters whom you just wish would grow up a little, especially since her bad decisions affect her daughter so deeply. This is an interesting, smart film with excellent performances.  My Rating:  Full Price    Tumbleweeds Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Red 2:  Origami services provided by

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Prince Avalanche  (2013) Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch star in this film about two highway road workers who, while working in an isolated area, talk about their life and loves. The trailer is very funny, and the film is directed by David Gordon Green, who gave us Pineapple Express (2008).   Prince Avalanche Website

Until Next Time!

G. I. Joe: Retaliation

My View:   G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)  PG-13 The G. I. Joe team is in a world of trouble as they have been framed as traitors – traitors to their own country. To make matters worse, Cobra’s own Zartan (Arnold Vosloo) is in power, impersonating the President of the United States. The Joes are going to need help getting their country back, so how about the original Joe, General Joseph Colton (Bruce Willis) joining back up with the team? Do not see this film in 3-D! The film was not shot in 3-D but converted later to the format, and combine that with the shaky-cam used in most of the action sequences, and it will be either sick to your stomach or headache time for you. Additional scenes with Channing Tatum were added, but these “Bromance” scenes with Dwayne Johnson seemed forced. The dialogue for most of the film is so bad that you will groan at some of the lines, but hey, you don’t go to a G.I. Joe film for the witty banter, you go for the action scenes, and there are plenty. I especially enjoyed the ninja battle via rappelling gear on the side of a huge mountain - fast and inventive. But Willis is mostly wasted as Gen. Joe Colton, and the plot becomes just one big mess, especially near the end, making the film just one loud explosion.     My Rating: Cable   G. I. Joe: Retaliation Website

My View:   The Host   (2013)  PG-13    Aliens have invaded the Earth and have taken over the minds and bodies of most of the population. Melanie (Saoirse Ronan) sacrifices herself to let her boyfriend and brother escape and allows an alien named, the Wanderer, to take over her body/mind.  But, to the alien’s chagrin, Melanie hasn’t given up. It turns out Melanie is sharing her body, mind and memories with the alien, an experience that will change both of their lives.  From the same novelist, Stephenie Meyer, who gave us the Twilight series, this film has much better acting and better dialogue than that series with the sparkly vampires. Saoirse Ronan doesn’t disappoint in the multi-role of Melanie and The Wanderer, portraying basically two roles in one body. The film is very typical of the Young Adult films with lots of dialogue and a female lead that is attracted to two very different young men (Jake Abel and Max Irons) whom she will have to choose between. The film is bolstered by the excellent supporting cast, especially William Hurt and Frances Fisher. Action fans will be slightly disappointed as the film is mostly about relationships and family, but there are a couple of good chase scenes. While not a great film, it’s not cringe-worthy like the Twilight films.     My Rating: Bargain Matinee    The Host Website

Indiefest:  NO   (2012)  R   Chile in 1988 is ruled with an iron fist by the dictator Augusto Pinochet. When increasing international pressure is mounted against the ruling government, Pinochet agrees to a national vote. A vote Yes means that he stays in power, and a vote No means democracy stands a chance in the country. A young ad executive (Gael Garcia Bernal) is asked to head a campaign against overwhelming odds to convince a country to vote NO. Bernal is the reason to see this film, as he gives an inspiring performance of the ad executive who risks his life for the democracy movement. It is an interesting film that gives you appreciation of the power of democracy and how people all over the world are fighting for the right of self-determination.    My Rating: Full Price    NO Website

The 50 (A Movie from My Best/Worst Films of All Time)

#7 Worst Film

Monster a-Go Go  (1965)  PG  Production was started on this Black and White film in 1961 but was shut down half-way through and then started up again in 1964 using different actors for the same parts. I could try and tell you the plot, but it’s better that you only know one thing about this film - there isn’t any monster!    Monster a-Go Go Info

Forgotten Film:  The Tao of Steve   (2000)  R  Dex (Donal Logue) is an overweight, underachieving kindergarten teacher, who has incredible success with bedding women by using what he calls the “Tao of Steve," a philosophy based on the question, “What would Steve McQueen do?” At his ten-year college reunion, Dex meets Syd (Greer Goodman) , but all of his charms may not be good enough to get the girl of his dreams. The dialogue in this film is smart, witty, and the characters are complex and real. It’s a fun, romantic comedy that is easy to watch and Donal Logue plays the frisbee golf loving Dex to perfection.    My Rating: Full Price    The Tao of Steve Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):   Killing Them Softly   (2012)  R   I did not like this film about a hit man (Brad Pitt) sent to find a couple of guys who robbed a mob-controlled poker game. I found the action was too few and far between which made the film seem like it was about uninteresting characters talking about nothing to each other.    My Rating: Cable    Killing Them Softly Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):   6 Souls ( 2013)  R  This film, about a forensic psychiatrist (Julianne Moore) who discovers that one of her patients is murdering people, just looks like a stinker. This film was made back in 2010 but is just being released now.  Never a good sign.    6 Souls Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Host:  Construction Medic

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You:   Mud (2013)  PG-13   One of my favorite films from the 2013 Atlanta Film Festival starring Matthew McConaughey in the title role, but it’s the two teen boys in the film, Tye Sheridan and Jacob Lofland, who make this film such a pleasure to watch.    Mud Website

Until Next Time!

A Good Day to Die Hard

My View:   A Good Day to Die Hard (2013) R   John McClane (Bruce Willis) travels to Russia to try get his son (Jai Courtney) back on track. What John doesn’t know is his son isn’t a kid bumming his way through Europe - he’s a CIA operative trying to stop the sale of nuclear weapons. Now John must team up with his son to keep the world safe. Yippee Ki yay bad! This is one of those films where the plot is so badly thought out that, at the end if the film, you have no idea how you got there. There are lots of daddy issue jokes/situations and unlike some of the other Die Hard films, this one just isn't fun. The film feels like it’s just one long explosion of a movie, and I have no idea who the villain of the film is, though it could possibly be the screenwriter.   My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again   A Good Day to Die Hard Website

My View:  Safe Haven (2013) PG-13    Katie (Julianne Hough) is running away from a dark secret, one that no one can ever find out about. She suddenly finds herself in a small North Carolina costal town, trying to make a new life. Her world starts looking up when she meets a young widower (Josh Duhamel) and his two children. But Katie’s past may catch up to her and hurt the people she has started to care about. This is the first Julianne Hough movie that I have seen that I didn't mind her performance, but that may be because she doesn't sing in this film. Dumel and Hough are a cute couple, but you never see any sparks between the two as Hough has better chemistry with the two kids. The storyline is very predictable, even the twists are easy to see coming (and hey, it's a Nicolas Sparks film, so you know there will be some). It's not up to the Notebook standards, but it’s no Miley-bad-acting weep-fest either.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Safe Haven Website

The 50 (A Movie from My Best/Worst Films of All Time)

#9 Best Film

The General (1926) Buster Keaton stars in this classic silent film about Johnnie, the train engineer. When the Civil War breaks out, much the disappointment of his girlfriend, Annabelle (Marion Mack), Johnnie is turned down to join the Southern army. When Union spies capture the locomotive named The General, Annabelle is aboard. Johnnie goes on a mad, wild ride to rescue his train and his beloved Annabelle. This is Buster Keaton’s finest film, one that is full of amazing sight gags, and Keaton is at his best with the incredible stunts he performs throughout the movie. The film also has a heart and with most Keaton films, his performance is full of great warmth and astounding comic timing. The ending has one of the greatest scenes ever, a stunt that has to be seen to be believed.   The General Info

Forgotten Film:  How to Steal A Million (1966) The beautiful Audrey Hepburn plays Nicole, the daughter of an art collector (Hugh Griffith). But, not only is Nicole’s dad an art collector, he is an art forger. Nicole learns that a statue that her father has loaned to a Paris museum is not an original but is a forgery. Now Nicole, with the help of the dashing burglar, Simon Dermott (Peter O’Toole), must break into the museum and steal the statue before the museum can perform validity tests. Hepburn and O’Toole fit perfectly together, making this funny film a delight to watch.   My Rating: Full Price   How to Steal a Million Info

In Case You Missed it (A Film Just Released on DVD):   Skyfall (2012) PG-13    Daniel Craig stars as 007 in not only one of the best James Bond films but in one of the best films of 2012. The fact that this film did not get a Best Picture nomination is a crime.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again   Skyfall Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):   G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)     Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson and Bruce Willis as the original Joe, what could go wrong? How about a film that was shot in 2-D, then delayed for 6 months to turn it into a 3-D film. I have seen a couple of scenes from this film and all it did was give me a headache.    G.I. Joe: Retaliation Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of Safe Haven: Helicopter Ground Safety

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   The Heat (2013) R    From the writer/director of Bridesmaids, Paul Feig, comes this comedy starring Sandra Bullock as a straight-laced FBI agent who is forced to work on a case with Melissa McCarthy’s character a Boston cop. Let’s hope director Feig lets McCarthy does what she did in Bridesmaids and steal every scene that she is in.    The Heat Info

Until Next Time!