Pinocchio

Familyfaire: Pinocchio (2022) PG   The beloved tale of the wooden puppet who goes on an adventure to become a real boy. Why does this story keep being made by studios? I probably put Pinocchio near the bottom of the list of all the classic Disney animated films. Other than the signature song “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “An Actor’s Life for Me” (hey, I was a kid actor’), nothing else really stands out for me. Well, now you have a combination of CGI animation and live action that doesn’t feel magical. Tom Hanks is horribly miscast as the puppet builder Geppetto, with an accent that comes and goes, along with one horrible song about his dead son. And who thought it would be funny to have Pinocchio have a lengthy encounter with a pile of horse manure on his first day in the real world? I think small kids will enjoy the antics of Pinocchio, and Wish Upon is wonderfully sung by Cynthia Erivo as the Blue Fairy, plus Joseph Gordon-Levitt has a certain charm as Jiminy Cricket (though Cliff Edwards will always be the standard). However, I felt the whole 1-hour forty-five-minute length as the story drags on and on. My suggestion is to watch the first 15 minutes of the film, look for all the Easter eggs in Geppetto’s workshop and pick out a movie to see from one of those.   My Rating: Cable  Pinocchio Website  Now playing on the Disney+ platform.

My View: Barbarian (2022) R  A woman (Georgian Campbell) rents an Airbnb to find that someone else is already renting it. Subsequently, she reluctantly stays the night, only to find that the home has hidden secrets that could cost her more than the rent. First, if you can, avoid the trailer. The less you know coming into this film, the better. It is scary as heck, with a great setup and an even better 2nd half (though I have a few minor problems with the ending that I won’t go into here). I love the casting of Bill Skarsgard as Keith, the guy who has rented the home also, and agrees to let Tess (Georgian Campbell) spend the night, with him taking the couch. I won’t ruin how Justin Long’s character AJ is involved in the plot, but he is perfect in the role as the vain actor whose life is about to go downhill. There are plenty of scares, and the tension building starts almost from the start of Tess showing up in the middle of a dark, rainy night and goes from there. Once you think you have it figured out, this is one of those films that comes out of left field and knocks you on your butt. If you like terrifying movies that keep you guessing, then Barbarian is one for you. One of the best horror films of the year!   My Rating: Full Price  Barbarian Website  Now playing in select theatres.

My View: End of the Road (2022) R   Brenda (Queen Latifah), her brother Reggie (Ludacris), and Brenda’s two kids are on a cross-country trip. In an isolated motel, they witness a murder. Thereafter, they become the killer's target, and Brenda will have to fight to keep her family alive. Watching this film reminded me of the old movie of the week TV films that used to be a staple on ABC and other networks in the 70s. A film that doesn’t promise a lot, led by a TV star (which is what Queen Latifah has become with her CBS Equalizer show), and gives a simple story of a family in the wrong place at the wrong time that goes from bad to worse for them. The plot is pretty easy to figure out, and there are a few fights (nothing much to see), plus a rather run-of-the-mill car chase. If you are a fan of The Equalizer, you might enjoy this, but for the rest of us, it’s like it's 1977 all over again, and I'm watching TV with my parents. My Rating: Bargain Matinee  End of the Road Website  Now playing on the Netflix platform.

Indiefest: About Fate (2022) R  A tale of two people (Emma Roberts, Thomas Mann) who have always believed in love but have never been able to find its true meaning. A chance encounter puts them together, and the two go on an adventure that will change their lives. Finally, they just might find out what love truly is. This is a fun, sweet rom-com with your usual kooky situations where two people meant for each other find themselves together due to fate. Roberts and Mann make a cute couple and have great chemistry together. The two get into some fun situations, and I liked the understated ending. It helps that the supporting cast is full of people you are comfortable with, like Wendie Malick, Cheryl Hines, and Britt Robertson. About Fate probably won’t be a staple in your rom-com lineup, but for a fun and enjoyable time, it will do. My Rating: Bargain Matinee    About Fate Website  Now playing in theatres nationwide.

Indiefest: Private Desert (2021)  Daniel is a policeman suspended after a violent incident, and his world is crashing down around him. Daniel holds onto the one good thing in his life, his online girlfriend, Sara. When Sara disappears, Daniel travels 2000 miles to find a woman he has never met. Daniel, played by Antonio Saboia, is a man whose world is coming apart. He has done something so horrible to get suspended that news stories keep popping up on the Internet. Daniel takes care of his elderly dad, who is barely coherent and has a rocky relationship with his sister, who he depends on to help take care of his dad. Daniel’s one shining hope is his relationship with Sara, but when she ghosts him, he can’t take it and leaves to find her. Private Desert is a tale about a man who thinks he is in love with a woman he barely knows but is convinced that everything will be better if he finds her. Sometimes what we think will fix things makes things only more complicated.   My Rating: Full Price   Private Desert Website  Now playing in select theatres.

Forgotten Film: Walking and Talking (1996) R  Amelia (Catherine Keener) is a single woman with a history of picking the wrong guy. Amelia has a best friend in Laura (Anne Heche), who has always been there for her, in person or any time Amelia calls. However, recently, Laura has been head over heels in love with her boyfriend (Todd Field), and now, Amelia feels she is losing Laura when Laura gets engaged. I love this film, primarily due to the performance of Catherine Keener, who plays Amelia as a likable but incredibly needy, flaky person that you somehow still like. The dialogue is perfect in this film, and it’s helped by the believable relationship between the two best friends. I will always love Anne Heche, but Keener overshadows her and shines in this one.   My Rating: Full Price   Walking and Talking Info  

Weird Credits: From the credits of Barbarian: Cleaner

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Moonage Daydream (2022) PG-13  Documentary about the life and artistry of David Bowie. The film has been sanctioned by the Bowie estate and is by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Brett Morgen (Jane (2017), Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015), and The Kid Stays in the Picture (2002)). I can’t wait to see this film. I never saw Bowie doing his own songs, but I did see him play keyboard/backing vocals for Iggy Pop a million years ago in my youth.   Moonage Daydream Info  Film will be releasing in theatres in mid-September.

Until Next Time!

Despicable Me 2

Family Faire:  Despicable Me 2 (2013)  PG   Gru (Steve Carell), his adoptive girls (Miranda Cosgrove, Elsie Kate Fisher, Diana Gaier) and the Minions are back! This time, Gru has tried to settle into a life of raising kids and staying out of trouble. Trouble, though, inevitably always finds Gru, and The Anti-Villain League recruits him to find a new super-criminal who has stolen a secret formula. Gru must now go undercover, with the help of AVL agent Lucy (Kristen Wiig), and work at a place in his worst nightmares, the local mall.  I enjoyed this film much more than the first Despicable Me mostly because it features the Minions more.  This is a funny, imaginative film that delights from start to finish.  It is worth seeing in 3-D, and the film moves at a fast, clever pace that both children and adults will enjoy.  Be sure to stay through the first part of the credits as there is a bonus scene with more Minion goodness.   My Rating:  Full Price    Despicable Me 2 Website

My View:  The Lone Ranger (2013)  PG-13  Tonto (Johnny Depp) tells the story of a man who started out as lawyer John Reid (Armie Hammer), a man who favored the law over a gun. But the West is a tough place and to save his brother’s family, John had to turn into the man with the white hat and the black mask.  He had to become The Lone Ranger.  I enjoyed the first 30 minutes of this film as it was funny and moved at a quick pace.  Then the movie bogged down in trying to top itself with massive explosions and unimaginative stunts. And why does a western feel the need to have massive explosions and stunts for almost two and half hours? The film can never decide if it is a film for kids (it's not, even though it's being released under the Disney label) or adults, and it mixes things such as a violent shootout where numerous lives are lost, with a humorous scene involving the Lone Ranger's horse, Silver. Depp is the star of the film as Hammer can't keep up with the more experienced actor.  But, I think fans of Depp will be disappointed as he delivers most of his lines in a deadpan manner. The film is too long, never captures the audience's imagination, and the last big chase scene is entirely too confusing to make any sense. It's a sad state of affairs when I enjoy the performance of a horse more than the actors. By the way, there is a bonus scene during the credits, but like most of this film, it doesn't go anywhere and is not worth staying for.  My Rating:  Cable     The Lone Ranger Website

Indiefest:  20 Feet from Stardom  (2013)  PG-13  The film highlights one of the most unappreciated jobs in the world, the world of the backup singer. The spotlight is placed on singers Merry Clayton, Lisa Fisher and Darlene Love – whom you know only by their voices.  This fascinating film is a must-see for fans of rock music of the 60's and 70's as it gives behind-the-scenes stories and footage of some of the greatest musical performances of that era, including concerts by such artists as Sting, The Talking Heads, The Rolling Stones and Joe Cocker. There is also some amazing television footage of performances by Lynryd Skynrd, Ray Charles, Ike and Tina Turner and David Bowie. Music is the key to this film, and it is an enjoyable experience to see how much these singers love what they do. In addition to getting a glimpse into the world of  a back-up singer’s lifestyle, you get to experience their passion, and how hard these singers work, often in the shadows with very little recognition.   My Rating:  Full Price   For My In-Depth Review of the Film Click Here    20 Feet from Stardom Website    

Indiefest:  Unfinished Song  (2013)  PG-13  Arthur (Terence Stamp) is a grumpy husband who barely tolerates his wife’s (Vanessa Redgrave) love for singing in the community center’s choir. Arthur’s world is about to change when the head volunteer of the choir, a young woman named, Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton), decides to enter the choir, made up of senior citizens, in a national competition.  This is a heart-warming film with a winning performance by Stamp.  The film is at its best when the choir start singing the latest hip-hop and heavy metal hits. Arterton does a terrific job as the choir leader who becomes a friend to Arthur and gets him to come out of his grumpy shell.   My Rating:  Full Price   Unfinished Song Info

Forgotten Film:  Silent Running (1972)  PG  In the future, due to overbuilding and overcrowding, the Earth has put all it's remaining flora on gigantic pods contacted to a space ship.  Freeman Lowell (Bruce Dern) enjoys his time on the ship, caring for the ecosystems like they are his own family.  But, when word comes that the pods that contain the ecosystems are to be jettisoned, and the ship is to return to Earth, Freeman must choose between the lives of his fellow crewmen and the ecosystems that he loves.  Dern gives a moving performance in this film, and, while the "hippy, earth first" theme is a little heavy handed, it's still a surprising and enjoyable film to watch.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee    Silent Running Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):  A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)  R  I hated this film as I felt it didn't live up to the Die Hard franchise. The plot is horrible, and the film is so poorly constructed that when you get to the end, you have no idea how you got there.  Stay away from this film filled with "Daddy issues".   My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again    A Good Day to Die Hard Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Lone Ranger:  Facial hair and hair goods

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You:  Red 2 (2013)  PG-13  The retired black-op CIA agents are back, and this time they are looking for a missing portable nuclear bomb.  The cast is why we should be excited to see this film with Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Anthony Hopkins, Anthony Hopkins, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker.  And, they have added Catherine Zeta-Jones to the cast as a former lover of Willis.  Can't wait for this one!    Red 2 Website

Until Next Time!

Oz The Great and Powerful

My View:   Oz The Great and Powerful (2013)  PG    A small-time touring magician (James Franco) dreams of being a huge success. Little does he know that he is about to travel to a magical place called, Oz, where he will have to decide if he is of legend-making material. I liked this film because of its great cast with Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams playing the witches, three very distinctive striking actresses who can act. Franco is a proficient con man in Oz and uses his good looks and his Cheshire Cat style grin to get by when he can’t talk his way out of a sticky situation. This film does a great job of giving us background on the characters who make up the Land of Oz. It’s a beautiful film and well worth seeing in 3-D as the director, Sam Raimi, uses the technology to gives us a sense of  wonder and adventure that fill the screen. It’s a film that both children and adults can enjoy, though both (just like in the original Wizard of Oz) might be just a little afraid of the flying baboons.     My Rating: Full Price   Oz The Great and Powerful Website

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

#8 Worst Film

Howard the Duck (1986)  PG   A live action film produced by Lucas films (George Lucas of Star Wars fame) starring Lea Thompson and Tim Robbins (he isn’t Howard). The main star of the film is a cigar smoking, foul (no pun intended) mouthed duck about 3 feet tall based on a series of best-selling comic books. The film is filled with bad jokes, horrible dialogue, crappy special effects, and what makes this film almost unwatchable is the sexual attraction the Howard the Duck and Lea Thompson’s character develop.    Howard the Duck Info

Forgotten Film:   The Hunger (1983)  R The beautiful Catherine Deneuve plays Miriam, a vampire who lives on the blood of her lovers, lovers that are promised eternal life. David Bowie plays Miriam’s lover, John, who discovers that he may receive eternal life but not eternal youth. John finds Dr. Sarah Roberts (Susan Sarandon) who specializes in the study of aging, in hopes that she can slow or stop his older appearance. This is a lush, seductive horror film where sex is a weapon and a tool for controlling people. Sarandon is amazing in the role of the doctor who gets pulled into this complex world, a world that she may never escape.    My Rating: Full Price    The Hunger Infor

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):  The Master (2012)  R  This is a film that you want to see, not because of the storyline, but because the performances in the film are so great, with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Joaquin Phoenix giving it their all. Be warned though, the film is extremely long (137 minutes), and some scenes feel like they are way too drawn out.    My Rating: Full Price     The Master Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):   Tyler Perry’s Temptation (2013)  PG-13 A film about a marriage counselor whose own marriage breaks apart as she becomes obsessed with another man. All I have to say about this film is Kim Kardashian has a supporting role.    Tyler Perry's Temptation Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of Oz The Great and Powerful : Carnival Choreographer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   Admission (2013)  PG-13  Tina Fey stars as a Princeton admissions officer who goes on a recruiting trip to an alternative school and meets its innovative director (Paul Rudd). The part looks perfect for Tina Fey, and Rudd is always good as a love interest.     Admission Website

Until Next Time!