The Disaster Artist

My View: The Disaster Artist (2017) R   Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) meets Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) in an acting class, and the two decide to make a movie. The movie they make together is The Room, considered one of the worst films of all time. I see a lot of bad movies, especially at film festivals, but I always remember that the movie that I hated was someones passion project, probably taking years of their life to bring it to the screen. That’s one of the messages of The Disaster Artist, while Tommy Wiseau created one of the worst movies of all time, it was his creative life up on the screen. The film is a comedy, but like a lot of good comedies, it has some serious moments that move you. James Franco gives an unbelievable performance mimicking Wiseau perfectly, playing a character that is oblivious to how bad an actor/writer that he is. This is a film that does, rightly so, make fun of a man who lives in his own world, literally, he believes he lives in ‘Tommy’s World,’ but it also knows that this man is someone who has feelings and is extremely isolated until Greg enters his life. This film is a fun ride from beginning to end, but it also has heart and that makes it stand out from the crowd, much like Tommy Wiseau does in real life. Be sure that you stay through all the credits for an incredible bonus scene.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again    The Disaster Artist Website

My View: The Shape of Water (2017) R   An other-worldly fairy tale set against the backdrop of the Cold War era America in 1962. In a hidden high-security government laboratory Elisa (Sally Hawkins) discovers a secret classified experiment that will change her world. This is an enchanting and fascinating film about a budding though strange romance and the man who wants to kill it (literally). Sally Hawkins is charming as Elisa, the mute cleaning lady who is desperate for love and is willing to do anything to get it. Hawkins gives Elisa a unique view of the world, and with the help of a neighbor, played by the soulful Richard Jenkins and a co-worker, played by the spunky Octavia Spencer, they take on one of the evilest villains in the history of cinema, Richard Strickland, played by Michael Shannon. Shannon’s Strickland is malicious, violent, and uncaring how he gets the job done, just that it is done. This is a gorgeous film and the cinematography creates precisely the right mood for each scene. This is a highly creative and imaginative fairy tale that will astound you in every scene.    My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again

My View: Darkest Hour  (2017)  PG-13    During the early day of World War II, the fate of Western Europe was being threatened by the Nazi war machine. Newly appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Gary Oldman) must decide to either make a stand or negotiate a truce that will surely break his country. Gary Oldman gives a dominant performance as Churchill, letting us see the man behind all the bluff, bluster and elegant words. The film lets us see that many thought Churchill would fail at the job and the man himself had doubts that he was up to the task. The legendary makeup artist Kazuhiro Tsuji did the prosthetic makeup to turn Oldman into Winston Churchill and it’s so good that I forgot it was Oldman in the part. Oldman is the reason to see this film and his portrayal is mesmerizing and a sure Oscar nomination. My favorite scene in the movie is when Churchill is full of doubt about if he should start terms to give up the war with Germany. He rides the London Underground rail and talks to the people of England, all of which tell him that England should never give up. It’s a wonderful film about a very dark time in England’s history and the man that pulled them out of that darkness.   My Rating: Full Price

Indiefest:   Tom of Finland  (2017)    Touko Laaksonen (Pekka Strang) returns home to Finland after serving in World War II. He makes a name for himself with his homoerotic drawings that bring him trouble both from his sister and the Finnish society. It’s hard to explain how important Tom of Finland (he signed his drawings with just Tom but an America publisher gave him the ‘of Finland’) was to the gay culture of the 50’s and 60’s. It was a time in Europe where gays were hunted down by the police, where even two men holding hands would cause a ruckus. Touko kept his drawings hidden for a long time, worried he would be jailed for them if discovered. The film is a little slow but Pekka Strang’s performance keeps the film moving along. It’s a hard film to watch because there was so much pain and hurt in Touko’s life, but it’s an interesting look at a man whom I knew nothing about.  Just a bit of a warning, Touko's drawings can be very sexually graphic.    My Take: Bargain Matinee

Forgotten Film:  American Movie (1999) R    Documentary about Mark Borchardt, a Milwaukee resident who for the past three years has been trying to finish his short horror film. Will he overcome his demons (alcohol, gambling, a family he doesn’t always get along with) and finally complete his film? This is an immensely funny but also touching film, where you root for Mark almost right from the start. You will fall in love with Mark and his band of merry filmmakers.    My Take: Full Price

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Shape of Water: Sign Language Coach

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   The Greatest Showman   (2017) PG    P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) loses his job and decides to create the most amazing show that you have ever seen, a show soon to be called ‘The Greatest Show on Earth.’ With a cast that includes Zac Efron, Michelle Williams and Zendaya, and a musical score by the people that brought us La La Land, I think this could be a magical film.  

Until Next Time!

Assassin's Creed

My View:  Assassin’s Creed  (2016) PG-13  Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) is a career criminal who is set for execution by Abstergo Industries, a front for the modern-day incarnation of the Templar Order.  He is forced by Abstergo to relive the memories of his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha, an assassin in the time of the Spanish Inquisition. What Abstergo Industries doesn’t realize is that by reliving these memories, Callum is gaining the knowledge that will allow him to defeat them. What a mess of a film! I had a friend who reviews video games and sat on one side of me and a 14 year-old-boy on the other, and neither could tell me exactly what the plot to this film was. Michael Fassbender (yes, that two-time Oscar nominated actor) has been trying to get this film made since 2012. I guess he promised a lot to get actors like Oscar winner Marion Cotillard and Oscar winner Jeremy Irons, along with Brendan Gleeson and Oscar-nominated Charlotte Rampling to work on this movie. As you would expect, Gleeson and Rampling don’t have to do too much but Irons and Cotillard are in every non-action scene. The action sequences are well done; the stunts are exceptional looking, and Fassbender is a decent fighter (and in shape), but that doesn’t make up for a horrible plot and an even worse ending.  My Rating: Cable   Assassin's Creed Website

My View:  Passengers  (2016) PG-13   A spacecraft is traveling to a distant colony planet with thousands of people, all of whom are in a state of suspended animation.  There is a malfunction of the sleep chambers for two of its passengers (Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt) who have been awakened 90 years early.  I enjoyed the first 40 minutes of the film, which reminded me of an excellent 70s Sci-Fi film called Silent Running. The art direction is fantastic and the set design is brilliant, making this a film a wonder to watch. Unfortunately, the film goes downhill quickly, with a plot that takes forever to get going. I kept waiting for a twist to the plot, but it never came, and the ending of the film is so unbelievably simplistic that a 5th grader will be able to tell it wouldn’t ever work. I loved the chemistry between Lawrence and Pratt, with the courting sequence one of the most enjoyable parts of the film. The film is let down by the last third of the movie, leaving a rather bitter taste to end with.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Passengers Website

Indiefest:  Lion  (2016)  PG-13  A five-year-old Indian boy named Saroo ends up a thousand miles from home. After living on the streets of Calcutta, a miracle occurs. Twenty-five years later Saroo  (Dev Patel) is hoping for another miracle - that he find his long lost family.  I loved this film about the need to find your home and family, even against unbelievable odds. Sunny Power, who plays the five-year-old Saroo, has to be one of the cutest kids ever to appear on-screen, and his portrayal will break your heart - it’s that good. Patel (grown up from his breakthrough appearance in Slum Dog Millionaire) has the hard act to follow, but he is up to the task, as he portrays Saroo with the same determined and headstrong will to make it home that his younger self showed. Nicole Kidman is scintillating in what should be an Oscar-nominated performance as Saroo’s fragile adopted Mom. There is a scene near the end between Kidman and Patel that will have you in tears. This inspirational film is not to be missed and will thaw the coldest heart. Go on a journey with Saroo.  You won’t be disappointed.  My Rating:  I Would Pay to See It Again   Lion Website

My View:  Why Him?  (2016)  Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston) is having a bad year.  His printing company may be going out of business, and his only daughter (Zoey Deutch), whom he thought was safely tucked away at college, is dating an older man, Laird (James Franco), who runs a video game company.  Now, Ned, his wife (Megan Mullally) and his young son (Griffin Gluck) are going to spend Christmas at Laird’s mansion.  Now that Adam Sandler is over making films for Netflix (which means I, thank goodness, don’t have to watch them), I think James Franco is bound and determined to fill the void. I love Bryan Cranston, but it pained me to see him have to deliver lines from this horrible script. The movie is unfunny, stupid and has a plot that could have been written by a cat. The only saving grace in this drivel of a film is the performance of Keegan-Michael Key, who breathes a little life into the movie playing Laird’s right-hand man. Please James Franco, quit making every movie they offer you and slow down enough pick some better scripts.  My Rating:  You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again   Why Him? Website

My View:  Hidden Figures  (2016)  PG  The film tells the story of the African-American mathematician Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) and her two colleagues, Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae), who worked at the Langley Research Center.  Their work helped NASA catch up to the Soviet Union and launched John Glenn into space.  Hidden Figures is an inspiring movie that is all the more remarkable because it’s based on a true story of three women who won’t be held down by their gender or skin color in the turbulent 60s in a scientific community dominated by men. Of the three main cast members, Janelle Monae stands out as the feisty, outspoken woman who dreams of becoming an engineer, even though the system throws roadblocks at her throughout her journey. I also enjoyed the performance of Kevin Costner, who plays the department head determined to find the best person for the job, no matter who it is. The film has a few slow points but covers so much ground that it keeps the story moving forward. It's a remarkable story about three women who were determined to prove that they could not only do the job if given the chance but would exceed at it.  My Rating:  Full Price   Hidden Figures Website

My View:  Fences  (2016)  PG-13  An African-American father, Troy (Denzel Washington) struggles to raise his family in the very segregated world of the 1950’s while coming to terms with the events of his life.  Based on the August Wilson Pulitzer Prize winning play, Denzel Washington directs and acts in this drama about a man who feels disrespected in life and wants his son to be a better man than he. Washington gives a mesmerizing performance as the hot-headed father, commanding the screen in every scene he is in. Viola Davis, as Troy’s wife, gives an equally multi-layered performance and is every bit Washington's equal up on the screen. The film is a bit stagy, but Washington does do a few camera tricks to keep it cinema-based. The supporting cast is exceptional, with Stephen Henderson playing Troy’s best friend with a heart of gold and Jovan Adepo as the driven son. It’s an experience to see acting this powerful, magnetic and moving on the screen.   My Rating:  Full Price   Fences Website

Forgotten Film:  Red Rock West  (1993)  R  A drifter, Michael (Nicolas Cage), comes into a Wyoming town and is mistaken for a hit man by a husband (J.T. Walsh) who wants his wife killed. Michael agrees to shoot the woman (Lara Flynn Boyle), but upon meeting her, Michael decides to let her in on what he has been hired to do.  Things get complicated when the real hit-man (Dennis Hopper) arrives in town. This is a combo of a western and a thriller with a little film noir added in. The film has a ton of twists and turns, making it a little hard to understand at the beginning, but by the end of the movie, everything makes sense. J.T. Walsh makes an outstanding villain, and Hooper is perfect as the quirky hit-man. There is great chemistry between Boyle and Cage, which makes us want to root for the two of them. If you love the classic 40’s film noir movies, this one is for you.  My Rating: Full Price   Red Rock West Info   

Weird Credits: From the credits of Why Him?:  Trainer of Domestic Livestock

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  The Salesman  (2016)  PG-13  The story of a couple whose relationship goes wrong while they are performing Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. The film comes from the Oscar-nominated director of About Elly and A Separation.   The Salesman Website

Until Next Time!

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

My View:  Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) PG-13 It’s been ten years since a virus was unleashed and wiped out most of the human population.  Caesar (Andy Serkis) is leading a group of apes when they come in contact with Malcolm (Jason Clarke) and his small group of survivors.  A fragile peace between the two groups is threatened when a group of humans led by Drefus (Gary Oldman) wants revenge on the apes. Outstanding special effects, great scriptwriting and a lead performance by a man (Serkis) who could get an Oscar nomination for a role done on screen by CGI highlight,t this sequel which is better than the first film. The action sequences are incredible and the details in the special effects, such as close ups on the chimps, are just incredibly detailed.  The film moves at a nice pace, and the storyline is engaging with plenty of twists and turn.  I think it’s worth shelling out the extra money for the 3-D screening as there are plenty of scenes that use the effect. It’s a film I thoroughly enjoyed, and I look forward to more in the future.  Now if we can just get that Oscar nomination for Mr. Serkis, that would be great!  My Rating: Full Price  Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Website

Indiefest: Third Person (2013) R  Three  stories that take place in Paris, New York and Rome.  Paris; Michael (Liam Neeson) has left his wife (Kim Basinger) and has taken up with his old flame, Anna (Olivia Wilde).  New York; Julia (Mila Kunis) has been accused of attempting to kill her son and now is in a custody battle with his father (James Franco).  Rome; Sean (Adrien Brody) falls for an Italian woman (Moran Atias) who may be involved with the Mafia.  A dreary film about very unhappy people.  The film is full of couples making each other unhappy, which has the effect of the audience not caring what happens to them.  Most of the cast sleepwalks through the film, with the exception of Mila Kunis, who gives the best performance of what should have been an outstanding ensemble.  If you want to be bored and depressed for over two hours, then be my guest and see this film. My Rating: Cable  Third Person Website

Forgotten Film: Hearts of the West (1975) PGIn the 1930’s a farm boy (Jeff Bridges) wants to be a cowboy, so much so that he sends off for a correspondence course on how to be one.  He decides to take off for the west and, by accident, becomes a part of a movie company making “B” movies.  He’s not the brightest guy around and starts doing stunts that no one else will dare do.  This is not a great film, but it’s a blast to watch and Bridges, as the naive stuntman, is perfect in the role.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Hearts of the West Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):  My Man Is a Loser (2014)  R   Two married men (Michael Rapaport, Bryan Callen) get a playboy (John Stamos)  to help them save their marriage.  I couldn’t even make it through the trailer, so I don’t know how I would make it through the whole film.  My Man is a Looser Website

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD/Blue Ray):  Bad Words (2014)  R  )  I liked this movie about a guy (Jason Bateman) who has never gotten over his bad experiences in school and decides to enter a national spelling bee.  What made this film is the chemistry between Bateman and the young kid he befriends at a contest, Rohan Chand.  Chand shows real comedic timing, and the film is full of funny and interesting characters. My Rating: Full Price  Bad Words Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes:  Fur Groomer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Happy Christmas (2014)  R  The writer / director of Drinking Buddies (2013), Joe Swanberg, a film about a young married couple (Joe Swanberg, Melanie Lynskey) who have a two-year-old son.  The husband’s younger sister (Anna Kendrick) comes to live with them but isn’t what you would call “responsible."  Anna Kendrick and Melanie Lynskey in the same movie?  Can’t get any better than that.  Happy Christmas Website

Until Next Time!

Man of Steel

My View:  Man of Steel (2013)  PG-13   Clark Kent (Henry Cavill) has always known he was different and could do what other boys his age could only dream about. In time, Clark discovers that he is from another planet and has been sent by his parents to protect mankind on Earth with his superhuman powers. His adopted world is suddenly threatened by an invasion of men - men who happen to come from his home planet and are bent on destruction.  First, pack a lunch when you see this film.  It's 147 minutes long, and it seems to take that long for any sort of action to happen. This film is almost a total reboot of the legend of Superman, and, much like Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight series, this is a different take on the origin of Superman.  Cavill is impressive in the superhero suit, but he dons the cape with almost no humor to the role as if his real Kryptonite is a smile or a laugh.  As always, Amy Adams is cute as Lois Lane, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of chemistry between Miss Lane and the Man of Steel.  The last 45 minutes is one big punch 'em out fight that goes on so long at one point I thought some of the Transformers were going to get into the action.  The special effects are impressive, but the 3-D wasn't worth the extra price.  Man of Steel isn't a bad movie, and I think action fans will enjoy the last part, but man, it takes it's sweet time getting there.     My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Man of Steel Website

My View:  This Is The End  (2013)  R  Seth Rogen and Jay Baruchel are the best of friends who hangout when Jay comes into L.A.from Canada on a visit. Seth and Jay go to a party at James Franco’s house, but while they are there, it looks as if the world just might be coming to an end. Will anyone at Franco’s party know the difference?  This comedy is not for everybody as it is incredibly raunchy with curse words being thrown about like rice at a wedding, and every scene seems to push the boundaries of the censors.  That being said, it’s also one of the funniest films of recent years.  It’s a film where the actors, who are playing themselves, don’t mind looking like complete jerks or in some cases, complete idiots.  Rogen and Baruchel play off each other extremely well and James Franco steals every scene that he's in.  The film is filled with cameos, some of which are really surprising due to how the cameo stars let the film portray them.  But, be warned.  If the idea of pushing around a gigantic penis sculpture for comic relief isn’t your idea of fun, then this film isn’t for you.   My Rating:  Full Price        This Is The End Website

The 50  (A Movie from My Best/Worst Films of All Time)
#6 Best Film:
The Best Years of Our Lives  (1946)  Three servicemen return to small town America right after the end of World War II.  There is the sergeant (Fredric March), who now must return to his wife (Myrna Low), his kids and his job at the bank after serving on the front lines.  There is the dashing Lieutenant (Dana Andrews), who returns from being an airman and an officer, to a wife (Virginia Mayo), he barely knows, and no job.  And, there is the seaman (Harold Russell) who returns to his family and his girlfriend (Cathy O’Donnell) with hooks where his hands used to be.  This is an incredibly moving film that shows just how hard it was to return to civilian life after serving in the war and also how hard it was on the families to adjust to their men being away and who have to fit the pieces of their lives back together.  Beautifully directed by William Wyler, this film won seven Academy Awards, including an honorary Oscar for Harold Russell, who did lose his hands while serving in the Navy.  The film is filled with moving scenes that are tender and treat its characters as real people.  This is one of the greatest films of all time and a true treasure to watch.    The Best Years of Our Lives Info

Forgotten Film:   7 Faces of Dr. Lao  (1964)  Dr. Lao (Tony Randall) rides into town, at the turn of the century, to change the lives of the people of Abalone with his magical circus.  Dr. Lao’s circus just doesn’t entertain, it teaches valuable life lessons to the town folk, as Dr. Lao says, "The whole world is a circus , if you look at it the right way…”.  Throughout this inventive and funny film, Tony Randall takes the shape of Merlin, the magician, Pan, the God of Love, Medusa, a serpent, a Yeti and a blind fortune teller, interacting with the townspeople with stories and situations that mirror their lives.  This is a George Pal production, and Pal was known for marvelous special effects, especially stop motion animation.  This film has the legendary producer's handy work all over it, including the snakes for hair Medusa.    My Rating:  Bargain Matinee    7 Faces of Dr. Lao Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):  Warm Bodies (2013)  PG-13  A teen romance with a twist - she’s (Teresa Palmer) a beautiful human girl, and he (Nicholas Hoult) is a zombie but with feelings and a heart.  I loved this funny, warm film that guys will like just as much as the girls.  I mean, there are zombies and guns.  My Rating:  Full Price    Warm Bodies Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): The Smurfs 2 (2013)    Does Neil Patrick Harris really need the money that bad or is he just doing this for his kid?  Either way, just stop it Neil!  You more talented than this!   The Smurfs 2 Website

 Weird Credits:  From the credits of This Is The End:  Photo Double

 Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Blue Jasmine  (2013)  Woody Allen directing Peter Sarsgaard, Cate Blanchett, Louis C.K., Andrew Dice Clay, Sally Hawkins and Alec Baldwin.  His movies aren’t always interesting, but his casts sure are.    Blue Jasmine 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!