Game Night

My View:  Game Night (2018) R    A group of friends who meet regularly for game nights find themselves trying to solve an actual murder mystery.  First, don’t judge a movie by its trailer because this film is so much funnier than I thought it was going to be. The film moves at a fast pace, and the humor of the film is outstanding. Jessie Plemons is a riot as a stoned-faced cop who lives next door to Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams. His character wants to desperately be a part of their game night, but they think he is just too creepy to play (and he is creepy). I loved Rachel McAdams in this film as she has a knack for comedy, including physical comedy. The film has plenty of twists and turns, a plot that gets more complicated and funnier by the minute and a sensational cast that gets every drop of joyfulness out of the script. Game Night is a perfect date night film as the center is the excellent relationship that McAdam's and Bateman's characters have.    My Rating: Full Price   Game Night Website

My View:  Annihilation (2018) R   A biologist (Natalie Portman) signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition, going into an area called Area X, where the laws of science and nature don’t apply.  The film is one-thirds horror film and two-thirds sci-fi film. This is a gorgeous film to watch, and the art department did an outstanding job, as plant life and animals have morphed into fantastic looking flora and beasts. The horror aspects of this film are frightening, with one scene that matches the intensity of a scene in Alien. The full cast does a phenomenal job with Gina Rodriquez standing out as a tough as nails paramedic. It’s a very different role than her portrayal of Jane the Virgin on TV, and she makes us believe that she is the toughest of the group. I will warn you that the violence in this film is horrific and graphic, with one scene so gross that a lot of the audience with whom I saw the movie turned away. If you like Sci-Fi films that are a little trippy, and you don’t mind strange endings that don’t answer all your questions, then this film is for you.   My Rating: Full Price   Annihilation Website

Indiefest:  A Fantastic Woman  (2018)  R  Marina (Daniela Vega), a transsexual woman who works by day as a waitress and, at night, sings at a nightclub, is bowled over by the death of her boyfriend.  This is a tough film to watch because Marina’s life and lifestyle are being attacked on almost every side. Her boyfriend’s family doesn’t approve of their relationship and shows it in many ways including violence. Marina is threatened by the police because of the sudden death of her boyfriend and the fact that they don’t believe she was in a long-term relationship with him. Life keeps knocking Marina down, but she keeps getting up and perseveres. Daniela Vega, a transgender woman, and trained singer, is stunning, and gives a meaningful and heart-wrenching performance. It’s a splendid film that is worthy of its Academy Award nomination.    My Rating: Full Price   A Fantastic Woman Website

Forgotten Film:  Waking Life  (2001) R A man (Wiley Wiggins) seems to be stuck in a dream as he meets various people discussing the meaning and purpose of the universe. This animated film is beautiful to watch, and you will get joy from the conversations that happen. The animation is a type of rotoscoping, where they shoot the movie on film and then animate over those images, making the visuals of the film pop on screen. This is a movie that will make you think about life and its mysteries. The great thing about this film is that everyone is going to take something away that is different.    My Rating: Full Price   Waking Life Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Annihilation: Hair Puncher

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: Love, Simon  (2018) Pg-13  Simon (Nick Robinson) is a gay high school student who hasn’t come out. He is in love with an anonymous classmate whom he has only talked to online.  Now, Simon’s life is going to change in a big way.  I love the trailer for this film, so I have high hopes.   Love,Simon Website

Until Next Time!

Office Christmas Party

My View:  Office Christmas Party  (2016)  R  When the CEO (Jennifer Aniston) tries to close the company branch that her hard-partying brother (T. J. Miller), he and his Chief Technical Officer (Jason Bateman) decide to host the office Christmas party to end all parties. If the clients have a good time, it just might save the branch office. In the hands of Judd Apatow, this might have been a funny film but it’s written by two screenwriters that have never written a feature-length film, and it shows. This should have been a wild ride, but instead, we get the same old cliches, a plot that is easy to figure out and very unfunny jokes. Add to the fact that this movie is 105 minutes long, and it makes it a very slow watch. When the outtakes during the credits aren't funny, you know the film is in trouble.    My Rating: Cable   Office Christmas Party Website

Indiefest:  Miss Sloane  (2016)  R  Elizabeth Sloane (Jessica Chastain) is considered the best and most formidable lobbyist in Washington D.C. She decides to take on the most powerful opponent of her career, the “gun lobby.” Just how far is Elizabeth willing to go to win? This is a satisfying political thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. Chastain commands the screen as the tough-as-nails lobbyist, and it’s her remarkable performance that makes this film worth watching. I especially enjoyed John Lithgow, who plays a slimy senator and Sam Waterston, head of the lobby group who represents the gun lobby. While not Oscar material like All the President’s Men, this film is still an excellent suspenseful movie with a sterling performance by Jessica Chastain.    My Rating: Full Price   Miss Sloane Website

Indiefest:  Things to Come  (2016)  PG-13  Nathalie (Isabelle Huppert) is a married woman who works as a philosophy teacher. In a short amount of time, she goes through some troubling events that tests her will and faith. Huppert is brilliant in scene after scene as Nathalie's life slowly falls apart at the seams. She experiences almost every emotion in this movie, and it's her skill as an actress that she can move so quickly from being calm and composed to someone who is full of fury in a matter of seconds. It's the quiet, introspective moments in the film where Huppert shines, giving us time to absorb what Nathalie is going through and seeing how she deals with all that life is throwing at her. Things to Come is an intelligent look at a woman hit with many obstacles as she works to find her way in an ever-changing world. The film explores how we handle those barriers and the changes that it forces on us, for better or worse.   My Rating: Full Price   Things to Come Website

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD/Blu-ray):   The Secret Life of Pets  (2016)   PG   Max (Louis C.K.), a Terrier, is living the good life. He has an owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper), who spoils him.  He has great friends like Gidget (Jenny Slate) whom he talks to on a daily basis. That all changes when Katie brings home another dog named, Duke (Eric Stonestreet).  Now Max is going to have to show Duke that he is running the show in this apartment. I enjoyed this film, though I must say that some of the best bits in the film already have been seen in the trailer. The plot gets a little bogged down in too many storylines, but there are plenty of jokes to keep the film from slowing down too much. The film has a fantastic cast with Jenny Slate as the over anxious Gidget and Eric Stonestreet as the bumbling Duke. Kids and adults will have fun with this movie.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee   The Secret Life of Pets Website

Forgotten Film:  The Parallax View  (1974)  R  A reporter (Warren Beatty) gets in trouble while investigating a senator’s assassination.  He discovers that a multinational corporation is behind the event, and their hands are dirty for more than just the killing.  This is a classic suspense political thriller in the vein of Alfred Hitchcock. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, right up to the end. Beatty gives one of his best performances as the reporter who won’t give up the story, even when threatened with death.    My Rating:  Full Price   The Parallax View Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Things to Come:  Personal Dresser to Isabelle Huppert

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: 20th Century Women  (2016)  R  The story of three women (Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig) who go off to explore love and freedom in 1970s Southern California.  I’ll see anything that Greta Gerwig is in, and many critics are saying Bening gives a performance that could get her an Academy Award nomination.   20th Century Women Website

Until Next Time!

SaveSave

London Has Fallen

My View:  London Has Fallen  (2016)  R  Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler)is in London with the President for the funeral of the Prime Minister, and Banning doesn’t like what he sees. A last minute funeral means that all the world’s leaders will be sitting ducks in one place on a foreign country’s soil. It’s going to be up to Banning to make sure that the President gets back home alive. This film reminded me of the Chuck Norris films of the 80s like Delta Force; one man takes on terrorists in the name of America. I liked this movie because it just went all out with the action and the one-liners, making it fun to watch. I would love to know the body count of Banning (I know he killed at least 25 on his own in the first film, Olympus Has Fallen) because it’s got to be in the high 30’s. Butler, as you would expect, does an outstanding job with the action sequences, and he has brilliant chemistry on screen with Arron Eckhart, who plays the President whom he is trying to keep alive. The action is fast-paced and fun to watch with some fast and furious car chases through the streets of London. I liked this film more than the first film, which is rare for a sequel. If you like action movies with a little bit of one-liners thrown in, then this film is for you.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee  London Has Fallen Website

Family Faire:  Zootopia  (2016)  PG   In a city populated by anthropomorphic animals, a con artist Fox (Jason Bateman) and a rookie bunny cop (Ginnifer Goodwin) must team up to uncover a conspiracy. “Zootopia” is a magical movie that combines the beautiful animation Disney is famous for with a hilarious script that has some serious undertones and messages. While never spelling it out, the film approaches the subjects of racism and profiling. The message never hits you over the head, and the reasons learned are never fully spelled out to the audience, but the message comes over loud and clear. Part buddy film, part mystery, “Zootopia” uses humor at every turn to keep the movie moving at a rather quick pace. There are funny lines and rapid asides that make fun of past Disney films (including one about a “frozen” girl) , so many so that you may have to see the movie several times before getting all the jokes. “Zootopia” is a little long, and very young children may get a bit scared of a few scenes of animals acting ferocious, but this is one film everyone is going to enjoy. And, the DMV scene with the sloths that is teased in the trailer will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter.    My Rating: Full Price   Zootopia Website

My View:  Whiskey Tango Foxtrot  (2016)  R  Kim (Tina Fey) is tired of being behind the scenes and volunteers to be a war correspondent in Afghanistan and Pakistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. She finds a fellow woman reporter (Margot Robbie) who shows her the ropes and lets her know that she may have been a “four or five at home but is a ten here.”  Kim, who always was in the background in the states, is suddenly front and center and has the attention of a dashing war photographer (Martin Freeman). First off, this is not a comedy.  Yes, there are some comedic asides, but it’s mostly to release the tension. And that’s the problem with this film, there isn’t enough tension. Even when out in the field and under fire, I never felt that Kim was in trouble and never really worried about her well being. This isn’t a bad film, and the chemistry between Freeman and Fey is easy going and believable. I loved Billy Bob Thornton as a hard nose Marine general who warms up to Kim’s can do attitude. I just wish the film had a harder edge to it, to give it some realism.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Website

Forgotten Film:  The White Countess  (2005)  PG-13  Set in Shanghai in 1936, a Russian Countess (Natasha Richardson) has fled her country and must work as a bar-girl to survive. She meets Jackson (Ralph Fiennes), a former American diplomat who is blind and owns a classy bar. As the world closes in, they develop a relationship, while curious at first, becomes stronger with time.  This is the last of the famous filmmaking team of Merchant and Ivory and has their trademark of complex characters, intricate plots and luscious scenes that made their films stand out. Fiennes and Richardson make this film worth watching as their characters find a glimmer of hope in each other.   My Take:  Full Price   The White Countess Info   

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):  My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)  PG-13  It’s hard for lightning to strike twice.  The first film worked because there was such great chemistry between Nia Vardalos and John Corbett, and Vardalos had such a pleasing presence on the screen that just made you love her.  After seeing the trailer, it looks like it’s the same film, with a few additional characters - which rarely works.   My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 Info      

Weird Credits:  From the credits of London Has Fallen:  Russian Arm Operator

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Maggie’s Plan  (2016)  R  Maggie (Greta Gerwig) stole John (Ethan Hawke) from his marriage to Georgette (Julianne Moore). Now Maggie realizes that John isn’t the man she thought he was, so she has a plan to get Georgette and John back together, if only Georgette will cooperate.  This looks like a good old screwball comedy and what’s not to love with a cast that also includes Travis Fimmel, Maya Rudolph, and Bill Hader? Plus, Julianne Moore is speaking with some sort of accent!   Maggie's Plan Info

Until Next Time!

Mission: Impossible Rogue-Nation

My View:   Mission: Impossible Rogue-Nation  (2015)  PG-13  The incoming CIA chief (Alec Baldwin) wants to disband the Impossible Mission Force, just when we need Ethan (Tom Cruise) and the gang the most. This film is certainly the best film of the Mission: Impossible series and one of my favorite films of the summer. The movie starts off with a breathtaking stunt and just keeps going from there.  There is a motorcycle chase sequence that is one of the best chase scenes I have ever seen. I loved the “bromance” between Cruise’s character, Ethan and Simon Pegg’s Benji, with some great lines flowing. Rebecca Ferguson held her own with Tom Cruise (not easy to do) and makes a number of action sequences believable. Sean Harris makes a great bad guy, and Alec Baldwin is fun as the CIA chief.  I enjoyed seeing this film in IMAX, which made the action sequences come alive.  MI Rogue Nation is a blast to watch and actually has a plot that makes sense.  If you are an action fan, go see this film!    My Rating: Full Price   Mission: Impossible Rogue-Nation Website

My View:   Vacation (2015)  R  Rusty (Ed Helms) decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and take his family on a long distance trip to Walley World.  If you are nostalgic for the old Vacation series, you might enjoy this film. I found the film funny, at times, but it’s just too long and too predictable. I liked Ed Helms as Rusty, and he has good chemistry with Christina Applegate, who isn’t given enough to do in this film. The kids (Skyler Gisondo, Steele Stebbins) are both funny and have some enjoyable scenes together. Chris Hemsworth is hilarious as the Texas weatherman married to Rusty’s sister, Audrey (Leslie Mann). There is a scene with Hemsworth that had me on the floor laughing, but the rest of the film doesn’t quite live up to that scene. I just wish there had been more laughs.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Vacation Website

Indiefest:  Irrational Man (2015)  R  A philosophy professor (Joaquin Phoenix) finds a new meaning to life when he gets involved with a student (Emma Stone).  This is not a comedy but more like Woody Allen’s drama and mystery films. The film wastes the talents of Emma Stone (Woody doesn’t seem to know how to write dialog for her), and Joaquin Phoenix looks lost at times in his role. The film starts to pick up in the 2nd half of the film, but it doesn’t save it from being only mildly interesting. There was so much potential with this film but instead of utilizing the very strong cast, the film feels hollow and underdeveloped. It’s if Allen had an idea for the movie but only wrote one draft, making its story-line and its characters feeble.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Irrational Man Website     

Indiefest:   A LEGO Brickumentary (2014)  G   A look at the global legacy of the LEGO building-block toys. This is an enjoyable documentary about the little plastic blocks the world loves. Jason Bateman narrates the film, and his voice is animated by an actual Lego figure. The film looks at the almost cult-like status LEGOS have in the world. It also looks at how people are using LEGOS for more than just play, as the film shows them being used to help Autistic children socialize, architects create models of their work, and even used to create artwork. It’s a film that moves at a quick pace and doesn’t feel at all like an hour and a half.  Fans of LEGOS, especially kids, will delight at all the inside information provided by this film.   My Rating: Full Price    A LEGO Brickumentary Facebook Page

Indiefest:  Boulevard  (2014) R  A devoted husband, Nolan(Robin Williams), confronts the life he has been hiding from the world for over 25 years. It’s sad that this is the last principle part that the late Robin Williams will play. The film never uses his vast talent to its fullest as the script is predictable and somewhat boring. This is a somber, downbeat film that never takes any chances, much like Nolan himself. I liked Kathy Baker who plays Nolan’s very patient and loving wife, but their scenes are never fully fleshed out, and the film leaves you wanting more…more for the plot and more for Williams, the actor.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Boulevard Info

Forgotten Film:  Seven Years in Tibet  (1997)  PG-13   The true story of Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt), an Austrian mountain climber who, while in India, is imprisoned by the British.  He escapes and makes his way to Tibet. There he befriends the Dali Lama (Jamyang Jamtsho Wangchuk) and becomes his tutor.  Heinrich is there to see the invasion of the land by the Chinese.  This is a beautiful film, and Pitt gives a multi-layered performance, and his scenes with the Dali Lama are magical. The film is a little dull at times (I would have liked to have seen the film done from the perspective of the kid instead of Harrer), but it’s gorgeous to watch and Pitt gives one of his better performances.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Seven Years in Tibet Info

Weird Credits:  From Mission: Impossible  Rogue-Nation:  Standby Optician

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   She’s Funny That Way (2014)  R  I am hopeful about this screwball comedy written and directed by legendary filmmaker Peter Bogdanovich.  The film is about a troupe trying to put on a Broadway production. The film has a great cast that should be perfect for this story, including Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Imogen Poots, Cybill Shepherd and Richard Lewis.    She's Funny That Way Website   

Until Next Time!

Horrible Bosses 2

My View:  Horrible Bosses 2 (2014) R   Dale (Charlie Day), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Nick (Jason Bateman) have decided to be their own boss and start up a company to manufacture the, “Shower Buddy.”  A father (Christoph Waltz) and son (Chris Pine) steal the boys’ idea, and it looks like they will get away with it.  The guys come up with a plan to save their company, kidnap the son and hold him for ransom.  What could go wrong?  I wasn't a big fan of the first film. I thought that there wasn't enough of the bosses and too much of the guys.  This film has the same problem as Christoph Waltz’s character is so much more interesting than the main characters. This film, just like the first one, is crass (way too many rape jokes) and too often goes for the easy joke.  I just didn't laugh enough to make this one a film I would recommend.   My Rating: Cable  Horrible Bosses 2 Website

Family Faire:  Penguins of Madagascar  (2014) PG  Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), Rico (Conrad Vernon) and Private (Christopher Knights) are out to stop the evil Dr. Octavius Brine (John Malkovich) from taking all the penguins out of zoos.  Skipper comes up with a plan that just might work if the undercover organization, The North Wind, comes to their aid.  I had so much fun watching this film. Kids will love all the action and the pratfalls, and adults will love the puns and quick dialogue. This is a film that doesn't take itself too seriously and just decides to have a good time, making fun of the world's obsession with cute animals.  Malkovich is a blast playing the evil bad guy with a bit of a grudge. I really like the Skipper character, especially when he does a running gag where he can't remember the bad guy’s name.  Stay through the first part of the credits for some bonus material.  I didn't really notice the 3-D effects, so save a few bucks, but do go see this film. 
 My Rating:  Full Price  Penguins of Madagascar Website

Indiefest:  Diplomacy (2014)  As the Allies march towards Paris in 1944, Hitler wants Paris not to fall into enemy’s hands.  He has given the order to General Dietrich von Choltitz (Niels Arestrup) that if he leaves Paris, it should be in rubble.  The Swedish Consul General Raoul Nordling (Andre Dussollier) finds out that mines have been planted on all the important French landmarks (such as the Eiffel Tower) and most of the bridges in the city.  Nordling’s plan is to talk the General out of blowing up Paris. This is a film that works due to the chemistry and on-screen presence of the two leads. The dialogue is well written and moves quickly, as the two debate why the General shouldn't blow up Paris. It's a fascinating look at a tense few hours that could have changed France forever.  My Rating: Full Price  Diplomacy Website

Forgotten Film:  Vanishing Point (1971) R    A car delivery driver, Kowalski(Barry Newman), makes a bet that he can drive a 1970 Doge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in less than a day.  Kowalski is a man haunted by his past, and he survives his demons by adrenaline. It's a film that is filled with great scenery, and, even better, car races and police pursuits. While not a great film and a little dated (lot of counter-culture references), it's still full of great action sequences with some thrilling car crashes.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee  Vanishing Point Info

In Case You Missed it (A Film Just Released onDVD/Blue Ray):  The Giver (2014) PG-13  A very strange Young Adult book adaptation that misses the mark.  There is very little action in this story of a young man who receives the memory of his people.  My Rating:  Bargain Matinee  The Giver Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Horrible Bosses 2 (2014):  pursuit crane operator

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: Inherent Vice (2014)  In 1970’s Los Angeles, detective Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend. From Paul Thomas Anderson, the director of Magnolia (1999), Punch-Drunk Love (2002) and There Will Be Blood (2007) comes a film that looks be a combination of The Big Lebowski (1998) and American Hustle (2013).  Inherent Vice Website

Until Next Time!

The Maze Runner

My View:  The Maze Runner (2014) PG-13  Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) finds himself in an elevator with no memory of anything other than his name.  The doors open, and he’s in “The Glades,” a community of sixty boys surrounded by a hundred foot wall.  Their only shot at escape is from time to time a wall opens up to reveal a maze that no one has ever returned from.  I thought this was a high energy film with some impressive action sequences, some of which are quite scary. The lead is a little dull, but the supporting cast is top notch, and the storyline is very interesting.  I am looking forward to seeing the sequel as I want to get to know more about these characters. My Rating: Full Price  The Maze Runner Website

My View: This is Where I Leave You (2014) R  When their father dies, four grown siblings come back to their childhood home for a week of sitting Shiva (their father’s last request). Will the family survive, and what will be left of them? I enjoyed this film, mostly for the performances of the leads, Jason Bateman and Tina Fey, who plays his sister.  They have some charming moments as they try and deal with all the craziness that is going on around them.  There are some funny moments in the film, and while not all the ensemble pieces work, it’s a fun film to watch.  My Rating : Bargain Matinee  This Is Where I Leave You Website

Indiefest:  Tusk (2014) R  Podcaster Wallace Bryton (Justin Long) is missing after going out into the backwoods of Manitoba, and after interviewing a mysterious seafarer goes missing.  Wallace’s best friend, Teddy (Haley Joel Osment), and Wallace’s girlfriend (Genesis Rodriquez) team up with an ex-cop named Guy (Johnny Depp) to find him.  They aren’t going to like what they discover.   As I watched this film, one question kept coming up…how the heck did this film get made? This is a horrible film that is meant to be a comedy (which it isn’t funny) or a horror film (also not scary).   This film is just a big, gross mess of a movie.  And please, Johnny Depp, quite trying to be quirky and funny -  your appearance in this film just makes your weirdness worse. There is a bonus scene at the end of the film but don't watch it, it will make you regret your viewing of this film even more. My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again  Tusk Website

Indiefest:  My Old Lady (2014) PG-13  Mathias Gold (Kevin Kline) is an American who inherits an apartment in Paris.  It seems like a dream until he discovers a nightmare - an old lady (Maggie Smith) who refuses to leave.  I enjoyed the performances in this film, but its actors are let down by a script that is too longwinded.  There is nice chemistry between Kline and Smith, and both actors give it their all.  I just wish the filmmaker had cut some of their lines.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee  My Old Lady Website  

Forgotten Film:  Tremors (1990) PG-13  Kevin Bacon is a maintenance worker in a small town in Nevada.  A creature starts picking off the townspeople one by one.  Now it’s time for the town to fight back.  This is a funny, almost sweet comedic horror film that is just a blast to watch.  Reba McEntire as a gun-packing mama is so hilarious.  It’s stupid and funny, all at the same time. My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Tremors Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Tusk:  teddy photo double

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  The Good Lie (2014) PG-13 Reese Witherspoon plays an employment agency counselor who helps the “Lost Boys” of the Sudan resettle in America.  A feel good movie with Reese Witherspoon?  Yeah, you can sign me up for that one.  The Good Lie Website

Until Next Time!

Divergent

My View:  Divergent (2014)  PG-13  Set in the future, people are living in the ruins of Chicago as part of a society that is divided into five distinct factions. These factions are based on different personality characteristics such as self-sacrifice or the quest for knowledge. Beatrice “Tris”  Prior (Shailene Woodley) will have to choose which faction to join. Her problem is she discovers that she is “Divergent,” meaning she doesn’t fit into any one faction. Will she pick a faction based on what her head or her heart tells her?   I adore Shailene Woodley, who has yet to disappoint me on the screen and she is outstanding in the role of Tris. There is great chemistry between her and her love interest, Four, played by Theo James.  The problem with the film is that its plot is very complicated and not easily explained, so much that film goers who haven’t read the bestselling books will be confused.  The film does move at a quick pace with lots of compelling action sequences and doesn’t over emphasize the romance angle (which a lot of “Young Adult” films tend to do).  I am looking forward to exploring this exciting world of "future" films. 
  My Rating: Full Price  Divergent Website

Family Faire:  Muppets Most Wanted (2014) PG  While on a world tour hitting cities like Berlin and London, the Muppets gang gets involved with a jewel thief named, Constantine, who looks just like Kermit the Frog. Now, can Kermit take down his doppelganger and save his reputation?  I loved the 2011 film The Muppets, making it one of my top ten films of that year.  Unfortunately, this film doesn't portray the joy and magic of the previous film - it’s more in line with some of the other Muppet films of the past, making it bland and full of lame jokes.  The songs are unmemorable, and even the cameos (which were so much fun in The Muppets film) are ordinary.  Tina Fey, who plays a Russian prison guard, seems to be the only one of the cast who is having fun.  It’s a film that only true Muppet fans will enjoy.  I say, for the next Muppet movie, bring back Jason Segel and let him do his Muppet magic.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Muppets Most Wanted Website

Indiefest:  Bad Words  (2014)  R  Guy (Jason Bateman) is a 40 year-old high school dropout. He has never gotten over his bad experiences in school and finds a loop-hole in the rules of the national spelling bee. He enters the contest and along the way meets a reporter (Kathryn Hahn) and a fellow contestant (Rohan Chand), both whom he befriends. I thoroughly enjoyed this very raunchy R rated comedy.  The chemistry between Bateman and Chand is incredible, with Chand showing some real comedic timing. This is a hilarious film full of very interesting characters and a great storyline. This film is surprisingly heartwarming if you can get past Bateman's character profusely cursing.     My Rating: Full Price  Bad Words Website

My View:  Dark House (2014) R   Nick (Luke Kleintank) is a clairvoyant and, after his mother’s death, he discovers he has inherited an old home in the isolated country. So, Nick, his pregnant girlfriend (Alex McKenna), and his best friend, Ryan (Anthony Rey Perez) decide to check out the home. It’s a decision that may cost them their lives.  This is an interesting horror film that has some nice plot twists and turns.  While not overly scary, it does have a compelling storyline containing some rather fearsome bad guys.  I’m just not sure horror fans will be satisfied with this film, as it just doesn’t provide the scary moments they would love.     My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Dark House Info

Forgotten Films:  Lilies of the Field (1963) Homer (Sidney Poitier) is on his way across the country when his car breaks down near a remote farm.  A group of Catholic nuns who have recently immigrated from Eastern Europe run the farm and take in Homer, who they believe has been sent by God to help rebuild their church.  Poitier won an Academy Award for his role in this film and rightly so, as he is pitch-perfect as the headstrong Homer.  The interaction between Homer and the nuns is fun and fascinating, especially when Poitier deals with the Mother Superior (Lilia Skala), who believes in Homer and his abilities.  It’s a magical film that makes you feel good about humanity My Rating:  Full Price  Lilies of the Field Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Muppets Most Wanted (2014):  ice construction

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Under the Skin  (2014) R  I don’t know much about this film, other than it’s a Sci-Fi film about an alien seducing hitchhikers in Scotland.  All I have to know to want to see this film is that it stars Scarlett Johansson.  Under the Skin Website 

Until Next Time!

Identity Thief

My View:   Identity Thief  (2013)   Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman) discovers that his identity has been stolen, and it’s causing him a world of problems. Sandy finds out that the identity thief is a woman named Diana (Melissa McCarthy) and that she is living large in another state. So, Sandy goes on a road trip to hunt down Diana and bring her back to clear his name. This film just isn't funny, and it’s a film that desperately wants you to like the two main characters, but you never really connect to either of them. The first twenty minutes, and yes it takes that long to set up the premise, feel more like a drama or a horror film, as it is really scary how quickly Sandy’s identity is stolen and how quickly his life gets torn to shreds. The plot is full of holes the size of Montana, and there are “comedy” bits that are so obvious, they might as well be put on a billboard. It seems that at no point in the film did the director let McCarthy loose and improvise her part, something that she has done so well in Bridesmaids and This is 40 . At one point, the mob is trying to kill Diana, and you begin rooting for the hit-men, just so that the film can end. And my advice to Melissa McCarthy, get a new agent, because you are far better actress than this and one who doesn’t need to be constantly put down by an array of fat jokes/situations. And a word of warning, the film is almost two hours in length but feels like three.   My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again   Identity Thief Website

                                                          

My View:   Side Effects  (2013)   Emily’s (Rooney Mara) husband Martin (Channing Tatum) is just released from prison for serving time for insider trading. But life is getting her down and, after an apparent suicide try, Emily agrees to see a psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law). He decides to treat Emily with a new product recently introduced to the public, a product that may cause deadly consequences. The best part of this film is the first twenty-five minutes, which has an incredible amount of twists and turns in the plot. The film does slow down after that, and I only really enjoyed it again near the end when some of the better plot twists were revealed. I liked Jude Law as the psychiatrist that gets in over his head but found that Mara’s portrayal of the troubled wife of Martin was lacking, as she didn’t quite give the performance that I expected.  I hope this isn’t the last film that Steven Soderbergh directs as it certainly isn’t one of his best.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Side Effects Website

Indiefest:    Café de Flore (2013) This film is about  two love stories set forty years apart. One, set in present day, is about a divorced woman, Carole (Helene Florent), who is convinced that her ex-husband, Antoine (Kevin Parent), is still the love of her life, and she is determined to get him back. The second story, set forty years earlier, is about the love a single mother, Jacqueline (Vanessa Paradis), has for her son, Laurent (Lucas Bonin), who was born with Down’s syndrome. She is determined to provide the best for her son, but it’s a struggle to keep him alive and well. This is a film that will stay with you quite a while and will be sure to trigger discussions. The two lead actresses are unbelievably good, especially Vanessa Paradis, who brings such passion to her acting that you can almost see the worry for her son dripping off her brow. This is a film that may not give you all the answers you want, but it will definitely make you think.    My Rating: Full Price   Cafe de Flore Website

Forgotten Film:   Run Lola Run (1998) This German film starring Franka Potente as Lola, is about a woman, who’s boyfriend has lost 100,000 German Marks that belong to the mob. The boyfriend is desperate, knowing that if he doesn’t provide the money, they will kill him. Lola convinces her boyfriend that she can get the money in twenty minutes before the mob shows up. The film then portrays three different “runs," all taking 20 minutes but all three take different directions, with the storylines changing due to the decisions/actions that Lola makes. The film is incredibly fast paced with numerous edits and transitions and reveals how even the littlest thing can change our future.   Some decisions we make in an instant, and some of these are the most important decisions of our lives. It is left to the viewer to decide which of the runs really happened.    My Rating: Full Price   Run Lola Run Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):   Flight (2012) This is one of those films where the lead actor is better than the part he is given. I love Denzel Washington as the brash, alcoholic pilot, but I felt the script was too full of clichés and was much too long.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Flight Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Film I’ve Only Seen in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Beautiful Creatures (2013) Another in a long line of Young Adult based books turned into movie to try and replace the Twilight franchise. The characters in the trailer look and feel like they belong in a high school production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.   Beautiful Creatures Website

Weird Credits: From the credits of Side Effects: Blood Supplier

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   Room 237 (2013) A documentary about the possible hidden meanings in the Stanley Kubrick film The Shining. I don’t know if I will believe any of the theories of the film, but it should be a blast seeing the filmmakers try to come up with ideas, such as the film, which is about how a haunted hotel drives a man to madness, is in reality a film dealing with the Holocaust.    Room 237 Website

Until Next Time!