Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

My View: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) PG-13   Due to Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) casting a forbidden spell, the doorway to the multiverse has been opened. Consequently, alternate realities are now running rampant, including multiple versions of Doctor Strange. It's a threat to humanity that Doctor Strange, Wong (Benedict Wong), and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) will need their power and skill to repair before it's too late.  I was always a fan of Doctor Strange when I was a kid, mostly because he always had an attitude when doing superhero stuff, and this film continues that trend. Part fantasy, part horror, this film is a fun and enjoyable mix that takes you on an adventure into the multiverse. If you didn’t see the Wandavision TV series, you might be a little lost on some of the plot as Wanda plays a massive part in this film. Small kids may have a tough time with this one as there are some rather horrific characters in this film, both on the good and bad sides. There are some really cool surprises in this film, and the action is almost non-stop, with a final faceoff that keeps you guessing until the end. There are two extra scenes in the credits, one setting up the next Doctor Strange film, and the other is just a blast from the past (at least the director, Sam Raimi's past) . So go on an adventure with the Doctor and help him save not only our time but the rest of the multiverse.   My Rating:  Full Price  Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Website   Now playing in theatres nationwide.

Indiefest: The Duke  (2020) R   The Duke takes place in England in 1961, where a priceless painting has been stolen from the National Gallery, Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington. Was it a master thief? A gang of thieves working for an underground collector? Surprisingly, it was Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent), a 60-year-old taxi driver who has hidden the painting in his wife's closet. Jim Broadbent is marvelous as a kind of modern-day Robin Hood (or maybe Don Quixote) as he is intent on fighting for the little man, especially the war veterans from WWI, who are in their twilight years. The interplay between Broadbent's Kempton and his long-put upon wife, Lily, played by Helen Mirren, is a wonder to watch. Mirren gives a restrained performance as the wife who continously puts up with Kempton's attempts to protest against the government, all the while the two are both still grieving the loss of their daughter many years ago. The Duke is a heartwarming true tale (though they fudge a bit with some of the story) about a remarkable man who steadfastly fought for the Everyman and his genuinely unique family.   My Rating: Full Price  The Duke Website   Now playing in select theatres.

My View: Along for the Ride (2022)   Auden (Emma Pasarow) has spent her whole life studying with her nose in a book. When Auden goes to a coastal town to spend the summer before college with her divorced father, she decides to live a little. On a late-night stroll, she meets Eli (Belmont Cameli), and the two embark on a nightly quest to help Auden experience the carefree life she never knew she needed. This is an enjoyable summer romance film with a likable cast. Emma Pasarow reminded me of a teenage Jennifer Garner with a winning presence about her that is very appealing. Pasarow has excellent chemistry with Belmont Cameli, the mysterious young man who has decided to become Auden's guide to living. Andie MacDowell and Dermot Mulroney have very little to do in this film besides being distant parents, but this film isn't meant to be hard-hitting. It's an enjoyable fling that follows a script that we all know too well but still enjoy, where everyone is happy in the end.   My Rating; Bargain Matinee  Along for the Ride Website  Now playing on the Netflix platform.

Indiefest: Petite Maman (2021) PG   Eight-year-old Nelly (Josephine Sanz) has just lost her maternal grandmother. Her parents and Nelly travel to the grandmother's home to empty it out. Nelly's mother can't handle the sorrow of being back in the house and leaves in the middle of the night. The next day Nelly goes out into the surrounding woods to play and meets a girl her age named Marion building a fort. Unquestionably, there is magic in this forest of Nelly's. Petite Maman is a short, sweet, heartwarming tale of a young girl dealing with one of life's hardest lessons, the act of grieving. This is a film that oozes with warmth and heart, brought forth by a breathtaking performance by Josephine Sanz, giving us a look into a little girl's life and her ability to deal with life, and all the problems that it presents to us. I just wish we all had a magical forest to retreat to, but at least we have Nelly's.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again     Petite Maman Website  Now playing in select theatres.

Forgotten Film: Undertow (2004) R   Two brothers (Jamie Bell and Devon Alan) are being raised by their father (Dermot Mulroney), who still mourns the loss of their mother while living on an isolated pig farm in rural Georgia. Things change when the father's ex-con brother (Josh Lucas) comes to the farm. Things get ugly over a family mystery surrounding some gold coins, and the two brothers run away, going on an adventure throughout the deep south that will change their lives forever. This film is a mix of Mark Twain and Southern Gothic, with a cast of characters that sometimes don't feel real but always pack a punch of emotion. The cast is outstanding, with even an appearance by a young Kristen Stewart as one of the boy's girlfriend. This film is a little strange at times but is full of emotional moments that will not be forgotten. My Rating: Full Price   Undertow Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Duke: Rushes Runner

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Elvis (2022)   The look at the life of the man, the myth, and the legend, Elvis Presley. The film stars Tom Hanks as Colonel Tom Parker, Olivia DeJonge (The Visit) as Priscilla, and Austin Butler (Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood) as Elvis. Written and directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby), this should be interesting to watch. I hope it captures the magic of Elvis.   Elvis Website  Scheduled for a late June 2022 release.

Until Next Time!

Beauty and the Beast

My View:  Beauty and the Beast  (2017)   PG  Disney tale of the monstrous beast (Dan Stevens) and Belle (Emma Watson), the young woman who commits to live in the castle to save her father. When you remake a classic animated film into a live-action CGI-filled movie, you have to ask if it’s worth it?  I am going to say yes because of two reasons: some huge plot holes were fixed from the original film and Emma Watson, who is a delight to watch and has a tremendous singing voice. She is the perfect live-action Belle, a blend of spunky defiance and curiosity, that is a perfect match for the Beast. I will say that I was disappointed in the ballroom scene. In this film, it just doesn’t have the impact of the original. There are five new songs which add to the running time of 2 hours and 9 minutes - maybe a little too long for young kids. The Beast isn't too scary although there are some wolves that may give the very young a bit of fright. The film wasn't shot in 3D, so save the bucks. Much has been made of the gay character in the movie, but it’s such a minor detail in the film, that most won’t even notice.   My Rating:  Full Price   Beauty and the Beast Website

Indiefest:  The Sense of an Ending  (2017)  PG-13  A semi-retired divorced man (Jim Broadbent) receives notice that he has inherited an item from the mother of an old flame. His attempt to retrieve the item causes him to relive his past, a past full of friends and lovers of his school years.  Part mystery, part love story, this film is an interesting take on lost loves and how one wrong decision can change the direction of the rest of your life. Broadbent gives one of his better performances as a man who is haunted by his past and is desperately trying to make amends. The story is full of really cool plot twists, some of which I didn’t see coming.   My Rating:  Full Price    The Sense of an Ending Website

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD/Blu-ray):  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 movie 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.  My Rating:  Bargain Matinee    Passengers Website 

Forgotten Film:  Peter’s Friends  (1992)  Ten years ago a group of friends were part of a comedy troupe, but in the years since, they have scattered around the world. Peter has inherited an estate and invites the troupe members for a New Year’s Eve celebration. The friends gather once again to see if fences can be mended, loves rekindled and new friendships started. The cast is the reason to see this movie, and both Stephen Fry and Emma Thompson standout in a very memorable ensemble. I consider this a much funnier and enjoyable film than other films in this genre including, The Big Chill (1983).   My Rating: Full Price    Peter's Friends Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Beauty and the Beast:  Dental FX Design and Manufacture

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Ghost in the Shell  (2017)  This live-action film, based on a beloved animated movie and series, could go either way.  Since Scarlett Johansson is the lead, I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt.    Ghost in the Shell Website

Until Next Time!