My View: IT (2017) R A group of bullied kids ban together when a monster named, Pennywise
(Bill Skarsgard), has taken the appearance of a clown and begins hunting
children. This is a coming of age film, so it’s as if Stand by Me or E.T. had
been made into a horror film. Bill
Skarsgard makes a scary and riveting Pennywise, the menacing clown who preys on
children. The two lead kids, Sophia Lillis, who plays Beverly, a young woman
with a bad rep, and Jaeden Lieberher, who plays Bill, a young man who is
constantly picked on because of his stutter problem, are outstanding in a cast
of superlative young actors. My problem with this film is that all the scary
parts of this movie are the ‘jump out of the dark’ variety of frights. While I
did jump a few times, I never felt the level of fear that I need from this type
of film. The film also gets a little repetitious, as we are shown each kid’s
thing that makes them the most frightened. Each time a kid is lured into a
situation where they are confronted by their worst nightmare, like a scary
painting coming to life, and, then when they are totally frightened, Pennywise
shows up to attack. It just gets a little old after a while. What I did love
about IT is its remarkable amount of humor. The kids have some awesome
lines that help break the tension which makes this film so much fun to watch. My Rating: Full Price IT Website
My View: Home
Again (2017) PG-13 Alice (Reese Witherspoon) is a single
mom living in Los Angeles. Her life
changes when she lets three young men move in with her. This film was written
and directed by a woman, and it shows because Alice is the focal point of this
movie, and she doesn’t need to be rescued by a man or have her life fulfilled
by one. Alice is a strong woman who, while still figuring out how to make it on
her own with two kids, is getting along just fine. Her and her kids’ lives are
enriched when the three guys move into her guest house, bringing a new
perspective to the home. This is a perfect Reese Witherspoon vehicle that
allows her to drive the film as only she can do with spunk and humor. I loved
how the film ends, leaving it up to us to figure out where Alice’s life goes
next. Home Again is a perfect ‘girls night out’ film but one that also can be a
great ‘date night’ outing. My Rating: Bargain Matinee Home Again Website
Indiefest:
Columbus (2017) Jin (John Cho) is a Korean-born man who finds
himself stuck in Columbus, Indiana because his father is in a coma. He meets
Casey (Haley Lu Richardson), a young woman who is staying in Columbus because
she has to support her mother who is a recovering addict. Writer/director
Kogonada brings us a magical film about family, relationships and dreaming of
things that you think can't come true. The film takes place in Columbus,
Indiana, the “Midwest Mecca of Architecture,” and its magnificent buildings are
the backdrop for this film. Every shot utilizes these brilliant buildings,
making you really feel a part of the landscape. What I love about this film is
that the two characters slowly peel back the layers of Jin and Casey as their
conversations continue. The characters become part of the architecture,
interacting with it and exploring it. Casey has even numbered her favorite
buildings like a film lover would rate movies. Columbus is a movie that will
hold you spellbound as it explores the importance of relationships, the ones
that we honor and the ones that we have to leave to better ourselves. My Rating:
I Would Pay to See it Again Columbus Facebook Page
Forgotten Film: Tom
Horn (1980) R A legendary cowboy, Tom Horn (Steve McQueen),
is hired by a group of ranchers to hunt down a group of rustlers. His methods
are too brutal for the turn of the century community. Horn is a man of strong
convictions but is stuck in the past, and that just might be his undoing.
McQueen, in one of his last roles, is powerful and intense as the grizzled old
cowboy. While the story drags at some points, it’s still worth watching McQueen
do his magic on the screen. My
Rating: Bargain Matinee Tom Horn Info
In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on
DVD/Blu-Ray): Megan Leavey (2017)
PG-13 Megan Leavey (Kate Mara) is
a troubled soul who has lost her best friend. She decides to join the Marines
and become a bomb-sniffing dog handler. The bond she develops with her dog
allows her to save many Marines’ lives on more than 100 missions. I loved this
film about a woman who has no purpose in life until she meets a dog named, Rex,
who teaches her how to love. This is Kate Mara’s finest performance, and it’s a
brilliant one. Touching and heartwarming, she gives us a woman who fights for
her best friend, her dog. The story is a
true one, and that makes the film even more poignant and moving. Skip the
recent superhero movies and see a movie about two real life heroes. My Rating: Full Price Megan Leavey Website
Weird Credits: From
the credits of IT: Hair for
Pennywise/Bill Skarsgard
Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: Mother!
(2017) A couple’s (Jennifer
Lawrence, Javier Bardem) love is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their
home, disrupting their lives forever. Although the trailer is very confusing,
this is one of the most talked about films of the fall season. Mother! Facebook Page
Until Next Time!
