Voyagers

Note to readers: I currently am not willing to risk my health (I’m 63 and an asthmatic) by visiting a theatre. All films that I have seen for review have been screened in my home. I am not going to tell you whether or not to attend a theatre. Just be aware of the risks, do your research, and follow the instructions

My View: Voyagers   (2021) PG-13    The future of mankind is at stake when a group of young men and women, bred for intelligence and obedience, are sent into space to colonize a distant planet. Christopher (Tye Sheridan), Sela (Lily-Rose Depp), and Zac (Fionn Whitehead) discover that the mission has a secret; that they are being drugged to make them comply with the mission. The three decide to defy their training and explore their most primitive natures, something that may lead them into chaos. Voyagers is one of those movies that had a lot of promise and is well made, but just never jells, never finds its footing and therefore becomes a very predictable and slow-moving film that feels like a rip-off of every ‘Lord of the Flies’ film made before it. The film never builds the tension that it needs, and some of the scenes feel forced. Due to the effects of the drug they are taking, it takes a long time to understand each character and what they are made of. When the drug wears off, the effect is too quick, too sudden, and we are suddenly asked to take sides when we don’t really know who to root for. I came away from watching this film feeling as if I didn’t care if they survived or not.    My Rating: Cable    Voyagers Website    Now playing in select theatres.

My View: Thunder Force (2021) PG-13   In a world where super-criminals are taking over, two former best friends, Lydia (Melissa McCarthy) and Emily (Octavia Spencer), reunite after one of them devises a treatment that gives ordinary people superpowers. With Lydia’s super strength and Emily’s invisibility, the two take on the villains threatening their city. Where to start with this mess of a film? The film wastes the talents of McCarthy and Spencer, putting them awkwardly into unfunny situation after unfunny situation. This is one of those films that loves to keep going back to a one-note joke until it has taken that joke and broken it into pieces. There is a running gag (no pun intended) where because of the superpower treatment, McCarthy only enjoys eating raw chicken, and the film keeps bring this up, time and time again, without a laugh anywhere to help. There is a dance sequence that I have no clue why it’s in there and what it was trying to accomplish, other than to make the film stop entirely for two minutes. The film feels much longer than its hour and forty-five-minute length, with a script that lacks any sense of humor or creativity. If you watch this film, and I’m sorry if you do, please explain to me what Jason Bateman’s characters super-power is? Nah, don’t bother, I want to forget this film as soon as I can.    My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again   Thunder Force Website    Now playing on the Netflix platform.

Indiefest: Moffie (2019)    In 1981, South Africa’s white minority government was in the midst of a conflict on the southern Angolan border. Nicholas (Kai Luke Brummer), like all white men over the age of 16, must complete two years of compulsory military service. Not only does Nicholas have to face the horrors of war, he must also deal with the fact that he is hiding a secret, the secret of his homosexuality. Kai Luke Brummer is brilliant as the troubled Nicholas, a young man who is confronted during his stint in the army with brutality, racism, and homophobia on a constant basis. Nicholas is a man who is just trying to survive and not bring attention to himself, knowing that if he is found out, life will become even more of a hell than it already is. Nicholas is constantly being reminded that his race and way of life is being assaulted by both blacks and Communists. The world that Nicholas has entered into is full of pain, ugliness and is filled with very few people he can trust. The film constantly builds tension, even in its quieter moments, so much so that it seems that Nicholas may take the route that some of his fellow soldiers take, trying to find an escape from this horrible world with drugs and alcohol, or even worse, a permanent escape. This is a film that will stay with you long after you watch it and will have you wondering what became of Nicholas after his stint in the army.   My Rating: Full Price    Moffie Website    Now playing in select theatres and is available to rent on participating on-demand services.

Indiefest: The Enormity of Life (2021)   Casey's (Breckin Meyer) life is so messed up, he even fails at a suicide attempt. When he receives a substantial inheritance from a long-lost relative, he embarks on a journey with a struggling single mom, Jess (Emily Kinney), and her eccentric young daughter, Jules (Giselle Eisenberg). To say that this strange little film is quirky would be an understatement. When your lead character is someone who wants to end it all because he doesn’t enjoy life, it makes it a little hard to want Casey to get what he wants. I loved Jess and the relationship she has with her daughter. Emily Kinney playing the effervescent Jess with a lovely and captivating presence makes her character just the person that Casey needs to meet at this time of his life. Jess is someone that can see the potential in a person, no matter if that person can’t see it themselves. Giselle Eisenberg is a bundle of fun as the girl obsessed with school shoots, able to spout facts and figures about them with an almost computer-like response. Breckin Meyer is fun as Casey, a sad-sack character of a man who doesn’t quite understand why he needs to be here on the planet, until he meets Jess and Jules. I had fun going on a small adventure with Casey, Jules, and Jess, and I hope you will too.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee The Enormity of Life Website    The film is available to rent on participating on-demand services.

Forgotten Film: The Hidden (1987) R   When normal, law-abiding people suddenly become violent criminals, a cop (Michael Nouri) and an FBI agent (Kyle MacLachlan) team up to try and stop this puzzling outburst of murders and robberies. This film starts out as your ordinary crime spree movie but soon, you realize that there must be something behind all the crimes being committed. The film has a ton of twists and turns, some you won’t see coming, and the chemistry between Nouri and MacLachlan to fun to watch, with MacLachlan playing the strange acting FBI agent as only he can. The Hidden is one of those films that nobody went and saw but should have because it’s well done and very creative.    My Rating: Full Price    The Hidden Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Voyagers: Breakdown Artist

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You:  Things Heard & Seen (2021)   A couple, Catherine (Amanda Seyfried) and George (James Norton), moves from Manhattan to a historic home in the Hudson Valley. Jane soon learns that not only does her new home have a sinister past, but her husband also may not be the nice guy she thought he was. Hey, a horror film with Amanda Seyfried? I’m in!    Things Heard & Seen Website

Until Next Time!

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Family Faire:  How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World  (2019)  PG  When Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) discovers that Toothless isn’t the only Night Fury dragon, he must seek ‘The Hidden World.’ a secret dragon utopia with Astrid (America Ferrera) before a hired tyrant named Grimmel (F. Murray Abraham) finds it.  The third and final film in the series is a fitting ending to a wonderful series of films about the love of a young man and his faithful dragon companion. The animation is striking, the storyline is heartfelt and the film moves at a nice pace. I am going to miss these characters that I have grown so fond of. One warning, if you haven’t seen the other two films in the series, you need to watch them before you take in this one.  My Take:  Full Price   How to Train Your Dragon Website

My View:  Fighting With My Family  (2019)  PG  Sayara (Florence Pugh) has been dreaming of wrestling in the WWE since she was thirteen, working small shows that her family puts on in England. She gets her chance when she is picked from a tryout with the WWE. Now can she beat the odds and make it to the big time? I am going to say something shocking, this is a really good movie! I can’t believe I am saying this about a WWE production, but the movie is fun, touching and moving. Now be warned that Dwayne Johnson is only in two scenes in the film but both are fun to watch. I loved all the cameos that the WWE wrestlers did in the film. The wrestling scenes are well done and Pugh is a force on the screen. Go see this film!   My Rating:  Full Price   Fighting With My Family Website

In Case You Missed It (A movie just released on DVD/Blu-Ray):  Can You Ever Forgive Me?  (2018)  R    Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy) has made her living writing about celebrities. When she falls out of style and can’t get published, she begins to forges letters from deceased authors and playwrights. Melissa McCarthy gives a stunning performance of someone who is utterly unlikeable. In fact both her character and her best friend, Jack (played superbly by Richard E. Grant), a gay man who doesn’t seem to have a job or a home, are horrible people. McCarthy’s character thinks that she is the greatest writer in the world and that nobody realizes that. It makes Lee bitter and angry at the world. Jack gets by on his looks, which are rapidly fading as he ages, and by selling cocaine. The film is entertaining to watch as we wait for when it will all fall apart for Lee. You are not going to like these characters, but you are going to love the film and its performances.    My Rating: Full Price     Can You Ever Forgive Me? Website

Forgotten Film:  Otley  (1969)  Otley (Tom Courtenay) is a down and out antique dealer and sometime pickpocket that gets thrown out of his apartment for not paying rent. He sleeps that night in a friends home for the night and wakes up two days later in an airport field. He finds out he is wanted for killing his friend and then finds himself entangled in international espionage. Because of the success of the James Bond books and films, the 60s were filled with spy thrillers but also films that made fun of the spy thrillers. This is a fun ride with a number of twist and turns that make this film so much fun to watch. Courtenay is brilliant in the role of an everyday guy that gets caught up in stuff that is way over his head.  My Rating:  Full Price    Otley Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Fighting With My Family: Personal Barber to Dwayne Johnson

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Apollo 11  (2019)  G  Documentary on the Apollo 11 mission that placed the first man on the moon. I really want to see this film on an IMAX screen. The film won the editing award and was up for the Grand Jury award at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.     Apollo 11 Info

Until Next Time!

Bohemian Rhapsody

My View:  Bohemian Rhapsody  (2018)  PG-13  Story of one of the world’s greatest rock bands, Queen, led by their flamboyant lead singer Freddie Mercury (Rami Malek). I loved the concert scenes, especially the last 20 minutes which is from their legendary 1985 Live Aid appearance. This is probably the best I’ve seen in a film of four actors playing instruments, all for play with skill and conviction. I really enjoyed the first half of the film; it’s fun to see how they were formed and how they came up with their unique sound. What I didn’t like about the movie is that they mess with the timeline. For example, Freddy was diagnosed with Aids in 1987, but in the film he is diagnosed in 1985 before Live Aid, making that concert appearance more meaningful. I didn’t like how the made Freddy the party boy, and the other three members of the band come off like perfect husbands and fathers. I found that I didn’t enjoy the 2nd have of the film (except for that ending) when Freddie starts acting like a diva and breaks up the band. The 2nd half seems very long and isn’t much fun to watch. Unlike the rumors that were circulating this year, it does deal with Freddie being gay, but it’s pretty sanitized. If you are a fan of Queen like I am, you will enjoy the film, but you probably won’t think its a great movie, but you will enjoy the concert scenes.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Bohemia Rhapsody Website

Family Faire:   The Nutcracker and the Four Realms  (2018)  PG  Clara (Mackenzie Foy) is on a search for a key that will open a box her late mother gave her. When Clara searches for the key, the trail takes her to a magical, mysterious parallel world. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. The art direction, costumes, and hair design are fantastic in this film. The storyline moves along at a great pace and is fun to watch. It takes the basis of the Nutcracker story and makes it its own original story. There is an ode to the Nutcracker ballet with a fantasy sequence where some of the famous dance is performed. I immensely enjoyed the performance of Mackenzie Foy who plays Clara, the girl trying to find the key to open up her dead mother’s gift.   My Rating: Full Price   The Nutcracker and the Four Realms Website

Indiefest:   Suspiria  (2018) R    A promising young dancer, Susie (Dakota Johnson) joins a world-renowned dance company. Susie soon learns that mysterious things are happening at the company and dancers have gone missing. This is a bizarre, weird, sometimes violent film that has plenty of nudity and a couple of extremely violent scenes, one early on in the film that is really hard to watch. There is quite a bit of modern dancing in this film, much more than in the original 1977 Suspiria. The film feels every bit of its 2 hours and twenty-minute length. This is very different than director Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 film Call Me By Your Name. There is a subplot about a highjacked plane that I don’t have any clue why it's in the film. The director tries to get too cute with strange camera angles, slow-motion scenes that don’t work and an ending that is very creepy. This is a horror movie that just isn’t scary. I did not enjoy this film, and I plan on never seeing it again.   My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again     Suspiria Website

My View:   Can You Ever Forgive Me?  (2018)  R    Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy) has made her living writing about celebrities. When she falls out of style and can’t get published, she begins to forges letters from deceased authors and playwrights. Melissa McCarthy gives a stunning performance of someone who is utterly unlikeable. In fact both her character and her best friend, Jack (played superbly by Richard E. Grant), a gay man who doesn’t seem to have a job or a home, are horrible people. McCarthy’s character thinks that she is the greatest writer in the world and that nobody realizes that. It makes Lee bitter and angry at the world. Jack gets by on his looks, which are rapidly fading as he ages, and by selling cocaine. The film is entertaining to watch as we wait for when it will all fall apart for Lee. You are not going to like these characters, but you are going to love the film and its performances.    My Rating: Full Price    Can You Ever Forgive Me? Website

Forgotten Film: Mary and Max  (2009)  This film is done in claymation, but it’s not for kids. It’s the tale of a 20-year friendship between two unlikely pen pals: Mary (voiced by Toni Collette) a lonely 8-year old girl from Australia and Max (voiced by Philip Seymour Hoffman), an obese, 44-year old New Yorker with Asperger Syndrome. It’s a beautiful story about friendship that is funny at times but can also be melancholy as it deals with topics like depression and isolation. This is a lovely film that will make you think and maybe shed a tear or two.  My Rating: Full Price   Mary and Max Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms: Hair Technician

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Creed II  (2018)  With Rocky’s help, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) faces off against Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu), the son of the man that killed Adonis’ father. I loved the first film, so I am hopeful that this will be good. I am a little worried because the writer/director of the first Creed film, Ryan Coogler, is not involved with this film.   Creed II Website

Until Next Time!

The Happytime Murders

My View: The Happytime Murders  (2018) R  In a world where humans and puppets co-exist, a puppet cast of an 80’s children’s TV show is being murdered one by one. A disgraced former policeman (Bill Barretta) and a detective (Melissa McCarthy) team up to find the killer. First off this is not for kids, there is a lot of languages, violence, and even some puppet sex. The film isn’t funny enough to make it fun to watch, it goes for the easy laughs too often, and the plot is incredibly weak. I am also getting tired of Melissa McCarthy’s one-note act in every movie she is in. The final problem with this film is that all the funny bits in the film are in the trailer.   My Rating: Cable

In Case You Missed It (A movie just released on DVD/Blu-Ray): Life of the Party  (2018)  PG-13  After her husband asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother (Melissa McCarthy) goes back to college to complete her degree at the same school her daughter goes to. Another comedy dud from the married team of Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy. This tedious and unfunny film feels twice as long as its one hour and forty-five-minute running time. The film’s plot is highly predictable and with plot holes the size of a keg of stale beer. McCarthy’s fish-out-of-water performance gets old very fast, and Gillian Jacobs’ performance as ‘Coma Girl’ is strange and offsetting. Rent Back to School, instead, and stay away from this mess of a film.    My Rating:  You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again    The Happytime Murders

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Only Seen in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Hell Fest (2018)  A masked serial killer turns a horror-themed amusement park into his personal killing zone. When you don’t recognize any of the cast, it’s never a good sign.   Hell Fest Website

Forgotten Film:  Croupier  (1998) An writer, Jack (Clive Owen) who is down on his luck and takes a job at a London casino as a croupier (a dealer). As Jack’s relationship with his girlfriend (Gina McKee) starts to fall apart, Jack starts seeing a woman  (Alex Kingston) who is drowning in debt to the casino. She proposes that with Jack’s help they defraud the casino. The reason to watch this film is Clive Owen, who gives a mesmerizing performance as a man who thinks he is in control of his world but soon realizes he isn’t.    My Rating: Full Price   Croupier Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Happytime Murders: Puppet Builder

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Love Gilda  (2018)  In her own words from a recently discovered audio tape, Gilda Radner tells her life story in her own words. She was my favorite from the original Saturday Night Live cast, and I can’t wait to see this documentary.     Love Gilda Website

Until Next Time!

Life of the Party

My View:  Life of the Party  (2018)  PG-13  After her husband asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother (Melissa McCarthy) goes back to college to complete her degree at the same school her daughter goes to. Another comedy dud from the married team of Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy. This tedious and unfunny film feels twice as long as its one hour and forty-five minute running time. The film’s plot is highly predictable and with plot holes the size of a keg of stale beer. McCarthy’s fish-out-of-water performance gets old very fast, and Gillian Jacobs’ performance as ‘Coma Girl’ is strange and offsetting. Rent Back to School, instead, and stay away from this mess of a film.    My Rating:  You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again    Life of the Party Facebook Page

My View:  Breaking In (2018)  PG-13  A woman (Gabrielle Union) fights to protect her son and daughter from home invaders in a remote vacation home. While not a great movie, I still enjoyed this action film where a mom will do everything in her power to keep her kids safe. Union gives the part her all and is very believable in the action sequences. Billy Burke makes a compelling bad guy who has to deal with a woman who outsmarts him on just about every move. The premise of the plot is a little thin, but once the action starts, you don’t really care, you just want to see Gabrielle Union kick major butt.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Breaking In Website

Indiefest:  The Rider  (2017)  R  After suffering a near-fatal injury in a rodeo and with doctors telling him he should never ride again, a young cowboy, Brady (Brady Jandreau), has to figure out a new direction for his life. An absolutely gorgeous film about dealing with life’s disappointments. The film is heartbreaking as Brady is not allowed to do one thing the one thing that he loves - ride horses. Jandreau gives an astonishing performance that is full of grit and grace. The cinematography of this film is some of the best work in recent history. The story, at times, is a little slow, but it lets you get inside the mind of Brady and see his point of view clearly. This is one of the best films of the year and will surely be on my top ten list.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again   The Rider Website

Forgotten Film:  Out of Sight  (1998)  R  A career bank robber, Jack (George Clooney), breaks out of jail with the help of his friend, Buddy (Ving Rhames), and kidnaps a U.S. Marshal (Jennifer Lopez) when she threatens to expose their big heist plans. After spending time together, Jack finds that he is attracted to the Marshall. I love this film and the remarkable chemistry that Clooney and Lopez have. This is a fun and witty film with phenomenal dialogue with plenty of twists and turns in the plot that you just don’t see coming.    My Rating: Full Price    Out of Sight Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Life of the Party:  Period Hair Stylist

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   Won’t You Be My Neighbor?  (2018)  Documentary on the life of Fred Rogers, host of the long-running PBS children’s program, Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. This film was the talk of the 2018 Atlanta Film Festival.     Won't You Be My Neighbor? Website   

Until Next Time!

 

Tully

My View:  Tully (2018)  R  Marlo (Charlize Theron) is a mother of three including a newborn, and Marlo is about at the end of her rope. She is gifted a night nurse named Tully (Mackenzie Davis) by her brother. Tully is the godsend that Marlo needs. Tully is the third collaboration between director Jason Reitman and writer Diablo Cody. While I am a huge fan of their first film, Juno (2007), I never warmed up to their 2nd film, Young Adult (2011). I am happy to say that third time’s a charm, as Tully is witty, funny and overall moving…and packed with a few surprises. The cast is superb, led by Charlize Theron’s Marlo, a performance that could get her an Academy Award nomination. We forget just how good Theron’s comedic timing is, and she uses it to perfection in this film. Theron’s on-screen chemistry with Davis is sublime and makes this film so enjoyable to watch. While not quite on the level of the brilliant Juno, Tully still is a film not to be missed. It’s a hilarious film that any mother can relate to. Now, if every mother could just get someone like Tully to help her out…   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again   Tully Website

In Case You Missed It (A movie just released on DVD/BluRay):  Colossal  (2016)  R  Gloria (Anne Hathaway) returns home when her boyfriend kicks her out of their NYC apartment because of her drinking. She soon learns that she is somehow connected to a giant monster that is terrorizing downtown Seoul, South Korea.  Writer/director Nacho Vigalondo brings us an unusual tale of part Science Fiction and part domestic abuse film, with a splash of alcoholism thrown in. It’s strange mix with giant monsters appearing straight from those bad 60’s Japanese larger-than -life reptile movies. At first, used for comic effect and then later as the symbolism of the struggle between good and evil, the monsters appear halfway across the world in Seoul, South Korea. The biggest problem with Colossal is that Hathaway’s character is very one dimensional. We never really know why Gloria drinks so much and never find out what demons she is trying to escape. Hathaway is what I call a pretty drunk - someone we can laugh at, and not be too concerned with because, other than a boyfriend who drops her, her drinking never seems to get her in trouble. Her realization that being intoxicated could cause other people pain seems shallow and too simply realized. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed this film, but I just don’t think there is as much to it as Nacho Vigalondo wants us to believe. Much like the Japanese monsters, the film is what you see on the surface; there’s not a lot of substance lying beneath the water.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Colossal Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Only Seen in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Life of the Party (2018)  PG-13  After her husband asks for a divorce, a middle-aged mother (Melissa McCarthy) goes back to college to complete her degree. This movie is written by McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone, whose track record is not good with Tammy (2014) and The Boss (2016).   Life of the Party Facebook Page

Forgotten Film:  Open Range  (2003) R  Two cowboys (Kevin Costner, Robert Duval) get into trouble when they take their herd near a town controlled by a crooked sheriff (James Russo). Any movie with Robert Duval can’t be bad, and this movie is actually an exceptional western. Costner and Duval have great chemistry, and Russo is an excellent villain. If you like westerns, then this one is for you.  My Rating: Full Price   Open Range Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Tully:  Mechanical Effects Designer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: How to Talk to Girls at Parties (2017)  R  An alien (Elle Fanning) touring the galaxy breaks away from her tour group and finds herself in the most dangerous place on the planet, the suburbs.  Elle Fanning has been in some fascinating films lately.   How to Talk to Girls At Parties Website

Until Next Time!

Ghostbusters

My View: Ghostbusters  (2016)  Erin (Kristen Wiig) and Abby (Melissa McCarthy) write a book that states that ghosts are real. When ghosts invade Manhattan, the author pair team up with Jillian (Kate McKinnon),  a nuclear engineer, and  Patty (Leslie Jones), to try and save the world from an evil and powerful demon, Rowan (Neil Casey). I had a great time watching this film. There are some subtle homages to the first Ghostbusters movies, but it’s really an original idea for a movie. I would have liked McCarthy to be a little more animated in her part, but Kate McKinnon more than makes up for that with an incredibly wacky performance. Chris Hemsworth is brilliant as the dumb as rocks receptionist who gets the job based only on his good looks. There are a lot of cameos, some really work but it is very obvious that Bill Murray didn't want to do this film from his performance. The film was shot in 3-D, and it shows, with some the ghost appearances using the technology to the fullest. There are two bonus scenes, one after the main credits and another, which sets up a possible sequel, after all the credits.   My Rating:  Full Price   Ghostbusters Website

My View:  The Infiltrator  (2016)  R  A U.S. customs official (Bryan Cranston) uncovers a money laundering scheme that traces all the way back to drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. I kept thinking  as I watched this film, this is a really good TV movie, the kind that you used to see every week back in the 70’s. But this isn’t a TV movie, and it’s just too slow and procedural to be interesting. Bryan Cranston gives what he can to the film, and he does an excellent job, but he is let down by the pacing and the script. The rest of the cast isn’t given much to do with the exception of Diane Kruger, who does an excellent job playing Cranston’s undercover partner. I just wish that this film had given Cranston more to work with.  My Rating; Bargain Matinee  The Infiltrator Website

Indiefest:  Breaking a Monster  (2015)  Documentary about three 13-year-old boys who form a Metal band, get discovered playing on the streets of New York, and, within a year, are on the bill of big outdoor concerts. Documentary about three 13-year-old boys who form a Metal band called "Unlocking the Truth," get discovered playing on the streets of New York, and, within a year, are on the bill of big outdoor concerts.  This is an entertaining film that follows the trials and tribulations of three teen boys dealing with school, girls and video games while trying to become rock stars. We get to the see the band perform live at concerts, and we see them record their first single. The most interesting apect of the film is how their manager (who created Welcome Back Kotter and discovered the Jonas Brothers) tries to keep them focused on music, not on what normal kids are interested in. The band becomes disillusioned when the record company is slow to get them into the studio, and we get to see the kids act out a bit. The film does get you to worry about the kids and if they are being taken for a ride. And, oh, by the way, the kids can actually play music!   My Rating: Full Price   Breaking a Monster Website

Indiefest:  The Innocents  (2016)  R  In 1945 Poland, a young French Red Cross doctor (Lou de Laage) is dealing with the aftermath of World War II. She is sent to assist the survivors of a German prison camp.  She soon discovers in a local convent that several of the nuns there are in advanced stages of pregnancy.Lou de Laage gives another breathtaking performance as the doctor who decides on her own to help the nuns with their pregnancies. De Laage is brilliant in the role, making her character someone that we want to know. The cinematography in the film is a wonder as the film looks almost as if it is shot in black and white, contributing greatly to the starkness of film.  This is a tough movie to watch due to its subject matter but ultimately it’s worth the effort.   My Rating: Full Price   The Innocents Info   

Indiefest:  Hunt for the Wilderpeople  (2016)  PG-13  Ricky (Julian Dennison), a 12-year-old Maori boy, obsessed with rap songs, is brought to a remote New Zealand farm run by Hec (Sam Neill) and his wife, Bella (Rima Te Wiata). Hec and Bella are going to be his foster aunt and uncle for the next few months. Slowly but surely Bella works her charm, and Ricky gradually grows to like living on the farm; that is if he can stay out of the sights of Hec, who barely tolerates the boy.  Just as Ricky starts feeling apart of the family, Bella dies unexpectedly. Ricky decides to run away, and Hec goes after him, taking them on a trip that will change both their lives. This is a joyous film that celebrates that people, no matter how different their personalities are, can still find comfort and love in shared experiences. Waititi is subtle in his building of scenes, letting us enjoy small moments like Ricky pretending to dance to a Walkman he made of grass as Hec looks on in wonderment. It’s those little scenes that let us get inside the characters and see how they interact with each other. “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is a beautiful, magical film that you won’t want to end. I am in fact ready to go on another adventure with Hec and Ricky.   My Take: Full Price   Hunt for the Wilderpeople Website 

Indiefest:  Undrafted  (2016)  12 ragtag teammates are playing a playoff game in an intermural league. Their opposing team is filled with ringers, but there is hope because John, is about to be a professional ballplayer. Right before the start of the game, the team finds out that John wasn’t drafted, and his professional career is over before it even started. Can the team rally and beat the semi-pros or will John’s undrafted status cause the team to fall apart? This is a fun and funny film filled with outlandish characters. I especially enjoy the performances of Ryan Pinkston, who plays an overzealous catcher, Joe Mazzello (who wrote and directed the film) as an outfielder with anger issues, and Tyler Hoechlin, who plays a relief pitcher suddenly having to become a starter.  There are some absurd and ludicrous moments that are just brilliant. The film does lose some of its momentum when it gets just a little too serious a time or two but otherwise it’s a blast to watch.  My Rating: Full Price    Undrafted Info

Forgotten Film:  Divorce – Italian Style (1962) Marcello Mastroianni is scintillating as a Sicilian nobleman who has fallen in love with another woman and because of Italian divorce laws being so strict, he must now plot how to kill his wife. This is a dark comedy that is brilliantly zany in its storytelling. The film moves at a quick pace and is hilarious as Mastroianni’s plan gets quickly out of hand.  This may have been Marcello Mastroianni’s best work.   My Rating: Full Price    Divorce Italian Style Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Ghostbusters: Render Wrangler

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Gleason (2016)  Documentary on former professional football player Steve Gleason, who at age 34, was diagnosed with ALS. This film was one of the most talked about films at this year’s SXSW Film Festival, and I look forward to seeing this movie about a very courageous man and his family.   Gleason Website

Until Next Time!

Entourage

My View:  Entourage  (2015)  R   Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven) is now head of a film studio. Vincent (Adrian Grenier) is making his directorial debut, and his film is going way over budget. Can Vincent’s manager Eric (Kevin Connolly) convince Ari to cough up more money to complete the movie, or will the gang have to move back to Queens?  When you make a sequel or a film based on a TV show, it should bring something new to the screen.  Entourage brings exactly nothing new to the storyline. The movie feels a little dated as if time hasn’t been kind to Ari and Vincent. There is a reason the TV show was only 30 minutes long as if it’s any longer, you start not liking any of the characters because they are all too self-involved to care about anything else but themselves. I just didn’t care at all about what happened to any of the characters by the end of the film, and I was almost rooting for them to fail.  My Rating: Cable  Entourage Website

My View:  Spy  (2015)  R  Susan (Melissa McCarthy) is a desk-bound CIA analyst. From her desk, she assists field agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law). When Fine goes missing, and every field agent has been compromised, Susan is forced to go out in the field to bring down arms dealer Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne).  Normally McCarthy is the one who steals the movie, but it’s Jason Statham that steals this film.  He plays a spy who tells stories about his time as an agent, and each story gets more and more outrageous. I enjoyed the film and McCarthy does a fantastic job, especially in the broader, physical comedy pieces. This film, though, doesn’t quite hit it out of the park (it lags a bit in the middle), but it’s fun to watch.  My Rating: Full Price   Spy Website

Indiefest:  Barely Lethal  (2015)  PG-13   Sixteen-year-old Megan (Hailee Steinfeld) has been training to be an assassin under the tutelage of Hardman (Samuel L. Jackson). She sees how other teenagers seem to be having fun and decides to fake her own death to get away from Hardman. She soon discovers that a teenager’s life isn’t always fun and games.  This could have been a game changer for the teen romantic comedy.  Unfortunately, it is just another in a long line of movies that follow the girl out of her comfort zone toward trying to fit in and having a crush on the popular guy. Seinfeld is believable in the part of an assassin and does the action sequences quite well, and Jackson is fun to watch in his limited role. The film could, though, have been much better if it just had taken some chances.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Barely Lethal Website 

Indiefest:  Love & Mercy  (2015)  PG-13  The story of Brian Wilson, the talented but troubled songwriter who led “The Beach Boys” to the top of the charts. This is one of the better films of the year. You wouldn’t think that two different actors (in this case Paul Dano and John Cusack) could play the same man at different points in his life and make it work, but this film does. Dan is brilliant as the younger Brian Wilson, who, at the start of the film, has decided to stop touring and concentrate on songwriting. Cusack gives one of his better performances as an older Brian Wilson, who is strung out on drugs prescribed by his psychiatrist. I loved Elizabeth Banks in the role of the woman determined to help Brian escape the controlling clutches  of his psychiatrist (played by the always brilliant Paul Giamatti). This film gives you real insight into the brilliance of the slightly crazy mind of Wilson. It’s an astonishing bit of filmmaking and one not to be missed.    My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again   Love & Mercy Website

Indiefest:  Saint Laurent  (2014) R   Biography drama film about the life of famed French designer Yves Saint Laurent(Gaspard Ulliel).  I didn’t like this overlong, way too artsy film. It’s rather boring, and we never really get to know why Laurent is so tragically hurt. A number of scenes just don’t make any sense, and there are a few that were shot, it seems, just to try and be artistic. The film also spends so much time on Laurent being moody as he draws his designs that I think only someone who works in the fashion industry could enjoy this movie.  My Rating:  Cable   Saint Laurent Website   

Indiefest:  Results  (2015)  R   Recently Danny (Kevin Corrigan) has come into some big money. He’s bought a house and is living large, but he isn’t happy. He decides to hire a personal trainer and finds Kat (Cobie Smulders), a fiery woman who takes her job seriously. Soon Kat and Danny discover that they might have more in common than just a workout. I enjoyed this quirky little film about two unhappy people who find each other (though it takes quite a bit of time to figure it out).  Cobie Smulders is believable as the trainer who is so driven; she will show up your house to ask you why you missed your workout. Corrigan is very funny as the guy who is just having a good time but knows he is missing something in his life. While not a great film, it’s a film that you will enjoy and getting to know these rather strange people. My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Results Website 

Forgotten Films:  Nick of Time (1995)  R  A father (Johnny Depp) arrives on a train with this daughter.  They are visiting L.A., but before they can start their sightseeing, the daughter is taken and held by a mysterious man (Christopher Walken).  The father can get his daughter back if, in 90 minutes, he assassinates the Governor of California.  This movie is an outstanding thriller that just keeps adding more and more to the tension of the film.  Depp is at his best and gives one of his better performances. It’s the type of film not made anymore with one man desperately at his wits-end trying to make a horrible decision.  My Rating: Full Price   Nick of Time info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Spy:  Crowd Hair Supervisor

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Jurassic World  (2015)  PG-13  I hear great things about this film (critics that have already seen the film are giving it great reviews). Plus, it’s Chris Pratt and some raptors.  Enough said.   Jurassic World Website

Until Next Time!