Creed III

My View: Creed III (2023) PG-13  Adonis (Michael B. Jordan), over the past seven years, has gotten everything he ever dreamed of, with both a career and a family life thriving. However, when a childhood friend (Jonathan Majors) shows up unexpectantly, the past rears its ugly head, and Adonis will have to fight for not only his career but for his life. I loved the first Creed film and feel it is one of the best boxing movies of the genre, right up there with the first Rocky film. The second Creed film was a disappointment that had Sylvester Stallone’s fingerprints all over it. While not on the level of the first Creed, I am happy to say that this third film is still a fine boxing film with an outstanding performance by Jonathan Majors as the bad guy back from Adonis’s past to create a problem that Adonis can’t avoid or deny. Michael B. Jordan directs this film, and I love his emphasis on the relationship between Adonis and his daughter, Amara (Mila Davis-Kent), and how Adonis wants to be the father that he never got. Tessa Thompson is back as Adonis’s wife, Bianca, who, much like Adrian was for Rocky, is Adonis’s sounding board and lets him know when Adonis is going off on the wrong path. Majors is the best thing about this film, a man who, no matter how much he tells you, you know, is a dangerous man with a chip on his shoulder that wants what he thinks has been taken away from him. Every time Majors shows up on the screen, there is a quiet feeling of evil, which explodes into fury when his plan is revealed. The fight sequences are well done, but the scenes between Majors and Jordan before the film’s final fight spark the film and make it work. While not on par with Creed or Rocky, this is still a film to see.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Creed III Website  Now playing in theatres nationwide.

My View: Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre (2023) R  Special agent Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) and his team blackmail one of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett), into helping them take down an evil arms dealer (Hugh Grant) who has his hands on a deal new weapon that could disrupt the world’s balance of power. If you are a Jason Statham fan, you will enjoy this film, though most of his fighting sequences are done in close quarters and over pretty quickly. Statham isn’t the reason to see this spy romp; It’s the work of Hugh Grant and josh Hartnett that makes this film so enjoyable to watch. Hartnett is hilarious as the dim and ego-driven actor who gets blackmailed into the scheme to infiltrate the inner circle of an international arms dealer who is too slick to be caught. Hartnett milks every scene with an awkward grace that shows some natural comedic timing. However, the film’s real star is Hugh Grant, doing his best Michael Caine impression as an arms dealer who thinks he is the smartest man in the room (and he just might be). Grant’s arms dealer has one chink in his armor. He is a huge Danny Francesco fan, so much so that as soon as Danny shows up, he can not help but invite the star to his private getaway, even though a major deal is about to go down. Grant is slimy while also being a bit of a charmer, making it a blast to watch him chew up scenery in every scene he is in. Operation Fortune is a Guy Ritchie action film with plenty of flash, with little thought to details, but Grant and Hartnett will make you forget that pesky plot and just have some fun.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Operation Fortune Website  Now playing in theatres nationwide.

Indiefest: Hunt Her, Kill Her (2022)  Karen (Natalie Terrazzino) is a lone night janitor in a warehouse on the first night of an overnight cleaning job. She finds herself in an unexpected fight for her life when a group of masked intruders break into the warehouse. Can she survive the night, and why are they determined to kill her? This is a film that won a bunch of horror film festival awards, and it deserves it. Unlike many films of this nature, Karen isn’t some former army ranger with a very particular set of skills. Instead, Karen is an ordinary mom stuck in a dangerous situation and is trying to stay alive from a gang of masked men who want her dead. Hunt Her, Kill Her is a thrill ride with some cool moments, including a bad guy death that you won’t soon forget. This is a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you hope and pray that Karen can somehow get out of the warehouse alive. While the film doesn’t quite finish what it starts, Hunt Her, Kill Her is a fun ride with a hero that we can all root for.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Hunt Her, Kill Her Website  Now playing in select theatres. 

Indiefest: A Little White Lie (2023) R  Shriver (Michael Shannon) is a down-on-his-luck handyman who has never read a book in his life. One day, he is mistaken for a famous reclusive writer who has been in hiding for 20 years. Invited to attend a college literacy festival, Shriver decides to show up and is soon surrounded by fans, including an English professor (Kate Hudson), who shows more than just a passing interest in him. How long can he keep the lie going? This is one of those films you want to love or even like, but it never finds its footing. I love Michael Shannon, and he tries to bring us to understand why this guy would attempt to fool everyone at a book festival, but the film is lost almost from the start. There isn’t any chemistry between Shannon and Hudson, making the reason for Shriver to continue the ruse seem pointless. The film has a twist that is easy to figure out and an ending that seems too much like a full-out comedy, which this isn’t. I have a feeling that the book this is based on is much better than this disappointing rom-com. Or maybe it’s supposed to be a satire. Either way, it doesn’t work.  My Rating; Cable   A Little White Lie Info  Now playing in select theatres. 

My View: The Donor Party  (2023)   Jaclyn (Malin Akerman) has just gone through a messy divorce and years of bad online dating. Jaclyn realizes she wants to become a mother without a relationship and will do anything to get her baby. Jaclyn and her best friends decide to get her pregnant at a party with someone she doesn’t know. This is a comedy that doesn’t work on many levels. First, Jaclyn wants to have sex with three men on the same night hoping someone will get her pregnant, which is just wrong, but she goes for it. Second, the jokes are few and far between, making the film feel uncomfortable from almost the start. And finally, I didn’t like any character in this film, other than Jaclyn’s best friend Molly (Erinn Hayes), who tries to talk Jaclyn out of this idea but fails. The film feels like most of the dialogue was ad-libbed, which has become a thing for smaller films to do and in this case, it just doesn’t work. The Donor Party is a comedy of errors but the error was every making this film.   My Rating: Cable  The Donor Party Info  Now playing in select theatres and On Demand. 

 

Forgotten Film: Paradise Road (1997) R  A group of women trying to escape the Japanese invasion of Singapore in 1942 are caught by the Japanese after their transport ship is sunk. Stuck in a POW camp for the duration of the war, the women turn to one thing that can bring hope to their lives: music. The film is based on a true story, and with the cast of Glenn Close, Frances McDormand, Pauline Collins, Cate Blanchett, Julianna Margulies, and Jennifer Ehle, this should have been a magnificent film. Instead, it’s only worth watching for the performances of Glenn Close, as a British musician who starts the choir, and Cate Blanchett as a nurse who tries to keep the women going. Close is brilliant as the fiery Adrienne, who sees music as a way to escape the horrors of war. In one of her first feature film roles, Blanchett shows us a glimpse into what she will become as an actor, giving a moving performance that brings the horror of war to the front. I just wish the script had given this cast more to work with. Paradise Road isn’t a bad film and is worth watching for the performances; it just should have been better.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Paradise Road Info  Available for rent on Amazon or iTunes.

Weird Credits: From the credits of Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre: Supervising Colorist

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Renfield (2023) R  Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) has spent centuries doing the bidding of his master and would love to find a way out. After a chance meeting where he saves a feisty, perennially angry traffic cop (Awkwafina), he decides to find a way to escape and live a normal life. One problem, his master is Dracula (Nicolas Cage). I can’t wait to see what Cage will do with this role.   Renfield Website Coming to theatres in Mid-April. 

Until Next Time!

Moana

My View:   Moana  (2016) PG   On a mystic island called Motunui Island in Polynesia, a 16-year-old girl named Moana (Auli’l Cravalho) teams up with the legendary demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) on a journey to save her people. I loved this film! First, Carvalho has a robust and beautiful singing voice. While Johnson doesn’t have a Broadway singing voice, he does have fun with his songs and plays well off of Carvalho in their duets. Hamilton star and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda co-wrote the songs in the film, and you can hear his style, especially in “You’re Welcome” that Johnson sings. The animation is crisp and gorgeous taking advantage of the tropical look of the islands. I loved the message of this film for girls that you can do anything you put your heart and soul into. And, by the way, stay through all the credits, as there is an amusing bonus scene at the end of the film.    My Rating:  Full Price   Moana Website

My View:  Rules Don’t Apply  (2016)  R  The film follows the romantic relationship in 1958 Hollywood between a young actress (Lily Collins) and her driver (Alden Ehrenreich), a relationship that is forbidden by the driver’s boss, world famous millionaire Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty). This film has the look and feel of an old-time Hollywood classic, unfortunately, while it looks stunning, the film is let down by its slow moving plot and a love story that takes forever to get started. The best part of this movie is Beatty’s performance as he plays the at times the brilliant innovator and at other times, the crazy off his loon Howard Hughes. There are a few comic relief moments, and those are supplied by Beatty, as the unpredictable Hughes had enough money that he could do just about anything he wanted. There aren't enough sparks between Collins and Ehrenreich for us to care about their romance. I will say that Collins sings a song in the film that I think could get an Academy Award nomination - it’s that good. I just wish that the rest of the film was as good as that song.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Rules Don't Apply Website 

Indiefest:  Nocturnal Animals  (2016)  R  An art gallery owner, Susan (Amy Adams), is in an unhappy marriage. She unexpectedly receives a novel written by her ex-husband (Jake Gyllenhaal). As she begins to read the story, we see a family of three (Jake Gyllenhaal, Isla Fisher, and Ellie Bamber) get terrorized by several men on a lonely Texas highway. As Susan flashbacks to her first marriage, she also continues to read the shocking book. My biggest problem with this film is that it jumps around so much, into the past, the present and then the world of the book, that it just becomes really confusing, especially since Gyllenhaal plays both the ex-husband in the flashbacks and the husband in the book. The saving grace of this film is the always intense Michael Shannon, who plays a tough, over the hill detective. Shannon is so commanding on the screen, he overshadows everything in this film. I wanted to love this film but I only just like it.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Nocturnal Animals Website

My View:  Allied  (2016)  R  During World War II Canadian intelligence officer Max (Brad Pitt) meets and then marries French Resistance fighter Marianne (Marion Cotillard). While they are living in London, Max is told that Marianne is a German spy. The movie an homage to the old WWII films, but while it looks like a classic film, it’s just ordinary. The plot is slow and predictable, and I figured out the twist almost from the start. Pitt and Cotillard try to save this film, and they do have great chemistry on screen, but it’s just too much to ask them to overcome the static script.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Allied Website

In Memory of Ed Wood ( A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):  Office Christmas Party  (2016)  When a boss (Jennifer Aniston) threatens to shut down a whole division, a branch manager (Jason Bateman) decides to give a client the ultimate office Christmas party.  What could go wrong? Just about everything. When a trailer, which is supposed to show you some of the best parts of the film, isn’t funny, then you just might have a crappy movie on your hands.   Office Christmas Party Website

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD / Blu-ray):  Finding Dory  (2016)  PG  While not as perfect as Finding Nemo was, it’s still a beautiful, funny and touching film that has an incredibly meaningful message about overcoming disabilities by having faith in yourself and your ability to persevere. Both kids and adults are going to fall in love with this film, and the 3-D animation is worth the extra bucks. There is a whole host of new characters in this movie with Ed O’Neil as a crusty octopus being the standout. This film has lots of heart, and you just might find yourself seeing it more than once.    My Rating:  Full Price   Finding Dory Website

Forgotten Film:  One Eight Seven  (1997) R  Trevor Garfield (Samuel L. Jackson) is a high school teacher who is attacked by a student, severely stabbing Trevor. Fifteen months after surviving the attack, Trevor goes back to teaching at a different high school, and his world starts unraveling due to a gang in his classroom.  This was the first lead role for Jackson, and he is intense and brilliant in this movie as his character, Trevor, slowly starts to descend into madness. The film has some flaws, and the last third of the film isn’t as coherent as the rest of the movie, but it’s Jackson’s performance that isn’t to be missed.  My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   One Eight Seven Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Rules Don’t Apply:  Photo Double

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Harry Benson: Shoot First  (2016)  Documentary about the legendary British photographer who has shot everyone from The Beatles to the Queen of England.  \The man is 86 and still taking amazing pictures.   Harry Benson: Shoot First Info

Until Next Time!

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Morgan

My View:  Morgan  (2016)  R  Morgan (Anya Taylor-Joy) is not like other teenagers.  She was created in a laboratory by a group of scientists led by Dr. Lui Cheng (Michelle Yeoh). Corporate troubleshooter Lee Weathers (Kate Mara) is sent to investigate the program when Morgan violently attacks one of the scientists (Jennifer Jason Leigh). What will Lee find when she gets to the compound? This felt like a made-for-TV movie on one of the cable networks aimed at teens. With a plot that was too simple and an ending that was predictable from the start, the movie never gets started. The cast seems to be just going through the motions, and I was especially disappointed by Anya Taylor-Joy, who was so good in last year’s The Witch. Her performance is shallow and never intimidating (something her character was supposed to exhibit). The action sequences are few and done with “shaky-cam,” so as an action film, it fails, which it also fails as a suspenseful film.   My Rating:  Cable   Morgan Website

My View:  The Light Between Oceans  (2016)  PG-13  Tom (Michael Fassbender), a lighthouse keeper, and his wife, Isabel (Alicia Vikander), are living off the coast of Western Australia soon after the end of World War I.  A rowboat with a baby inside washes on shore, and the childless couple decide to raise the child they name Lucy as their own. Years later their lives are changed when they encounter a woman (Rachel Weisz) on a visit to the mainland. My biggest problem with this film is I never emotionally connected with the characters. The movie is beautiful to look at. The cinematography by Adam Arkapaw is gorgeous and captures the raw beauty of the rustic coast of Australia, with sweeping shots from high above which gives us a bird’s eye view of the land. Those shots are greatly aided by a score by Alexandre Despiat that adds to the feel and tone of the film. It looks like Director/writer Derek Cianofrance may have fallen in love with this part of the country because after the fourth overhead shot of the coast, you become a little bored with the same shots. The film moves at a slow, almost snail’s pace, making the film feel much longer than its 2-hour 12-minute length.  Ultimately, the film wears down over the constant twist and turns, never quite getting out of the darkness that it has created. The ending of the movie feels like it was added on by the studio to try and fix the mess that the filmmaker created, but it doesn’t fix anything.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   The Light Between Oceans Facebook Page

My View:  Complete Unknown  (2016)  R  Tom (Michael Shannon) is invited to a dinner party. There Tom meets a woman (Rachel Weisz) whom he is convinced he has met before, but she says he is mistaken. When the woman makes a hasty exit, Tom follows, and they go on an all-night odyssey where Tom will discover the woman’s hidden secrets. I thoroughly enjoyed this film due to the superlative performances by Shannon and Weisz. I especially enjoyed Weisz’s performance as the mysterious woman with a multi-layered past. Shannon works off Weisz extremely well, creating sparks between the two on-screen. It’s an entertaining film that has plenty of twists and turns. It’s a well-crafted tale that is fun to watch.   My Rating: Full Price   Complete Unknown Website

Indiefest:  Morris From America  (2016)  R  The film centers on a 13-year-old boy named Morris (Markees Christmas) and his single father, Curtis (Craig Robinson), while they live in a town in Germany. Morris is a “fish out of water” and only wants to write rap lyrics in his room until he meets an older teen girl, Katrin (Lina Keller).  She is way out of his league, but Morris is going to fall in love, regardless. Craig Robinson does a masterful job as the single father who loves his son and is willing to make this experience in a foreign country work. Robinson has just about the right amount of smart ass in him to make his caricature credible while also showing that his character has a sweet and loving side. I loved his interactions with Markees Christmas and their timing together is about as good as it gets, making their scenes seem believable and, at times, moving. Overall, this is a movie that works due to its highly creative storyline, great chemistry between Christmas and Robinson and a script that treats its characters like they are living, breathing people. Director Chad Hartigan creates a world that feels real while being charming, funny and, at times, moving.  Let’s hope that someday Morris does become a rap star, because he has quite a bit to say.    My Rating: Full Price   Morris From America Website

Indiefest:  The Sea of Trees (2016)  PG-13  An American professor(Matthew McConaughey) travels to Japan and is contemplating suicide. He befriends a Japanese man (Ken Watanabe) lost in a forest near Mt. Fuji and, as they search for a way out, the two embark on a spiritual, life-changing journey of friendship, discovery, and healing; one which may ultimately re-connect Arthur with his love for his wife (Naomi Watts). This is a film full of regrets, betrayal, and redemption. McConaughey gives an understated performance of a man who is full of guilt and is looking for a way out of his pain. I greatly enjoyed the performance of Naomi Watts who plays Arthur’s wife. She is a breath of needed fresh air in a film that can get very depressing. While not a great film and I did not like the twist at the end, I still enjoyed watching McConaughey up on the screen.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee    The Sea of Trees Website

Indiefest:  Little Men  (2016)  PG  When 13-year-old Jake’s (Theo Taplitz) grandfather dies, his family moves from Manhattan to his grandfather’s old Brooklyn home. Single mom Leonor (Paulina Garcia) has a dress store below Jake’s new home. He soon befriends Tony (Michael Barbieri), Leonor’s son and they become fast friends. That friendship will be tested when Jake’s father, Brian (Greg Kinnear) decides to raise the rent on Leonor’s store.  A film that on outward appearance seems light but when you think back at all the characters went through, is nuanced and full of drama. Greg Kinnear gives one of the best performances of his career and the two kids, Taplitz and Barbieri, are a joy to watch. This is a film not to be missed about the friendship of two very different boys who find common ground. If only their parents could do the same.   My Rating: Full Price   Little Men Website

Forgotten Film:  Big Wednesday  (1978)  PG   Matt (Jan-Michael Vincent), Jack (William Katt) and Leroy (Gary Busey) are living the carefree life of California surfers. It’s the 1960’s, and everything is wonderful in their lives full of beaches, girls and big waves. Unfortunately, the Vietnam War is looming on the horizon, and the guys wonder if they will survive “Big Wednesday,” the mythical day when the ultimate wave will come. The film is directed by John Milius (Conan the Barbarian (1982), Red Dawn (1984)) and he gathered some of the greatest surfers of all time to do the stunts. This film has some stunning surfing footage, is fascinating to watch, and anyone who has an interest in the surfing world will enjoy this film.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Big Wednesday Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of The Light Between Oceans:  Specialty Costume Elements

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near:  Sully  (2016) PG-13   The story of Chesley Sullenberger, “Sully”, who became a hero when he landed his engineless plane on the Hudson River, saving over 150 lives.  Hey, the film stars Tom Hanks, Laura Linney and is directed by Clint Eastwood.  That’s enough reason to the see the movie for me.    Sully Website

Until Next Time!

 
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The Huntsman: Winter's War

My View:  The Huntsman: Winter’s War  (2016)   PG-13   As two rival Queens and sisters, Ravenna (Charlize Theron) and Freya (Emily Blunt), expand their empires, two warriors, Eric (Chris Hemsworth) and Sara (Jessica Chastain), try to keep their forbidden love alive. After seeing this film, all the critics sitting next to me said “Well, it was better than the first one.” And, while it’s true, that isn’t much of an endorsement. At least this film didn’t try to convince us that Kristen Stewart is more beautiful than Charlize Theron.  While there were things that I did like, especially the fun banter between Eric and Sara, I thought that most of the action sequences were badly done, utilizing quick cuts and jumpy camera work, to mask the fact that Hemsworth and Chastain don’t do action sequences well.  Halfway through this film I really wanted Emily Blunt to play Chastain’s part because we know she can do action films extremely well.  Any film with Blunt, Theron and Chastain can’t be all bad, and this film isn’t horrible, in fact, the middle section of the film is quite good. Unfortunately, the first and last portions of the film don’t work.  Even with that, “it was better than the first one.”      My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   The Huntsman: Winter's War Website

Indiefest:  Elvis & Nixon  (2016)  R   Elvis, the “King,” (Michael Shannon) decides that he needs a Federal Agent at Large badge.  He travels to Washington D.C. in 1970 to get one and meets President Nixon (Kevin Spacey) along the way. This film is as wacky and crazy as that meeting surely was. It’s interesting that Shannon doesn’t do a full-on portrayal of Elvis.  While he does Elvis’s mannerisms, he doesn’t attempt to do the voice. Spacey, on the other hand, goes all out in his impersonation of Nixon, voice and all. This is a fun film to watch and Shannon, as usual, dominates every scene (which is hard when you have Kevin Spacey playing a dead=on Nixon). The film is touching, and, at times sad, but mostly, it’s a blast to watch.    My Rating: Full Price   Elvis & Nixon Website

Indiefest:  Miles Ahead  (2016)  R   Legendary jazz musician Miles Davis (Don Cheadle) hasn’t been heard from in the five years. Wannabe Rolling Stone reporter Dave Brill (Ewan McGregor) connives his way into Miles’ apartment and his life. As Davis and Brill talk, Miles flashes back to his meeting and falling in love with his first wife, Frances Taylor (Emayatzy Corinealdi). Don Cheadle is amazing in this film, giving a performance that is worthy of an Academy Award.  Unfortunately, he is let down by his own script (co-written by Steven Baigelman), as the film is part bio-pic and part buddy adventure film. I would have loved to see a more in-depth storyline, in particular on the early years as Davis was developing his sound.  Instead, we get a film that moves back and forth in time. The timeline in the 70s is this film’s weak point, as Davis and reporter Brill go off on a quest to get back a stolen item. Too often the humor in that part of the movie is forced and there is almost no chemistry between Cheadle and McGregor. This would have been a much better film if it had just been the rise and fall of the love of Davis and Taylor.    My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   Miles Ahead Website

Indiefest:  Too Late  (2015)  Private investigator Mel Sampson (Academy Award nominee John Hawkes, “Winter’s Bone,” “The Sessions”) is tasked with tracking down the whereabouts of a missing woman from his past. Too Late takes the spine of the classic private eye genre and tears it to pieces, weaving it back together into a tapestry of Southern California and the menagerie of eccentric personalities and lost souls who inhabit it. This is a highly inventive film that was shot in five 20 minute continuous segments. The storyline is fascinating, and it kept me guessing where it was going to go next. Hawkes, as a world-weary P.I., is brilliant and stunning. He is in almost every scene, and I just didn’t want the film to end. The film has an impressive supporting cast including Rider Strong, Joanna Cassidy, Dichen Lachman, Vail Bloom, Jeff Fahey and Robert Forster.  The film is being shown around the country in select theatres in 35mm, and it’s worth seeing in all its grainy glory.  My Rating:  Full Price   Too Late Info

Forgotten Film:  Blue Crush  (2002) Three young woman (Kate Bosworth, Michelle Rodriquez, and Sanoe Lake) struggle with their day jobs as maids in a hotel, as they prepare for a big surfing competition. This film will surprise you with its heart and its intelligent storyline. Of the three actresses, it’s Rodriquez that steals the movie, playing the tough Hispanic woman with dreams of surfing stardom. The surfing sequences are exciting, and the film moves at a quick pace.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   Blue Crush Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of The Huntsman: Winter’s War:  Standby Contact Les Optician

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Papa Hemingway in Cuba  (2016)  In 1959 a young journalist (Giovanni Ribisi) travels to Cuba to meet his literary idol, the legendary Hemingway (Adrian Sparks). Any film about one of my favorite writers is a film that I want to see.   Papa Hemingway in Cuba

Until Next Time!

The Jungle Book

My View:  The Jungle Book  (2016) PG  Retelling of the classic tale of an orphan boy, Mowgli (Neel Sethi), raised in the jungle with the help of a pack of wolves, a bear, and a black panther. This is not a film for younger children. The animals are too realistic and scary. I loved this film as it captured the magic of the first Disney film and made this classic story even better. There are still two memorable songs from the first film in this one: One sung by Bill Murray as Baloo and one sung by Christopher Walken as King Louie. Murray, as you would expect, steals the film as the lovable but slightly grumpy bear. Neel Sethi is captivating as the strong-willed Mowgli. The film follows the standard storyline but adds a few new things that make the film feel complete. The CGI is amazing, and the animals move fluidly, making the action sequences exciting and colorful. This is a breathtaking film that has humor and warmth and does not disappoint. The film was shot in 3-D and is worth seeing on as large a movie screen as you can find.   My Rating:  I Would Pay to See it Again   The Jungle Book Website  

My View:  Criminal  (2016)  R  The memories and skills of a dead CIA agent are implanted into a career criminal, Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner), to complete a mission.  With a cast of Costner, Ryan Reynolds, Gary Oldman, Tommy Lee Jones and Gal Gadot this should have been a better movie. Instead, it's a mess of a film, with so many plot holes that you just shake your head at. The film is extremely complicated and at some point in the movie I just gave up trying to figure it out. Costner isn’t the problem as he gives a winning performance. He is just let down by the script and the sloppy direction. My Rating: Cable    Criminal Website   

Forgotten Film:  Ladyhawk  (1985)  PG-13  In medieval France, a young pickpocket (Matthew Broderick) makes friends of a knight (Rutger Hauer) who has fallen under a curse. The knight was a hawk, who turns into a beautiful woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) each night just as the knight turns into a wolf. The two lovers have been cursed by an evil Bishop, whose men are hunting the knight and his lady. Can the thief find the cure and reunite the two lovers?  While not a great film, it is an enjoyable escapist film that is a blast to watch. Pfeiffer is the one to watch in this film, and she dominates every scene she is in.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee   Ladyhawke Info

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've only seen in Trailers but just looks like a bad idea): Alice Through the Looking Glass  (2016)  PG   Alice (Mia Wasikowska) returns to Wonderland to save the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp).  I didn’t like the first film, so I don’t think I will like this one.  The film didn’t do well in the U.S. but did extremely well in Europe, so they made a sequel.   Alice Through the Looking Glass Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of The Jungle Book:  Animatics Sequencer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Elvis & Nixon  (2016)  R  The story behind one of the weirdest meetings ever held in the Oval Office. Elvis traveled to Washington D.C. on a mission to get a Federal Agent at Large badge. Along the way he met with President Nixon and a photograph was taken.  That photograph is the most requested photo in the National Archives.  Michael Shannon is Elvis, and Kevin Spacey is Nixon.   Elvis & Nixon Facebook Page

Until Next Time!

Midnight Special

My View:  Midnight Special  (2016)  PG-13   A father (Michael Shannon) and son (Jaeden Lieberher) go on the run after the father finds out his son has special powers. When I watched this movie, I kept flashing back to “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “Firestarter,” with a little “E.T.” thrown in. Just how far will Roy go to protect his son and what kind of powers does Alton possess that would make both a cult-like religious group and the government want him so badly? It is to the credit of Nichols’ writing and Shannon’s acting ability that we get this feeling from the start of the film, and there is never a time in the movie where Shannon’s character has to explain fully how deeply he cares for his son. Nichols lets Roy show how much he loves his son through his actions rather than his words. I was a little disappointed in the ending, and without giving anything away, I would have liked the ending to come just a little sooner than it did. I feel the ending would have been more impactful and moving if Nichols would have left some things to the imagination. However, the ending doesn’t take away from the idea this is an exquisite movie that touches you immensely. “Midnight Special” is a film that places the love of a father for his son above everything else.        My Rating: Full Price   Midnight Special Website

Indiefest:  I Saw the Light  (2016)  R   The story of the country-western superstar singer Hank Williams (Tom Hiddleston), whose short life is the stuff of legends.  This is another one of those films where the performances outweigh the script. Hiddleston gives a moving and intense performance of the troubled singer who never met a woman he didn’t want to sleep with and beer he didn’t want to drink. Hiddleston sounds and looks like Williams, especially in the scenes where he is on-stage. Elizabeth Olsen plays Hank’s wife, Audrey, a woman whose drive, ambition and spunk do not match her level of talent in the singing department. But the movie doesn’t give us much explanation behind why Williams is such a tormented soul other than he has a bad back. I also would have loved to have more of a back story of Hank and Audrey, but when the film starts they are already together.  We also never really get the impact that Williams and his songs had on the music world. The film feels much longer than the 2-hour running time.  Maybe, someday, we will get a movie that is worthy of Hank Williams music and talent, unfortunately, this isn’t the one.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   I Saw the Light Website

Indiefest:  My Golden Days  (2015)  R   Paul (Mathieu Amalric) is about to leave Tajikistan while he reflects on his adolescent years and the girl who got away.  This is a love story about two tortured souls who are attracted to each other, even though both know they are wrong for each other. Paul starts out as the pursuer of the unattainable girl, Esther (Lou Roy-Lecollinet). Soon, Paul has gotten the girl, but it’s a love/hate relationship that goes hot and cold at a moment’s notice.  The first 1/3 of the film is not about Paul and Esther but centers around Paul’s earlier unhappy home life and an adventure that Paul takes to aid a Jew in Russia. The last two-thirds of the film are about Paul and Esther, and the focus of the movie shifts from them to a 16-year-old girl who goes from being a confident young woman to someone who feels their whole world revolves around someone else. Amalric and Roy-Lecollinet are magical together, and their scenes can be fun, sad and tormenting all in a matter of minutes.  While I did not enjoy the ending, it is probably the only way to wrap up this love story of two people who will never be happy.      My Rating: Full Price   My Golden Days Website

Forgotten Film: I Capture the Castle  (2003) R  This is a surprisingly marvelous film about a family in 1930’s England who moves into an ancient and dilapidated castle. Most of the family is made up of characters who are unique and charming in their own way. The film centers around the life and loves of Cassandra (Romola Garai), and Garai gives a performance that makes you root for her right from the start of the film. I also loved Bill Nighy as the father of the family who is a writer suffering from a bout of writer’s block.  You will love this family and their kooky ways.    My Rating: Full Price   I Capture the Castle Info

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've only seen in Trailers but just looks like a bad idea):  Angry Birds  (2016)  PG  “Find out why the birds are so angry” is the phrase they use in the promo copy. How about because they are in this stupid movie based on a simple game? How about a film based on Candy Crush or Farmville?   Angry Birds Website

Weird Credits:   From the credits of Midnight Special:  Pre-visualization Artist

Coming to a Theatre Near You:  Elvis & Nixon (2016)  R   The meeting that still makes people wonder what the heck that was about. The casting is what is going to make this film a must see; Michael Shannon, Kevin Spacey, and Colin Hanks.    Elvis & Nixon Info

Until Next Time!