Jumanji: The Next Level

My View: Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) PG-13   The gang (Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan) is back, and this time it’s a rescue mission. In order to escape the most dangerous game, they will have to go into an unknown country full of arid deserts and snowy mountains. While not quite as fun and inventive as the first film in this series, it’s still a thrilling and hilarious ride. The same characters are back, but there is a twist (quite a good one) that lets everyone in the cast have a blast. I don’t want to give away who or what Awkwafina plays in the film, but as with everything she is in, she steals the film from the regular cast. If you enjoyed the first film or even the original Jumanji that starred Robin Williams, I think you will have a great time on this adventure.   My Rating: Full Price    Jumanji: The Next Level Webpage

My View: Richard Jewell (2019) R   A security guard Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) is initially hailed a hero when he saves thousands from an exploding bomb at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Soon the FBI and the press believe that Richard is not a hero but the bomber himself. Clint Eastwood, in the last ten years, has had somewhat up and down success with the movies he has directed. There were a couple of winners with The Mule (2018) and American Sniper (2014), but too often his films lately have felt like Eastwood has just been going through the motions, like the horrible Jersey Boys (2014) and the boring The 15:17 to Paris (2018). While not the quality of Eastwood's earlier work like Letters from Iwo Jima (2006) or Million Dollar Baby (2004), Richard Jewell is still a good film with some outstanding performances. Paul Walter Hauser does an exceptional job as Jewell, a man who wanted so badly to be a law enforcement officer who when given chances to become one, blew it by being overzealous in his methods. Kathy Bates is almost sure to get a supporting actress nomination for her portrayal of Richard’s mother, a woman who always believed her son was a hero. For me, the actor that hit it out of the park was Sam Rockwell, as Jewell’s attorney, a crusty lawyer who sees that Richard is the victim of a system looking for a quick villain to prosecute. My one problem with the film is the two characters that are instrumental with Richard being persecuted; Olivia Wilde’s reporter character, who will go as far as to sleep with someone for inside information and Jon Hamm, playing the lead FBI agent who is willing to give her that information. Both characters feel like something out of a bad daytime soap opera and bring the story down quite a bit. These two characters lessen the film’s impact, but the film still has the performances of Hauser, Bates, and Rockwell to keep it upright.   My Rating: Full Price     Richard Jewell Facebook Page

My View: The Two Popes (2019) PG-13   The conservative Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) reign is plagued by a corruption scandal. He invites the liberal and future Pope Francis Jonathan Pryce) to the Vatican to discuss life and try to find common ground. Watching the two actors in Hopkins and Pryce work on the screen together is a joy. The two actors are let down by a second half of the film that can’t match the quality or charm of the first half of the film when we get to know the two men. The second half feels a little too much like a stage play and at times, becomes slightly boring. I did enjoy the back and forth of the two characters as they slowly find common ground and while each man may not agree with the other, they can, by the end of the film, acknowledge that the other man has made some good points for his side of their outlook on the Catholic church and its traditions.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee     The Two Popes Website

My View: Black Christmas (2019) PG-13   A group of female students are stalked by a stranger during their Christmas break, only to learn that the killer is part of an underground college conspiracy. Well, we are close to the end of the year, and I have to say, this film could have just made it to the top of the worst films of 2019. With a plot that makes no sense and dialogue that had to written by an Autobot, this film seems twice as long as its 93 minutes run time. There is a plot twist so out of left field that it took me a full five minutes to make sense of what happened. There is a reason that this movie was not screened ahead of time to film critics, because it is rotten. There is a short bonus scene at the end of the initial credits at the end but its not worth staying for.    My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again     Black Christmas Website

Forgotten Film:  Son of Rambow (2007) PG-13   The story of two unlikely friends; Will (Bill Milner), a young boy who loves cartooning, inventing things and 80s action movies and Lee (Will Poulter) whose life is strictly limited due to his family’s religious beliefs. The two boys bond over the Rambo film First Blood and they decide to film their own Rambo movie. The making of the movie will involve stealing a guide dog, setting off their school’s fire alarm, and almost getting run over by a Jeep. Both boys have home lives that are less than ideal and use the movie making to escape into a world of their own creation. While the storyline is a little weak, the chemistry between the two boys is off the charts, and the fun that they have creating their movie is infectious. Let’s hope that Will and Lee went on to make many more films.    My Take: Full Price     Son of Rambow Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Jumanji: The Next Level: Greens Coordinator

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: The Way Back (2020)   A former high school basketball star (Ben Affleck) is struggling to overcome his alcoholism and is offered a job to coach at his alma mater. When his team starts on a winning stream, his old demons resurface to try to stop his road to redemption. This film seems right up in Affleck’s wheelhouse, though the trailer leaves me a little worried that it might be just a little sappy.      The Way Back Website

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!

Minions

Family Faire:  Minions  (2015)  PG  The Minions have been looking for a leader for ages to no avail. Kevin is a minion with a plan, and he, along with Stuart and Bob, are on a quest to find their next potential master. Scarlet Overkill(Sandra Bullock) just might be that leader. The Minions were always my favorite part of the Despicable Me series. Unfortunately, the Minions should only be a supporting cast, never the leads like they are in this very boring film. The film is set in 1968, and there are cultural references to things that kids are not going to know anything about (like The Beatles Abby Road).  The film does have five or six funny scenes, but it takes so long to get there that the laughs aren’t as big as they should have been. There is also a lot of Minion singing, which gets very old very quickly with the Minion way of speaking and singing in that weird language they use.  Sandra Bullock brings nothing to the film, and it goes downhill after her appearance as the villain. Little kids might like the film but older kids and adults are going to be very board. Save your money and don’t see the 3-D version, as the movie never really takes advantage of that technology.  There is a bonus scene at the end of the credits, but I am not sure you and the kids will want to stay.   My Rating: Cable   Minions Website

Indiefest:  Amy  (2015)  R   Documentary on the late great singer Amy Winehouse, who died too soon. This movie is a stunning and heartbreaking film to watch. I wasn’t a fan of Winehouse, but I am now because we get to see Amy in her early years before fame came crashing down on her. The film uses home videos, behind the scenes shots of her recording studio sessions and live concert footage to give us an insight into her life and what she was really like. We also see her downfall, which was brought on by a person who was not ready or meant for the spotlight. It’s a moving film that uses Winehouse’s music to illustrate what was going on in her life, and the film uses it brilliantly. Even if you aren’t a Winehouse fan, you will want to see this documentary.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again   Amy Website

My View:  The Gallows  (2015) R  20 years after a horrific accident during a school play, students decide to put the play on again to honor the anniversary.  It’s a decision they will soon regret. This is a cheaply done horror movie with bad acting and very few scary parts. It  takes almost half the film before the frightening scenes start happening.  The film is shone as a found footage movie, so there are a number of shots of ceilings and people's feet (so many so, I wonder if the director has a thing for shoes). The film is boring, and the characters are so uninteresting that you almost want them to get killed. I also hated the ending, which was predictable and like most of the film, pointless.   My Rating: You Would Have to Pay Me to See it Again   The Gallows Website

Indiefest:  Testament of Youth  (2014)  PG-13  A headstrong young woman, Vera (Alicia Vikander) enters Cambridge just as World War I is breaking out.  I was impressed with Alicia Vikander’s performance once again (she was stunning as Ava in Ex Machina) but I was let down by the slow pace of this coming-of-age film set in England. We get to see a war through the eyes of a woman who knows what she wants and is ready to fight to get it. The scenes set in the war zone, as Vera works as a nurse, are gritty and well done. It’s the time on the home soil of England that I felt slowed the film down, so much so, that, at times, I felt I was swimming in the river that Vera loves to visit. It’s a beautiful looking film that just doesn’t have enough for Vikander to do.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Testament of Youth Website

Indiefest:  Hippocrates: Diary of a French Doctor  (2014)  Benjamin (Vincent Lacoste) is an intern working in a busy Parisian hospital ward that is run by his father.  Benjamin is convinced he will be a great doctor. Abdel (Reda Kateb) was a doctor in his native Algeria but is now having to work as an intern to get his license in France.  Both men will be tested like never before. This is an excellent film about what it’s like to be a doctor in a small hospital. Lacoste is perfect in the role of the young Benjamin, who quickly learns that the job isn’t going to live up to his ideals. Kateb, as the world-weary doctor having to start over from scratch, gives a profound and impressive performance. The film was directed by Thomas Lilti, who is a doctor, and that realism is one of the main strengths of this movie.  It’s a film well, worth seeing.   My Rating: Full Price  Hippocrates Info

My View:  Self/Less  (2015)  PG-13  Damian (Ben Kingsley) is a rich man dying of cancer. He undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness to the body of a healthy young man (Ryan Reynolds).  This isn’t a horrible film, but it’s too long, takes forever to get going, and it’s rather easy to figure out. Kingsley barely has any screen time and Reynolds, while doing an admirable job as an action scenes, is rather boring in the rest of the film. I also never bought the fact that when Damian was old he was a jerk, but when he takes over the new body, he become compassionate. If you want to see an action film, go see Mad Max again.    My Rating: Cable   Self/Less Website

Forgotten Film: Tucker: The Man and His Dream  (1988) PG   The story of the rise and fall of Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges), who creates a revolutionary car and tries to take on the established car industry. Francis Ford Coppola directed this moving and fascinating film about a man with a dream who gets squashed by the system.  Jeff Bridges is brilliant as Tucker and gives us a stunning and riveting performance that makes the film worth watching.  You root for Tucker even though you know that the outcome is not going to be good.    My Rating: Full Price   Tucker: The Man and His Dream Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Minions:  Score Vocalist

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Boulevard (2015)  This film features Robin Williams in his last starring role.  Enough said.   Boulevard Info

Until Next Time

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

My View:  The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014) PG-13  When we last left Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), things were in dire straits.  Smaug the dragon (Benedict Cumberbatch) had been awakened and released into the world.  Gandalf had been imprisoned, and the dwarves had been separated. Now, Bilbo and the gang  will have to fight off Smaug and a number of combatants from acquiring a massive fortune and keep Middle-Earth free.  This isn't a bad film - it's quite enjoyable, but it doesn't match the scope or punch of the Lord of the Rings films. The film never gives you the big emotional moment you want from a finale, and there are too many "video game" like action sequences. I did enjoy the 3-D effects, and the battle sequences are spectacular (Better, more descriptive word?).  There is a great scene involving some larger than life animals that make the film fun to watch. I just wanted more from the film.    My Rating: Bargain Matinee  The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Website

Indiefest:  Foxcatcher (2014) R Mark (Channing Tatum) and Doug Schultz (Mark Ruffalo)  are both Olympic Gold Medal winning wrestlers.  Mark is struggling to make a living, and when the wealthy heir to the Du Pont fortune, John du Pont (Steve Carell), calls him out of the blue to train on his estate, it seems like a godsend.  What should have been a great experience, quickly turns bad and could have disastrous results.  One of the best films of the year! Unbelievable performances by the three main cast members.  Many are talking about Carell's performance as the weirdly creepy du Pont, and it's a great performance, but I loved Channing Tatum as the slow-witted, easily controlled Mark. I think it's the best Tatum has ever done and shows he has great range. Not to be outdone, Ruffalo is amazing as the older, much savvier Doug.  The film slowly builds tension to the final outcome.  A fascinating look at how power and money can overwhelm common sense and can corrupt even the best intentions.  My Rating:  I Would Pay to See it Again  Foxcatcher Website 

My View:  Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb (2014) PG The Tablet of Ahkmenrah, which brings all the museum exhibits to life at night, is slowly losing its power.  Larry (Ben Stiller) with the help of his son Nicky (Skyler Gisondo), take Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Jedidiah the cowboy (Owen Wilson), Attila the Hun (Patrick Gallagher), Octavius (Steve Coogan), Sacagawea (Mizuo Peck) and Dexter the Capuchin monkey to London to try and restore its powers. This film will probably be the last of the series, and they should have stopped after the second one.  This film feels very tired, the actors seem to be just going through the motions and the jokes are all repeats from the other two films. There is a scene near the end of the film with the late Robin Williams that will make some audience members shed a tear or two.  But it's not worth sitting through to get to that moment.   My Rating: Cable  Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb Website

Forgotten Film:  Christmas in Connecticut (1945) Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) is the most famous food writer in the country, writing about her idyllic life on her farm as she creates some of the most amazing meals while taking care of her husband and child. The problem is Elizabeth is single and lives in a small New York apartment, where the most she does in preparing a meal is dial for takeout. Her publisher has decided to give a returning war hero a Christmas he will never forget, one at Elizabeth Lane’s country farm. Stanwyck’s character was loosely based on a real magazine writer, Gladys Taber, who lived on a farm in Connecticut. This is a warm and funny movie with Stanwyck at her best.  The film has a great supporting cast, and it’s one of the better Christmas films out there.  My Rating: Full Price  Christmas in Connecticut Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb:  Laa prosthetics makeup FX

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near you:  Cake (2014)  Claire (Jennifer Aniston) investigates a suicide of a member of her support group.  As she delves into the woman's life, she begins to tackle demons of her own.  Many critics are saying that Aniston will get an Oscar nomination for her gritty but humorous portrayal.  Cake Info

Until Next Time!

The Expendables 3

My View: The Expendables 3 (2014) PG-13 Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) adds to his band of mercenaries to take on co-founder of the Expendables, Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson). Stonebanks has become a notorious arms dealer and is bent on wiping out Barney and his team.  If you liked the first two films of this series, I think you will be disappointed with this one. Stallone, who came up with the concept of the series and this storyline, has given too much screen time to the new cast members, most of which don’t have near the star power than the old-timers, Gibson, Arnold or Snipes. Also, this is the first film in the series to have a PG-13 rating (instead of an R), and the level of violence is so toned down that some of the battles could have been in a kid's film. The fun of this series is to see screen legends try to recapture their glory action days. Unfortunately, Stallone chose to give the new guys as much, if not more screen time, than the legends. My Rating: Cable  The Expendables 3 Website

My View: The Giver (2014) PG-13  In a world where there are no wars, conflict, racism or sickness, every member of society has a specific role. 16-year-old Jonas (Brenton Thwaites) has been given the job of being the Receiver of Memory.  Once again we have a Young Adult book that is so much better than the film. The lead, Thwaites isn’t bad, but much like the movie, is kind of bland and boring. Unlike The Hunger Games or Divergent, this film has almost no action and suffers for it. Jeff Bridges, who plays “The Giver,” is, as usual, superb, but even he can’t spice up this film. My Rating: Bargain Matinee  The Giver Website

Indiefest: What If  (2014) PG-13  Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) hasn’t had much luck in love. He meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), and they instantly become best friends. Too bad Chantry has a boyfriend as Wallace slowly realizes that she is the woman of his dreams. I loved this movie due to it’s great dialogue. The chemistry between Radcliffe and Kazan is impressive, and their bantering back and forth is what makes this film so much fun. The supporting cast is outstanding with Adam Driver as Wallace’s roommate / best friend and Mackenzie Davis as the crazy girlfriend adds a nice spice to the film. This is a romantic comedy that works, hitting all the right spots.    My Rating: Full Price  What If Website

Indiefest: Calvary (2014) R Father James Lavelle (Brendan Gleeson) is taking confessionals when a parishioner tells the Father that he was abused as a child by a priest and plans on killing the Father next Sunday. Now, will Father Lavelle die for someone else’s sins?  I loved the 2011 film The Guard, which starred Gleeson and was written / directed by the man who brings us this film, John Michael McDonagh. Unfortunately, this film isn’t on the same level as it doesn’t balance the comedy parts with the drama. It’s a rather depressing film with very few likeable characters. Gleeson is brilliant, but the script just doesn’t match his performance. My Rating: Bargain Matinee  Calgary Website

Indiefest: Land Ho! (2014) R Colin (Paul Eenhoorn) and Mitch (Earl Lynn Nelson) are former brothers-in-laws. Now, they are off to seek adventures in Iceland. This is a marvelous quiet, unassuming film about two men dealing with the aspects of aging. The chemistry between the two men is impressive, and the dialogue is natural. At times funny, this moving film is a joy to watch, and the scenery of Iceland is beautiful and breathtaking. It’s a film with not a lot of action, but it’s a fun ride. My Rating: Full Price   Land Ho! Website

Forgotten Film: Moscow on the Hudson (1984) R A Russian saxophone player (Robin Williams) for a traveling circus defects to the U.S. in the middle of Bloomingdales. After living in the tough winters of Moscow, you would think that Vladimir would find it easy to live in New York City, but he has a tough time adjusting to his new world. Robin Williams gives an outstanding, understated performance as a sweet, quiet man struggling to come to terms with his brand new situation. Two scenes stand out for me; Vladimir has a panic attack when he becomes overwhelmed by the excess of a grocery store, and, at a late night diner, people from different nationalities recite the Declaration of Independence. Added bonus is Maria Conchita Alonso is brilliant as the Bloomingdales saleswoman who takes Vladimir under her wing. My Rating: Full Price  Moscow on the Hudson Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of The Expendables 3: Russian arm precision driver


Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: Love Is Strange (2014) R After Ben (John Lithgow) and George (Alfred Molina) are married, they fall on hard times and have to live separately with friends which makes it difficult for them to stay married. This film has been playing to rave reviews and big crowds on the film festival circuit. 

Until Next Time!

Kick-Ass 2

My View:  Kick-Ass 2 (2013) R   Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Hit Girl (Chloe Grace Moretz) are back, this time they are joined by fellow crime-fighting costumed do-gooders on the streets. Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) vows to avenge his father’s death and will do anything he can to defeat Kick-Ass, including threatening the people he loves the most.  As with the first Kick-Ass film, this film is very violent and bloody, with some of the action sequences played for comedy. I like that Moretz’s Hit Girl character is more featured as I think she is the best thing in the first film. There are several things I don't like about this film. One is the use of the “shaky camera” during the action sequences. The great thing about the first Kick Ass movie was the choreography of the fight sequences, but in this film, the fight scenes feel choppy and unimaginative. I also don't like the way women are depicted.  Many of the female characters are treated as just sex objects (one “hero” is called Night Bitch), or as stereotypical woman, such as the head cheerleader who is stuck up and petty. There are some funny scenes in this film, thought it doesn’t match the wit and humor of the first film. I don't like Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes, as his performance is too restrained for my taste.  I wanted his character to be much more over the top. There is a bonus scene at the end of the credits that, if you are a fan of the series, you will want to see.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee  Kick-Ass 2 Website

My View:  Lee Daniels’ The Butler  (2013) PG-13  Cecil Gaines (Forest Whitaker) goes from the cotton fields of Georgia to work as a butler in the White House. Cecil serves for more than three decades and deals with eight American Presidents during a time of great change in the country, including the Civil Rights Movement, Watergate and the Vietnam War.  This is an interesting film that shows the Civil Rights movement through the political world of the White House and Cecil’s job but also through the eyes of the butler's son, Louis (David Oyelowo), who participates in the movement as a Freedom Rider. The film is powerful at times, especially in scenes from the civil rights protests and the reaction to the assassination of Dr. King.  The film, though, drags when it deals with Cecil’s home life and his early years with his wife Gloria(Oprah Winfrey), where she feels neglected due to his devotion to his job. The casting in this film is interesting with some good choices such as John Cusack as Richard Nixon or Live Schreiber as LBJ and some bad choices, such as Robin Williams as Dwight Eisenhower. While the film’s subject matter is compelling, I feel the film tries to cover too much ground which makes it seem longer than it really is.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee  Lee Daniels' The Butler

My View:  Jobs  (2013) PG-13  The story of Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher) who went from college dropout to running Apple, making it one of the most powerful companies in the world.  The film focuses on the early years of Apple, starting when Jobs and a few others founded the company in his parent’s garage. The film ends at the time that Jobs comes back to Apple in 1996, after being kicked out of the company a few years earlier. This film is way too long and makes one of the most interesting men of the twentieth century a one dimensional jerk with no depth. Kutcher doesn’t have the charisma on-screen to play Jobs properly, and we never understand why anyone would want to work for the man, much less be inspired by him. I did enjoy Josh Gad who is brilliant as Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, a man more concerned about how to make a computer better than about the politics going on inside the company. The film has the look and feel of a TV movie, and it seems as though we miss some key parts to the story as the film tends to jump timelines quite a bit. This isn’t a bad film, but Kutcher fails to bring the legend of Steve Jobs to the screen.  My Rating:  Cable   Jobs Website

Indiefest:  The Spectacular Now  (2013) R  Sutter (Miles Teller) is a high school senior who is just happy living in the present. He seems to have everything you would want – he’s popular, has a good job, and his girlfriend is the prettiest girl in high school. Suddenly, everything comes crashing down around Sutter when his girlfriend dumps him and leaves his once promising world now in tatters. Sutter then meets Aimee (Shailene Woodley) who isn’t like anyone he has ever met before and just might be the person to get him back on track.  Woodley and Teller are the reason to see this film as they have great chemistry together. The dialogue in the film is witty and real. The film can be a little grim, at times, but overall, its message of love and the importance of friendship, make this film worth watching.  My Rating:  I Would Pay to See it Again  The Spectacular Now Website

Forgotten Film:  The Grifters  (1990) R  Roy (John Cusack) is a small time con artist who lands in the hospital after an unsuccessful scam. His mom, Lilly (Anjelica Huston), works for a bookie. Roy’s girlfriend, Myra (Annette Bening), is a beautiful woman who knows how to play men and get what she wants. Roy is now torn between the two women in his life who have taken an instant disliking to each other. This is a dark, fascinating film, reminiscent of the film noir crime films of the 1940’s with a lot of twists and turns, some you never see coming. All three principle actors are outstanding in this film, especially Annette Bening as the grifter girlfriend.  My Rating:  Full Price  The Grifters Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):  Olympus Has Fallen (2013)  R I I liked this film about a Secret Service agent (Gerard Butler) who finds himself trapped in the White House just as it is invaded by terrorists.  I thought Butler was impressive and believable as the Secret Service agent and enjoyed this film’s action sequences.  The film was also helped by its excellent supporting cast: Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Melissa Leo and Angela Bassett.   My Rating:  Bargain Matinee  Olympus Has Fallen Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Jobs:  Custom Hair Extensions

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)  An office worker (Ben Stiller) fantasizes about leading an adventurous life. When his job and the job of the woman he is secretly in love with (Kristen Wiig) is threaten, he sets off on a journey around the world to save their jobs. The film is directed by Ben Stiller, and the trailer is one of the best I’ve seen in years.  The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Info

Until Next Time!