Asteroid City

My View: Asteroid City  (2023)  PG-13  It’s 1955, and students and parents from all over the country come to Asteroid City for a Junior Stargazer convention. Their lives will change drastically when something comes out of the sky to make an appearance. I am a huge Wes Anderson fan, and I loved this film with all its weird little quirks. You will probably hate this film if you don’t like his movies (The Royal Tenenbaums, The French Dispatch, Moonrise Kingdom, Rushmore, Bottle Rocket), however, for fans it’s a real treat. It’s a film that is a little hard to get into because of the format of the film (which I won’t go into so that it’s a surprise for you) and how it jumps a bit back and forth. The cast is significant, and while I missed Bill Murray (who has been in every one of Anderson’s films since Rushmore), I loved the casting. Jason Schwartzman as the widowed dad and his love interest Scarlett Johansson, who plays a Hollywood actress that is more concerned about her upcoming role than if aliens are invading Earth, are both hilarious. It’s a magical world that Anderson has created, and it’s full of interesting and strange characters that all will tell you just how they feel at any time. I had a blast watching this film, though I never want to visit anywhere near Asteroid City. After you see the movie, you will know what I mean.   My Rating: Full Price  Asteroid City Website Now playing in theatres nationwide.

My View: No Hard Feelings (2023) R Maddie (Jennifer Lawrence) has had her car repossessed and is on the brink of losing her home. Maddie finds an intriguing job position: parents (Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti) of a 19-year-old boy (Andrew Barth Feldman) want their shy, introverted son to ‘become a man’ before going to college. There was a time in the 70s and 80s where every summer, a bunch of films would be released to bring in the teen audience. Most of these films were aimed at teen boys and involved a guy who didn’t have a chance but somehow landed the girl out of his league. There were some horrible films but also some that worked. No Hard Feelings is a film that belongs to that time. I enjoyed this comedy, something that Jennifer Lawrence hasn’t explored much in her career. She has nice comedic timing and lets us have a good time following her adventures trying to get a shy and awkward teen to have sex with her. It’s a tribute to how good Lawrence is that her character, who isn’t the nicest individual, is someone you want to succeed. Lawrence does a great job in the physical comedy, even taking a small thing like trying to go upstairs with rollerblades on and milking it for all it’s worth. Andrew Barth Feldman is fun as the kid with no clue how to deal with Maddie, but he is willing to try. I mean, it’s Jennifer Lawrence, for gosh’ sake. The film is a little raunchy (there is a nude scene on a beach that has to be seen to be believed), but at its heart is the story of two damaged people who find friendship out of an extraordinary situation. No Hard Feelings is a film that some critics are going to kill because they will think it’s below an actor in Lawrence’s caliper, but I would say that is just why we need her in a role like this.  My Rating: Full Price   No Hard Feelings Website  Now playing in theatres nationwide.

My View: The Perfect Find (2023)   Jenna (Gabrielle Union) was fired from a high-profile job and has just gone through a messy breakup that everyone in the world seems to know about. She moves back to New York and goes to work for a hard-as-nails mogul and former rival named Darcy (Gina Torres). Jenna meets a charming co-worker, Eric (Keith Powers), who she dates even though he is much younger. Only one problem, Eric is Darcy’s son. Gabrielle Union shines in The Perfect Find, a fun rom-com that celebrates women taking charge of their lives like successful men have been doing for years.. I loved the chemistry between Union and Keith Powers. They, of course, after a brief encounter at a party, start out as rivals, but that chemistry is too powerful to deny. Plus, they both love classic cinema and love for actress Nina Mae, a legendary Black actor who trail-blazed a career that got her named the ‘Black Greta Garbo.’ The Perfect Find has your typical manufactured breakup and an annoying ending that I’m not totally happy with. However, the flirtatious dialogue and Gabrielle Union creating a character we can all root for make for a film worth seeing with a glass of wine and maybe someone special.  My Rating: Bargain Matinee  The Perfect Find Website Now playing on the Netflix platform. 

Indiefest: The Last Rider (2022)   Documentary about one of the greatest cycling races in history, the 1989 Tour De France. While the documentary is about the race, it’s more about how American Greg LeMond overcame betrayal and childhood sexual abuse to complete one of the most inspiring comebacks in the sport’s history. I am a big cycling fan, and I thought I knew the story well, but it turns out I didn’t know even half of this fantastic story. I don’t want to give too much away because this is one of those stories that, if you saw it as a fictional film, you would go that could never happen. The film is told by Greg and his wife, Kathy, along with some of the principal riders and race participants. The Last Rider is part love story, part thriller, with incredible twists and turns and an absolutely thrilling ending. One of the best documentaries I have seen this year, The Last Rider is a film to be seen and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end.   My Rating: I Would Pay to See it Again  The Last Rider Website  Now playing in select theatres. 

Indiefest: Love Gets a Room (2020)   Set in the Warsaw ghetto during WW II and cut off from the outside world by the Nazis, Stefcia (Clara Rugaard) and her fellow Jewish theatre actors keep performing plays to give the inhabitants behind the walls something beautiful in a world full of chaos and destruction. Stefcia will have to choose between love and her life. I like this drama that revolves around a theatre troupe performing a play while backstage, a drama of its own is going on. Add in Nazis around every corner, death that can come at any moment, and a love triangle that has Stefcia having to decide to leave for possible freedom or stay, with the result almost certain death. The film revolves around a musical performed by a real theatre group in the ghetto five months before it was torn down and all its inhabitants either killed or sent to camps. The musical is fun and has some beautiful songs that the cast performs as the drama unfolds backstage. Clara Rugaard is perfect as the actress who leads the troupe and has to make a horrible choice by the end of the play. Love Gets a Room is a film that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls.   My Rating: Full Price  Love Gets a Room Info

Forgotten Film: Derailed (2005) R  Two people, Charles and Lucinda (Clive Owen, Jennifer Aniston), have a ‘meet cute’ on a commuter train. They exchange information, and that leads to more meetings and then sex. The problem is that both are married, and things get worse when someone breaks into their hotel room and attacks them. Things get worse when the attacker (Vincent Cassel) realizes that the two haven’t gone to the police because of their situation, and he begins to blackmail them. The plot gets complicated from there, including an ending that doesn’t quite work, but there are some good performances worthy of seeing. Jennifer Aniston is excellent as the woman who is looking not for a good time but for someone to connect with. Also, RZA is brilliant as a co-worker of Charles who becomes his tool to help to defeat the bad guy, but at a price. Derailed isn’t a great film, but there is a very cool chemistry going on between Owen and Aniston on the screen that is enjoyable to watch and possibly root for (if you can root for two cheaters).   My Rating Bargain Matinee  Derailed Info  The film is available to rent on most online platforms.

Weird Credits: From the credits of Asteroid City: Roadrunner Puppeteers

Coming Soon to a Screen Near You: Talk to Me (2022) R  A group of friends have come across an embalmed hand with mysterious tattoos. They soon discover that they can use it to conjure spirits, and it becomes their favorite game to play. Until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces. The film is getting great reviews, and the word of mouth is that this is a genuinely frightening film. Can’t wait to see it.  Talk to Me Website The film is in theatres on July 28th. 

Until Next Time!

Ready Player One

My View:  Ready Player One  (2018)  PG-13    The world in 2045 is a desolate place and, to escape it, people use the virtual reality software OASIS to engage in work and play. While playing in the OASIS world, Wade (Tye Sheridan) discovers a hidden game that promises the winner full ownership of OASIS. Now, Wade and a few allies try to compete in the game and pass all the tasks before someone else does. This film moves at such a quick pace that you don’t notice that it is two hours and twenty minutes in length. There are so many characters from pop culture in this film, like the Iron Giant or the Big Foot monster truck, that you would have to watch this movie a hundred times to see all of them. The action sequences are a blast, and the film is much funnier than I thought it would. I really enjoyed Tye Sheridan’s performance and his on-screen chemistry with Olivia Cooke, who plays a fellow gamer who aids Wade. I loved how vital Cooke’s character, Art3mis, is, right there side-by-side with Wade in fighting the bad guys. Is this one of Steven Spielberg’s best films? No, but it is so much fun to watch.    My Rating:  Full Price   Ready Player One

Indiegest: Isle of Dogs  (2018)  PG-13  Set in Japan, a young boy goes on a search for his lost dog that has been sent to an island by an evil government official. This film is gorgeous, and the stop-motion animation is brilliant, bringing all the characters to life on the screen. The movie is funny, touching and, at times, a little sad, but the storyline is so perfect you will enjoy every minute of it. This is probably the best voice casted film I have ever seen led by Bryan Cranston, who voices the leader of the pack, Chief.  Isle of Dogs is an brilliant film that kids and adults will equally enjoy.   My Rating:  I Would Pay to See it Again   Isle of Dogs Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Blockers  (2018)  R  Three parents try to stop their teens from having sex on prom night. I like the cast which includes John Cena and Leslie Mann, but I didn’t laugh once watching the trailer.   Blockers Website

Forgotten Film:  ‘Buffalo ’66’  (1998)  R  A recent parolee (Vincent Gallo) kidnaps a dancer (Christina Ricci) and makes her act as his wife in front of his crazy parents (Ben Gazzara, Anjelica Huston). The film, written and directed by Gallo, is funny and slightly romantic. It’s about two people falling in love in spite of themselves. Gallo and Ricci play off each other, which makes their relationship strange but real.    My Rating: Full Price   Buffalo 66 Info

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Ready Player One: Crowd Junior Hair

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Lean on Pete  (2017) R  A troubled teen named, Charley (Charlie Plummer) , starts working for a cantankerous horse trainer (Steve Buscemi). Ray falls in love with a quarterhorse named, Lean on Pete, that, if doesn't start winning, the horse will be sold.  I love Steve Buscemi, so count me in.   Lean on Pete Info

Until Next Time!

Maze Runner: The Death Cure

My View:  Maze Runner: The Death Cure  (2018)   PG-13   Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his band of escaped Gladers must travel to and break into the legendary 'Last City' to find a cure for the zombie bites. The 'Last City' becomes their most complicated maze yet. Will Thomas and his gang find what they are looking for?  I liked the first two films in the series but, I find this one dull, and it feels longer than its 144 minutes run time. It’s been almost three years since we saw the 2nd film in the series, Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, so it’s a little hard to remember who everyone is and their relationships to each other. I liked the action sequences, which are exciting to watch but there are long sections between them. The end seems very contrived and not well thought out. I think fans of the YA book series are going to be disappointed in this film.    My Rating:  Bargain Matinee   The Maze Runner: The Death Cure Website

In Case You Missed It (Movies just released on DVD/BluRay): Goodbye Christopher Robin  (2017)  PG  A.A. Milne (Domhnall Gleeson) has returned from WW I to his wife (Margot Robbie) but is suffering from PTSD.  After the birth of his son, Christopher Robin, he moves his family to the country. There, as he interacts with Christopher, a book idea springs up. That book would become the beloved Winnie the Pooh. This film only works when Christopher Robin and his dad are out in the woods playing. The rest of the film is a depressing view of a very dysfunctional family who exploits their child for fame and money. The film never finds its voice, and Will Tilston, as the eight-year-old Christopher Robin, isn’t up to the spotlight shining on him, as his performance is one dimensional.  I don’t think fans of "Winnie the Pooh" are going to be happy with this very un-Pooh like film.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee    Goodbye Christopher Robin Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I've Only Seen in Trailers but Just Looks Like a Bad Idea):  Samson  (2018)  PG-13  The story of Samson (Jackson Rathbone) from the Bible, where he takes on a cruel Philistine prince (Billy Zane) who is responsible for killing Samson’s love of his life. When the biggest stars of the film are Billy Zane, Rutger Hauer, and Lindsay Wagner, you just might have a bad movie.   Samson Website

Forgotten Film: The Thin Blue Line (1988)  This documentary by legendary filmmaker Errol Morris, feels more like a drama because Morris uses actors to recreate the murder of a police officer and then the actions of the police department to wrongly try and convict a man of a crime he didn’t commit. This is a different type of documentary as there isn’t a narrator. Instead, the film uses newspaper clippings and other documents to fill in the story. Many of the recreated scenes are shown from two or three perspectives, giving you all the information you need to make up your own mind about who killed the police officer. This engrossing film is one of the best documentaries that I have ever seen.  My Take:  I Would Pay to See it Again   The Thin Blue Line Website

Weird Credits:  From the credits of Maze Runner: The Death Cure:  Animal Coordinator

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:   Isle of Dogs  (2018)  Set in Japan, a young boy goes on a search for his lost dog.  Hey, it’s directed by Wes Anderson, and it’s animated, so I’m in.    Isle of Dogs Info

Until Next Time!

SaveSave

Need for Speed

My View:  Need for Speed (2014)  PG-13  Fresh out of prison, Tobey (Aaron Paul), a mechanic and part-time street racer, is out for revenge. He, though, must first travel from New York to California via a Shelby Ford Mustang to race in the ultimate street race.  This film is downright stupid at times, with plot holes the size of the expensive race cars in the film.  The racing sequences are fun and fast, some based on the “Need for Speed” video games.  Unfortunately, for us, though, the plot and the dialogue also seem to come from video games.  Aaron Paul isn’t asked to do much with his part other than look tough while driving a fast car.  Imogen Poots, as the love interest in the film, is given even less to work with.  But, you don’t come to a film like this for acting or the plot, you come for the racing scenes, and it has plenty for an action fan to enjoy.  My Rating:  Cable  Need for Speed Facebook Page

My View:  Veronica Mars: The Movie  (2014)  PG-13  It’s been years since Veronica (Kristen Bell) has been a private eye or been back in her old hometown of Neptune. She has a good life in New York, but she is about to throw it all away when her old boyfriend, Logan (Jason Dohring), is accused of murder. I was a big fan of the show and admit that I did back the making of the movie through Kickstarter.  As a fan of the show, I really enjoyed this film.  It brings back many of the memorable characters from the TV series.  It retains the humor of the show, and Veronica continually quips the snarky remarks that she is known for.  It’s a fun ride and a very enjoyable mystery.  Be sure and stay through the first part of the closing credits for a bonus scene.    My Rating:  Full Price  Veronica Mars Website

Indiefest: The Grand Budapest Hotel  (2014)  R  Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes) is one of the best concierges in the world, and he works at the famous Grand Budapest Hotel. He hires Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori) as a lobby boy.  Now, Gustave and Zero are about to go on a great adventure.  An absolutely joyride of a film that takes a Wes Anderson (the director) type of film and adds the Marx Brothers to it.  Fiennes is hilarious in the role of the stuck up, pompous concierge with a heart of gold. Revolori, as the “Lobby Boy,” perfectly works off of the energy of Fiennes creating great chemistry between them.  The color scheme of the film is incredible and there is the typical Anderson use of different perspectives and camera angles that make his films look so unique.  There are a ton of cameos like Bill Murray, that just make this so much fun to watch.  It’s a film you might want to see twice because it’s jammed packed with so much stuff, you just might miss a thing or two on your first view.   My Rating:  I Would Pay to See It Again  The Grand Budapest Hotel Website

Indiefest:  Better Living Through Chemistry (2014)  R  Doug (Sam Rockwell) is a by-the book-pharmacist who is in a very unhappy marriage to Kara (Michelle Monaghan). Doug’s life changes when he meets Elizabeth (Olivia Wilde), a trophy wife customer who likes to party. Now, Doug is in for the ride of his life. This is a fun and funny film that had me guessing how it was going to end.  Olivia Wilde is becoming quite the actress, making some excellent Indie films, and she has a blast with the role of the boozy Elizabeth.  But, this is Sam Rockwell’s movie, and he exceeds in the part.  He reminds me of Bill Murray early in his career in films such as Stripes (1981) and Meatballs (1979). Rockwell gives us a winning performance of a man who starts as a man who is controlled by everyone but ends being in control of his life and his happiness.   My Rating:  Full Price  Better Living Through Chemistry Info

Indiefest:  Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me  (2014)    This is a documentary on the Broadway legend Elaine Stritch, who, at 87 years old, is still doing her one-woman show about her life. It’s a film that shows Stritch, warts and all.  She is struggling with old age, diabetes and alcoholism, while trying put on her show.  She is a force of nature on stage, but we see her struggle to survive outside of her performances.  It’s a fascinating film about an extremely determined, feisty woman who realizes that she doesn’t have much time left to perform on the stage she desperately loves.    My Rating:  Full Price  Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me Info

Forgotten Film:  Mona Lisa  (1986)  R  George (Bob Hoskins) is an ex-con who gets a job from his old crime boss, Mortwell (Michael Caine).  His job is to drive Simone (Cathy Tyson), a high-priced call girl, from job to job.  George and Simone develop a relationship that is only gets them in big trouble with Mortwell.  Tyson is beautiful and sensational as the headstrong Simone, but it’s Hoskins who dominates this film with his presence.  It’s an astounding piece of acting and well worth the Oscar nomination that he got for the role.  My Rating:  Full Price   Mona Lisa Info  

Weird Credits: From the credits of Need for Speed:  Hair Designer

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You:  Dom Hemingway  (2013)  R  After 12 years in prison, Dom (Jude Law) tries to fit back into society, including re-establishing his relationship with his daughter.  Jude Law running rampant for 2 hours as an ex-con?  I’m in!   Dom Hemingway Info

Until Next Time!