☆☆☆☆1/2
+
If you want to laugh out loud and have fun...go see this outrageous comedy that tells the story of four college friends getting together for a fun-filled reunion in New Orleans.
Outstanding cast!
-
A few of the jokes go a little too far, but don't that let stop you from a great time at the movies!
Rated R
2 hr. 2 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets
☆☆☆
+
Based on the comic book series, "Valerian..." is a fun ride with some great special effects telling the story of two young operatives sent to maintain order in the human territories in the city of Alpha.
-
The story was weak, and it was hard to care about (or even like) the two young characters (both miscast) based on the way they were written.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 17 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
Based on the comic book series, "Valerian..." is a fun ride with some great special effects telling the story of two young operatives sent to maintain order in the human territories in the city of Alpha.
-
The story was weak, and it was hard to care about (or even like) the two young characters (both miscast) based on the way they were written.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 17 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Maudie
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Sally Hawkins gives an Oscar worthy performance as Maudie (based on a true story)...a strong woman (with crippled hands and legs) who enjoys creating "folk" paintings as a hobby. Determined to make a life of her own, she gets a job working for Everett (Ethan Hawke) as a live-in housekeeper.
One of the best 2017 films to date.
-
Even though we eventually realize that Everett truly loves Maud...the relationship is disturbing at times.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Sally Hawkins gives an Oscar worthy performance as Maudie (based on a true story)...a strong woman (with crippled hands and legs) who enjoys creating "folk" paintings as a hobby. Determined to make a life of her own, she gets a job working for Everett (Ethan Hawke) as a live-in housekeeper.
One of the best 2017 films to date.
-
Even though we eventually realize that Everett truly loves Maud...the relationship is disturbing at times.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
The Little Hours
☆1/2
+
The very funny Aubrey Plaza stars with Alison Brie, Kate Micucci, Dave Franco, John C. Reilly, and Molly Shannon in this quirky story of the trouble the nuns at a small Medieval convent get into.
-
The screenplay is uneven, disjointed, pointless, and not funny.
1 1/2 stars are for the cast.
Rated R
1 hr. 30 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
+
The very funny Aubrey Plaza stars with Alison Brie, Kate Micucci, Dave Franco, John C. Reilly, and Molly Shannon in this quirky story of the trouble the nuns at a small Medieval convent get into.
-
The screenplay is uneven, disjointed, pointless, and not funny.
1 1/2 stars are for the cast.
Rated R
1 hr. 30 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, July 9, 2017
Spider-Man: Homecoming
☆☆☆☆
+
Tom Holland steps-in (and gives a solid performance) as Peter Paker in this new, fun, summer, action packed Spider-Man film starring everyone's favorite...Robert Downey Jr. ... as Tony Stark (Iron Man).
3-D is worth the price for this one.
-
Don't leave too early...2 post-credit scenes.
Even though the films are enjoyable...How many Spider-Men movies (especially with different actors playing Spider Man) will the studios put out? Is this number 6 or 7?
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 13 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer!
+
Tom Holland steps-in (and gives a solid performance) as Peter Paker in this new, fun, summer, action packed Spider-Man film starring everyone's favorite...Robert Downey Jr. ... as Tony Stark (Iron Man).
3-D is worth the price for this one.
-
Don't leave too early...2 post-credit scenes.
Even though the films are enjoyable...How many Spider-Men movies (especially with different actors playing Spider Man) will the studios put out? Is this number 6 or 7?
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 13 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer!
The Big Sick
☆☆☆☆
+
Based on the Kumail Nanjiani's (stand-up comedian, actor) true life story of meeting and falling for his current wife..."The Big Sick" is the heartwarming story of Nanjiani's girlfriend who is hospitalized due to a serious illness.
Impressive when a screenplay can be a comedy with such serious content.
One of the best reviewed movie's of the season!
-
Nanjiani's background story is a little weak.
Rated R
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
Based on the Kumail Nanjiani's (stand-up comedian, actor) true life story of meeting and falling for his current wife..."The Big Sick" is the heartwarming story of Nanjiani's girlfriend who is hospitalized due to a serious illness.
Impressive when a screenplay can be a comedy with such serious content.
One of the best reviewed movie's of the season!
-
Nanjiani's background story is a little weak.
Rated R
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Baby Driver
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
"Baby Driver" offers style (Tarantinoesque...with much less blood), a good story, great music, intrigue, and incredible action sequences.
Ansel Elgort ("The Fault in Our Stars") gives an excellent performance as Baby...a driver for crime boss (Kevin Spacey)...who gets in over his head...and can't get out.
-
Go with the hype. This one is worth seeing.
Rated R
1 hr. 53 min.
Visit the official site and see the trailer.
+
"Baby Driver" offers style (Tarantinoesque...with much less blood), a good story, great music, intrigue, and incredible action sequences.
Ansel Elgort ("The Fault in Our Stars") gives an excellent performance as Baby...a driver for crime boss (Kevin Spacey)...who gets in over his head...and can't get out.
-
Go with the hype. This one is worth seeing.
Rated R
1 hr. 53 min.
Visit the official site and see the trailer.
The Beguiled
☆☆☆1/2
+
Colin Farrell (John McBurney) and Nicole Kidman (Martha Farnsworth) star in Sophia Coppola's remake of the 1971 movie directed by Don Siegel. Both films are based on the novel by Thomas Cullinan.
The engaging story takes place during the Civil War when the girls at a boarding school take in an injured soldier...who, along with the girls, creates trouble for everyone.
-
"The Beguiled" is billed as a thriller, but doesn't live up to the genre.
In spite of what the trailer leads viewers to believe...EVERYONE was beguiling each other.
Rated R
1 hr. 34 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer!
+
Colin Farrell (John McBurney) and Nicole Kidman (Martha Farnsworth) star in Sophia Coppola's remake of the 1971 movie directed by Don Siegel. Both films are based on the novel by Thomas Cullinan.
The engaging story takes place during the Civil War when the girls at a boarding school take in an injured soldier...who, along with the girls, creates trouble for everyone.
-
"The Beguiled" is billed as a thriller, but doesn't live up to the genre.
In spite of what the trailer leads viewers to believe...EVERYONE was beguiling each other.
Rated R
1 hr. 34 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer!
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Rough Night
☆☆☆☆
+
"Rough Night" is the laugh-out-loud story of five college friends (Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Zoe Kravitz) getting back together for a bachelorette party in Miami. When the ladies hire a stripper...problems arise.
-
Ignore negative reviews! If you want to have fun...go see this movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
*Must be over 17 to view this trailer.
+
"Rough Night" is the laugh-out-loud story of five college friends (Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Zoe Kravitz) getting back together for a bachelorette party in Miami. When the ladies hire a stripper...problems arise.
-
Ignore negative reviews! If you want to have fun...go see this movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
*Must be over 17 to view this trailer.
Wonder Woman
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Gal Gadot gives an excellent performance as Diana/Wonder Woman...the Amazon princess who leaves the island where she grew-up to restore world peace during WWI.
One of the best superhero movies since "Iron Man."
-
The film is a little long and the CGI at the end was almost distracting (too much).
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 21 min.
Visit the official movie website and see the trailer.
+
Gal Gadot gives an excellent performance as Diana/Wonder Woman...the Amazon princess who leaves the island where she grew-up to restore world peace during WWI.
One of the best superhero movies since "Iron Man."
-
The film is a little long and the CGI at the end was almost distracting (too much).
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 21 min.
Visit the official movie website and see the trailer.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
☆☆☆1/2
+
The Guardians are back in a fun and entertaining story that finds the team hired to protect something very important to the Sovereign aliens, but Rocket's wild ways get the team in trouble.
Chris Pratt is well-cast as Star-Lord.
-
It's tough to live up to the first installment! The story just doesn't meet expectations.
The best part is the opening 10 minutes.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 17 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer!
+
The Guardians are back in a fun and entertaining story that finds the team hired to protect something very important to the Sovereign aliens, but Rocket's wild ways get the team in trouble.
Chris Pratt is well-cast as Star-Lord.
-
It's tough to live up to the first installment! The story just doesn't meet expectations.
The best part is the opening 10 minutes.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 17 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer!
Monday, May 29, 2017
Baywatch
☆☆☆
+
"Baywatch" is an entertaining holiday weekend movie that offers a good time...and a few laughs.
Stay for the hilarious outtakes.
-
The best lines are in the trailer, and the outtakes are better than the movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 56 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
"Baywatch" is an entertaining holiday weekend movie that offers a good time...and a few laughs.
Stay for the hilarious outtakes.
-
The best lines are in the trailer, and the outtakes are better than the movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 56 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Snatched
✩✩✩✩
+
Amy Schumer provides the laughs as Emily Middleton, a newly single and unemployed woman who convinces her mother (Goldie Hawn) to vacation with her in a foreign country where the adventure begins.
-
It's silly...but it's fun! It's one of those movies where everyone in the theater is laughing.
Rated R
1 hr. 31 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Amy Schumer provides the laughs as Emily Middleton, a newly single and unemployed woman who convinces her mother (Goldie Hawn) to vacation with her in a foreign country where the adventure begins.
-
It's silly...but it's fun! It's one of those movies where everyone in the theater is laughing.
Rated R
1 hr. 31 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Unforgettable
☆☆☆1/2
+
In this suspenseful...high tension story...Katherine Heigl gives a strong performance as Tessa Connover, a woman living on edge after her marriage ended...and her ex-husband becomes engaged to the beautiful Julia Banks (Rosario Dawson).
-
It's a little hard to believe that the ex just won't believe his fiancee's suspicions about Connover.
Worth the price of admission (or dvd rental).
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
In this suspenseful...high tension story...Katherine Heigl gives a strong performance as Tessa Connover, a woman living on edge after her marriage ended...and her ex-husband becomes engaged to the beautiful Julia Banks (Rosario Dawson).
-
It's a little hard to believe that the ex just won't believe his fiancee's suspicions about Connover.
Worth the price of admission (or dvd rental).
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Gifted
☆☆☆1/2
+
"Gifted" is the feel-good story of Mary (strong performance by young actress Mckenna Grace) a young child living with her uncle (Chris Evans) who is trying to do what's best for his niece who is gifted.
Octavia Spencer helps to elevate the film with a supporting role as Roberta (a supportive friend).
-
Aside from Spencer and Grace...other key players seem to be miscast.
The story is just a little too hard to believe.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
"Gifted" is the feel-good story of Mary (strong performance by young actress Mckenna Grace) a young child living with her uncle (Chris Evans) who is trying to do what's best for his niece who is gifted.
Octavia Spencer helps to elevate the film with a supporting role as Roberta (a supportive friend).
-
Aside from Spencer and Grace...other key players seem to be miscast.
The story is just a little too hard to believe.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
The Zookeeper's Wife
☆☆☆☆
+
Based on the best selling novel (and real life events), "The Zookeeper's Wife is the story of Antonina Zabinska, a woman who (along with her husband) saved hundreds of lives by hiding people in their Warsaw Zoo during World War II.
Jessica Chastain delivers a beautifully understated performance as Antonina.
-
The script tells an important story, but may not do the real story justice.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 6 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
Based on the best selling novel (and real life events), "The Zookeeper's Wife is the story of Antonina Zabinska, a woman who (along with her husband) saved hundreds of lives by hiding people in their Warsaw Zoo during World War II.
Jessica Chastain delivers a beautifully understated performance as Antonina.
-
The script tells an important story, but may not do the real story justice.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 6 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, April 2, 2017
CHIPS
☆☆☆1/2
+
Dak Shepard wrote and directed this laugh out loud comedy about two very different California Highway Patrol officers who were teamed up to help find and capture the criminals responsible for a multi-million dollar crime.
The chemistry between Shepard and partner (Michael Pena) makes for a good time.
-
Ignore negative reviews, and go out and see this movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
+
Dak Shepard wrote and directed this laugh out loud comedy about two very different California Highway Patrol officers who were teamed up to help find and capture the criminals responsible for a multi-million dollar crime.
The chemistry between Shepard and partner (Michael Pena) makes for a good time.
-
Ignore negative reviews, and go out and see this movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
Beauty and the Beast
☆☆☆☆☆
+
Emma Watson lights up the screen as Belle in this live-action version of "Beauty and the Beast."
The all-star cast can act and sing...making this one of the best live action Disney films to date.
-
The animated objects are some of the biggest names in the business, and many are surprised when they come back to life at the end.
Don't miss this one!
Rated PG
2 hr. 9 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
+
Emma Watson lights up the screen as Belle in this live-action version of "Beauty and the Beast."
The all-star cast can act and sing...making this one of the best live action Disney films to date.
-
The animated objects are some of the biggest names in the business, and many are surprised when they come back to life at the end.
Don't miss this one!
Rated PG
2 hr. 9 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
The Last Word
☆☆1/2
+
Exciting to have Academy Award winning actress Shirley MacLaine back on the big screen as Harriet Lauler, a retired business women who decides to hire a newspaper writer (Amanda Seyfried) to author her life's story.
-
Talent is underused because of a disappointing screenplay that doesn't allow for character and story development.
Rated R
1 hr. 47 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Exciting to have Academy Award winning actress Shirley MacLaine back on the big screen as Harriet Lauler, a retired business women who decides to hire a newspaper writer (Amanda Seyfried) to author her life's story.
-
Talent is underused because of a disappointing screenplay that doesn't allow for character and story development.
Rated R
1 hr. 47 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
The Shack
☆☆☆1/2
+
"The Shack" is the engaging story (based on the best selling novel) of Mack Phillips (Sam Worthington) a father whose life changes due to a spiritual journey after he suffers a family tragedy.
Octavia Spencer delivers a spot-on performance as Papa.
_
See this one soon...before it leaves theaters.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 12 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
"The Shack" is the engaging story (based on the best selling novel) of Mack Phillips (Sam Worthington) a father whose life changes due to a spiritual journey after he suffers a family tragedy.
Octavia Spencer delivers a spot-on performance as Papa.
_
See this one soon...before it leaves theaters.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 12 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Oscar Winners 2017
Best picture: "Moonlight"
“
Lead actor:
Casey Affleck - “Manchester by the Sea”
Lead actress:
Emma Stone - “La La Land”
Supporting actor:
Mahershala Ali - “Moonlight”
Supporting actress:
Viola Davis - “Fences”
Best director:
Damien Chazelle - “La La Land”
Animated feature:
“Zootopia”
Animated short:
“Piper”
Adapted screenplay:
“Moonlight”
Original screenplay: "Manchester by the Sea" (Kenneth Lonergan)
“
Cinematography:
“La La Land”
Best documentary feature:
“O.J.: Made in America”
Best documentary short subject:
“The White Helmets”
Best live-action short film: "Sing"
“
Best foreign language film:
“The Salesman”
Film editing:"Hacksaw Ridge" (John Gilbert)
“
Sound editing: "Arrival" (Sylvain Bellemare)
“
Sound mixing:
“Hacksaw Ridge”
Production design:
“La La Land”
Original score:
“La La Land”
Original song:
“City of Stars,” “La La Land”
Makeup and hair: "Suicide Squad" (Alessandro Bertolazzi)
“
Costume design: "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" (Colleen Atwood)
“
Visual effects:
“Jungle Book”
*StarMovieReviews.com predictions/winners 17/24 (71%)
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Oscar Predictions 2017
Best picture:
“La La Land”
Lead actor:
Casey Affleck - “Manchester by the Sea”
Lead actress:
Emma Stone - “La La Land”
Supporting actor:
Mahershala Ali - “Moonlight”
Supporting actress:
Viola Davis - “Fences”
Best director:
Damien Chazelle - “La La Land”
Animated feature:
“Zootopia”
Animated short:
“Piper”
Adapted screenplay:
“Moonlight”
Original screenplay:
“La La Land”
Cinematography:
“La La Land”
Best documentary feature:
“O.J.: Made in America”
Best documentary short subject:
“The White Helmets”
Best live-action short film:
“Ennemis Interieurs”
Best foreign language film:
“The Salesman”
Film editing:
“La La Land”
Sound editing:
“Hacksaw Ridge”
Sound mixing:
“Hacksaw Ridge”
Production design:
“La La Land”
Original score:
“La La Land”
Original song:
“City of Stars,” “La La Land”
Makeup and hair:
“Star Trek Beyond”
Costume design:
“Jackie”
Visual effects:
“Jungle Book”
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Fifty Shades Darker
☆☆☆
+
Dakota Johnson gets this movie all three stars. She is back as Anastasia...a strong women who knows how to deal with Christian Grey's unique personality.
-
Just didn't feel like anything was new in this story.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
+
Dakota Johnson gets this movie all three stars. She is back as Anastasia...a strong women who knows how to deal with Christian Grey's unique personality.
-
Just didn't feel like anything was new in this story.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
Split
☆☆☆☆
+
In one of M. Night Shyamalan's best films, James McAvoy gives a award winning performance as Kevin...a man with dissociative identity disorder (split personalities) who kidnaps three young women.
-
The timing of this movie's release may keep McAvoy from being recognized for this outstanding performance.
PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
In one of M. Night Shyamalan's best films, James McAvoy gives a award winning performance as Kevin...a man with dissociative identity disorder (split personalities) who kidnaps three young women.
-
The timing of this movie's release may keep McAvoy from being recognized for this outstanding performance.
PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
20th Century Women
☆☆☆1/2
+
Annette Bening gives a "spot on" performance as Dorothea, a single mom living in Santa Barbara (1979) and trying her best to be the best parent she can be.
-
Too many quirky characters with very little to work with as far as screenplay.
Rated R
1 hr. 58 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Annette Bening gives a "spot on" performance as Dorothea, a single mom living in Santa Barbara (1979) and trying her best to be the best parent she can be.
-
Too many quirky characters with very little to work with as far as screenplay.
Rated R
1 hr. 58 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Oscar Nominations 2017
Best picture:
“Arrival”
“Fences”
“Hacksaw Ridge”
“Hell or High Water”
“Hidden Figures”
“La La Land”
“Lion”
“Manchester by the Sea”
“Moonlight”
Lead actor:
Casey Affleck - “Manchester by the Sea”
Andrew Garfield - “Hacksaw Ridge”
Ryan Gosling - “La La Land,”
Viggo Mortensen - “Captain Fantastic”
Denzel Washington - “Fences”
Lead actress:
Isabelle Huppert - “Elle”
Ruth Negga - “Loving”
Natalie Portman - “Jackie”
Emma Stone - “La La Land”
Meryl Streep - “Florence Foster Jenkins”
Supporting actor:
Mahershala Ali - “Moonlight”
Jeff Bridges - “Hell or High Water”
Lucas Hedges - “Manchester by the Sea”
Dev Patel - “Lion”
Michael Shannon - “Nocturnal Animals”
Supporting actress:
Viola Davis - “Fences”
Naomie Harris - “Moonlight”
Nicole Kidman - “Lion”
Octavia Spencer - “Hidden Figures”
Michelle Williams - “Manchester by the Sea”
Best director:
Damien Chazelle - “La La Land”
Mel Gibson - “Hacksaw Ridge”
Barry Jenkins - “Moonlight”
Kenneth Lonergan - “Manchester by the Sea”
Denis Villeneuve - “Arrival”
Animated feature:
“Kubo and the Two Strings”
“Moana”
“My Life as a Zucchini”
“The Red Turtle”
“Zootopia”
Animated short:
“Blind Vaysha”
“Borrowed Time”
“Pear Cider and Cigarettes”
“Pearl”
“Piper”
Adapted screenplay:
“Arrival”
“Fences”
“Hidden Figures”
“Lion”
“Moonlight”
Original screenplay:
“20th Century Women”
“Hell or High Water”
“La La Land”
“The Lobster”
“Manchester by the Sea”
Cinematography:
“Arrival”
“La La Land”
“Lion”
“Moonlight”
“Silence”
Best documentary feature:
“13th”
“Fire at Sea”
“I Am Not Your Negro”
“Life, Animated”
“O.J.: Made in America”
Best documentary short subject:
“4.1 Miles”
“Extremis”
“Joe’s Violin”
“Watani: My Homeland”
“The White Helmets”
Best live-action short film:
“Ennemis Interieurs”
“La Femme et le TGV”
“Silent Nights”
“Sing”
“Timecode”
Best foreign language film:
“A Man Called Ove”
“Land of Mine”
“Tanna”
“The Salesman”
“Toni Erdmann”
Film editing:
“Arrival”
“Hacksaw Ridge”
“Hell or High Water”
“La La Land”
“Moonlight”
Sound editing:
“Arrival”
“Deep Water Horizon”
“Hacksaw Ridge”
“La La Land”
“Sully”
Sound mixing:
“Arrival”
“Hacksaw Ridge”
“La La Land”
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
“13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi”
Production design:
“Arrival”
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”
“Hail, Caesar!”
“La La Land”
“Passengers”
Original score:
“Jackie”
“La La Land”
“Lion”
“Moonlight”
“Passengers”
Original song:
“Audition (The Fools Who Dream),” “La La Land”
“Can’t Stop the Feeling,” “Trolls”
“City of Stars,” “La La Land”
“The Empty Chair,” “Jim: The James Foley Story”
“How Far I’ll Go,” “Moana”
Makeup and hair:
“A Man Called Ove”
“Star Trek Beyond”
“Suicide Squad”
Costume design:
“Allied”
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”
“Florence Foster Jenkins”
“Jackie”
“La La Land”
Visual effects:
“Deepwater Horizon”
“Doctor Strange”
“Jungle Book”
“Kubo and the Two Strings”
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”
Monday, January 16, 2017
Why Him?
☆☆☆1/2
+
James Franco gives a solid comedic performance as Laird, a young billionaire who is struggling to make a good impression on his girlfriend's parents (Bryan Cranston, Megan Mullally).
-
Ignore bad reviews if you want to just have fun!
Rated R
1 hr. 51 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
+
James Franco gives a solid comedic performance as Laird, a young billionaire who is struggling to make a good impression on his girlfriend's parents (Bryan Cranston, Megan Mullally).
-
Ignore bad reviews if you want to just have fun!
Rated R
1 hr. 51 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
Hidden Figures
☆☆☆☆☆
+
"Hidden Figures" tells the incredible story (based on true events) of three brilliant African-American women who, due to their race, were working behind the scenes at NASA...but vital to the success of John Glenn's launch into space.
Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae give outstanding performances. Look for nominations.
-
Some say the screenplay is a little too casual about the struggles these women faced.
Rated PG
2 hr. 7 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
"Hidden Figures" tells the incredible story (based on true events) of three brilliant African-American women who, due to their race, were working behind the scenes at NASA...but vital to the success of John Glenn's launch into space.
Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae give outstanding performances. Look for nominations.
-
Some say the screenplay is a little too casual about the struggles these women faced.
Rated PG
2 hr. 7 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
Jackie
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Natalie Portman gives an award winning performance as Jackie Kennedy in the tragic story of the days following the assassination of President John K. Kennedy.
-
See this movie before it leaves theaters!
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Rated R
1 hr. 35 min.
+
Natalie Portman gives an award winning performance as Jackie Kennedy in the tragic story of the days following the assassination of President John K. Kennedy.
-
See this movie before it leaves theaters!
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Rated R
1 hr. 35 min.
Florence Foster Jenkins
☆☆☆☆
+
The entertaining and heartfelt story (based on true events) of Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep - Golden Globe Nomination), an heiress with a terrible voice who aspires to be an opera singer.
_
Actually felt sorry for Florence, and certain scenes were tough to watch.
Visit the website and see the trailer!
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 50 min.
+
The entertaining and heartfelt story (based on true events) of Florence Foster Jenkins (Meryl Streep - Golden Globe Nomination), an heiress with a terrible voice who aspires to be an opera singer.
_
Actually felt sorry for Florence, and certain scenes were tough to watch.
Visit the website and see the trailer!
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 50 min.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Passengers
☆☆☆☆
+
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt team-up in this entertaining sci-fi action adventure as Aurora and Jim...two passengers on a 120 year journey to another planet...who wake-up 90 years too early.
Lawrence and Pratt not only bring the chemistry...but they make this film work.
-
Ignore any negative reviews and see this film!
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt team-up in this entertaining sci-fi action adventure as Aurora and Jim...two passengers on a 120 year journey to another planet...who wake-up 90 years too early.
Lawrence and Pratt not only bring the chemistry...but they make this film work.
-
Ignore any negative reviews and see this film!
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Monday, January 2, 2017
Fences
☆☆☆1/2
+
Look for an Academy Award nomination for Viola Davis for an outstanding performance as Rose, the wife of Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington)...a man living with deep unhappiness and pain...that he takes out on his family...due to being unable to reach his dreams.
-
The script of "Fences"...based on August Wilson's play...is caught between being a movie or a play.
It is filled with long character speeches...that feel like soliloquies...and create a disconnection between the characters.
Davis manages to make the words on the page seem real, and her performance is the reason for the extra ☆.
Viewers need to find some redeeming qualities in a character, and it is difficult with Troy Maxson.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 13 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
+
Look for an Academy Award nomination for Viola Davis for an outstanding performance as Rose, the wife of Troy Maxson (Denzel Washington)...a man living with deep unhappiness and pain...that he takes out on his family...due to being unable to reach his dreams.
-
The script of "Fences"...based on August Wilson's play...is caught between being a movie or a play.
It is filled with long character speeches...that feel like soliloquies...and create a disconnection between the characters.
Davis manages to make the words on the page seem real, and her performance is the reason for the extra ☆.
Viewers need to find some redeeming qualities in a character, and it is difficult with Troy Maxson.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 13 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Lion
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
"Lion" is the engaging, heart tugging story (based on true events) of Saroo (excellent performance by Dev Patel), who after being separated from his family at the age of five and adopted by an Australian couple...is compelled to find his mother and brother in his home county of India.
-
The story slows mid-movie, but picks-up the pace toward the end.
Rated PG-13
2 hr.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
"Lion" is the engaging, heart tugging story (based on true events) of Saroo (excellent performance by Dev Patel), who after being separated from his family at the age of five and adopted by an Australian couple...is compelled to find his mother and brother in his home county of India.
-
The story slows mid-movie, but picks-up the pace toward the end.
Rated PG-13
2 hr.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
La La Land
☆☆☆☆☆
+
"La La Land" is not only one of the best movies of the year...it is a movie that will stay with you forever. It is a story...told through music, dance, laughs, and tears...of two young people trying to make it work while chasing their hopes and dreams in Los Angles.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling give performances worthy of Academy Award nominations.
-
From a movie making perspective...the ending will please, but...
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 8 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
"La La Land" is not only one of the best movies of the year...it is a movie that will stay with you forever. It is a story...told through music, dance, laughs, and tears...of two young people trying to make it work while chasing their hopes and dreams in Los Angles.
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling give performances worthy of Academy Award nominations.
-
From a movie making perspective...the ending will please, but...
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 8 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Office Christmas Party
☆☆☆1/2
+
"Office Christmas Party" brings together some of the best comedic actors and comedians in the wildest Christmas party story ever told.
Jason Bateman does comedy so well!
-
The story gets a little convoluted and goes "over the top."
Rated R
1 hr. 45 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
+
"Office Christmas Party" brings together some of the best comedic actors and comedians in the wildest Christmas party story ever told.
Jason Bateman does comedy so well!
-
The story gets a little convoluted and goes "over the top."
Rated R
1 hr. 45 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Loving
☆☆☆☆
+
Based on a true story..."Loving" (directed by Jeff Nichols) is the touching story of the love of an interracial couple fighting (all the way to the Supreme Court) for the right to live as husband and wife in their hometown in Virginia.
The strength and love of this couple is inspiring.
-
The story lacked the emotional impact it could have had.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 3 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
+
Based on a true story..."Loving" (directed by Jeff Nichols) is the touching story of the love of an interracial couple fighting (all the way to the Supreme Court) for the right to live as husband and wife in their hometown in Virginia.
The strength and love of this couple is inspiring.
-
The story lacked the emotional impact it could have had.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 3 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
Moonlight
☆☆☆☆☆
+
"Moonlight" is the award winning film directed by Barry Jenkins that tells a three part moving story of a man coming to terms with his sexuality (as a boy, a teen, and an adult).
Look for Academy Award nominations.
-
The teen character may have been miscast.
Rated R
1 hr. 50 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
+
"Moonlight" is the award winning film directed by Barry Jenkins that tells a three part moving story of a man coming to terms with his sexuality (as a boy, a teen, and an adult).
Look for Academy Award nominations.
-
The teen character may have been miscast.
Rated R
1 hr. 50 min.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
The Edge of Seventeen
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Hailee Steinfeld steals the show in an award winning performance as Nadine, a struggling 17 year old high school junior who loses her father and her only friend...all of which adds to her downward spiral.
"Edge..." strikes a great balance of comedy and drama.
-
See this movie before it leaves theaters!
Rated R
1 hr. 38 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
Hailee Steinfeld steals the show in an award winning performance as Nadine, a struggling 17 year old high school junior who loses her father and her only friend...all of which adds to her downward spiral.
"Edge..." strikes a great balance of comedy and drama.
-
See this movie before it leaves theaters!
Rated R
1 hr. 38 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Manchester by the Sea
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
In one of the best films of the year to date, Casey Affleck gives an award worthy performance as Lee Chandler, a Boston janitor whose brother passes and leaves him as guardian of his nephew Patrick.
Well developed characters, good mix of drama and a little humor, and strong performances by Michelle Williams and Affleck (one of the most natural actors in front of the camera) add up to an excellent film.
-
Looking for a little more emotion.
Rated R
2 hr. 15 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
+
In one of the best films of the year to date, Casey Affleck gives an award worthy performance as Lee Chandler, a Boston janitor whose brother passes and leaves him as guardian of his nephew Patrick.
Well developed characters, good mix of drama and a little humor, and strong performances by Michelle Williams and Affleck (one of the most natural actors in front of the camera) add up to an excellent film.
-
Looking for a little more emotion.
Rated R
2 hr. 15 min.
Visit the website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Nocturnal Animals
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Writer/Director Tom Ford creates a spellbinding, moody, sleek, sexy thriller staring Amy Adams as an art gallery owner who is captivated by a novel written by her ex-husband (played out on the screen)...a novel that makes her take a difficult look at her current life.
Outstanding performances (and possibly a few nominations) by Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Michael Shannon.
-
Ignore any negative reviews and see this movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
Writer/Director Tom Ford creates a spellbinding, moody, sleek, sexy thriller staring Amy Adams as an art gallery owner who is captivated by a novel written by her ex-husband (played out on the screen)...a novel that makes her take a difficult look at her current life.
Outstanding performances (and possibly a few nominations) by Amy Adams, Jake Gyllenhaal, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Michael Shannon.
-
Ignore any negative reviews and see this movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
Rules Don't Apply
☆☆☆
+
In this entertaining old Hollywood film, Oscar winner Warren Beatty stars (directs, and co-produces) as billionaire Howard Hughes who employees
and ends-up becoming very involved in the lives of young actress (Lily Collins) her driver (Alden Ehrenreich).
-
Difficult to take on the character of Howard Hughes after the image of Leonardo DiCaprio's award winning performance a few years back.
Unfortunately, the story is somewhat forgettable.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 38 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
In this entertaining old Hollywood film, Oscar winner Warren Beatty stars (directs, and co-produces) as billionaire Howard Hughes who employees
and ends-up becoming very involved in the lives of young actress (Lily Collins) her driver (Alden Ehrenreich).
-
Difficult to take on the character of Howard Hughes after the image of Leonardo DiCaprio's award winning performance a few years back.
Unfortunately, the story is somewhat forgettable.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 38 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
☆☆☆
+
J.K. Rowling brings a little magic back in the story of Newt Scamander (great performance by Eddie Redmayne) a young brit who comes to America with a case full of creatures that end-up causing some problems for the wizarding community and the city of New York.
-
The story just does not development into anything exciting or even all that interesting.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 12 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
J.K. Rowling brings a little magic back in the story of Newt Scamander (great performance by Eddie Redmayne) a young brit who comes to America with a case full of creatures that end-up causing some problems for the wizarding community and the city of New York.
-
The story just does not development into anything exciting or even all that interesting.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 12 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Arrival
✩✩✩1/2
+
In this engaging sci-fi film...Amy Adams stars as Louise Banks, a linguist called on to investigate the alien language, and in turn help save the world.
-
Expectations could have been too high.
The reactions to the arrival of the spacecrafts was underplayed, and it was hard to get a sense of the impact of such an event.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.
+
In this engaging sci-fi film...Amy Adams stars as Louise Banks, a linguist called on to investigate the alien language, and in turn help save the world.
-
Expectations could have been too high.
The reactions to the arrival of the spacecrafts was underplayed, and it was hard to get a sense of the impact of such an event.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 56 min.
Doctor Strange
☆☆☆☆
+
In this fun and entertaining Marvel film, Benedict Cumberbatch gives a strong performance as Stephen Strange...a surgeon forced to give-up his career...only to become a powerful sorcerer.
Outstanding special effects.
Great mix of fantasy and reality.
-
Do not miss the post credit scenes by leaving too early.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 10 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
In this fun and entertaining Marvel film, Benedict Cumberbatch gives a strong performance as Stephen Strange...a surgeon forced to give-up his career...only to become a powerful sorcerer.
Outstanding special effects.
Great mix of fantasy and reality.
-
Do not miss the post credit scenes by leaving too early.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 10 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Bridget Jones's Baby
☆☆☆☆
+
Oscar winner Renée Zellweger is back as the endearing Bridget Jones. In this funny third installment of the franchise, Bridget finds herself pregnant...but uncertain which of her two love interests (Patrick Dempsey or Colin Firth) is the father.
-
It may be tough to find in theaters, but worth the rental.
Rated R
2 hr. 2 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Oscar winner Renée Zellweger is back as the endearing Bridget Jones. In this funny third installment of the franchise, Bridget finds herself pregnant...but uncertain which of her two love interests (Patrick Dempsey or Colin Firth) is the father.
-
It may be tough to find in theaters, but worth the rental.
Rated R
2 hr. 2 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
The Accountant
☆☆☆1/2
+
In this tense and engaging drama...Ben Affleck delivers an excellent performance as Christian Wolff, an accountant who is so talented that criminal organizations seek out his services.
-
Way too many "bad guys" and way too much violence.
Rated R
2 hr. 8 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
In this tense and engaging drama...Ben Affleck delivers an excellent performance as Christian Wolff, an accountant who is so talented that criminal organizations seek out his services.
-
Way too many "bad guys" and way too much violence.
Rated R
2 hr. 8 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
The Girl on the Train
☆☆☆☆
+
In this suspenseful drama...Emily Blunt gives an award winning performance as Rachel Watson...a recently divorced alcoholic who has a difficult time dealing with her ex and his new wife's life.
-
This one will keep you guessing.
Rated R
1 hr. 52 min.
Visit the official movie website and watch the trailer.
+
In this suspenseful drama...Emily Blunt gives an award winning performance as Rachel Watson...a recently divorced alcoholic who has a difficult time dealing with her ex and his new wife's life.
-
This one will keep you guessing.
Rated R
1 hr. 52 min.
Visit the official movie website and watch the trailer.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
☆☆☆
+
With just a hint of X-Men...Miss Peregrine and her children all have special powers...and meeting them is engaging and fun.
You can always count on Tim Burton to add a special unique quality (maybe odd) to any film he directs.
-
Maybe expectations were too high, but "Miss Peregrine's..." just missed the mark.
The time warps add a little unnecessary confusion, and we do not really to get to know most of the children.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 7 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
With just a hint of X-Men...Miss Peregrine and her children all have special powers...and meeting them is engaging and fun.
You can always count on Tim Burton to add a special unique quality (maybe odd) to any film he directs.
-
Maybe expectations were too high, but "Miss Peregrine's..." just missed the mark.
The time warps add a little unnecessary confusion, and we do not really to get to know most of the children.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 7 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Bad Moms
☆☆☆☆
+
"Bad Moms" is the laugh out loud funny comedy starring Mila Kunis as the mom who seems to have it all...until she finally gives-up on trying to be perfect...and just starts to relax and have a little fun with two other Moms played by Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn.
Written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore ("The Hangover").
-
Ignore any negative reviews, and just have fun!
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
"Bad Moms" is the laugh out loud funny comedy starring Mila Kunis as the mom who seems to have it all...until she finally gives-up on trying to be perfect...and just starts to relax and have a little fun with two other Moms played by Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn.
Written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore ("The Hangover").
-
Ignore any negative reviews, and just have fun!
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Star Trek Beyond
☆☆☆
+
If you are a fan...you will enjoy this installment of the Star Trek franchise. In this action packed sequel, Captain Kirk (Chris Pine gives another solid performance as Kirk) and his crew come face-to-face with an alien warrior on a strange planet after their spaceship is destroyed.
-
Just too much of the same.
Rated PG-13
2 hr.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
+
If you are a fan...you will enjoy this installment of the Star Trek franchise. In this action packed sequel, Captain Kirk (Chris Pine gives another solid performance as Kirk) and his crew come face-to-face with an alien warrior on a strange planet after their spaceship is destroyed.
-
Just too much of the same.
Rated PG-13
2 hr.
Visit the website and see the trailer.
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