☆☆☆☆
+
Nominated for Best Picture..."Phantom Thread" stars Daniel Day-Lewis as Reynolds Woodcock a fashion designer in post-war London (1950s) who is determined to remain a bachelor...until he meets Alma.
Day-Lewis gives an Oscar nominated performance...
-
...in what he says is his last movie role.
Such a unique story...with a central character that viewers may have a difficult time deciding if they care about or even like.
Rated R
2 hr. 10 min.
Sunday, January 28, 2018
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
2018 Oscar Nominations
Best Picture:
“Call Me by Your Name”
“Darkest Hour”
“Dunkirk”
“Get Out”
“Lady Bird”
“Phantom Thread”
“The Post”
“The Shape of Water”
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Lead Actor:
Timothée Chalamet, “Call Me by Your Name”
Daniel Day-Lewis, “Phantom Thread”
Daniel Kaluuya, “Get Out”
Gary Oldman, “Darkest Hour”
Denzel Washington, “Roman J. Israel, Esq.”
Lead Actress:
Sally Hawkins, “The Shape of Water”
Frances McDormand, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Margot Robbie, “I, Tonya”
Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird”
Meryl Streep, “The Post”
Supporting Actor:
Willem Dafoe, “The Florida Project”
Woody Harrelson, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Richard Jenkins, “The Shape of Water”
Christopher Plummer, “All the Money in the World”
Sam Rockwell, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”
Supporting Actress:
Mary J. Blige, “Mudbound”
Allison Janney, “I, Tonya”
Lesley Manville, “Phantom Thread”
Laurie Metcalf, “Lady Bird”
Octavia Spencer, “The Shape of Water”
Director:
“Dunkirk,” Christopher Nolan
“Get Out,” Jordan Peele
“Lady Bird,” Greta Gerwig
“Phantom Thread,” Paul Thomas Anderson
“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro
Animated Feature:
“The Boss Baby,” Tom McGrath, Ramsey Ann Naito
“The Breadwinner,” Nora Twomey, Anthony Leo
“Coco,” Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson
“Ferdinand,” Carlos Saldanha
“Loving Vincent,” Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman, Sean Bobbitt, Ivan Mactaggart, Hugh Welchman
Animated Short:
“Dear Basketball,” Glen Keane, Kobe Bryant
“Garden Party,” Victor Caire, Gabriel Grapperon
“Lou,” Dave Mullins, Dana Murray
“Negative Space,” Max Porter, Ru Kuwahata
“Revolting Rhymes,” Jakob Schuh, Jan Lachauer
Adapted Screenplay:
“Call Me by Your Name,” James Ivory
“The Disaster Artist,” Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber
“Logan,” Scott Frank & James Mangold and Michael Green
“Molly’s Game,” Aaron Sorkin
“Mudbound,” Virgil Williams and Dee Rees
Original Screenplay:
“The Big Sick,” Emily V. Gordon & Kumail Nanjiani
“Get Out,” Jordan Peele
“Lady Bird,” Greta Gerwig
“The Shape of Water,” Guillermo del Toro, Vanessa Taylor
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Martin McDonagh
Cinematography:
“Blade Runner 2049,” Roger Deakins
“Darkest Hour,” Bruno Delbonnel
“Dunkirk,” Hoyte van Hoytema
“Mudbound,” Rachel Morrison
“The Shape of Water,” Dan Laustsen
Best Documentary Feature:
“Abacus: Small Enough to Jail,” Steve James, Mark Mitten, Julie Goldman
“Faces Places,” JR, Agnès Varda, Rosalie Varda
“Icarus,” Bryan Fogel, Dan Cogan
“Last Men in Aleppo,” Feras Fayyad, Kareem Abeed, Soren Steen Jepersen
“Strong Island,” Yance Ford, Joslyn Barnes
Best Documentary Short Subject:
“Edith+Eddie,” Laura Checkoway, Thomas Lee Wright
“Heaven is a Traffic Jam on the 405,” Frank Stiefel
“Heroin(e),” Elaine McMillion Sheldon, Kerrin Sheldon
“Knife Skills,” Thomas Lennon
“Traffic Stop,” Kate Davis, David Heilbroner
Best Live Action Short Film:
“DeKalb Elementary,” Reed Van Dyk
“The Eleven O’Clock,” Derin Seale, Josh Lawson
“My Nephew Emmett,” Kevin Wilson, Jr.
“The Silent Child,” Chris Overton, Rachel Shenton
“Watu Wote/All of Us,” Katja Benrath, Tobias Rosen
Best Foreign Language Film:
“A Fantastic Woman” (Chile)
“The Insult” (Lebanon)
“Loveless” (Russia)
“On Body and Soul (Hungary)
“The Square” (Sweden)
Film Editing:
“Baby Driver,” Jonathan Amos, Paul Machliss
“Dunkirk,” Lee Smith
“I, Tonya,” Tatiana S. Riegel
“The Shape of Water,” Sidney Wolinsky
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Jon Gregory
Sound Editing:
“Baby Driver,” Julian Slater
“Blade Runner 2049,” Mark Mangini, Theo Green
“Dunkirk,” Alex Gibson, Richard King
“The Shape of Water,” Nathan Robitaille, Nelson Ferreira
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Ren Klyce, Matthew Wood
Sound Mixing:
“Baby Driver,” Mary H. Ellis, Julian Slater, Tim Cavagin
“Blade Runner 2049,” Mac Ruth, Ron Bartlett, Doug Hephill
“Dunkirk,” Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker, Gary A. Rizzo
“The Shape of Water,” Glen Gauthier, Christian Cooke, Brad Zoern
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Stuart Wilson, Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick
Production Design:
“Beauty and the Beast,” Sarah Greenwood; Katie Spencer
“Blade Runner 2049,” Dennis Gassner, Alessandra Querzola
“Darkest Hour,” Sarah Greenwood, Katie Spencer
“Dunkirk,” Nathan Crowley, Gary Fettis
“The Shape of Water,” Paul D. Austerberry, Jeffrey A. Melvin, Shane Vieau
Original Score:
“Dunkirk,” Hans Zimmer
“Phantom Thread,” Jonny Greenwood
“The Shape of Water,” Alexandre Desplat
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” John Williams
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri,” Carter Burwell
Original Song:
“Mighty River” from “Mudbound,” Mary J. Blige
“Mystery of Love” from “Call Me by Your Name,” Sufjan Stevens
“Remember Me” from “Coco,” Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez
“Stand Up for Something” from “Marshall,” Diane Warren, Common
“This Is Me” from “The Greatest Showman,” Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
Makeup and Hair:
“Darkest Hour,” Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski, Lucy Sibbick
“Victoria and Abdul,” Daniel Phillips and Lou Sheppard
“Wonder,” Arjen Tuiten
Costume Design:
“Beauty and the Beast,” Jacqueline Durran
“Darkest Hour,” Jacqueline Durran
“Phantom Thread,” Mark Bridges
“The Shape of Water,” Luis Sequeira
“Victoria and Abdul,” Consolata Boyle
Visual Effects:
“Blade Runner 2049,” John Nelson, Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover, Gerd Nefzer
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner, Dan Sudick
“Kong: Skull Island,” Stephen Rosenbaum, Jeff White, Scott Benza, Mike Meinardus
“Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Chris Corbould, Neal Scanlan
“War for the Planet of the Apes,” Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett, Joel Whist
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
The Post
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Merly Streep gives an award winning performance as Katharine Graham...publisher of The Washington Post...who has to make the difficult decision...whether or not to expose a government cover-up in her paper.
Not every director could make this story exciting...but Spielberg delivers.
Nominated for Best Picture.
-
See it before it leaves theaters.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer!
+
Merly Streep gives an award winning performance as Katharine Graham...publisher of The Washington Post...who has to make the difficult decision...whether or not to expose a government cover-up in her paper.
Not every director could make this story exciting...but Spielberg delivers.
Nominated for Best Picture.
-
See it before it leaves theaters.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer!
Darkest Hour
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Gary Oldman gives this year's best actor performance (Star Movie Reviews prediction) as Prime Minister Winston Churchill...during WWII when Britain was facing invasion by Nazi forces.
Six Academy Award nominations...including Best Picture.
-
Too bad there can't be two Best Actor prizes! Timothee Chalamet gave an outstanding performance in "Call Me By Your Name."
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 5 min.
Visit the official movie website and watch the trailer!
+
Gary Oldman gives this year's best actor performance (Star Movie Reviews prediction) as Prime Minister Winston Churchill...during WWII when Britain was facing invasion by Nazi forces.
Six Academy Award nominations...including Best Picture.
-
Too bad there can't be two Best Actor prizes! Timothee Chalamet gave an outstanding performance in "Call Me By Your Name."
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 5 min.
Visit the official movie website and watch the trailer!
Sunday, January 7, 2018
I, Tonya
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Margot Robbie gives a strong performance as Tonya Harding, the figure skater known not only for her award winning skating...but for her connection to an attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan.
Excellent supporting performance by Allison Janney.
-
This dark comedy will not only provide laughter...but the abuse will sadden viewers as well.
Rated R
2 hr.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Margot Robbie gives a strong performance as Tonya Harding, the figure skater known not only for her award winning skating...but for her connection to an attack on her rival Nancy Kerrigan.
Excellent supporting performance by Allison Janney.
-
This dark comedy will not only provide laughter...but the abuse will sadden viewers as well.
Rated R
2 hr.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Molly's Game
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Based on true events, "Molly's Game" is the engaging story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) an award winning skier who eventually runs high stakes poker games.
Look for best actress nominations for Chastain's performance.
-
Viewers may feel that the screenplay doesn't allow them to really get to know Molly Bloom.
Rated R
2 hr. 20 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
Based on true events, "Molly's Game" is the engaging story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) an award winning skier who eventually runs high stakes poker games.
Look for best actress nominations for Chastain's performance.
-
Viewers may feel that the screenplay doesn't allow them to really get to know Molly Bloom.
Rated R
2 hr. 20 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
☆☆☆1/2
+
When four high school students get drawn into a video game...the fun and adventure begin.
Jack Black deserves recognition for his hilarious performance as Professor Shelly Oberon.
-
It's silly...but it's a good time at the theater.
Rated PG13
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
When four high school students get drawn into a video game...the fun and adventure begin.
Jack Black deserves recognition for his hilarious performance as Professor Shelly Oberon.
-
It's silly...but it's a good time at the theater.
Rated PG13
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Pitch Perfect 3
☆☆☆
+
The ladies are back and ready to sing in this enjoyable story of the Bellas reuniting and taking it on the road for the USO tour.
-
The storyline has run it's course...but it's still worth seeing.
Rated PG13
1 hr. 34 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
The ladies are back and ready to sing in this enjoyable story of the Bellas reuniting and taking it on the road for the USO tour.
-
The storyline has run it's course...but it's still worth seeing.
Rated PG13
1 hr. 34 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
The Greatest Showman
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Keala Settle light-up the screen in the story of P.T. Barnum...the man who created the greatest show on earth.
May see some nominations for Jackman.
-
Is it historically accurate?
Rated PG
1 hr. 45 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Keala Settle light-up the screen in the story of P.T. Barnum...the man who created the greatest show on earth.
May see some nominations for Jackman.
-
Is it historically accurate?
Rated PG
1 hr. 45 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Downsizing
☆☆☆1/2
+
This unique story of shrinking people to live small and help save the earth's natural resources (starring Matt Damon) is curious, interesting, and fun.
-
Such potential...if the storyline stayed with the idea of 5" people living in small communities...it might have worked better.
Rated R
2 hr. 15 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
This unique story of shrinking people to live small and help save the earth's natural resources (starring Matt Damon) is curious, interesting, and fun.
-
Such potential...if the storyline stayed with the idea of 5" people living in small communities...it might have worked better.
Rated R
2 hr. 15 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Call Me By Your Name
☆☆☆☆☆
+
Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet give award winning performances in this heartbreakingly beautiful story of two American men who meet and fall for each other while visiting Italy.
The chemistry between Oliver (Hammer) and Elio (Chalamet) is exceptional.
-
A little too self-aware at times.
Rated R
2 hr. 12 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
Armie Hammer and Timothee Chalamet give award winning performances in this heartbreakingly beautiful story of two American men who meet and fall for each other while visiting Italy.
The chemistry between Oliver (Hammer) and Elio (Chalamet) is exceptional.
-
A little too self-aware at times.
Rated R
2 hr. 12 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
The Shape of Water
☆☆☆☆☆
+
"The Shape of Water" is the captivating tale (directed by Guillermo del Toro) of Elisa (Sally Hawkins) a lonely single woman whose life is forever changed when she meets a special "being."
Look for an Academy Award nomination for Hawkins...who also deserves a nom for her performance in this year's summer film "Maudie."
-
Be ready for something off beat and unusual...but wonderful!
Rated R
2 hr. 3 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer!
+
"The Shape of Water" is the captivating tale (directed by Guillermo del Toro) of Elisa (Sally Hawkins) a lonely single woman whose life is forever changed when she meets a special "being."
Look for an Academy Award nomination for Hawkins...who also deserves a nom for her performance in this year's summer film "Maudie."
-
Be ready for something off beat and unusual...but wonderful!
Rated R
2 hr. 3 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer!
Disaster Artist
☆☆☆☆
+
James Franco gives an exceptional performance as filmmaker Tommy Wiseau...an eccentric man who moves to L.A. with his best friend Greg to make their mark in Hollywood. Wiseau ends-up making one of the most outrageous cult classics entitled "The Room."
Put this one on your list!
-
This is one of the most bizarre...yet intriguing...films of 2017.
Rated R
1 hr 43 min
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer!
+
James Franco gives an exceptional performance as filmmaker Tommy Wiseau...an eccentric man who moves to L.A. with his best friend Greg to make their mark in Hollywood. Wiseau ends-up making one of the most outrageous cult classics entitled "The Room."
Put this one on your list!
-
This is one of the most bizarre...yet intriguing...films of 2017.
Rated R
1 hr 43 min
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer!
Sunday, December 3, 2017
Loving Vincent
☆☆☆☆
+
"Loving Vincent" is the first entirely hand painted film. Over 65,000 frames were painted (with oils) by over 100 painters.
This film tells the story of Van Gogh's years as an artist and some of his key relationships.
Certainly worth the price of a ticket to see this unique animated film that is sure to be nominated for best animated feature.
-
The actual story wasn't all that interesting.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 35 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
"Loving Vincent" is the first entirely hand painted film. Over 65,000 frames were painted (with oils) by over 100 painters.
This film tells the story of Van Gogh's years as an artist and some of his key relationships.
Certainly worth the price of a ticket to see this unique animated film that is sure to be nominated for best animated feature.
-
The actual story wasn't all that interesting.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 35 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
A Bad Moms Christmas
☆☆☆
+
If you want to have some fun during the holidays, go see this movie. The all-star cast will make you laugh and get you into the holiday spirit!
-
Yes...it's silly...it's over-the-top, but it will add a little joy to the season.
Rated R
1 hr. 44 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
If you want to have some fun during the holidays, go see this movie. The all-star cast will make you laugh and get you into the holiday spirit!
-
Yes...it's silly...it's over-the-top, but it will add a little joy to the season.
Rated R
1 hr. 44 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Friday, November 24, 2017
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
"Three Billboards..." is a dark comedy staring Frances McDormand as a mother determined to find a killer by motivating the local police force in a unique way.
Top ten movie...so far in 2017.
-
McDormand's character was written as too extreme...too angry.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
"Three Billboards..." is a dark comedy staring Frances McDormand as a mother determined to find a killer by motivating the local police force in a unique way.
Top ten movie...so far in 2017.
-
McDormand's character was written as too extreme...too angry.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
Justice League
☆☆☆
+
In this action packed (and at times funny) story, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Batman, and the Flash join forces to defeat a new and powerful enemy.
Ezra Miller (Flash) delivers the fun.
-
Besides the Flash...not much new...not much different!
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
In this action packed (and at times funny) story, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Batman, and the Flash join forces to defeat a new and powerful enemy.
Ezra Miller (Flash) delivers the fun.
-
Besides the Flash...not much new...not much different!
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Lady Bird
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf give excellent performances as a teenage daughter and overworked mother struggling to find the love for each other...that is hidden deeply in their hearts.
_
The mother was written a little too angry.
Rated R
1 hr. 33 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf give excellent performances as a teenage daughter and overworked mother struggling to find the love for each other...that is hidden deeply in their hearts.
_
The mother was written a little too angry.
Rated R
1 hr. 33 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
The Florida Project
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Director Sean Baker (and writers Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch) create a very real and truly gripping (seen through the eyes of a six year old) story of transient families living in low cost hotels...just a short distance from Disneyland.
Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite give award winning performances as daughter (Moonee) and mother (Jancey).
-
At times it is almost too real.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
Director Sean Baker (and writers Sean Baker and Chris Bergoch) create a very real and truly gripping (seen through the eyes of a six year old) story of transient families living in low cost hotels...just a short distance from Disneyland.
Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite give award winning performances as daughter (Moonee) and mother (Jancey).
-
At times it is almost too real.
Rated R
1 hr. 55 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Murder on the Orient Express
☆☆☆
+
Kenneth Branagh directs an all-star cast...and gives a entertaining performance as Detective Hercule Poirot in this "who done it" remake.
-
The talented cast don't get to shine, and the story never really reaches a peak.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 54 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Kenneth Branagh directs an all-star cast...and gives a entertaining performance as Detective Hercule Poirot in this "who done it" remake.
-
The talented cast don't get to shine, and the story never really reaches a peak.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 54 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Wonderstruck
☆☆☆1/2
+
"Wonderstruck" (based on Brian Selznick's novel) is the intriguing story two children from different eras who set out to find family...and end-up having their lives intersect.
-
Plays like two separate movies with a questionable connection until the last 30 minutes...when it all comes together.
Rated PG
1 hr. 57 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
"Wonderstruck" (based on Brian Selznick's novel) is the intriguing story two children from different eras who set out to find family...and end-up having their lives intersect.
-
Plays like two separate movies with a questionable connection until the last 30 minutes...when it all comes together.
Rated PG
1 hr. 57 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Goodbye Christopher Robin
☆☆☆1/2
+
"Goodbye...Robin" tells the interesting story of how author A.A. Milne brought joy to the world (except for his son Christopher Robin) after WWI with his "Winnie the Pooh" books.
_
The way Christopher Robin was treated was wrong (unsure of how accurate it was)...and it gave the film an overall feeling of depression.
Domhnall Gleeson is a great actor, but he played this one too flat.
Rated PG
1 hr. 47 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
"Goodbye...Robin" tells the interesting story of how author A.A. Milne brought joy to the world (except for his son Christopher Robin) after WWI with his "Winnie the Pooh" books.
_
The way Christopher Robin was treated was wrong (unsure of how accurate it was)...and it gave the film an overall feeling of depression.
Domhnall Gleeson is a great actor, but he played this one too flat.
Rated PG
1 hr. 47 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
Battle of the Sexes
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
Steve Carell and Emma Stone give excellent performances as Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King in this engaging...and at times emotional and exciting...story of one of the greatest sporting events in history.
-
Many people know the outcome before entering the theater...but it's worth the trip.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 1 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Steve Carell and Emma Stone give excellent performances as Bobby Riggs and Billie Jean King in this engaging...and at times emotional and exciting...story of one of the greatest sporting events in history.
-
Many people know the outcome before entering the theater...but it's worth the trip.
Rated PG-13
2 hr. 1 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Victoria and Abdul
☆☆☆☆1/2
+
In this truly entertaining story (based on actual events) Queen Victoria befriends a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal)and invites him to live on the royal grounds as her teacher.
Judi Dench deserves attention for her bold and entertaining performance.
-
Some say we get to know much more about Victoria than Abdul...but it didn't seem to take away from the story. The viewer gets to know Abdul...and we genuinely care about him.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 52 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
In this truly entertaining story (based on actual events) Queen Victoria befriends a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal)and invites him to live on the royal grounds as her teacher.
Judi Dench deserves attention for her bold and entertaining performance.
-
Some say we get to know much more about Victoria than Abdul...but it didn't seem to take away from the story. The viewer gets to know Abdul...and we genuinely care about him.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 52 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Saturday, September 30, 2017
Brad's Status
☆☆1/2
+
Ben Stiller gives a solid performance as Brad Sloan...a father who starts to examine the successes in his own life (compared to those of his old friends) as he travels with his son to visit East Coast colleges.
-
Brad's disappointment and unhappiness overtakes and brings down the tone of the entire movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
+
Ben Stiller gives a solid performance as Brad Sloan...a father who starts to examine the successes in his own life (compared to those of his old friends) as he travels with his son to visit East Coast colleges.
-
Brad's disappointment and unhappiness overtakes and brings down the tone of the entire movie.
Rated R
1 hr. 41 min.
Visit the movie website and watch the trailer.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Logan Lucky
☆☆☆1/2
+
Directed by Steven Soderbergh...Channing Tatum and Adam Driver play two crazy brothers who attempt a fun and elaborate heist during a NASCAR race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
-
Some say it's a little too much like "Oceans 11."
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
+
Directed by Steven Soderbergh...Channing Tatum and Adam Driver play two crazy brothers who attempt a fun and elaborate heist during a NASCAR race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
-
Some say it's a little too much like "Oceans 11."
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 59 min.
Visit the official website and watch the trailer.
Thursday, September 21, 2017
Home Again
☆☆☆☆
+
Reese Witherspoon stars as Alice Kinney in this funny, heart-warming story of a mother who moves back to LA after separating from her husband. During Alice's 40th birthday party, she meets three young filmmakers who end-up staying in her guest house and becoming part of the family.
-
This one is worth seeing. Ignore any negative reviews.
Rating PG-13
2 hr.
Visit the official movie website and watch the trailer.
+
Reese Witherspoon stars as Alice Kinney in this funny, heart-warming story of a mother who moves back to LA after separating from her husband. During Alice's 40th birthday party, she meets three young filmmakers who end-up staying in her guest house and becoming part of the family.
-
This one is worth seeing. Ignore any negative reviews.
Rating PG-13
2 hr.
Visit the official movie website and watch the trailer.
Get Big
☆☆
+
Based on true events, "Get Big" tells the story of two high school friends getting back to together after graduation to attend a friend's wedding.
-
The movie selection has been somewhat bleak this season, and that may be how this film got into major theaters.
It's not a bad movie. It feels like a B movie...when considering the screenplay and acting.
Not Rated
1 hr. 26 min.
See the movie trailer.
+
Based on true events, "Get Big" tells the story of two high school friends getting back to together after graduation to attend a friend's wedding.
-
The movie selection has been somewhat bleak this season, and that may be how this film got into major theaters.
It's not a bad movie. It feels like a B movie...when considering the screenplay and acting.
Not Rated
1 hr. 26 min.
See the movie trailer.
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Kidnap
☆☆☆1/2
+
Halle Berry gives an outstanding performance (extra 1/2 ☆) as Karla...a single mom whose son is kidnapped during an outing to the park.
Berry plays "tough" better than most!
-
The movie needed to get off the freeway...and offer the audience more.
It was really just one very long car chase!
This is NOT one for the kids.
Rated R
1 hr. 22 min.
See the movie trailer here.
+
Halle Berry gives an outstanding performance (extra 1/2 ☆) as Karla...a single mom whose son is kidnapped during an outing to the park.
Berry plays "tough" better than most!
-
The movie needed to get off the freeway...and offer the audience more.
It was really just one very long car chase!
This is NOT one for the kids.
Rated R
1 hr. 22 min.
See the movie trailer here.
Dunkirk
☆☆☆
+
"Dunkirk" is the powerful World War II story of Allied troops leaving Dunkirk...trying to escape Nazi forces.
Incredible cinematography!
-
The screenplay lacked connection to the characters. Viewers need to have the opportunity to know the characters in any film.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 47 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
+
"Dunkirk" is the powerful World War II story of Allied troops leaving Dunkirk...trying to escape Nazi forces.
Incredible cinematography!
-
The screenplay lacked connection to the characters. Viewers need to have the opportunity to know the characters in any film.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 47 min.
Visit the official website and see the trailer.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
The Dark Tower
☆☆
+
Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" is a good (Last Gunslinger: Idris Elba and Jake: Tom Taylor) vs. evil (Man in Black: Matthew McConaughey) story where the good guys try to save the Dark Tower (which holds the universe together) from destruction.
-
An underwhelming screenplay that plays out as a uninteresting story.
The movie belongs to Tom Taylor...and for some reason child leads do not get the credit they deserve.
The stars are for Taylor and for Elba.
Not recommended for kids! It's just too dark.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 35 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
+
Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" is a good (Last Gunslinger: Idris Elba and Jake: Tom Taylor) vs. evil (Man in Black: Matthew McConaughey) story where the good guys try to save the Dark Tower (which holds the universe together) from destruction.
-
An underwhelming screenplay that plays out as a uninteresting story.
The movie belongs to Tom Taylor...and for some reason child leads do not get the credit they deserve.
The stars are for Taylor and for Elba.
Not recommended for kids! It's just too dark.
Rated PG-13
1 hr. 35 min.
Visit the movie website and see the trailer.
Girls Trip
☆☆☆☆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.
+
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.
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.
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