Movies: Ferdinand, All the Money in the World, The Greatest Showman

Good Morning to all on this last day of 2017.  We are  enjoying the joy and laughter that comes from spending those special times with family.

We send our best wishes to you, our extended family, for the coming year.  It was so great to hear from so many of you this holiday season.  We send hopes for good health and happiness to you and all those important to you.

This will be our last movie post this year.  We racked up a new record 188 movies this year.  We will squeeze in as many more as possible to be ready for the Oscars.

Best wishes,

J&J

Ferdiand

This kid/family friendly animated film is sure to attract audiences.  It is unique, funny, charming and clever.  It is a story about a big Bull with a big heart and a big surprise ending. It was filmed in 3D (we saw it in 2D.) by Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox.  It is based on the children’s book by Munro Leaf.

A cast of 18 actors make up the characters.  John Cena is the most notable character.  Kate McKinnon, Daveed Diggs, Peyton Manning, Miguel Angel Silvestre and Boris Kodjoe are the other memorable characters.

It is rated PG (there is some rude humor, action and thematic elements).  Nonetheless, it is quite suitable for children.  The genre is noted as a Fantasy/Adventure running 1 hour, 48 minutes.

Rating 

All the Money in the World

This film is based on true events and the book by Chris Clark about the kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, grandson of billionaire John Paul Getty, then the richest man in the world.

Directed by Ridley Scott, this story has intrigue and suspense.  It is fast paced with solid acting.

The cast is highlighted by Charlie Plummer as the kidnapped Getty Grandson (no relationship to Christopher Plummer).  An outstanding performance by Christopher Plummer (as a stand in for Kevin Spacey…see news articles for details).  Both Mark Wahlberg as body guard and Michelle Williams as the Mom deliver believable roles.  There are some great bad guys, Italian actors, notably Nicolas Vaporidis, Andrea Peidmonte and Gulielmo Favilla.

It is rated R for language, violence, drug content and disturbing images.  Parents should use caution before allowing children to see this movie.

The film is listed as a Drama/Mystery with a running time of 2 hours, 12 minutes.

Rating 

 

The Greatest Showman

Every once in a while a film leaps from good to instant classic.  This one, based on true events, takes some liberty with the history of P. T. Barnum who was considered one of the greatest showman of his era.

This is amazing, inspiring and inspirational all at the same time.  The cast is exceptional, led by the versatile Hugh Jackman.  Zac Efron delivers one of his best performances to date.  Disney protege Zendaya plays a love interest.  Michele Williams shines as the wife.  Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson is exceptional as the opera diva.  Keala Settle is off the charts as the Bearded Lady.

The movie is already nominated for three major Golden Globe awards.  Audiences love this film but many critics were tepid.  It earns highest marks from us.

It is rated PG and is suitable for most children.  The genre is noted as Drama, Musical & Performing Arts.  Run time is 105 minutes.

Rating