Movies: Shazam, Slut in a Good Way, Amazing Grace

Hello all.  Tomorrow we are off to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for a week with family.  There probably won’t be any posts until we get back.  Happy Easter to all!

J&J

Shazam

Shazam is the 7th installment by the DC “Extended Universe”.  In this film the comic book character Shazam, formerly known as Captian Marvel, is now a 14 year old orphan Billy Batson who has fun exploring his new powers, albeit in a charming child like way.

Before long the bad guy, Dr. Thaddeus Sivana, turns to ancient powers with a goal to steal Shazam’s powers for himself.

Overall, the acting is adequate with the film one part comedy, one part fantasy, sometimes dark, sometimes down right goofy.

It’s rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language and suggestive material.  This film is suitable for older children. It’s listed as Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy with a run time of 130 minutes.

Rating

Slut in a Good Way

First, we hate the title.  It’s a lousy way to attract attention and creates a crummy image for this coming of age film from Quebec, Canada.  It’s entirely in French with English subtitles.  This can be a bit of a challenge as all of the dialog is in rapid French so the subtitles fly just as fast.  Don’t let that deter you.  This movie is charming, relevant with a soft landing.

Having grown up with two older sisters and scads of nieces (and nephews), this film was a reminder of the trials and tribulations that generations of youngsters encounter during those phases in life.

One highlight repeats a few times in the film.  It’s Maria Callas belting out short segments of  Bizet’s Carmen Habanera.  Also unique, there are almost no adults in the film.

Another interesting aspect of the plot is the spin on the Greek play Lysistrata, where the women refuse to sleep with the men as a protest and level the playing field.

The film is rate R for sexual content, drug use, drinking, and language – all involving teens.  The genre is noted as Comedy with a run time of 92 minutes.  It’s not suitable for young children.

Rating

Amazing Grace

This documentary was created from concert footage at two of Ms. Franklin’s 1972 performances at the New Temple Baptist Church in Los Angeles.  As long time fans of Ms. Franklin it was required viewing.  We were not disappointed.

It’s quite remarkable actually.  Buried for decades the footage was shot on 16mm film.  It’s not today’s quality film making but it is a fascinating peek at Gospel music and a black Gospel perspective of worship and admiration.

Our research suggests Aretha herself blocked the release of this film for decades ‘not worthy’ for public release apparently because of technical snafus and such (many obvious in this rendition).  This film was only released after Ms. Franklin’s death last year.

It’s currently in limited release with an 87 minute run time.  The film is not rated.  If you are a fan, seek it out.

Rating

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