Category: Movies

A Dog’s Way Home

This film is based on another bestselling novel by the prolific W. Bruce Cameron.  It’s designed to pluck the heartstrings of animal lovers, in this case dogs and cats.

There are many stories behind the story.  For example, Shelby the star dog  character, was “discovered” in a Tennessee garbage dump.  Another surprise was the focus on Denver, Colorado’s pit bull ban, where three specific breeds of pit bulls are banned in the City and County of Denver.

That said, the film is “Bella’s” romp through a 400 mile journey to find her way home.  The film is a charming, child friendly adventure with a few adult trimmings to make the story come together.

The human cast includes Jonah Hauer-King as Bella’s owner, Ashley Judd as the mom, Alexandra Shipp as the girlfriend, Edward James Olmos as a homeless man, Wes Studi as the police chief.  Another dozen bit parts fill in the gaps.

The film is rated PG for thematic elements, some peril, and language.  It’s listed as a Drama with a run time of 97 minutes.

Rating: 

Cold War

This film has already been nominated for three 2019 Academy Awards for Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Cinematography.

It’s a love story that spans years.  It takes place in the Cold War of the 1950’s  Poland, Berlin, Yugoslavia and Paris.  It’s shot entirely in black and white.  Critics and apparently audiences are already declaring it “remarkable,” “magnificent” and “transcendent”.  It’s good, maybe even very good, but we’ll settle for passionate.

The mostly Polish cast includes a few French actors totaling over 40 actors.  The plot unfolds slowly, more of a smoldering slow burn if you will.  So slow at times some scenes seemingly take forever to unfold.

All said, it is a unique, refreshing throwback to film noir, and tells the tale rarely presented so well.  Critics and audiences loved this movie.  We thought it over hyped.

It is rated R for some sexual content, nudity and language.  We do not feel this film is suitable for younger children.  Its genre is listed as Drama, Music, Romance with a run time of 89 minutes.  Polish with English subtitles.

Rating: 

First Man

First…A BIG THANKS to a close friend who managed to get us a copy of this film long after it left the theaters.

It’s the latest film about NASA’s Apollo 11 mission to put a man on the moon between 1961 and 1969.  The film is based on the book by James R. Hansen.  It stars Ryan Gosling as Neil Armstrong.  It’s directed by Oscar winner Damien Chazelle.

The cast includes a brilliant Claire Foy as Janet Armstrong, Kyle Chandler as Deke Slayton, Corey Stoll as Buzz Aldrin, Pablo Schreiber as Jim Lovell and Jason Clarke as Ed White.  The film is nominated for five Oscars in technical categories.

Audiences and critics loved this film.  It reminds us how ground breaking and dangerous space travel was at the time.  It was truly a unique time in our history and it did, in fact, change the world as we know it today.

It is rated PG-13 for some thematic content involving peril and brief strong language.  Its genre is listed as Drama with a run time of 138 minutes.  If you missed it like we did, seek it out on pay per view or a long plane ride.  It’s worth the effort.

P.S.  We just noticed today that AMC re-released this film prior to the Oscars.

Rating: 

Glass

The release of Glass translates as the ending of M. Night Shyamalan’s triology that started with the 2000 release of Unbreakable, followed by Split in 2016.  All, in our humble opinion, are creepy, haunting movies about very disturbed characters played by several very talented actors like James McAvoy, Bruce Willis, Anya Taylor-Joy, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson and Spencer Treat Clark.

The critics have not been kind to this film.  Quite the contrary, the chorus of negative reviews far out weigh the positive.  We land somewhere in the middle.  Since the story is fodder from the comic books, we’ll err on the side of a low score.  That said, Mr. Shyamalan’s products have always been “out of the box” and this rendition follows suite accordingly.

The film is rated PG-13 for violence including some bloody images, thematic elements and language.  There are some very disturbing scenes.  We feel strongly this film is not appropriate for children.  The run time is 110 minutes.  We are actually pleased the trilogy is over.

Rating  

The Upside

We debated whether or not to see this film, but we are very happy we did.  It’s a story about a quadriplegic billionaire who needs an attendant for day-to-day assistance who hires a paroled ex-convict for the position.

The film is “inspired by a true story” but is based on a hit 2011 French comedy film The Untouchables.

It’s an interesting cast:  Bryan Cranston plays the wealthy Phil.  Kevin Hart plays the crusty ex con, Dell.  Nicole Kidman is Yvonne the tough personal assistant.  Julianna Margulies plays a close friend.  Aja Naomi King plays Dell’s wife.  Tate Donovan plays a wealthy neighbor.

The film is serious in just the right places and lighthearted where it should be.  It wanders off target now and then but always seems to find itself back to the important story line.

The film is rated PG-13 for suggestive content and drug use.  Parents be advised, there is additional content that may not be suitable for young children.

The film’s genre is noted as Comedy, Drama with a run time of  126 minutes.

Rating: 

Stan & Ollie

We are glad they made this film.  It’s an unusual perspective on the lifetime careers of Stanley Laurel and Oliver Hardy.  The film begins with the 1937 film set directed by Hal Roach at the peak of Laurel & Hardy’s career.

Fast forward twenty years where Stan & Ollie are touring England at less than premier venues, struggling to keep their performances rich and satisfying.  Humbled and frustrated they never give up.

John C. Reilly endured three hours of makeup every day to transform into Oliver Hardy.  Steve Coogan is perfect as Stan Laurel.  Shirley Henderson is superb as Lucielle Hardy and Nina Arianda is hilarious as Ida Kitaeva Laurel.

Ultimately there is some conflict between Stan & Ollie that transcends decades.  Old wounds and waning careers collide with health and friendship.

The film is rated PG for some language and for smoking.  It is listed as a Comedy, Drama with a run time of 97 minutes.

Rating: 

Destroyer

This film is exceptional but often difficult to watch.  It’s unique in many ways yet it seems familiar.  In some ways it’s a reminder my (Jim’s) childhood rearing in Southern California, the then brutal street gangs and underbelly of a city from LA to San Diego.

Nicole Kidman is amazing as she morphs into her unrecognizable character as an undercover LA cop. The core cast includes over twenty primary actors.  Representing the guys, mostly bad guys, all excellent, are Sabastian Stan, English actor Toby Kebbell, Scoot McNairy (gotta love the name), Bradley Whitford, Beau Knapp, Zack Villa and Canadian Shamier Anderson.

The story is gritty, often brutal.  It’s very intense with an abundance of conflict.  It’s dark with lots of bad people doing bad things. The film has been nominated for numerous acting awards.  It’s currently in wide release.

It’s rated R for language, violence, sexual content and brief drug use.  We are not recommending this film for children.  Its genre is listed as a Mystery/Suspense with a run time of 123 minutes.

Rating: 

Replicas

Oy!  Where to start…stop…explain?!  We viewed this film at one of the local theaters closest to our home strictly for convenience.  We had heard about it but didn’t really know much about it.  It was officially released in the US January 11, 2019.  It has not been well received by most critics.

It’s the story about a “synthetic biology” scientist, played by Keanu Reeves, whose family is lost in a tragic accident.  Desperate to save his family the scientist uses company assets to clone his family members.

The cast is pretty small.  In addition to Reeves, Alice Eve plays the wife.  Emjay Anthony plays Matt, the son.  Emily Alyn Lind is the daughter. John Ortiz is the Boss.  Thomas Middleditch plays the coworker.

Ultimately, this film fails on several fronts.  It fails as a sci-fi thriller.  Much of the story line is laughable but it’s not a comedy.  The film was sold after a private screening at the 2017 Toronto International film festival for $4 million.  The buyer spent $10.5 million dollars promoting the film.  Worldwide gross to date is only $6.2 million.

It is rated PG-13 for thematic material, violence, disturbing images, some nudity and sexual references with a run time of 107 minutes.  It is listed as Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  We do not feel it is suitable for children.

Rating  

The Aspern Papers

This film is based on the Henry James novella published in 1888.  The film follows the story about Morton Vint who traveled to Venice to find the papers of the dead romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern.

Enter Juliana Bordereau, an acquaintance of Aspern, brilliantly played by Vanessa Redgrave.  Her performance may be the primary reason to seek out this film currently in limited release.

Other notable performances include Jon Kortajarena as Jeffrey Aspern, Jonathan Rhys Meyers who stumbles badly as Morton Vint.  Joely Richardson is magnificent as Miss Tina.  (Note:  Ms. Richardson is Ms. Redgrave’s daughter.)

The movie is beautifully filmed and captures Venice at a glamorous time in history.  Unfortunately, the disconnects in the story, inconsistent performances and the occasional bizarre scenes keep this film from being cohesive.

It’s rated R for some sexuality/nudity.  Due to some provocative scenes with multiple adults, we do not suggest this film for children.  Its genre is listed as Drama with a run time of 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Rating  

Greetings!   We got back from London Wednesday evening after a painfully long 11-1/2 hour flight.  There were at least a dozen other international flights in the process of clearing passport control and immigration when we arrived in San Francisco.  Thank goodness for Global Entry!  It is worth every penny if you travel outside the country often.

Scan your passport at any Global Entry kiosk, answer a few questions electronically, push a button for your pass, show it to an immigration officer (even ahead of flight crews!) and off you go.  That’s it!

Now…off to the movies!  In London we were a bit surprised with the slim pickings for films we had not already seen.  Nonetheless, sleuth John managed to find two, both in very limited release apparently due to the awards season.  Nonetheless, we found both worthy of a look.  Let us know what you think if you are able to see these.

Cheers! J&J

They Shall Not Grow Old

This incredible Documentary by the acclaimed Director Peter Jackson was a collaboration between the Director and London’s Imperial War Museum.  The film used 100 hours of actual WWI footage, much of it damaged or in poor condition.

Nonetheless, the result is a magic carpet ride into the past.  Be warned, this feels like a real flashback.  The unbelievable conditions, the raw reality of warfare at the time and the incredible conditions that characterized the era are stunning and heartbreaking.

This film is nominated as Best Documentary in the upcoming BAFTA Awards.  If you are a history buff or student of WWI you may still view this film at limited venues.  Check FATHOM EVENTS.COM for information about Pay for View locations.

Parents should be cautioned.  There are numerous lifeless corpses in various states of decay and disfigurement.  The narrative parallels the horrific images.

US markets have rated this film R.  It is listed as a History/War Documentary running 1 hour, 39 minutes.

Rating: 

The Old Man & The Gun

If Clint Eastwood can be a drug runner at his age, why can’t Robert Redford be a bank robber?  In this film there is a lot less angst and a lot more admiration for the character Redford portrays.  The story is a biography of bank robberies spanning decades.  It is based on Forrest Tucker, a real bank robber, and a San Quentin escapee.

The cast is impressive.  Robert Redford is the headliner, Forrest Tucker.  Sissy Spacek plays the love interest.  Casey Affleck, Keith Carradine, Elisabeth Moss, Danny Glover and Gene Jones along with a dozen more actors round out the cast.

The film is rated PG-13 for brief strong language.  It is listed as a drama with a run time of 1 hour, 34 minutes.

Rating: 

Escape Room

This was our first film after our return from London this week.  We were so glad this was still in the theaters.

Six strangers show up as contestants to participate in an “escape room” contest only to discover it’s way more than they bargained for.  It’s a test of survival in several different environments designed like a game but with only one way out.  Pick the wrong path…

It’s an interesting and intriguing twist.  The acting is pretty good featuring Canadian Taylor Russell, Adam Robitel, Debra Ann Woll, Logan Miller, Jay Ellis, Nik Dodani, Dutch actor Yorick van Wageninggen and Jessica Sutton.

All in all, an interesting concept that keeps your attention with some thought provoking twists.  It’s not ground breaking but it skillfully negotiates its subject matter.

It is rated PG-13 for terror/perilous action, violence, language and some suggestive material.  We do not recommend this film for children.  The genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Horror, Mystery/Drama & Suspense.  Reviews have been mixed.  The run time is 1 hour, 39 minutes.

Rating: 

HAPPY NEW YEAR greetings to all!  We send our best wishes to you for a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!!

Please see the odd mix of films and their reviews below.  We are unable to explain the logic other than it appears to be a ‘free for all’ as the year comes to an end.  These four films each have quirky distribution and release dates.  They may not be available in some markets at all.  If by chance you have seen any of these, we would love to hear your comments.

Special note:  This was a record breaking movie count for us this year, 228 films in theaters!  It will be an interesting year ahead as companies like Movie Pass struggle to survive and AMC’s A List grows and streaming sources continue to carve out their chunk of the audiences.

J&J

Mirai

This complicated and sometimes confusing Japanese animated feature film by Director Mamoru Hosoda tells the story about a young boy struggling to find his place in his family when his baby sister joins the household.

It’s quite creative and insightful.  There is a magic garden, time travel, many adventures and a few spooky encounters.  There are a few dark scenes that seem to represent frustration and despair but these are balanced with many uplifting moments of discovery and joy.

The entire film is dubbed in English which makes it easy to watch (rather than reading subtitles).  It is rated PG for thematic elements including some scary images.  It may not be suitable for young children.  In fact, there were no children in the theater where we viewed the film.

The genre is listed as Animation, Anime & Manga, Art House & International, Kids & Family with a run time of 98 minutes.

Rating: 

Vice

This is an unusual film about former Vice President Dick Cheney and his role as Vice President to President George W. Bush and the 2000 presidential election.  There is nothing new or surprising from a historical perspective except for the “how” things occurred rather than “what” occurred.

The acting is excellent with an all star cast.  Christian Bale transforms into Dick Cheney.   Sam Rockwell captures George W. Bush.  Steve Carell becomes Donald Rumsfeld.  Amy Adams is brilliant as Lynne Cheney.  Justin Kirk is Scooter Libby.  LisaGay Hamilton is perfect as Condoleeza Rice.  There are dozens more including bit parts for Eddie Marsan, Naomi Watts, Alfred Molina and Jeff Bosley.

The film is rated R for language and some violent images.  We do not think this film is appropriate for children.  It is listed as a drama with a run time of 132 minutes.

Rating: 

If Beale Street Could Talk

This powerful film is set in 1972 Harlem.  It is based on the novel by the same name.  It is stunning movie making.  It’s a testimony to an African American couple’s unbreakable bond with each other in a racially biased world.

The acting is exceptional.  KiKi Layne is the wife, Stephan James is the husband.  Regina King is the mom.  Colman Dominggo is the father.  Ed Skrein is the bad cop.  Dave Franco plays the real estate agent.

The film is expertly crafted, brimming with social commentary and a sensory script.  It is sometimes painful to watch but there are also moments filled with love and compassion.

It’s rated R for language and some sexual content.  It’s not suitable for young children.  It’s already nominated for three Golden Globes.  There’s undoubtedly more accolades to come.  It’s genre is Drama, Romance with a run time of 117 minutes.

Rating 

Second Act

This ‘feel good’ movie works mostly because of the believable characters offered to the audience.  It’s the story of an undervalued assistant store manager, Jennifer Lopez, who manages to maneuver her way into a high profile Management job while juggling friends, family and a boyfriend.  It asks a lot from the audience.

That said, the cast comes together just enough to pull it off.  Milo Ventimiglia plays the boyfriend.  Vannessa Hudgens is the daughter.  There is a mix of friends and coworkers rounding out the core characters.

It is rated PG-13 for some crude sexual references and language.  It’s listed as a Comedy, Romance.  We feel it is suitable for mature children.  The run time is 103 minutes.

Rating 

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

This just released rendition of Spider-Man takes place in a computer generated “multiverse” where seemingly all the spider-people/cartoons exist in alternate universes.  Apparently there was/has been swarms of radioactive spiders floating around the spheres infecting cartoon characters en mass.

The good news is the approach is engaging, unique, thought provoking and, well, just a lighthearted ride through the eyes of those talented animators.  It has a good cast of characters:  Shamik Moor as Miles Morales, Jake Johnson and Nicolas Cage as Spider-Man, John Mulaney as Spider-Ham, Hailee Steinfeld as Spider-Woman.  Mahershala Ali as Uncle Aaron.  Liev Schrieber, Lily Tomlin, Chris Pine, Zoe Kravitz and a dozen more round out the voice actors.

It is rated PG for frenetic animated sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements and mild language.  Parents with young children should be aware there is large scale destruction, frequent peril, lots of suspense, questionable language (crap, hell, dang, dumb…) but it is balanced with friendship, teamwork and such.

It’s listed as Action & Adventure, Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  The run time is 100 minutes.

Rating: 

On the Basis of Sex

The much anticipated release of “On the Basis of Sex” is the story about the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the Supreme Court Justice, dating back to a 1970’s case about tax deduction and forward to her appointment to the Supreme Court in 1993.  Judge Ginsburg this year celebrates 25 years on the Supreme Court.

True: Ginsburg attended classes for her husband when he was sick.

True: Husband Marty gave her the Moritz v. Commissioner Case.

False: Jane, their daughter, worked with Ginsburg growing up.

False: Women’s Rights Activist Dorothy Kenyon helped Gisnburg gain backing from the ALCU.

The acting makes the story believable.  Felicity Jones plays Ginsburg  as wife and mother.  Armie Hammer plays her husband Martin. Cailee Spaeny plays the daughter.  Justin Theroux, Kathy Bates and Sam Waterson give solid performances.  Another 60 plus actors fill in the rest of the cast.

The film is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive content.  It is listed as a Drama with a run time of 120 minutes.  It is a must see for history and current event buffs.

Rating: 

Welcome to Marwen

This is a unique film made interesting because it is based on a documentary about a man with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome after being beaten nearly to death.

The cast is compact.  Steve Carell does a good job as the victim, Mark Hogancamp.  Leslie Mann is the neighbor.  Merritt Wever works at the local hobby shop.  Janelle Monae is a friend from rehab.  Eiza Gonzalez is a friend at the bar where Mark works part-time.  Another dozen actors round out the cast.

Audience response has been mixed.  That’s a shame because it is ultimately about a hate crime, the collateral damage it caused, and the life long impact it had.  That said, the story danced around several topics without explanation.

It is rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence, disturbing images, brief suggestive content, thematic material and language.  We do not recommend this film for children due to violence and subject matter.  It is listed a drama running 116 minutes.

Rating  

We wish everyone a wonderful Christmas/Holiday Season.  It has been an incredible year of incredible travel.  We are especially grateful for our friends and family throughout the States and around the world.  Each of you have a special place in our hearts.  Thank you for the love and friendship.  J&J

It’s bonus week.  We plan to squeeze in as many films as possible before New Year’s along with reviews so we can feel comfortable before our New Year’s visit to London.

Capernaum

Here is another “just released” film, this one about the slums of Beirut, Lebanon.  This is a gut wrenching story about a 12 year old boy who runs away from his abusive parents only to find himself caring for a two year old Ethiopian child abandoned by his mother.

Be warned, this film is extremely difficult to watch.  The scenes of human trafficking, injustice, child abuse, hunger and suffering are quite difficult to view.  So why pay to see such a film?  Because this is as real as it gets.  The film is more documentary than drama.

The film is rated R for language and some drug material.  Its genre is noted as a drama.  It is written and directed by Nadine Labaki.  It is nominated for Cannes awards in five categories and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.  The run time is 2 hours, 30 minutes.  Arabic and Ethiopian with English subtitles.

Footnote:  Capernaum in French means chaos, hell, disorder.

Rating  

Aquaman

Who knew?!  This weekend’s box office take debuted at #1 with over $72 million ($500 million world wide).  That’s good news for the most recent release of DC Comic’s Aquaman.

First the setting:  (It gets complicated so bear with us…)  First, the City/State of Atlantis still exists.  Their rulers have had enough of the surface dwellers, (that would be us) and decided to conquer the surface world to reclaim control of earth.  (Is the stewardship of Mother Earth being heard here?!…).

It’s a great cast:  Jason Momoa is perfect as Aquaman and heir to Atlantis. Amber Heard is equally great as Mera.  Patrick Wilson is also excellent as Ocean Master.  Nicole Kidman is very good as the key character Atlanna.  Other notable performances include Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the Black Manta, Willem Dafoe, Dolph Lundgren, along with another dozen actors like Julie Andews and real-life Aquaman Hawaiian actor Kekoa Kekumano.

Overall, it is hard to ignore the social and environmental overtones.  It is rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action and some language.  The genre is noted as Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy and a run time of 143 minutes.

Honestly…overall we were disappointed.  That said, the film deserves merit for family, environmental subtopics and fantastic visual affects.

Rating: 

Bumblebee

Finally a Transformers movie with a heart warming theme, nice special effects, just the right mix of humor and action.  This is sure to gain favor with families even with its production flaws.  Some of the military scenes might have been recycled from the cutting room floor.

There is a massive cast of well over 50 actors.  We are not sure why the focus was mostly on Hailee Steinfeld as Tomboy Charlie, Jorge Le Lendeborg Jr. as Memo, John Cena as Agent Burns and Jason Drucker as Otis.

The film is rated PG-13 for sequences of Sci-fi action and violence.  It’s listed as an Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  The run time is 114 minutes.

We found it a fun diversion from real world issues if only for an hour or two.  That said, we cannot figure out the reason for the Christmas release.

Rating: 

Anna and the Apocalypse

The full title is…Anna and the Apocalypse:  The Scottish Zombie Christmas High School Musical.  The good news is this film and its actors do not take this seriously.  It’s just the right mix of silly and tacky with irreverent and bombastic.  The longer we watched the more entertaining it became.  By the end of the movie it was okay to laugh.  In fact, it’s a hoot!

The cast is quite talented for the most part.  Ben Wiggins, Calum Cormack, Christopher Leveaux, Ella Hunt, Ella Jarvis, Malcolm Cumming, Mark Benton, Marli Siu, Paul Kaye and Sarah Swire.

This film attracted huge audiences in Great Britain.  It is based on a short film by the writer-director Ryan McHenry who died of bone cancer at the age of 27.  He was not able to complete his film.

It is rated R for zombie violence and gore, language and some sexual material.  Its genre is listed as Comedy, Horror, Musical & Performing Arts.  It is not appropriate for younger children.  The run time is 92 minutes.

Rating: 

Bathtubs Over Broadway

Here is a rare and unique movie genre:  Industrial Musicals (sometimes called Corporate Musicals).  These were largely corporate productions for Training, Promoting, introducing new product and motivating employees during the last half of the last century.

This film is the concept of Steve Young, a writer for late night television shows like David Letterman.  What he discovered was the quirky, corporate propaganda productions of the 1950’s through the 1980’s that attracted top talent of its time.  Some of the companies funding these productions included General Electric, McDonald’s, Ford, DuPont, Xerox and dozens more.

This documentary slowly reveals the complex sophistication of the productions along with their “unintentional entertainment value”.

The cast includes cameo appearances from David Letterman, Martin Short, Florence Henderson, Jello Biafra, Chita Rivera, Susan Stroman, Sheldon Harnack, Steve Young and Don Dolles.

The film is rated PG-13 for brief language.  It’s listed as a Comedy, Documentary with a run time of 87 minutes.

Footnote:  Walmart (and a handful of other companies) still use this genre internally today.

Rating 

Mary Poppins Returns

Well…It was just a matter of time!  The just released Mary Poppins Returns picks up a few decades later when Michael Banks (married and now the father of two) finds himself about to lose his house to foreclosure by the big bad bank where he works.

When out of the blue…Mary Poppins, now played brilliantly by Emily Blunt, floats down on an umbrella and becomes the Nanny to the family of two children…

Let’s fast forward a bit.  The production is the perfect balance between everything you expect from an updated Mary Poppins.  State of the art special effects, an updated cinematography, new and fresh song and dance routines.  A few major plot twists for good measure.

The cast has a few surprises as well.  Dick Van Dyke has a stunning bit part.  Angela Lansbury does too.  Meryl Streep is magnificent as Cousin Topsy.  Ben Whishaw and Emily Mortimer play the parents.  Colin Firth is the CEO of the bank.  Julie Walters was great as the housekeeper.

The film is rated PG with some mild thematic elements and brief action.  The genre is described as Kids & Family, Musical & Performing Arts, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  The film was skillfully directed by Rob Marshall with a run time of 130 minutes.  Walt Disney Pictures creates a new instant classic all over again.

Rating  

The Mule

First, some facts.  This film is Clint Eastwood’s 40th film as a director and he is also the lead actor in the movie.  His resume includes acting in more than 60 movies.  He is 88 years old.

In The Mule, Eastwood plays an aging down and out horticulturist who is also a drug runner.  Alison Eastwood plays the daughter.  Bradley Cooper is the DEA agent.  Dianne Wiest plays the ex-wife.  Micheal Pena plays another DEA agent.  Laurence Fishburne plays yet another DEA “special” agent.

There is a another list of actors playing the bad guys really well, including Robert LaSardo, Andy Garcia, Noel Gugliemi, Manny Montana, Ignacio Serricchio, Loren Dean, Eugene Cordero and Victor Rasuk.

It is rated R for language throughout and brief sexual nudity.  The genre is Drama, Mystery & Suspense.  Mostly, it is Eastwood playing Eastwood.  If you are a fan of his work, you are likely to like this one too.

Rating: 

The Quake

This film is a sequel to the 2015 Norwegian disaster film The Wave.  (Well worth seeing if you have not seen it.)

In this edition, Oslo is the target of a massive earthquake.  A geologist played by Kristoffer Joner finds evidence of an immanent quake and tries to warn authorities and loved ones.

The cast is quite compact.  Along with Joner, Ane Dahl Torp plays the wife.  Jonas Hoff Oftebro plays the son, Edith Haagenrud-Sande is excellent as the young daughter.  (All played in The Wave.)

Fact check:  Oslo was hit by a 5.4 earthquake in 1904.  The epicenter runs directly through the center of Oslo (quite similar to the faults in California).

All said, if you are a fan of natural disaster films, this is well done.  Lots of suspense, tension and angst.

It is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of peril and destruction, injury images and brief strong language.  The genre is listed as Action & Adventure, Drama, Mystery & Suspense.  It runs 106 minutes.  Norwegian with English subtitles.

Rating:  

Mary Queen of Scots

This is the story of Mary Stuart, the Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18.  She returns to her native Scotland and reclaims her throne.  It’s strong points include drama and grandeur, generally accurate account of historical events, and a fascinating peek behind the curtains of history that most of us know little about.

The cast is impressive.  Saoirse Ronan plays Mary Stuart brilliantly.  Margot Robbie morphs into Queen Elizabeth.  Joe Alwyn is perfect as Robert Dudley.  Jack Lowden plays Lord Darnley.  Guy Pearce has a very good bit part.  There are a bunch of Earls, Lords and such.  Over 100 actors in total.

Overall, the film seems generally accurate with history along with a fair amount of creative liberty.  The cinematography is beautiful.

It is rated R for some violence and sexuality.  We do not feel it is appropriate for children.  It is listed as a Drama with a run time of 112 minutes.

Lots of chatter for the upcoming awards season, especially in the acting categories.

Rating: 

The Favourite

Where to begin.  First, the facts.  Queen Anne became Queen in 1707.  She ruled for only 12 years.  She suffered from illness most of her life.  She also was pregnant 17 times with 12 miscarriages, four died in their early years.  One son died at the age 11.  The Queen was married to Prince George of Denmark.  He died in 1708.  The Queen died at the age of 49 in 1714.

The Queen and her cousin Sarah Churchill were close childhood friends.  The Queen made Sarah and her husband John Churchill Duke and Duchess of Marlborough along with other titles and benefits.  Sarah’s younger cousin, Abigail, became close as adults and hence the connection to the Queen.

Enough history…back to the film.  The cast is relatively small given the expansive and elaborate sets and attention to detail.  Emma Stone is perfect as Abigail.  Rachel Weisz is exceptional as Sarah Churchill.  Olivia Colman is brilliant as Queen Anne.  The male actors include James Smith as Godolphin, Nicolas Hoult as Robert Harley, Joe Alwyn as Masham and James Melville as the footman.

All that said, we came away from the viewing disappointed.  Cynical comes to mind.  Vulgar, tragic, outrageous and sometimes absurd also occur in heavy doses.  That said, critics love this film in huge numbers.

It is rated R for strong content, nudity and language.  It is listed as a Drama/Comedy with a run time of 2 hours.  It will be nominated for several awards.

We would love to hear your thoughts if you see this one.

Rating  

Bird Box

This Netflix film was just released (the published release date was/is December 21).  It’s an interesting premise, reflective of the The Quiet Place except this danger responds to vision instead of sound.

This family unit consists of Sandra Bullock as an awesome mom, Sarah Paulson plays her sister.  John Malkovich plays the neighbor.  Machine Gun Kelly plays a neighbor.  Daniel Macdonald plays the victim mother/daughter duo.  It was nice to see Jacki Weaver in a bit part.  Trevante Rhodes is excellent as the compassionate hero under extreme pressure.

The good news is the film is well done, beautifully crafted, terrifying at times but never giving up under insurmountable conditions.

It’s rated R for violence, bloody images, language and brief sexuality.  It is not suitable for younger audiences.  It is listed as a Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  The run time is 117 minutes.

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Ben is Back

Ben is Back is the story of a son addicted to drugs who unexpectedly returns from a treatment center on Christmas Eve only to find his family is still struggling with the aftermath of his addiction.

Ben’s mom is delighted, his sister is dubious, his step father is upset and the younger children are confused.  And soon the family dog disappears.

The cast and performances are believable.  Lucas Hedges is great as the son Ben Burns.  Julia Roberts gives a stunning performance as the mom.  Kathryn Newton is perfect as the sister.  Courtney Bernard Vance is perfect as the step father.  Another dozen actors fill in the bit parts.

The tension is appropriate.  The tone is tight and intense.  The angst is palatable.  The suspense becomes part of nearly every scene.  The plot is gripping with very few moments of relief.

This film is rated R for language throughout and some drug use.  It is listed as a Drama.  It was written and directed by Peter Hedges, father to the actor Lucas Hedges.  It’s run time is 103 minutes.

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