Category: Movies

Divide and Conquer: The Story of Roger Ailes

In these insane days of national politics, this just released documentary film exposes the rise and fall of Republican Party booster Roger Ailes and his management of the Fox News organization.

Be warned depending on your political perspective, this film about unchecked power and ambition may be quite difficult to watch and absorb.  The facts speak for themselves and they are cringe worthy.

The film chronicles Ailes history from Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush to Trump and exposes the underbelly of politics of sexual misconduct at Fox News in 2016.  There is a lot to absorb, much of it revolting, disgusting and ultimately disturbing.

The film is not rated.  It is listed as a Documentary with a run time of 107 minutes.

Rating:  

Vox Lux

This is an exceptional late release film with a timely, relevant message about pop culture and its place in the this century.  It begins in 1999 but takes a fast track forward to 2017.  That makes parts of the story a bit of a challenge for the viewer.

The cast is A-List:  Natalie Portman is amazing as Celeste.  Raffey Cassidy plays two roles, one a young Celeste and later her daughter Albertine.  Judy Law is the band manager, Willem Dafoe is the voice of the narrator and Jennifer Ehle plays the publicist.  Another 50 actors round out the cast.

The story spans a number of topics, including stardom, tragedy, loss of innocence, celebrity and fame.  It’s rated R for language, some strong violence and drug content.  It is not suitable for younger children.  The run time is 112 minutes.

We predict several award nominations from one or more award venues.

Rating:  

Free Solo

We did not know what “Free Solo” was when we first heard about this film by National Geographic Documentary Films.  It’s the story about rock climber Alex Honnold and the first solo climb of Yosemite National Parks’s El Capitan’s  3,000 foot vertical face.  ‘First solo’ means no ropes or equipment, just pure physical skills.

It is filmed by the award winning filmmaker E. Chai Vasarhelyi and the world renowned photographer Jimmy Chin.  The scenes of the mountain from the base up or the top down are breathtaking, stunning and mind numbing at the same time.

The cast is tiny.  Alex Honnold is the focus of the film.  Sanni Candless is his girlfriend.  Jimmy Chin is the photographer and Tommy Caldwell is a fellow climber.

While the location is stunning, it’s the pure energy, skills and experience of Alex that makes this feat possible.  The result is a jaw dropping, nerve shattering movie going experience.

Do not miss this ground breaking film.  It is sure to be nominated for numerous awards.

It is rated PG-13 for brief strong language.  It’s genre is Documentary with a run time of 1 hour, 40 minutes.

Rating  

At Eternity’s Gate

Here is a film that attempts to explain the thinking of Vincent Van Gogh in his tormented years near the end of his life.  It is mostly set in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, France where Van Gogh painted 75 paintings in his last 80 days of life.  Many are regarded as some of the his best work.

The cast is splendid.  In addition to Willem Dafoe (who was just nominated for Best Actor by the Golden Globes) as Vincent van Gogh, Rupert Friend plays his brother Theo.  Oscar Isaac plays Paul Gauguin, Mads Mikkelsen plays the priest, and Mathieu Amalric plays the doctor.  More than two dozen cast members fill in the various characters.

Critics and audiences liked this production.  From our perspective, it is an interesting look at a mad genius painter at his most creative, the inner forces that tormented him and a peek at a place in time we rarely see in today’s cinema.  The cinematography is stunning.

It is rated R for some thematic content.  It’s listed as a Drama with a run time of 111 minutes.  We do not feel it is suitable for children.  It is Directed by Academy Award nominee Julien Schnabel.  English and French with English subtitles.

Rating 

The Shoplifters

This is a unique film directed by Hirokazu Koreeda about a Japanese family that…well isn’t, at least biologically.  Add to the mix they steal just about anything they need; food, household goods, personal hygiene products or whatever else they need to live like normal people.

It’s unnerving at first, it feels wrong.  It is wrong.  Collectively the ‘family’ goes about its daily business as though this is the norm for all of society.

The all Japanese cast fit well together.  Each actor is comfortable in their character’s skin.  The performances of the children was exceptional.  It’s a bit odd because the concept is so not Japanese, yet it works as a whole.

It’s surprisingly rated R for some sexual content and nudity.  It is probably okay for mature children although it may require some conversation.  It is listed as  Art House & International, Drama with a run time of two hours, one minute.  Japanese with English subtitles.

It was just nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Foreign Film category.

Rating 

Roma

This is an extraordinary film about a year in the life of a middle class family in Mexico City set in the 1970’s.  The husband is a physician whose work requires extended time away from the family.  The wife is a biochemist working full time.  They have four children in grammar school and two young housekeepers to help keep the household running.

It is a semi-autobiographical story about the childhood of Director Alfonso Cuaron.  The story drifts from character to character, their challenges and failures.

The core cast is perfect.  Yalitza Aparicio plays Cleo, the main housekeeper.  Marina de Tavira plays the mom.  Nancy Garcia Garcia plays Adela, another housekeeper.  Veronica Garcia plays the grandmother.  Jorge Antonio Guerrero plays the boyfriend/father.  Another 21 characters fill in the rest of the cast.

This film is rated R for graphic nudity, some disturbing images and language.  We do not recommend this film for children.  It is listed as a Drama with a run time of 135 minutes.  It is filmed entirely in black and white and in Spanish with English subtitles.  It is surely destined for a prolific awards season, including its recent Golden Globe nominations for Best Foreign Film, Director and Screenplay.

Rating 

Instant Family

This film sheds light on the complex topic of foster parenting and adoption.  It’s less than perfect but it also shares some insight into a system that both works and fails at the same time.

The cast includes Mark Wahlberg as the adopting dad, Rose Byrne as the adopting mom.  Isabela Moner as Lizzy the oldest adopted.  Gustavo Quiroz as the younger brother.  Julianna Gamiz as the little sister.  Rounding out the key characters are Octavia Spencer and Tig Notaro playing adoption/foster children advocates.

It is sometimes funny, other times a bit shocking, often chaotic, occasionally annoying but ultimately worth a watch.

It is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, sexual material, language, and some drug references.  It is listed as Comedy/Drama with a run time of 117 minutes.

Rating:  

The Possession of Hannah Grace

This movie takes us back to our college days when we both worked for hospitals and saw plenty of gruesome stuff.  This film, however, takes those memories to a different level.

First, it is set almost entirely in a dark, seemingly empty Boston hospital when a cadaver is delivered to the hospital’s morgue.  Strange and weird things slowly begin to occur overnight…

The cast is quite small, a couple of nurses, a couple of cops, one doctor, a zombie or two, the cast is about 14 in all.  That said, as scary movies go, this was pretty effective.  Creepy, unique, occasionally terrifying, you get the idea.

The truth is…this was the only new film playing anywhere in the greater Milwaukee area we had not already seen.

It is rated R for gruesome images and terror throughout.  It is listed as a Horror, Mystery & Suspense with a run time of 1 hour, 25 minutes.  It is NOT appropriate for children.  It would not surprise us if it becomes a cult classic sometime in the future.

Rating: 

Tuesday we return home to San Francisco.

Robin Hood

This interesting film was recently released to broad audiences.  Interesting because it blends centuries of history, a lot of British folklore, and even more creative liberty in the telling of a classic tale.

That said, there is really very little historical authenticity at all in the production.  There is, however, a playful approach filled with lots of tongue in cheek humor, excessive liberty of the period in time and history.

The acting was designed to draw a more youthful audience.  Good looking young men and women interacting, laughing and partying much like current times.  Just the right amount of slapstick humor, just enough period sets to suggest another place and time.

The cast includes the Welsh actor Targon Egerton as Robin.  Irish actor Eve Hewson plays Lady Marian.  Jamie Foxx plays a great Petit Jean.  Australian Ben Mendelsohn plays the Sheriff.  There are several other bit part roles including a cameo by F. Murray Abraham.

All that said, it was a fun film.  It did not take itself seriously.  It had just the right mix of humor, irony, action and romance.

It is rated as PG-13 for extended sequences of violence, action and some suggestive references.  About half the audience in our viewing were children.  The genre is Action & Adventure, Drama.  The run time is 116 minutes.

Rating 

Green Book

This film was just awarded the ‘Best Film’ award by the National Board of Review.  We heartily agree.   It is based on true events, quite timely too.

Set in the Fall of 1962 it is about a road trip through the deep south by an African American concert pianist played by the exceptional Mahershala Ali.  His Bronx driver and protector is played by the equally talented Vigo Mortensen.  Also noteworthy is Linda Cardellini as the wife.

The film’s title is also significant.  Between 1936 and 1966 there was a publication titled The Negro Motorist Green Book.  It was a travel guide for the emerging African-American middle class about the dangers on the road from refusal of food and lodging to arbitrary arrest.

The movie is rated PG-13 for thematic content, language including racial epithets, smoking, some violence and suggestive material. That said, we feel it is suitable for older children.  It is listed as a Drama and runs 130 minutes.  Add this one to your ‘must see’ list.  We predict more awards to come.

Rating 

The Front Runner

Here is another film based on true events.  It is based on then former Colorado Senator Gary Hart in 1987 who became the leading Democratic presidential candidate.  Hugely popular at the time until a scandal torpedoed his plans.

Hugh Jackman is excellent as Mr. Hart.  Vera Farmiga is riveting as the wife.  Mamoudou Athie is outstanding as the Washington Post reporter.  J. K. Simmons shines as the campaign manager.  Another dozen actors fill in the rest of the cast.

Overall, it was well crafted and acted but it just missed the target for us.  Perhaps it is a bit too close to current events to be satisfying.  It is rated R for language and some sexual references.  It is listed as a Drama and runs 112 minutes.

Rating 

The beginning of the Holidays is a sure sign the studios will be releasing films to their targeted audiences for the annual box office haul.  This week was no exception.  Let us know your thoughts on any of the films below.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

This Warner Brothers production is second in the five by J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World.  As a refresher, the Dark Wizard, Johnny Depp, was captured at the end of book 1 with the help of Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne.  They are back in the second film with the goal of creating a wizard world of only pure-blood wizards.

The cast is talented.  In addition to Depp and Redmayne, the film boasts performances by Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Allison Sudol, Erza Miller, Zoe Kravitz, Jude Law and many more.

Bottom line:  we wanted to like this film.  We like the franchise and the genre but this time we found the plot confusing with too many subplots and unappealing visuals.  By the end of the story, one cannot determine the good guys from the bad.

It’s rated PG-13 for sequences of fantasy action.  It’s listed as an Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  It’s pretty dark so we caution parents it may not be appropriate for younger children.  The run time is 134 minutes.

Rating 

Creed II

There is an interesting backdrop to this “breakout sequel” that is enjoying a healthy reception by audiences.  It’s the story of a Russian boxer Ivan Drago who killed US champion Apollo Creed in 1985.

Today’s film pairs Ivan Drago’s son with Apollo Creed’s son for the Heavyweight Championship.  The surprise is a reluctant Rocky Balboa is now the trainer for Apollo Creed’s son.

The cast is quite small.  Sylvester Stallone is basically himself.  Michael B. Jordan delivers a great performance as  Adonis Creed’s son.  Dolph Lundgren is surprisingly good as Ivan Drago and Romanian actor Florian Munteanu is superb as Drago’s son.  Phylicia Rashad is noteworthy as the matriarch.

All said, we should note we are not fans of this genre but decided to see this film because of its acting and production value.

This film is rated PG-13 for sports action violence, language and a scene of sensuality.  It’s genre is noted as Action & Adventure, Drama, Sports & Fitness.  Parents should carefully consider this film for children.  The run time is 130 minutes.

Rating 

Ralph Breaks the Internet

It’s a very complex plot…Ralph, the video game bad guy and his partner in crime, Vanellope von Schweetz seek a way to revive her failing video game.  Neither understand what is needed to revive their game.  Yawn!!  Lots of story line which amounts to much ado about nothing…

That said, the high point for the film is its cast of characters.  It’s an A list cast: Sarah Silverman is Vanellope, John C. Reilly is Ralph.  Jack McBrayer is Fix-it-Felix, Taraji Henson is Yesss and Jane Lynch is Sergeant.  Other characters are played by Kristen Bell, Mandy Moore, Kelly MacDonald and a dozen more.

Most of all, Walt Disney Animation Studios deserve kudos for excellent visual animation.

No doubt, this film was created for kids.  It has a PG rating for some action and some rude humor.  It is listed as an Animation, Comedy, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy.  Run time is 114 minutes.

Rating  

Hello to all!

No sooner are we over jet lag and off we go to spend the Thanksgiving Holidays with family in Wisconsin.

We also take this opportunity to send each of you our most heartfelt wishes for good health, much love and a Happy Thanksgiving!

We managed to squeeze in a couple more films just before our flight that might be of interest.  It’s that goofy crazy time of year when the studios are making their best bets on what to release just prior to the awards season.  For us, it’s a bit of “the good, the bad and the ugly” as the stakes at studios, and more importantly, the box office are key factors in the short term with regards to nominations and awards.  Every year it is a mixed bag to be sure!

Burning

This film is intriguing on several levels.  It is a haunting psychological thriller set in modern day South Korea.  It’s also a love story although you wouldn’t know it at first glance.   It is beautifully filmed with a gentle insight and pace.

The cast is quite small with only three primary characters followed by a parade of bit parts to help fill in the numerous blanks.  Jeon Jong-seo plays the love interest.  Yoo Ah-in plays the young single country boy, living alone and craving a companion…  And Steven Yeun is a Korean-American actor as the affluent son with his Porshe and privilege.  There are another dozen multicultural actors filling in bit parts.

Burning is a slow boil story with unique ins and outs for all the characters.  The social and political commentary are ever so subtle, yet valuable insights of the culture and society.

This film is not rated.  It is listed as Art House & International, Drama, Mystery & Suspense.  We characterize it as a unique peek into a country and its people as told through eyes of someone seeking emotional fulfillment.  The ending is quite powerful.  This is a unique film that will appeal more to a global audience.

Rating 

Widows

OK, to be honest, the pickings were slim this weekend for new releases.  Either the films we wanted to see haven’t been released yet or the fragments of what was available were just not worth the time or timing.

Well, SURPRISE!!  Widows from Academy Award-winning Director Steve McQueen was just released.  It’s a story about four women with little in common except their dead husbands.  The plot includes a backdrop of crime, passion and corruption set in today’s Chicago.

The cast is amazing:  Viola Davis, Liam Neeson, Elizabeth Debicki, Michele Rodriguez, Colin Ferrell, Cynthia Erivo, Robert Duvall and Jackie Weaver.  Another dozen fill in the cast.

We were quite impressed how this film unfolded and came together.  It’s a perfect example when a stellar cast and heist thriller meld into something more than expected.

This film is rated R for violence, language, and sexual content/nudity.  We do not recommend this film for children.  It is listed as a Drama with a run time of 128 minutes.

Rating  

Outlaw King

This film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2018.  The story dates back to 1304 AD.  It is the story about Robert the Bruce, the 14th century Scottish king who declared war with the English army.

The acting is quite good.  It stars Chris Pine in the leading role.  Other noteworthy performances include Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Lord of Douglas, Florence Pugh as Elizabeth de Burgh, and Billy Howle as Edward, Prince of Wales.

To be fair, the production is a brutal, bloody portrayal of medieval war.  It was often quite difficult to watch. We came away from the theater stunned.

The film is rated R for sequences of brutal war violence, some sexuality, language and brief nudity.  The genre is Action & Adventure, Drama.  It is not appropriate for children.  The run time is 117 minutes.  This film is in limited release in the theaters and also available on Netflix.

Rating  

Love Gilda

This is another Documentary film on our not to be missed list.  It’s based on the life and career of the much famed Gilda Radner from Saturday Night Live.

The film weaves footage from a wide variety of sources from childhood friends, home movies, diaries and a lengthy list of co-workers.  She has been recognized as a unique tour-de-force and an entertainment icon.

The film is both heartbreaking and inspiring.  Contributors include Amy Poehler, Andrew Alexander, Chevy Chase, Melissa McCarthy and many more.

The film is not rated and runs 86 minutes.  Gilda Radner died at the age of 43 from Ovarian cancer.

Note: A Big THANKS to Julie and John for a copy of this film upon returning from our travels.  This film was no longer playing in the theaters by the time we got home.

Rating 

Maria by Callas: In Her Own Words

Having missed several newly released films by the time we got home from Italy, we were delighted to see this film in one of our neighborhood independent theaters.

We were surprised to discover there are quite a few documentaries about famous musicians in distribution.  This fascinating and intriguing documentary was created by Director Tom Volf entirely from archival newsreel footage, performance recordings, and rare interview excerpts.  The result is an exceptional insight to the much famed opera singer Maria Callas.

The film, released by Sony Pictures Classics, was created entirely by recorded TV interviews, home movies, family photos, private letters and unpublished memoirs.  Maria’s life was a reflection of her rise from humble beginnings in New York to a global international superstar of the stage, screen and opera.

It’s also a peak behind the curtain that includes rarely seen footage of Aristotle Onassis, Brigitte Bardot, Jacqueline Kennedy, Omar Sharif and several more internationally known performers and personalities.

The film is rated PG for mild thematic elements, some smoking, and brief language.  It is suitable for youngsters (with a lot of explanation).  It’s a unique film worthy of film buffs and opera lovers.  The run time is 95 minutes.

Rating  

A Private War

This is arguably the most powerful film about the wars around the world in recent periods spanning Sri Lanka, Iraq, the Arab Spring in Libya, and especially the devastation in Homs, Syria where in reality the entire country has been destroyed.

It’s told from the Press perspective of War Corespondent Marie Colvin of the London Times, played brilliantly by Rosamund Pike.  Also pivotal is Jamie Dornan as the war photographer Paul Conroy.  What was especially of note was the number of nonprofessional actors and actual Syrian refugees and how some of the scenes prompted latent reactions to scenes of mass burials and such.

Other significant actors include Stanley Tucci, Jeremie Laheurte, Tom Hollander, Fady Elsayed and at least another 30+ actors.

It is rated R for disturbing images of violence, language and brief sexual nudity.  We caution parents, this is not a film for children.  It is very authentic and often heartbreaking.  It is listed as a Drama and runs 106 minutes.

Rating 

Beautiful Boy

This film wastes no time getting to the core topic of teenage drug addiction.  In this case specifically crystal meth.  The frustrating part was watching the rapid fall from normality the lead character makes from excellent student, well respected and engaged in all things High School to the brink of death itself.

It’s based on a true story and two books, Beautiful Boy authored by the father David Sheff, and the second book authored by the son Nic Sheff titled Tweak.

The cast is excellent.  Steve Carell plays the father David.  Timothee Chalamet delivers an exceptional performance as Nic.  Amy Ryan plays the step Mom, Maura Tierney plays the birth Mom.  The rest of the cast includes another 60 actors in various roles.

This film is rated R for drug content throughout, language and brief sexual material.  It is not appropriate for children.  It is listed as a drama with a run time of two hours.

Rating  

Overlord

Oh my…where to start?!  One comment caught our attention:  “Overload is the Wolfenstein film we always wanted – but never knew we needed.”  That said, it’s mostly an action spy film where American paratroopers are trying to destroy a Nazi base during World War II.

To be sure, it is also a horror film where the Nazis operate a secret lab where they have created a zombie army.  This twist makes the film completely whacky.

Apparently the movie is partially based on a 1981 software program.  It was perfect for a $5 Tuesday showing at our local theater.  That said, we were surprised to see the same film was released on IMAX.  We cannot even imagine that experience.

The film is rated R for strong bloody violence, disturbing images, language and brief sexual content.  It is listed as Action & Adventure, Horror, Mystery & Suspense.  No children should be allowed to see this film.  The run time is 109 minutes.  By the way…J.J. Abrams is the Producer! (That should explain a lot…)

Rating 

 

Wildlife

This film debuted at this years Sundance Film Festival.  It was actor Paul Dano’s directorial debut.  It’s based on the 1960 Richard Ford novel that takes place in Great Falls, Montana.

It is ultimately about a small family in crisis, falling apart bit by bit.  The acting that binds this story together is especially noteworthy.  Ed Oxenbould plays the 14 year old son.  Carey Mulligan plays the wife and mom.  Jerry, the husband and father, is played by Jake Gyllenhaal.  Bill Camp plays Warren Miller the wealthy widower.

The quality of the acting and screenplay is pivotal to this production.  It is sometimes difficult to watch.  Nonetheless each scene is essential and relevant to the body of work.

We were delighted it was still in the theaters.  It was released while we were traveling but not internationally (yet).  It is listed as a Drama.  It is rated PG-13 and runs 1 hour, 44 minutes.

Rating  

The Grinch

This production of the Dr. Seuss classic with a twist has some conflicting press swirling about in the background.  This surprised us since we just saw it yesterday and came away with smiles and liked the pleasant twist to the ending.

That said, we will comment directly on the ratings.  It is rated PG for “brief rude humor”, “some slapstick violence and mildly scary moments.”  We can only chuckle at the negative comments as excessive hyperbole.

The production has an A-team cast.  Benedict Cumberbatch is perfect as the Grinch.  Cameron Seely is Cindy-Lou Who.  Rashida Jones is Donna Who, Pharrell Williams is the Narrator, Angela Lansbury is the Mayor and Kenan Thompson is the voice of Mr. Bricklebaum.  An additional 35+ cast members round out the cast.

Our audience ranged from infants to Great Grandparents.  The theater was filled with laughter and smiles.  The genre is noted as Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction and Fantasy.  The run time is 86 minutes.

Rating 

The Girl in the Spider’s Web

The backdrop for this latest production is based on the fourth novel in the Millennium series.  The book was authored by David Lagercrantz and released worldwide August 2015.  The movie was released this week.

The story is complex with numerous twists and turns.  The main characters include Frans Balder, played by Stephen Merchant, who is fired from the National Security Agency.  He recruits Lisbeth Salander, played by Claire Foy, a computer hacker and Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, played by Sverrir Gudnason.

The story focuses on a stolen computer program that can access codes for nuclear weapons worldwide.  The NSA tracks the activity to Stockholm.  Soon, Russia discovers the program and agents race to acquire control.

It’s not easy to follow.  It’s also challenging to watch.  But it is an exciting guilty pleasure to be sure.  It’s rated R for violence, language, some sexual content and nudity.  It is absolutely not suitable for children.  It’s genre is listed as a Drama/Thriller with a run time of 1 hour, 57 minutes.

Rating 

What an interesting mix of films this week…  If you have seen these films, please let us know what you think!  J&J

Venom

OK now…We saw movie bill boards all over Italy last month, Venom was playing widely.  We tired more than once to find a showing either in English or dubbed in English.  Not one theater we explored showed any of their films in English.  It came as a surprise considering our success viewing films in many other countries.

Imagine our surprise to discover Venom was still in the local San Francisco theaters.

All that said, for those of you who have not seen the film, let’s just say it is unique.  After all, aliens eating other species should not be funny, right?  Well in this romp both the alien and the Tom Hardy character become buds, the action scenes are often funny and vulgar at the same time.  Stunning and slapstick concurrently.  Once you get comfortable with the tone and direction you might find yourself feeling just a bit guilty for liking it.  Quite rare actually.

All that said the cast is pretty good.  Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Woody Harrelson, Jenny Slate, Scott Haze, Reid Scott, Michele Lee and several more fill the various characters.

It is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for language.  Young children should not see this until a few years older.  Take your pick on genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction or Fantasy.  The run time is 112 minutes.

Rating 

The Guilty

This unique film from Denmark is almost stark yet an engaging story about a police office in a demoted capacity as an emergency call in dispatcher who engages gripping settings filled with angst and tension.

It’s often difficult to listen to (since the entire story is filmed mostly on the phone and not the actual situations occurring in real time).

The cast is compact.  Ten actors fill the screen mostly with voices.  Their performances reflect the characters they represent.  It sounds complicated but the viewers imagination naturally adapts to the telephone engagements.

This film is rated R for language.  It will not be suitable for younger viewers.  It is listed as a Drama, Mystery and Suspense running 85 minutes.  It is too early to consider the award season but this is innovative film making…just saying.

Rating:  

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

This Disney production has been in promotion for months.  It’s a family film, child friendly, inventive, enchanting, with impressive visual effects.

It has a great cast.  Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Eugenio Derbez, ballerina Misty Copeland.  Especially notable are Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren in unique roles with a dozen more actors that round out the cast.

This film is rated PG for some mild peril.  We caution parents with young children, some scenes are pretty intense with complex visual dynamics.  The genre is noted as Action& Adventure, Kids & Family, (new to us?!), Science Fiction & Fantasy.  The run time is 99 minutes.

Rating: