Category: Movies

Breaking In

Here is an intriguing film about a young family led by its matriarch with her children as they travel to her deceased father’s estate.  It is an ultra sophisticated property with extensive security and electronic protections well beyond the norm.

The acting is pretty impressive.  Gabrielle Union plays the Mom.  Ajiona Alexus is the daughter and Seth Carr is the younger brother.  There are four bad guys: Billy Burke is the ringleader, Levi Meaden, Mark Furze play tough guys while Richard Cabral is the ruthless psycho.

The production creates significant tension and angst.  It is intense and suspenseful.  It’s a throw back to thriller films of the past with technology upgrades.

Critics were tepid on this movie but we really enjoyed it.  It is rated PG-13 for violence, menace, bloody images, sexual references and brief strong language.  We were surprised it wasn’t rated R.  Nonetheless, we do not feel it is suitable for children.

The genre is noted as Mystery/Suspense.  It runs 88 minutes.

Rating 

Life of the Party

Melissa McCarthy is the headliner for this playful romp in a collegiate setting after her husband dumps her for another woman.

After an implausible transition as a senior seeking a degree in Archeology, McCarthy’s character becomes “one of the girls” which is kind of creepy albeit entertaining.

Other cast members include a gaggle of coed girls, both friends and adversaries.  Most notable are Jacki Weaver as McCarthy’s Mom and Matt Walsh as the Dad, Luke Benward as the bartender/fellow student and boyfriend, Maya Rudolph as the best friend, and Christina Aguilera as herself.

The critics weren’t too keen on this movie either.  It is also rated PG-13 for sexual references, drug content and partying.  While often funny, the adult content does not make this suitable for young children.

Its genre is a Comedy with a run time of 1 hour, 45 minutes.

Rating 

Deadpool 2

Oh My!  Where to begin.  Headlines first…Deadpool 2 had an opening weekend of $125 million.  This topples Avengers: Infinity War $113 million opening weekend.  (Don’t fret about the latest Avengers film, it has already racked up sales of $1.81 billion globally.)

The cast is impressive:  Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Zazie Beetz, Brianna Hildebrand, Morena Baccarin, Jack Kesy and TJ Miller play the main characters.  Leslie Uggams is a hoot as Blind Al.  There are another dozen actors rounding out the cast.

This episode takes a lot of liberty with its R rating.  It is free to use snarky themes, gore and trashy antics to appeal to its followers.  Be prepared for strong language and loads of violence.  There are also sexual and brief drug references.  It is absolutely not appropriate for children.

It’s listed as an Action/Adventure/Comedy.  We found it quite violent, often gross, and goofy crazy just for good measure.  Fans loved it.  Us…not so much.

The run time is two hours.  Fans will want to stay through the credits.  (There are 5 different clips mixed into the credits.)

Rating 

Bad Samaritan

We hadn’t paid much attention to this film until we read a good review from our home town SF Chronicle.  We generally disagree with its reviews.  Nonetheless, yesterday we found ourselves the only ones in very nice theater in Menomenee Falls, WI.

The story is pretty messed up.  Parking valets engage in petty theft and see things they should not see.  The bad guy is nuts.  The police are clueless…

The acting isn’t half bad.  David Tennant is chilling as the bad guy.  Robert Sheehan’s character, or his friend played by Carlito Olivero, are not the sharpest guys.  Kerry Condon is the victim.  Lisa Brenner is the girlfriend.  There is lots of tension and angst.  The last scene is quite good.

The reviews have not been complementary.  It is rated R for violence, language, drug use and brief nudity.  It is absolutely not appropriate for children.  The genre is noted as a Drama/Thriller running 107 minutes.

Rating:  

Truth or Dare

This film is odd, creepy, intense and not the Truth or Dare from our young adult days.  The rules are simple: tell the truth or die, do the dare or die, if you stop playing you die.  Doesn’t that sound like a lovely plot?!

Six college students and close friends begin the game in Mexico and quickly realize the danger they are in.  Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey, Violett Beane, Sophia Taylor Ali, Landon Liboiron and Hayden Szeto play the core characters.

It is rated PG-13 for violence and disturbing content, alcohol abuse, some sexuality, language and thematic material.  It is listed as Horror, Mystery Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy (pick any combination of your liking).  It is not at all suitable for children.  The run time is 1 hour 43 minutes.

Rating 

Disobedience

This film explores the rare but restrained Jewish territory where mutual female attraction shatters the boundaries of faith and sexuality.

The film is an intense peek at a thought provoking and sophisticated topic. The collateral fallout impacts a Jewish community, its patriarchal leaders and their community.

The cast is superb.  Rachael McAdams, Rachel Weisz, Alessandro Nivola, Anton Lesser, Alexis Zegerman and Allen Corduner round out the lead characters.

It is rated R for strong sexuality.  It is not suitable for children.  It is noted as a Drama, Romance.  The run time is 1 hour, 54 minutes.

Rating  

Tully

This is a unique story about a suburban New York couple having their third child while balancing  careers and the stress on a growing household.  The wife seems to carry the brunt of the load until they accept an offer for a ‘night nanny’ hired by her brother.  Suddenly, their lives and the household finds a growing sense of ‘normal’.

Charlize Theron gained 50 pounds for the role and shines.  Ron Livingston plays the clueless husband.  Mackenzie Davis is scary good as the nanny.  Mark Duplass plays the brother.

It is rated R for language and some sexuality/nudity.  It is not suitable for children due to the adult subject matter.  The genre is listed as a drama/comedy, but it is also a suspense, mystery, surprise ending story as well.  The run time is 94 minutes.  We think if this film was released later in the year there would be Oscar buzz.

Rating 

Rampage

This Action Adventure release is directed by Brad Peyton and stars Dwayne Johnson as a primatologist and caretaker to a rare and exceptionally intelligent albino gorilla who was rescued as a youngster.

Meanwhile, back at the lab, mad scientists with Energyne are creating new pathogen genes designed to make any recipients bigger, faster killing machines intended as  biological weapons.

Dwayne Johnson is the leading actor.  Breanne Hill and Naomie Harris are the leading ladies.  Lots of good bad guys include Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Joe Manganiello, Urijah Faber, Matt Gerald and Demetrius Grosse.

The movie was rated PG-13 for violence, action, destruction, brief language and crude gestures.  It is not suitable for younger children.  It is listed as and Action Adventure, Drama, Sci Fi, and Fantasy running 1 hour, 55 minutes.  It is an enjoyable romp, highly entertaining albeit a bit far fetched.

Rating  

Little Pink House

This is a true story of the court battle between the City of New London , Connecticut and Susette Kelo, an EMT worker.  It is a classic ‘David and Goliath’ story that made history, resulting in an unprecedented US Supreme Court ruling.

At odds are the City wanting to collect more revenue from a redevelopment project benefiting the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and a modest residential neighborhood with river views and a nearby sewer plant.

The cast is compact but excellent.  Two time Academy Award nominee Catherine Keener stars along with popular theater actor Jeanne Tripplehorn.

This film is not yet rated and we see no reason movie goers of all ages should not attend a showing.  It is listed as a Drama running 1 hour 39 minutes.

Rating: 

Avengers Infinity War

This is the latest in the Marvel Comics Avengers franchise.  The evil character Thanos vows to inflict his dominance over the Earth and much of the universe once he acquires all six Infinity Stones.

It is epic in scale.  Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk, and most of the rest of the Avengers come together to stop Thanos.  The result is an intense, nonstop action film with just the right amount of humor, surprises and intensity to keep viewers on the edge of their seats for the 2 hour, 40 minute run time.

You already know all the actors: Robert Downey, Jr., Chris Pratt, Chris Evans, Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch and a dozen more A list actors.

We are not sure what is next to come but this seems to be a build up for Marvel’s next Fantasy/Science Fiction blockbuster.

It is rated PG-13 for intense Sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and crude references.

Rating: 

Traffik

Reviews and audience approval have been all over the board.  We thought it was a good film about a very serious topic and worthy of an audience.

A Sacramento couple head to the mountains for a romantic weekend in a pristine setting.  It is an intense thriller that is both realistic and brutal.  It is occasionally difficult to watch.

It has a small cast.  Paula Patton and Omar Epps are the romantic couple.  Roselyn Sanchez and Laz Alonso are their best friends.  Missi Pyle plays the Deputy Sheriff.  Luke Goss is a really good, really bad guy.

It is rated R for violence and disturbing material, language throughout, some drug use and sexual content.  It is not suitable for children.  The genre is listed as a Mystery/Suspense.  The run time is 96 minutes.

Rating 

The Rider

Set in South Dakota, this is a coming of age film about a young cowboy whose life takes a turn after a severe rodeo  accident.

What is unique about this film is most of the characters are real people playing themselves.  At least six of the actors are Sioux cowboys from South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation.  Director Chloe Zhao created a gem of a movie with a remarkable cast of nonprofessionals.  We found it gripping, sensitive, heart breaking and uplifting at the same time.

It is rated R for language and drug use.  It is listed as a drama with a run time of 104 minutes.

Rating 

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami

This is a fascinating and intimate documentary about the life and performances of super model, singer and actress Grace Jones.  There is both public and personal footage showcasing her career.

Director Sophie Fiennes collected footage from four years beginning in 2008 in Jamaica and continuing through the world tour.

The result is a fascinating peek at the life journey of a truly one of a kind global icon.  This film is very entertaining.

This film is not rated.  We do not feel this film is suitable for children as there is simply too much drug use, nudity and adult subject matter.  It is listed as a Documentary running 1 hour, 56 minutes.  English, Jamaican English and French with English subtitles.

Ms. Jones will turn 70 next month.

Rating 

Ismael’s Ghosts

This 2017 French film spans a large part of  a movie director’s life: his wife who disappeared 21 years earlier, his new girlfriend/muse and his career as a world renowned film Producer/Director.

The compact cast includes Mathieu Amalric as Ismael Vuillard, Marion Cotillard as his wife Carlotta, Charlotte Gainsbourg as the muse.  There is a short list of additional French actors rounding out the cast.

We found the story confusing with repeated flashbacks and flash forwards leaving us unsure of what was occurring.  By the end of the story we didn’t much care who did what to whom or why.

It is rated R for sexuality including some graphic nudity, language and brief strong violence.  Children should not view this movie.  It is listed as a drama.  It runs 2 hours, 15 minutes.  French with English subtitles.

Rating 

1945

This holocaust film adds to the list of dramas and documentaries on post WWII.  This one is set in a small village in Eastern Hungary when the deported Jewish father and son come to bury “something” in the town’s cemetery.  The villagers panic thinking the Jews have returned to claim missing properties and possessions.

The story is unique, powerful and absorbing.  The mostly Hungarian cast are authentic and believable.  It is filmed entirely in black and white by design.

It is not rated.  The genre is Drama.  It has won eight International Film Awards.  In our opinion it is a must see film if you are interested in WWII stories.  Run time is 91 minutes.  Hungarian with English subtitles.

Rating 

Kodachrome

This is a film about a struggling music executive, his aging famous photographer father and his caregiver nurse.  The father has cancer in his last days when they embark on a road trip from New York City to Kansas to develop his last rolls of Kodachrome film.

It might sound odd but the story will draw you in bit by bit.  It’s a real gem with excellent acting by Elizabeth Olsen as the nurse and Jason Sudeikis as the son.  Ed Harris is extraordinary as the father.

The movie is not rated.  There is brief nudity, strong language and significant tension.  We do not think it is suitable for children.  It is listed as a drama.  It runs 1 hour 45 minutes.  It is currently in theaters and is also available on Netflix.

Rating  

I Feel Pretty

We are not huge comedy fans but decided to see this film because the concept seemed intriguing.  It’s about a insecure woman struggling with her self image until a bump on the head changes her perspective.

Amy Schumer is the headliner.  Busy Philipps and Aidy Bryant play her girlfriends.  Rory Scovel plays the boyfriend.  Michelle Williams transforms as the business owner while Lauren Hutton is awesome as the grandmother.

The film is rated PG-13 for sexual content, some partial nudity and language.  We do not recommend viewing by younger children.  It is listed as a Comedy.  We found it one part charming, occasionally funny but somewhat off putting.  That said, it does deliver a positive message about self esteem.  Run time was 1 hour, 50 minutes.

Rating 

Lean on Pete

Every once in a while an unexpected film release strikes a cord with audiences and magic happens.  This is one of those movies.

Great acting: Travis Fimmel is riveting as the Dad.  Steve Buscemi is exceptional as the horse owner.  Charlie Plumber may be destined for super stardom as the 15 year old son.  And another dozen or so actors fill out the cast.

Audiences and critics agree with high ratings.  “Traumatically beautiful drama”, and “moving and haunting” are two descriptions we fully agree with.

It is rated R for language and brief violence.  Unfortunately we do not feel it is appropriate for children.  (There is too much to explain.)  The genre is listed as a Drama.  It runs 2 hours, 2 minutes.

If you miss this in the theaters, seek it out from ‘pay per view’.  We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Rating 

Beirut

There has been a lot of negative chatter in recent years about the image the international film industry creates by using the Middle East as the “location” and “bad guys”.  Ironically, this movie was filmed in Morocco.

This film is set in 1982 during the Lebanon Civil War.  The CIA sends a former Diplomat to negotiate a prisoner release.

The story is occasionally confusing and often intense but the acting and sets are generally believable.  John Hamm plays the American operative.  Rosamund Pike plays a supporting CIA agent.  Dean Norris, Shea Whigham, Mark Pellegrino and Leila Bekhti round out the headliners.

The movie is rated R for language, some violence and a brief nude image.  It is listed as a Drama.  It is not suitable for children.  It runs 1 hour, 49 minutes.

We liked this film.  It was a reminder of a crazy time we remember all too well.  We think it is worth a watch.

Rating 

You Were Never Really Here

We first heard about this film in London.  The early hour and heavy rain detoured us at the time.  Unfortunately we had no such deterrent today!

Both audiences and critics loved this film.  We did not!  From our perspective the movie was violent, more than a little unsettling, confusing and very intense.

None of the characters were likable.  Joaquin Phoenix plays Joe, the hit man or fix-it guy depending on your perspective.  Alessandro Nivola plays the Governor.  Ekaterina Samsonov plays the kidnapped daughter.  Judith Anna Roberts plays Joe’s Mom.  There are another half dozen actors with bit parts.

The genre is noted as a Drama/Mystery.  It is more of  a slasher horror story with lots of blood and really creepy violence.  It is rated R for strong violence, disturbing and grisly images, language, and brief nudity.  Children should not see this film.  Thankfully the run time is only 89 minutes.

Rating: A rare 

Love After Love

Let us be clear right up front, the critics really liked this film!  We did not.

A family mourns the death of the patriarch.  The two sons, played by Chris O’Dowd and James Adomian struggle to cope and recover from their loss.  The wife/mother, played by Andie MacDowell, adapts faster which causes angst with her sons.

What bothered us most were the characters, with the exception of MacDowell’s role, who are not very likable people.  There was a mean spirited undercurrent that just annoyed us both.

This film is not rated but we do not feel it is suitable for children.  It is listed as a drama and runs a painful 91 minutes.

Rating 

A Bag of Marbles

This movie is the first of this year that should attract an Oscar consideration in the Best Foreign Film category!

First, it’s the true story of two young Jewish brothers in German occupied France during World War II.  They are purposely separated from their family in order to survive.  The French cast is world class.  Patrick Bruel plays the Father.  Elsa Zylberstein plays the Mom.  Dorian Le Clech plays the younger son while Batyste Fleurial plays the big brother.  Another dozen actors round out the cast.

The story is gripping and heart wrenching.  It is a brilliantly constructed story with a fair amount of tension.

It also is not rated.  Again, we do not feel this is suitable for children.  The genre is listed as a Drama.  It runs 1 hour, 50 minutes.  French with English subtitles.  This film is an absolute gem.

Rating 

Where is Kyra?

Forget “Where”!?  The real question is Who is Kyra?!  To be clear, Kyra is the lead character played by Michele Pfeiffer.  She is really the only reason to see the film.  Ms. Pfeiffer’s performance of a fragile character whose mother dies is stunning and desperate.  Kiefer Sutherland costars as the supportive love interest.

Overall the story is depressing, dark, desolate and painfully drawn out.  One critic said it was “paralyzed by a numbing bleakness.”  That said, most critics and audiences liked this movie much more than we did.

This is yet another movie release that is not rated!  It is listed as a Drama with a run time of 98 minutes.  We do not feel this film is suitable for youngsters.

Rating 

Itzhak

Every once in a while magic happens.  Director/Producer Alison Chernick’s documentary about the life story of Itzhak Perlman and his command of the violin is a joy to watch, listen and applaud.

There is also a hefty dose of love, laughter, commitment to family, friends and young musicians.  The film does not shy away from tough topics:  parents emigrating from Poland to Isreal, a lifetime struggle with polio and the disability challenges.  Instead Itzhak, his wife and family have embraced life’s adversity and filled their lives with laughter and their support for the arts.

This film is not rated.  It is listed as a Documentary and runs 1 hour, 22 minutes.  Seek this one out.  It will make you smile and brighten your day.

Rating  

Chappaquiddick

This film is based on the true events of July 18, 1969 when then Senator Ted Kennedy drove his car off a bridge one night on Chappaquiddick Island, Massachusetts.  A young campaign strategist was trapped in the car and died.

This movie captures the hours and days immediately after the incident.  The story is unsettling, provocative and intense.  The scandal has haunted political history ever since.

The cast includes several good performances by Kate Mara, Jason Clark, Ed Helms, Bruce Dern and a dozen more key actors.

It is rated PG-13 for thematic material, disturbing images, strong language and smoking.  It is listed as a Mystery & Suspense.  It runs 1 hour, 41 minutes.

Rating 

Finding Your Feet

This is a charming, touching, funny story that has received mixed reviews.  We feel that is unduly harsh.  It has a good script and a skilled cast.  The story is more complex than it appears on the surface.  Its reflection on British culture is on target and credible.

The cast includes Imelda Staunton in a great role.  Timothy Spall is always excellent.  Celia Imrie, Joanna Lumley, David Hayman are all spot on characters.

While the story is focused on issues associated with late life, it does not shy away from serious senior topics.

It is rated PG-13 for suggestive material, drug use, and brief strong language.  It is listed as a comedy, drama, romance and runs 111 minutes.  We caution parents regarding viewing by young children.  Seek out this film if it is still in your area.

Rating 

Final Portrait

This is an intriguing peek behind the curtain of Swiss Italian artist Alberto Giacometti.  It is set in 1964 Paris when the artist asks American writer James Lord to sit for a portrait that was scheduled to take one day.

The film takes the audience on a wild ride through the vulgar chaos, insight, and the ‘artistic process’ of the famed painter.

Geoffrey Rush is completely at home in the character of Alberto Giacometti.  Armie Hammer is comfortable in the skin of James Lord.  Clemence Poesy is the painter’s mistress while Sylvie Testud stews as the painter’s wife.  On the up side, Tony Shalhoub shines as the painter’s brother.

The film is equal parts frustrating, charming, bewildering, intriguing and insightful.  It is rated R for language, sexual references and nudity.  Its genre is noted as Art House & International, Documentary, Drama.  The run time is 90 minutes.  Written and directed by Stanley Tucci.  English and French with English subtitles.

Rating 

A Quiet Place

This film is intense and terrifying at the same time.  The premise is simple.  If anyone makes any kind of noise at any time, day or night, some birdlike dinosaur comes and kills the noisemaker.  That’s it!

So humans slink around by day or night to survive.  Think of this film as an update on the creature feature genre of the 70’s and 80’s.  We were actually a bit surprised to see the theater quite full for the first showing on a Saturday.

All that said, the acting makes this production work.  Emily Blunt is perfect.  John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe and Cade Woodward deliver solid, convincing performances.

The film is rated PG-13 for terror and brief bloody images.  It is not suitable for children.  It was directed by John Krasinski.  The genre is listed as Drama, Mystery & Suspense.  We thoroughly enjoyed it!

Rating 

The Leisure Seeker

Well now…where to begin?!  First, let’s be clear, the critics almost universally panned this film as “clumsy”, “stale” and “lost”.  And those were the kind words!  This film was first released in early February and just now re-released.

That said, the on screen chemistry between Helen Mirren and Donald Sutherland characters alone are worth the admission price.  The acting was balanced, solid and believable, even some of the flashbacks and sidebars.  That’s not easy for a story line built on the issues associated with end of life.

The film is listed as Drama/Romance.  It is rated R for some sexual material.  It runs a whopping 112 minutes.

Rating