Category: Movies

Hands of Stone

I must first disclose I am not a boxing fan, and in general, not a fan of boxing movies.  Nonetheless, now and then, movies are released that are worthy of a watch.  Hands of Stone is such a movie only because it is based on real events, is well written, acted and produced.

It is also worth a look because of the reminder of the life and career of lightweight boxer Roberto Duran played by Edgar Ramirez.  He grew up as a scrappy poor kid in Panama and rose to world class boxing matches.

He’s not a very likable character: arrogant, cocky, angry, abusive.  By contrast, he is driven, sometimes charming, playful, and generous.

Robert De Niro is the accomplished trainer and anchors the story line. John Turturro has an unremarkable bit part as a gangster.  I am pretty sure there won’t be any Oscar nods for this film but if you have the time and interest it is worth the ticket price.

Note:  We saw it in Wisconsin at the economy hour with a senior discount.

Rating: 

The Light Between Oceans

This unique movie is set in post World War One Austrailia, (actually filmed in New Zealand).  It has a great cast of actors.  Alicia Vikander, Michael Fassbender and Rachel Weisz all deliver powerful and compelling performances about passion, grace and sacrifice.

Many critics were tepid about the film, with comments like ‘soap opera’ and ‘melodrama’.  I think that is too harsh.

The chemistry between Vikander and Fassbender is compelling and poignant.  I bought it hook, line and sinker.  It is not perfect.  There is a certain amount of angst and betrayal. Much of the most important part of the story feels a little fast tracked in the last 20 minutes.

Nonetheless, this film is satisfying and thought provoking, romantic and dramatic.  Directed and Screenplay by Derek Cianfrance and based on the book by the same title.

Rating: 

The Hollars

This is a quirky but charming drama/comedy about a dysfunctional family and the challenges they face when the matriarch, brillantly played by Margo Martindale, faces a brain tumor.

Produced, Directed and Acted by John Krasinski.  Anna Kendrick plays his love interest.  Sharlto Copley is a hoot as the divorced brother.  Richard Jenkins is perfect as the sobbing Dad.  And Charlie Day is perfect as the surragate Dad.

It is at the same time funny and likable, sad and uncomfortable.  Many critics were not kind in their reviews.  I think that is taking the movie too seriously.  Yes, there are some flaws in the production but I also think the pandemonium softens some of the life challenges that are just ‘on the table’ in this film.

Margo Martindale just may earn an Oscar nomination for her performance.

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Sully

This could almost be a documentary of the now infamous emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in January of 2009.  You may recall all 155 passengers and crew survived.

What makes this movie work is the story behind the story where the investigation challenges the judgement of the pilot, played by Tom Hanks, and the co-pilot, played by Aaron Eckhart.  The investigators play serious hardball with their evidence and accusations.  Laura Linney delivers a great performance as Sully’s wife.

This film does an excellent job of “peeling the onion” and appears to be completely accurate to the true events.  For those of us that fly a lot, the viewing experience can be a bit unnerving.  It truly was a miracle that cold sunny day.  Do not miss this one.  See it on a big screen with a good sound system.  Or, rent/buy it later if you have a decent home theater.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, classified as a drama/biography.  Run time is 1 hour 36 minutes.

Rating: 

Lo and Behold, Reveries Of The Connected World

Famed filmmaker Werner Herzog creates a feature documentary worthy of our attention.  The focus is on the creation, the present and future of the internet.  There is no doubt the world wide web has transformed the planet as we now know it.

This film explores some very different perspectives on the topic.  Some of it disturbing, some if it bizarre, some of it enlightening.  Mr. Herzog takes us on the internet version of Mr. Toad’s wild ride from invention to a plausible prediction of global disaster.

The interviews are facinating including Spacex/Tesla’s Elon Musk, scientist Leonard Kleinrock, medical scientist Adrien Treuille, hacking expert Kevin Mitnick, self driving car experts Sebastian Thurn and Rajkumar and robot guru Joydeep Biswas.

I came away more than mildly concerned.  After all there are so many things that could go wrong…solar flares, global hacking, the implosion of international financial systems.  It probably would not be a good idea to pair the latest Planet of the Apes movie as a double feature.

Rating 

Ixcanul

Maya/Spanish with English subtitles.

This is a unique and visually satisfying film debut by Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante.  Ixcanul means Volcano in the Mayan language.  More specifically the Kaqchikel dialect is spoken by the highlands community of farm workers.

The young are innocent and naive.  The adults are driven by ageless customs, and the daily struggle to eck out a living on the remote coffee plantations.  By contrast, there are deep rooted indigenous traditions that dictate their actions, family, business and social lives.

It feels like a facinating peek behind the curtain into another world and culture.  Largely acted by non-professionals and directed/produced by talent from Guatemala, France, and Spain.

There is a funny scene in the pig pen early on and a powerful ending that will generate conversation.  Do seek this one out.  It will be a unique movie experience.

Rating 

The People vs. Fritz Bauer

If you want to know what Germany was like during the 1950s trying to cope with the postwar Nazi regime, then you will like this film.  Watching it was like watching an old news reel.  It felt like you were an outside observer of the candid conversations of the government officials of the day.

Best of all, it is based on true events.  If you are a history buff, you may already know the story of the search for the war criminal Adolf Eichmann.  But this film reveals its plot in layers and they are many.  The film itself is a bit bleak at times.  Alternatively, it is stunning.

Some of the dialog clips along at a quick pace that can be challenging since the story is told in German with English subtitles.  Good acting, some noteworthy nuauces, lots of twists and turns, and a fair amount of energized banter.

This was certainly my favorite pick of the week.

Rating 

Equity

The critics were less than kind to this movie and we had a hard time finding this in the theaters even though it was only recently released.

The topic is women in senior positions in investment banks.  It is well done.  It was believable (mostly).  Directed by Meera Menon in her third movie release.  Written by Amy Fox, Sarah Megan Thomas, and Alysia Reiner who also costarred along with Anna Gunn.

These characters and the industry they work in require ‘tough as nails’ characters as they navigate the male dominated landscape.  The stakes are big and the drama is just as monumental.

On the fun side, I had to chuckle now and then, mentally reflecting on my time with a major financial institution and some of the politically powerful personalities I encountered.  I don’t miss it.  Try not to miss this film if possible.  Its message is laser on target.

Rating 

War Dogs

This film is based on true events of 2005.  Unfortunately the true events were ultimately a cheating of the American taxpayers and a horrid example of beaurocracy  run a muck.  But that was real and the film is a separate animal.

The good news is the acting is strong and often powerful.  The on screen chemistry of leading actors Jonah Hill and Miles Teller is compelling and believable.  Director Todd Phillips weaves just the right balance of dark comedy, intrigue and suspense.  Bradley Cooper has an important bit part that ultimately brings everything together.

In the mean time, the Miles Teller character marries and has a child. The wife is played by Ana De Armas and wants nothing to do with the deceit and deception.  It is an important element in anchoring the story.

Run time is 114 minutes.  Rated R for language, drug use and sexual references.

Rating 

Ben-Hur

I was a bit surprised with the critics generally dishing this release of Ben-Hur.  I thought is was a good, if not great, recreation of the original.  It was updated to the latest production standards, honoring the original screenplay and presented a believable balance in the subject matter.

I liked the focus of the wealthy Jewish family living a Royal standard but not Roman.  That said, I did not buy for a moment the Morgan Freeman character as the Sheik.  That also said, Jack Huston was a good Ben-Hur and Toby Kebbell was an excellent brooding brother.

It will not replace the 1959 original, but personally, I liked the updated production qualities.  I found it entertaining and worthy of the time and ticket price.

Rating 

Sausage Party

I’m not quite sure where to begin…  First let me set the stage.  It is an animated story where every item in the supermarket is a real character.  At times it is quite funny.  Mostly, it is raunchy humor, irreverent, crude and manages to insult just about every type of person in society at one point in the story.

Visually, it is stunning, in more ways than you can imagine.  I am still trying to understand who the target audience is.  I am pretty sure we were the oldest ones in the theater so maybe there is a hint.

On the upside, the animation quality was excellent.  And the cast is virtually a who’s who of Hollywood.  Seth Rogen leads the crowd.  James Franco, Jonah Hill, Kristen Wiig, Selma Hayek, Michael Cera, Paul Rudd, Edward Norton round out only half the cast.

The run time is 1 hour, 29 minutes and is billed as an adventure/comedy.  Offensive language and sexual content is off the charts.  It is NOT suitable for youngsters.

Rating 

Little Men

This is a charming story about the friendship of two young teenage boys, their parents and the dynamics that the adults struggle to resolve.  The screenplay is excellent, the acting is spot on, and the plot is loaded with real challenges of modern life.

This film is laser focused on its story line.  Director and co-writer Ira Sachs creates a story where neither too much nor too little of anything occurs.  Each character is just right.  Greg Kinnear delivers one of his best performances.  Paulina Garcia delivers an exceptional performance as the business tenant.  The two teens, Michael Barbieri and Theo Taplitz capture the ackward  times of urban thirteen year olds.  I predict we will see these young actors again.

This movie reminds one what is it like to be a kid again.  It also reminds us how quickly matters can become complicated.  This family drama has a run time of 1 hour 25 minutes.  Rated PG.  See this one soon as it is currently distributed to independent theaters.

Rating 

Into the Forest

For some reason, Into the Forest failed to attract an audience.  It was in and mostly out of theaters quickly.  That is a shame because it is based on the popular novel by Jean Hegland.

It is a low budget film about a post-apocalyptic world that delivers powerful performances by its leading ladies, Evan Rachel Wood and Ellen Page, sisters in the story.  Their father, played by Callum Keith Rennie, is the glue that holds the family together.  They live in an expansive home, deep in the beautiful and remote Canadian forest.

Incrementally, conditions degregate and stress their family bond.  It is a very good example that good storytelling, acting and cinematography can deliver a satisfying film experience.  Rated R for violence, language and some nudity.  Your best bet may be pay per view.

Rating 

Hell or High Water

Two brothers in rural West Texas on a bank robbing quest to save the family ranch is both a reflection on the rural evolution in many parts of the country and the strong bonds that bind these families together.  It is all delivered with a great script by Taylor Sheridan (Sicario) and solid acting by all.

The great cast starts with Chris Pine and Ben Foster as brothers, Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham as the Texas Rangers.  Directed by David Mackenzie.  The chemistry between each pair is the best of this seasons so far.  It makes the movie work.

There is a also a host of other characters that add seasoning and humor in just the right amounts.  You will come away feeling like you watched something more than a modern day Western.

Rating 

Florence Foster Jenkins

What is remarkable about this movie is that it is based on a socialite lady in New York’s mid 1940s, her husband, and her dream to be a great opera singer.  Like the real life story, the film is riddled with kinks and loopy scenes, sounds and a little slapstick.

Meryl Streep plays Florence whose love of music is her inspiration but she is really a terrible singer.  Hugh Grant is the husband, Nina Arianda is the love interest (I know it sounds wrong but it will make sense).  Simon Helberg (Big Bang Theory) is hilarious as the pianist.  There are stories within the story that ultimately make this a very endearing production.

A couple of interesting notes.  1.  The original recording of the Carnegie Hall Concert is the largest selling recording of all time for Carnegie Hall.  2.  Another film was released earlier this year by a French production company titled Marguerite.  That film is set in Paris but it is the same story.  It came and went so fast we missed it.  We understand is was quite good.

Rating 

Pete’s Dragon

This Disney remake of the 1977 original takes some liberty with the original story. Little Pete is orphaned when loosing his parents and wanders into the woods. Five year old Pete is played by Oakes Fegley with skills beyond his years.

Great photography and solid acting anchor this film.  The puppy quality of the giant dragon is just the right alternative to the animated version.  David Lowery is the Director and screen writer for the film.

The tilt on the lumber industry is just a bit heavy handed along with some of the acting, but in general this is a charming story, well told, and still inspires the imagination of the child within all of us.

Robert Redford has a bit part as the Grandfather who tells the tales of dragons to the local children.  Good performances are worth mentioning for Bryce Dallas Howard as the daughter and Forest Ranger, and little Oona Laurence as her daughter.

Rating 

Anthropoid

This is a powerful film based on true events about the Nazi takeover of Czechosolvakia in 1942 and the assassination of the third highest ranking leader of Hiltler’s SS, Reinhard Heydrich.

Anthropoid was apparently the code name of the joint operation between the remnants of the Czech underground and British agents who parachuted behind enemy lines.  The acting is believable, though everyone speaks English. (The alternative would have been English, Czech and German with English Subtitles.)

It is generally historically accurate which makes it interesting.  It is also told from the Czech/British point of view.  The acting is good.  Jamie Dornon and Cillian Murphy play the leading British operatives and Toby Jones plays the last leader of the Czech resistance.

It is a long two hours but worth a look for WWII and history buffs.  There are a few twists and turns for added intrigue.

Rating 

Norman Lear, Just Another Version of You

This biographic and historical documentary about the life’s work of Norman Lear is a joy to watch.  And why not, it recaps a remarkable career of a iconic television producer whose vision of television entertainment literally changed the American culture.

Better yet, this is a truly likable man, with vision, compassion, forward thinking and deep family values.  At first though, some of the early clips from All in the Family and The Jeffersons seem harsh and bigoted by today’s standards but upon reflection of the time and place of those shows were bold and groundbreaking.  They used humor to drive home tough topics.

Directors Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady skillfully navigate the complex subject matters with a keen focus on Lear as a change agent and ultimately an extraordinary family patriarch.  Do see this film.  It is a joyful reminder of another era and a remarkable man.

Rating  

Don’t Think Twice

This fast paced peek at a small Improv dramedy troop in New York and the challenge they face to grow, compete and thrive.  There is a fair amount of time devoted to showing how they remain creative, inspired and relevant to themselves and their craft.

It is both entertaining, exhausting and heartbreaking at moments.  It is clear these folks rely on one another with close bonds and inter-dependency.  Their creativity is inspiring.  But their competitive tendencies come at a price.

You might love this film if you are a comedy or entertainment industry fan.  The run time is only 90 minutes, but it feel longer.  Not because it isn’t good. It is only because the material comes fast and there is a lot to absorb.

Written and starring, Mike Birbiglia.  All talented Keegan-Micheal Key, Gillian Jacobs, Chris Gethard, Kate Micucci and Tami Sagher round out the troop.

Rating 

Indignation

Set in the 1951 under the cloud of the Korean war, a college bound Jewish son of a butcher from Newark, N.J. goes to the conservative Wineburg College, in Ohio.  It is a Christian school with only one Jewish fraternity on campus.

The young man Marcus, played by Logan Lerman, is intelligent, articulate, a loner and an atheist.  He is captivated by the alluring coed, Olivia, played by Sarah Gidon.  Finally there is a date and a bit more.

There are lots of twists and turns, plenty of social and period commentary but the films stays focused on this young mans journey.  Sad and satisfying at the same time.

Rating 

Suicide Squad

Oh my!  Where to begin.  We were not going to see this movie, it just looked ridiculous at first.  Then we started to hear good things, so we decided give it a look.  Now remember this is based on a 1980s DC comic book.

We have 10 bizzare imprisioned criminals each with a unique “superpower” who are recruited by the government to fight evil spirits threatening our destruction.

Yes, it is goofy, crazy, absurd, but on closer look it is inventive, truly unique, and playful in a goofy, crazy, absurd sort of way.  At first thought:  What is this?  By the end, pretty clever.  Be assured you have never seen anything quite like this.

It has a nice cast: Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Will Smith, Cara Delevingne, Jai Courtney, Joel Kinnaman and, drum roll… Viola Davis!

If you like Superhero/Comicbook films, this may be interesting.  If not, maybe pass on this one.  I liked it much more that John and we are rarely on different pages.

Rating 

Tallulah

What a fascinating film.  It is focused mainly on three women and a baby.  All but the baby are tormented in one way or another.  The poor baby is just there for the ride, sometimes bumpy and tumultuous.

The production is beautifully told and well acted.  Tallulah is played by Ellen Page, arguable in her best roll since Juno.  Allison Janney is the boyfriend’s mother with emotional baggage.  Her performance is brilliant.  Tammy Blanchard plays the baby’s Mom whose marriage with the father is deeply strained.

There are lots of sub plots and just enough angst and tension to hold your attention.  There were some scenes that left the viewer wondering what happened or how did they get to that moment.  Overall though, an excellent film but not perfect.

Rating 

Jason Bourne

I was a bit disappointed to hear the first reviews of the new Bourne movie were less than favorable.  I’m not sure what they were watching but the first Jason Bourne film in 10 years that we saw was awesome.

The older Matt Damon character looked a bit heavier, weary and weathered, by design I’m guessing.  Who wouldn’t after 10 years living off the grid?  But the character is also older and wiser.

The technology has gotten better making it more challenging to escape scrutiny.  Humm, is there a message there?!  In any event, the action, the energy, the twists and turns are all upgraded and classic Bourne.  It was the box office leader this weekend pulling in over $50 million.  If you are a fan of the franchise, don’t miss this one.

Special Note:  We were in Las Vegas earlier this year with some dear friends and stayed at the Aria Hotel while they were filming this movie.  Certain parts of the hotel were closed to the public but  it was a blast to see the shots in the movie where we saw some of the film sets.  What fun that was!

Rating 

Nerve

It was interesting to go see this movie, especially given all the brew ha ha with Pokemon Go of late.  Add to that, we were clearly the oldest ones in the theater that day.  Once again we are reminded we are no longer among most market demographics.

The film is intended to attract teens and 20 somethings for a romp through a real time “game” where the on screen audience is divided into “players” who win money if they succeed and “watchers” who pay to watch.  The lead characters, Vee, played by Emma Roberts and team mate, Dave Franco accept challenge after challenge if only always just barely.  It’s a clever concept that turns dark quickly.

There are lots of twists and turns and the ending is quite powerful but no leaks here.  It’s worth a look on pay per view or a long plane ride.  If your family includes the target audience, it is worth a debriefing just for some insightful learning.

Rating 

The Kind Words

This Israeli film is an intriguing peek into a seemingly average Israeli family and the many modern challenges they face together.  (There are also yummy peeks at Jerusalem, Paris and Marseille.)

There is lots of drama and trauma, anguish and conflict but through it all, this family truly loves each other and remain committed to each other.

The story is somewhat complicated, perhaps a bit challenging for some audiences because the thought processes and cultural values are unique.  But these characters are very likable and you feel what they are feeling.  The ending is ambiguous but ultimately satisfying.

Hebrew and French with English subtitles.  Running time: 1 hour 58 minutes.

Rating 

Cafe Society

This Woody Allen film is all about the ins and outs of the 1930s Hollywood movie industry.  It is mostly focused on the happenings of the successful agent (Steve Carell) and uncle to want-to-be-successful (Jesse Eisenberg) nephew from the Bronx.

First, it is beautifully filmed and generally well acted.  It was intriguing to watch as it hops from character to over indulgence, one after another.  It’s not perfect.  Jesse Eisenberg’s initial dialog is a rapid fire scrabble of words.  The script, no doubt, a cathartic effort by Woody Allen.  That said, there is a great cast of characters in interesting roles.

That said, it is not boring.  It is a wild romp from Hollywood to New York City with a little bit of glam, romance, and a glimpse or two of the underbelly of the time.  We are not generally Woody Allen fans, but this film is worthy of a look.

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Star Trek

It is hard to believe this is the 13th movie in the franchise!  It is intelligent, highly entertaining, respectful to its legacy, and fresh in its storytelling.

It is set far enough in the future to play with new film making technology and dazzle audiences visually.  The new plot and characters are consistent with the franchise creator Gene Roddenberry originally created depicting a unified “federation of planets” challenged by some really evil life forms.

It was a fun movie to watch.  See it on a big screen.  Skip the 3D, it is not worth the extra cost.  (For some of us wearing glasses, the 3D glasses are actually more annoying than enhancing.)

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Absolutely Fabulous

Based on the hugely popular BBC America TV sitcom of 1992 to 2012, the movie picks up where the series left off.  Not having watched the series, we were put off by the slap stick humor at first.

Eddy Monsoon, played be the show’s writer, Jennifer Saunders, and sidekick Pasty Stone, played by Jane Horrocks, are inseperable pals.  In the movie, the trademark jokes and constant flow of booze and drugs felt a bit tired.  However, the huge cast of characters giving cameo appearances breathed life into the production and make this movie “absolutely” worth the time.

Be advised, this film will not appeal to everyone.  Yes, it’s absurd.  Yes, it’s a slap at fashion and excessive wealth.  But it became funnier the more outrageous it became.  Think Lucy and Ethel on steroids, add a modern Laugh In with a heavy dose of Vodka and Champagne.

Rating: 

The Infiltrator

Here is another movie based on true events during the 1980’s.  US Customs agent, Robert Mazur, brilliantly portrayed by Bryan Cranston, goes undercover and inside the Medellin Drug cartel.

It is a fast paced, high rolling story about money laundering, drug smuggling, violence, suspicion, coercion and deception.

There are more twists and turns than the best roller coasters.  Stellar performances by Cranston, John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger, Juliet Aubrey and a spine tingling role by Yul Vazquez as a creepy money man and killer.

It is not always easy to watch.  There are plenty of scenes that will make you cringe from tension or violence.  It is quick paced and often very suspenseful.  There may be some Oscar material here, just saying…

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Captain Fantastic

The father of six children sets up home in a remote “off the grid” wilderness where the children are home schooled, taught to think and reason at a sophistacted level well above the norm.  They are each well rounded individuals, extremely physically fit, cultured and worldly even though their exposure to the outside world is quite sheltered.

The news their mother’s death sends shock waves through the family which  ultimately leads to a road trip to the funeral, several states away in the self contained family bus.

The wife’s parents defy the wishes of their daughter and then threaten to take the children away from their father because they object to how the children are being raised.

It is ultimately a story of adventure, family love, fulfillment, forgiveness and perserverence.  It is a unique film, well acted and beautifully produced.  It was our favorite of the week and one of the best films of 2016 so far.

Cast includes Vigo Mortensen, Annalise Basso, George MacKay, Frank Langella and Steve Zahn among others.

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Our Little Sister

This film is about three twenty-something sisters and the arrival of their half sister following the death of their father.

It is meticulously filmed, capturing the rhythm of life just outside of Tokyo and the life the sisters enjoy.  It is a peek at a different society that most rarely have the opportunity to observe.

Sometimes funny, then sad, then surprising, even silly.  Overall, it is charming and a slowly revealing look at these characters lives.

Note:  We were in Japan last October and it brought back nice memories of small town Japanese life.

Japanese with English subtitles (sometimes very fast).

Rating:  

Microbe and Gasoline

Two very different 14 year old misfit boys become friends through challenges at school and embark on an adventure after building a mini RV that looks like a playhouse, but powered by a tiny 2 stroke engine they salvaged from a junk yard.

With conflict at home, they decide to escape on a road trip dodging the cops, facing bullies and escape to the countryside.  It is clever, charming, touching and inventive.

Microbes Mom is played by the talented Audrey Tautou (of Amelie and DaVinci Code fame).  The boys are played by Ange Dargent as Daniel and Theophile Baquet as Theo.

This is not a unique plot nor a ground breaking production.  But it is an authentic French production and perspective on a coming of age tale told through excellent performances of talented young actors.

Rating: 

The Innocents

A true story of survival and renewal is set in Warsaw 1945 in the aftermath of post WW2.  A Polish nun seeks help from a French Red Cross doctor who refers the nun to the non-existent Polish Red Cross.  Against orders the French doctor follows the nun back to her convent.

The doctor discovers many of the nuns had be raped and pregnant.  The Mother Superior insists the nuns continue their monastic life of prayer and obedience.

This is a powerful film telling the relatively unheard of story.  It is beautifully filmed and directed by Anne Fontaine.  There are heartbreaking scenes of despair and emotional struggle.

There is also an uplifting moment at the end.  Overall, it is an amazing movie that should be seen.  You’ll need to seek this out as distribution is limited.  Polish and French with English subtitles.  115 Minutes run time.

Rating: 

Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates

Mike (Mike Strangle), and Dave (Zac Efron) are young party animals with a history of causing havoc at family gatherings.  With their sister’s wedding on the horizon, the family demands they bring acceptable girlfriends to the planned Hawaii event.

What you get is a juvenile script, with over acted scenes, predicable slapstick, crude humor, characters you don’t really ever care about and just about every other corny cliche you’ve ever heard.

We didn’t care for the trailers when they first came out but one of the best Bay Area critics “raved” saying EVERY SINGLE SCENE was perfect and hilarious.  Total opposite was true.  It was horrific!  Your time is worthy of so much more.

Rating:  

The Secret Life of Pets

The much anticipated Secret Life of Pets was finally released last Friday.  The movie was well made with interesting characteristics incorporated into most of the critters.  And there were a lot of critters.  Good ones and, well, not so good.

It was good solid animated entertainment, often funny, sometimes madcap, sometimes a bit belabored.

It is already a box office sweetheart generating more than a $100 million in revenues during its opening weekend.

We thought it dragged a bit too long too many times to deserve a score any higher.  The preceding Minion short film was a pleasant surprise though.  Overall, good, but not great.

Rating: 

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

This movie from New Zealand is fresh, unique, family friendly, visually satisfying, and just quirky enough for high marks all around.

The talented director, Taika Waititi, tilts this story line to a child’s point of view.  That is not easy to do considering the depth of adult topics and situations encountered by the welfare child in the lead role and his would be adopted Dad hiding in the wilds for months from Child Services authorities.

Sam Neill plays the Dad character, arguably his best role in years.  His performance alone is worth the time and ticket.  But this story is so well developed, with so many surprises and subtle messages, it is not to be missed.

This is sure to become a classic.

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