Straight Outta Compton

Straight Outta Compton

This movie is the story of the hip hop group N.W.A. and is named after one of their albums.   The original N.W.A. was made up of a group of young black men from Compton, California in the late 80’s and early 90’s.  This was a time when racial tension was high and black men were often assaulted and disrespected by the police for no apparent reason.  The young men were Dr. Dre, Easy E, Ice Cube, DJ Yella, and MC Ren. 

Ice Cube’s son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., fittingly plays him in the movie.  Dr. Dre is played by Corey Hawkins; Easy E is played by Jason Mitchell; DJ Yella is played by Neil Brown; and MC Ren is played by Aldis Hodge.  Paul Giamatti stars as N.W.A.’s manager, Jerry Heller.    The movie tells the story of how the group was formed and their struggles with the police, the world they lived in, and each other. 

Straight Outta Compton is rated R for good reason.  The language is not for young ears and there is nudity.  The acting in this movie was fantastic by all the young men and Paul Giamatti. I especially enjoyed O’Shea Jackson Jr.   Fans of this music genre will enjoy the songs. 

This movie comes out at a time when racism is again at the forefront in our news today.  Hopefully when you watch this movie it will strike a cord and make you realize that racism in any form is bad.   The movie will get mixed reviews from some but does a good job of representing the world as it appeared through the eyes of the African American people during that time. 

I loved everything about this movie and the storyline was strong.  Adults should go and watch this movie.  I gave it 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four

This movie is based off of Marvel Comic’s team of four superheroes known as the Fantastic Four.  Reed Richards (Miles Teller) is Mr. Fantastic who has the ability to stretch his body in any way imaginable.  Johnny Storm (Michael B. Jordan) is The Human Torch who can put himself on fire and shoot fireballs.  Susan Storm (Kate Mara) is The Invisible Woman who as you would guess can make herself invisible.  Ben Grimm (Jamie Bell) is The Thing who has a stone body and super-human strength.  The four together are the Fantastic Four.

Reed has always been fascinated with science and inventions, particularly teleportation. He and his friend Ben have been working on teleporting since childhood.   Reed is recruited to attend the Baxter Foundation which is a research institution sponsored by the government.  There he meets up with Johnny and Susan who are brother and sister and whose father Franklin (Reg E. Cathey) is the director.  Franklin brings in Victor von Doom (Toby Kebbell) who had previously worked with Susan. 

The four find success and secretly teleport themselves to another dimension.  But something goes wrong and Victor is left behind while the others gain their individual super powers.

The Fantastic Four didn’t make a whole lot of sense if you follow the comic books.  The movie spent too much time on how they came to be and not enough time on the superhero part.  The director (Josh Trank) took this movie the wrong way and I was completely disappointed as a fan of the comics.  I grew up reading Marvel Comics and I don’t understand why this movie flopped.  The original Fantastic Four was a terrific movie but this version was not.  The special effects were outstanding but that’s the only plus.  Stan Lee who was one of the writers of the comic book version usually makes an appearance, but he didn’t do so in this movie.  This only adds to the fact that this version of the Fantastic Four was not worth watching.  I gave this movie 2 out of 4 stars.  

Ricky and the Flash

Ricky and the Flash

Ricky Rendazzo is the lead female singer for her band the Flash with lead guitarist Greg.  Ricky is played by Meryl Streep and Greg is played by Rick Springfield. 

In Ricky’s younger years, she was Linda and married to Pete (Kevin Kline).  Ricky and Pete had two sons and one daughter.   But Linda had dreams of being in a band.  She left her family behind to pursue her dreams. 

Now years later, Ricky’s dream really didn’t go far and she and the band play at a club.  Ricky also works as a checker in a food store.  One day she receives a call from Pete.  It seems that their daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer and Streep’s real life daughter) was in a deep depression and Pete was hoping that Linda/Ricky could help.  Julie’s husband had left her for another woman.

Ricky immediately flies out but her kids are all less than happy to see her.  While she realizes she must accept their feelings she works to bring Julie out of her funk.  Greg is in love with Ricky and convinces her of the importance of her family.  As Greg said “It’s not their job to love her, it’s her job to love them”.

This movie was very, very enjoyable and entertaining.  Meryl Streep actually learned to play the guitar for this part and the band was quite good.  She should be nominated for an Oscar in this role.  Rick Springfield couldn’t have been a better cast in his role as Ricky’s lead guitarist and boyfriend.  Jonathan Demme who directed this movie, did a fantastic job.  It was written by Diablo Cody and very well done.   (Cody is also known for writing the movie Juno which was also very successful.) 

As a child of the 70’s and 80’s and a Rick Springfield fan, I loved the music.  I can’t wait for the soundtrack.  I gave this movie 4 out of 4 stars.  It’s terrific from beginning to end.  

The Gift

The Gift

This movie stars Jason Bateman as Simon Callen who with his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall) move to suburban Los Angeles from Chicago for Simon’s new job.  Robyn had been expecting a child earlier in Chicago but she lost the baby and it was their hope that a change in scenery would help them to have another child. 

While on a shopping trip, they run into Gordon “Gordo" Moseley (Joel Edgerton) who had been a high school classmate with Simon.  One day Gordon shows up at Simon and Robyn’s home while Simon is at work.  Robyn shows him around and invites him to stay for dinner. 

Gifts begin to appear from Gordon and it becomes apparent that Gordon thinks there is a friendship where none exists.   Simon tells Gordon that he should not show up any more and to leave them alone.  After this, weird and troubling things begin to happen that Robyn and Simon contribute to Gordon.  It also becomes apparent to Robyn that Simon is hiding something from his past. 

Parts of this movie were really good and some were humdrum.  Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall were well cast and were quite good.  It was interesting to see Jason cast in the part of somewhat of a bad guy.  The real star of this movie was Joel Edgerton.  Not only did he play a lead role as Gordon but he also directed and produced this film.  We really had not seen much of him since The Gladiator. 

I enjoyed this movie but it was good not great.  About ¾ of the movie was satisfactory but the rest, I couldn’t get into.  However, I still give this movie 3 out of 4 stars. 

Trainwreck

Trainwreck

Amy Schumer plays Amy Townsend who as a girl was taught by her father that “monogamy is bad”.  As an adult, Amy is a heavy partier who sleeps around.  She does have one steady guy, Steven, played by John Cena, but she sees other men as well.  

Amy works for S’nuff, a men’s magazine.  She is assigned by her boss to write a story on sports doctor Aaron Conners (Bill Hader).  Amy knows nothing about sports which quickly becomes apparent to Aaron.  Aaron invites her out and they end up sleeping together.  When Amy tries to leave, Aaron convinces her to spend the night.  The next day, much to Amy’s surprise, Aaron calls her. 

A romance soon blossoms but Amy and Aaron are from different worlds.  Aaron’s world is very professional and includes famous athletes like Tony Romo, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Lebron James.  Amy on the other hand is brash and bold and carefree.

This movie was written by Amy Schumer and really displays her talents in the comedy world.  She is a wonderful comedienne and a pretty solid actress.  Her and Bill Hader (from Saturday Night Live) were both outstanding and were convincing as a couple.  Then there is Lebron James.  He’s not known for his acting, but he pulled it off quite well.  Lebron had more than a bit part, and has a future in the acting world.  In one scene, Lebron holds an intervention for Aaron that includes Chris Evert, Marv Albert, and Matthew Broderick.   Lebron was great. 

Judd Apatow directed this movie and did a fantastic job with all of the talent that he had to work with.  Even John Cena was good and you see a lot more of John than you would expect to – enjoy ladies.  This movie is rated R and it definitely needs to be so don’t bring your small children.  I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Ant-Man

Ant-Man

Ant-Man is another movie based on a character from Marvel Comics.  Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) is an entomologist who discovered a way to transform a person into a tiny ant with superhuman (ant-like) strength.  Hank fears that his discovery is dangerous and keeps it secret.  Hank’s protégé, Corey (Darren Cross) and Hank’s daughter, Hope (Evangeline Lilly), attempt to replicate the technology to Hank’s dismay. 

Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is a petty criminal whom Hank has been watching.  After Scott is released from prison, Hank recruits him to become Ant-Man and convinces Hope to help.  Hope teaches Scott to use the power to the full degree. 

At the same time, Corey is creating Yellowjackets and invites Hank for a demonstration.  Hank is aware of the situation and brings along Scott to defeat the Yellowjackets and destroy all that Corey has created.  And so this version of Marvel’s superheroes must save the day.

Ant-Man is not as well-known of a character in the Marvel universe but for those of us who love anything to do with Marvel, we know him.  Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, and Michael Douglas were excellent in their parts.  Paul Rudd added some comedy to the role that only heightened the success of the movie.  The special effects were outstanding.  At one point Ant-Man was up against toy trains which was quite fun to watch.  The directing by Peyton Reed was well done as well. 

This is one movie where you should stay past the credits as there are more scenes that you will enjoy.  I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Pixels

Pixels

In 1982 a time capsule is launched into space carrying several popular items from the era.  In Pixels, some of those items return to earth in order to attack it.  The attackers are the characters from arcade games that include Pac Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invaders. 

Kevin James plays the President of the United States, Will Cooper.  After the attacks, it’s decided that the only way to be rid of the characters is to beat them at their own game.  World champions of the games are called in to help. 

Adam Sandler plays Sam Brenner, a software installer who is also a Pac Man champion and one of the President’s best friends.  He is brought in as well as Ludlow Lamonsoff (Josh Gad) another game enthusiast who Sam and Will had met as children, and Eddie Plant (Peter Dinklage) a Donkey Kong expert. 

As a teenager in the 80’s myself, I played all of these games.  So I thought the concept of this movie was pretty good.  If you are too young to understand Pac Man and Donkey Kong, the idea may be stupid to you.  

Adam Sandler and Kevin James are always great together and did not disappoint.  This movie also did not receive good reviews but I disagree.  If you want to appreciate Pixels, you really do have to leave your mind at the door and just enjoy.    I just let the spirit of the movie entertain me and I gave this movie 3 out of 4 stars.  

Paper Towns

Paper Towns

Paper Towns is based off of the book by John Green.  It is the story of a teen aged boy named Quentin (Nat Wolff) who is a senior in high school.  Q, as Quentin is known as, has been in love with his neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman, since she moved across the street when he was a child.  Margo (Cara Delevingne) is adventurous where Quentin is cautious.  As children they were great friends but as they grow older, they drift apart. 

One night after Q has gone to sleep, Margo comes through his window asking for his help.  Margo, who is very popular in school, has discovered that her boyfriend is cheating on her with one of her friends.   She enlists Q’s help to plot her revenge.  After their espionage, they go to one of Margo’s favorite hangouts and Margo discusses “Paper Towns”, towns on a map that don’t really exist.  Q is encouraged by the evening and looks forward to spending more time with her.  However, Margo disappears the next day.

Q and his friends Ben (Austin Abrams) and Radar (Justice Smith), Radar’s girlfriend Angela (Jaz Sinclair), and Margo’s friend Lacey (Halston Sage) go on a road trip looking for the “paper town” where Q believes Margo is waiting.  Q thinks that Margo has left him clues so that he will search for and find her. 

The stars of this movie were very talented and I expect to see more from them.  Paper Towns reminded me some of the Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller, and 16 Candles which were all directed by the late John Hughes.  It wasn’t quite as good but had some similarities.  I loved how the friends grew up throughout the movie just as they did in Hughes’ movies. 

This movie has not received great reviews but I took my teen age daughter and she loved it as much as I did.  I gave it 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Inside Out

This much anticipated animated film will appeal to all ages.  It’s the story of Riley,

a young girl born into a happy life in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  As is the case with

most girls, Riley experiences many emotions including Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger,

and Disgust.  This movie focuses on those emotions making them into living

entities inside one’s head.  Riley’s prevalent emotion is Joy.

Riley’s father’s job takes them from Minneapolis to live in San Francisco.  Riley

soon misses her friends, her beloved sport hockey, and everything about her old

home.  On Riley’s first day at school, Sadness gets Riley to cry.  Joy attempts to

save this experience from becoming a core memory before it reaches the central

hub, but things only get worse as other core memories are knocked around.

Riley’s personality islands begin to falter and Joy, Sadness, and the core memories

are sucked out of headquarters.

This leaves Fear, Disgust, and Anger to run the show for Riley.  In the meantime,

Joy and Sadness traipse through Riley’s mind trying desperately to return to

headquarters and restore some happiness for Riley.

The main characters in this movie are voiced by Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill

Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, and Kaitlyn Dias. The animation in this movie

was fantastic as was the story line.  Everything about this movie was really, really

good.  This is truly a family movie.  Children will love this movie as will the adults.

I gave this wonderful movie 4 out of 4 stars.

Poltergeist

This movie is a remake of the 1982 successful Poltergeist film but this one was in 3D.  The storyline is basically the same as before.  Eric Bowen was recently laid off when he and his family move into a new home that had just become available and in their price range. 

Eric (Sam Rockwell), his wife Amy (Rosemarie DeWitt), oldest daughter Kendra (Saxon Sharbino), son Griffin (Kyle Catlett), and youngest daughter Madison (Kennedi Clements) realize something isn’t right when on the first night they hear noises in the walls.  During the commotion one night, Griffin awakens and goes downstairs to find Madison talking to the TV.  He unplugs it and things go haywire in the house with lights, radio and other devices getting turned on and off.  Madison then calmly states the famous words from the past movie “They are here”.

One night while Eric and Amy are out, Kendra’s phone begins making noises, and Griffin is attacked by one of the clown dolls that were found in the house.  He escapes to Madison’s room to find her crouched in a corner.  Griffin goes to find Kendra as Madison is lured into the closet and into another dimension. 

The original Poltergeist was quite good and the acting was as well.  The second movie was not up to par and 3D didn’t help.  The special effects were not very good nor was the acting.  This was one movie that shouldn’t have been remade.   If you liked the original, do not watch this one because it isn’t worth your time.  Go rent the first edition instead.  It’s in blue ray and still is fantastic.   I gave this movie 1 out of 4 stars. 

Dope

This movie takes place in Inglewood, California in an area known as “The

Bottoms” and is filled with drugs and gangs.  Malcom (Shameik Moore) is a high

school senior who has dreams of attending Harvard.  He and friends Jib (Tony

Revolori) and Diggy (Kiersey Clemons) are all very bright and love old school hip

hop.  Consequently they are often bullied.

One day on the way home, Malcom runs into Dom who is one of the

neighborhood drug dealers.  Dom convinces him to visit one of the neighboring

buildings to ask Nakia (Zoe Kravitz) to come to Dom’s birthday party.   She agrees

to go if Malcom will go as well.

While at the party, rival gang members arrive and soon shots are being fired.

Dom stuffs his drugs in Malcom’s back pack and tells Malcom to run.  The next

day as Malcom walks into school the drug dog at the door is alerted to the

backpack.  Malcom is allowed to continue because no one would suspect him of

having drugs.

The rival gang realizes that Malcom has the drugs and begin hunting down

Malcom and his friends.  This movie provides a good picture of what life can be

and often is like in neighborhoods like Malcom’s.

The three young actors in this movie were quite good.  I think the looks of the

movie were right on.  You realize the real fear that kids must have growing up in

neighborhoods like this.  I thought this movie was fantastic even though the first

run of it was short-lived.  Hopefully it will last longer on the re-release.  I gave this

• movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.

Love and Mercy

This movie tells the story of Brian Wilson, one of the main members of the Beach Boys musical group.  The movie goes back and forth between Brian’s life in the 1960’s and Brian’s life in the 1980’s.  Brian in the 1960’s is played by Paul Dano and Brian in the 1980’s was played by John Cusack.  

After a lot of musical success in the 1960’s, Brian suffers a panic attack and convinces the band to let him stay behind on their tour and while he continues to write music.    He begins hearing voices in his head and starts to lose touch with reality.  

Brian is diagnosed with schizophrenia and becomes under the care of Dr. Eugene Landy (Paul Giamatti) who pretty much keeps Brian drugged up.  Brian visits a Cadillac dealer with the intent to buy a car and meets Melinda Ledbetter who is played by Elizabeth Banks.  Brian immediately falls for her and asks her out.    

When Melinda realizes that Brian is never allowed to be alone and she sees the treatment Brian receives from Dr. Landy, she decides to take matters into her own hands.  
The acting in this movie was the best I have seen all year.  I even read that Brian Wilson himself thought the actors were cast perfectly.  Brian when on to say that he found himself actually afraid for a while after seeing Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of Dr. Landy.     
All three actors were worthy of a Oscar nomination even though it is still early in the season.  
Of course the movie was about a member of the Beach Boys so it goes without saying that the music was wonderful.   I look forward to the soundtrack.  It’s hard to believe that Brian is one of the last living members of one of the best rock groups of the 60’s and 70’s.   

Overall this was an awesome and unforgettable movie.  I rated it 4 out of 4 stars.  It’s a must see.

Insidious 3

Insidious 3 is based on a different family than the first two movies but does contain some of the characters.  Stefanie Scott stars as teenager Quinn Brenner whose mother recently died. Quinn’s father, Sean (Dermot Mulroney), is very dependent on Quinn without their mother and she resents it.  

Quinn has heard of a woman who can talk with the dead and decides to visit her in hopes that she can help Quinn talk with her mother.  The lady is Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) who had the same role in the previous movies.  Elise has decided to retire from speaking with the dead but warns Quinn to not call out to them since all of the dead could also hear. 

Days later Quinn sees a dark figure while auditioning for a theater academy.   That night she meets her friend Maggie.  While they are crossing the street, Quinn again sees the dark figure and pauses to look.  She is hit by a car and badly injured.  She has broken both of her legs and is wheel-chair bound while her legs are in casts.  
Her father takes her home and gives her a bell to use when she needs something.   
Soon after, bad things begin to happen to Quinn.I enjoyed the acting by Lin Shaye.   She is a tremendous actress. Dermot Mulroney and Stefanie Scott were also fantastic.  
The special effects in this movie were outstanding.  The story at large was pretty good.  If you like horror movies, I would highly recommend Insidious 3.  It’s far better than the second movie and just as good as the first.  I gave this movie 3 out of 4 stars.  

San Andreas

This movie is based off the notion of the horrors that would occur if the San Andreas Fault ever ruptured.  Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson stars as Ray Gaines who is a Los Angeles Fire Department Air Rescue pilot.  Ray and his daughter Blake (Alexandra Daddario) are to take a trip to San Francisco.

Seismologists Lawrence Hayes (Paul Giamatti) and Dr. Kim Park (Will Yun Lee) are at the Hoover Dam to test a theory when a 7.1 earthquake hits destroying the dam and killing many people including Dr. Park.   Ray is called in to help so Blake is to instead go on her trip with her mother, Emma (Carla Gugino), and her mother’s wealthy boyfriend, Daniel (Ioan Gruffudd).

 Daniel is working on a new high rise that is being built to withstand earthquakes.  While in the high rise, Blake meets Ben (Hugo Johnstone-Burt).  Ben is an architect from England applying for a job with Daniel’s company who is travelling with his brother Ollie (Art Parkinson).

Lawrence realizes that the San Andreas Fault is shifting.  He tries to warn people but soon all of the cities along the fault, including San Francisco, are experiencing a massive earthquake.   Ray heads back to San Francisco to save his family.

The action scenes in this movie were fantastic.  The length of the movie was perfect.  It wasn’t too long as to become boring.  Dwayne Johnson is an ok actor but does have a strong presence in this movie.  I loved the display of family first.  Carla Gugino and Alexandra Daddario were pretty good in their roles so it pulled it all together.  

Overall this movie was very enjoyable.  If you go in expecting it to be real life, then you shouldn’t watch this movie.  I recommend it if nothing else for the action.  I gave it 3 out of 4 stars.  

Jurassic World

Steven Spielberg continues the classic Jurassic Park movies with Jurassic World – the fourth in the series.   In Jurassic World, Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron Howard’s daughter) plays Claire Deering who is the Operation Manager for the Jurassic World Park.  In an effort to increase attendance to the park, the scientists, led by Dr. Henry Wu (B.D. Wong), are working on a new dinosaur that is to be more exciting than any previous dinosaur.  The new attraction is to be called Indominus Rex and its makeup is kept secret by Dr. Wu. 

Claire’s two nephews are visiting the park and she is responsible for their care.  However, she is so busy and focused on securing funding for the park that she assigns one of her assistants to stay with the boys.  Not enjoying being babysat, the boys quickly ditch her.

Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) is a trainer at the park for the Velociraptors and is brought in to evaluate the Indominus Rex.  He warns Claire that the new dinosaur is way too dangerous but his warning falls on deaf ears.  Soon after, everything goes haywire in the park. 

The 3D effects were amazing in this movie.  All of the dinosaurs seem to come to life right before your eyes.  The looks of the dinosaurs was even better than in any of the previous movies.   Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard were excellent in their roles.  Both did such a great job of acting that you actually felt their fear. 

I felt that this movie wasn’t quite as good as the first movie but it’s not far behind. This is one movie you shouldn’t miss.  

I gave it 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Tomorrowland

This movie stars George Clooney as inventor Frank Walker and Brit Robertson as Casey Newton, a teenaged girl who is very bright herself.  Casey’s father Eddie (Tim McGraw) is a NASA engineer who has taught Casey to appreciate science.  With NASA decommissioning the launch pad, her father will lose his job.  She sneaks in with the intent to sabotage the work being done to remove the launch pad but ends up in jail.  When her dad comes to get her, she is given a pin with her belongings. Everytime she touches the pin, she is taken to a new place known as Tomorrowland.  However, she is the only one to see it. 

After time, touching the pin does not let her see anything new.  In search of answers, she meets up with Athena (played by Raffey Cassidy) an Audio-Animatronic recruiter for Tomorrowland who had given her the pin.  Athena sends her to meet with Frank Walker who had also been recruited by Athena as a young boy. 

Frank Walker had been banned from Tomorrowland after an invention of his went wrong and now he is a crotchety loner.  Once at Frank’s residence Casey is attacked by a hologram figure of a dog but she se’s through the ruse and remains much to the chagrin of Frank.  A group of robots are searching for Casey and in order to escape Frank takes her to Tomorrowland.

George Clooney was terrific as usual as was the young up and coming actress Brit Robertson.  Tim Mcgraw was also tremendous in the small part that he played.  Hugh Laurie also did great in his small part as the governor of Tomorrowland.  Brad Bird directed and produced this movie and wrote the screen play.  Having the same person do all worked out fabulously.

I thought that this movie was fantastic and I enjoyed every moment.  George Clooney who is a political person, made a statement in this movie and the point was well taken.  We should not take for granted what we have today.  

I gave this movie 3 out of 4 stars.  

Mad Max: Fury Road

This version in the Mad Max saga stars Tom Hardy as “Mad” Max Rockatansky and Charlize Theron as Furiosa.  Max is a loner with bad memories from his past.  He is captured by war boys and taken to the citadel to be used as a blood donor for War Boy Nux who is sick. 

The citadel is a kind of cult led by the Immortan Joe.  Joe has five women who have been chosen as wives to be breeders for him.  Furiosa hides the women in her war rig and takes them with her to search for gas.  Furiosa goes off course infuriating Joe once he realizes his wives are gone.  He and his army go after her taking Max with them so he can continue supplying blood for Nux.  After a skirmish, Max and Furiosa join up and continue on while evading the armies that are in pursuit. 

In my opinion this was the worst edition of all the Mad Max movies. I don’t think Charlize Theron is a good actress and Tom Hardy performed one the worst acting jobs of his career - not at all filling in well for Mel Gibson.  There were several lesser known actors in this movie and none of them really had to act and didn’t.  The acting was terrible in every aspect of this movie.  It was a complete sleeper. 

George Miller did a great job directing in the first three Mad Max movies starring Mel Gibson opposite Tina Turner.  Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy were a nightmare.  The special effects were pretty cool to look at but that’s about the only positive. 

The story line was weak so it was doomed from the beginning.  I went into this movie hoping to be entertained but wasn’t.  I feel that George Miller could have cast the parts better as well.  

I gave this movie 1 ½ out of 4 stars.

Spy

This movie stars Melissa McCarthy as Susan Cooper, a trained CIA analyst who has only been allowed to guide agents in the field through their various cases in times of trouble from an office chair.  She generally works with Agent Bradley Fine (Jude Law) and has quite a crush on him.  One day while guiding Fine, she witnesses his death at the hands of Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne) who is the daughter of Fine’s latest target.  Fine had killed the target before learning the location of a nuke bomb. 

Rayna is now the new target but knows the identity of all the other agents. The leader of the CIA (Allison Janney) believes that Rayna could lead them to the bomb.  Susan volunteers to travel to Paris to spy on Rayna’s contact, De Luca.  Agent Rick Ford  (Jason Statham) is upset by allowing a “lunch lady” to get involved and quits his job.  He shows up in Paris, however, and begins to interfere with Susan’s espionage. 

Once again Melissa McCarthy is terrific in a comedy role and she was perfectly cast.  Jason Statham, Jude Law, and Rose Byrne were fantastic.  This movie was laugh-out-loud funny but definitely rated R due to nudity and a lot of profanity.  So if that’s not your kind of movie, you won’t like it.  If you liked “The Heat”, check this one out as you will definitely enjoy it. 

Paul Feig did an excellent job directing Spy and the music was great as well.    If you go see this movie, go with no expectations and you will like it as much as I did.  

I gave this movie 3 out of 4 stars.  

Entourage

Many movies have a lot of stars but this one was really filled with big-time actors and actresses.  Entourage is based off of the HBO series of the same name.  It stars Adrian Grenier as actor Vincent Chase, Kevin Dillon as Johnny “Drama” Chase (Vincent’s half brother), Jerry Ferrara as Turtle, and Kevin Connolly as Eric (“E”) Murphy.  

Vincent is a big star and stipulates that he will direct as well as act in his next movie.  All four men have been long time buddies who Vincent brought along when he became big.  Now E is his manager, Turtle is his driver, and Johnny, who is also an actor, tags along. 

Vincent’s former agent, Ari (Jeremy Piven) who is now a studio head, has reservations about letting Vincent direct but goes along with it.  He discovered Vincent and has stuck by him from the get-go.  Many issues occur in the making of the movie and it predictably goes over budget.  Ari must convince the movie’s financier to provide more money.  The financier, Larsen McCredle, (played by Billy Bob Thornton) sends his son, Travis (Haley Joel Osment), to determine if more money is warranted.  A screening party is planned and Travis attends where he meets Emily Ratajkowski, who he is immediately attracted to.  He becomes angry when he discovers that Vincent also likes Emily and follows them to Emily’s house.   This creates problems for Vincent in getting his money.

The movie lets you into the lives of not only Vincent but also E, Johnny, and Turtle.  E’s ex-girlfriend is pregnant while he sleeps with a host of women.  Johnny, who has no respect for women, wants to become a big-time actor like his brother, and Turtle has made a lot of money on his own and has a huge crush on Ronda Rousey.

I thought all of the stars appearing in this movie were terrific.  Many had only cameo appearances but it gave the allusion of a real Hollywood atmosphere.  Appearances were made by Mark Wahlberg, Ed O’Neill, Liam Neeson, David Spade, Pharrel Williams, Kelsey Grammer,  Warren Buffet, Jessica Alba, Gary Busey, Andrew Dice Clay, Mark Cuban to name a few, as well as some big sports figures such as Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Clay Matthews III, and Rob Gronkowski.    The movie was great from beginning to end.  The development of the characters was fantastic.  The movie Entourage followed the TV series Entourage quite well.  

I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Aloha

Aloha stars Bradley Cooper as Brian Gilcrest, Emma Stone as Captain Allison Ng, Rachel McAdams as Tracy Woodside, and Bill Murray as Carson Welch.  Brian is an ex-military man who left the service to work for Carson Welch as a contractor making much more money.  After a mishap in Kabul, he is being given one last chance by Carson.  His job is to convince a Hawaiian king to give up land for an Air Force pedestrian gate and his blessing.  Captain Ng has been assigned to assist. 

Tracy and Brian had been a couple many years ago with Tracy expecting marriage.  Brian had other ideas, however, and they broke up.  The pilot who flew Brian to Hawaii was Tracy’s now husband, Woody, who according to Tracy doesn’t talk.  When they land, Tracy is there to greet Woody and upon seeing Brian, invites him to dinner.  Brian brings Captain Ng who he is falling for but old feelings surface between Brian and Tracy. 

This movie was directed by Cameron Crowe who is one of my favorite directors of all time.  He also wrote this movie and I found it to be very entertaining.  It was a mix of romance, humor, and a little action. Emma Stone played her perky role to perfection and her character was extremely likeable.  This was one of Bradley Cooper’s best performances as well. 

Rachel McAdams and John Krasinski (who played Woody) were fantastic also.   Alec Baldwin played a small part as General Dixon who had a strong dislike for Brian.  That dislike was made clear by Alec Baldwin’s portrayal who was perfectly cast.  Danny McBride also had a small part so there were a lot of stars in this movie. 

I think this movie was excellent but it wasn’t Cameron Crowe’s best film.  He did a much better job with Jerry McGuire and Almost Famous since both affected me greatly.  This movie was enjoyable but left me wanting more.  

I gave this movie 3 out of 4 stars.

Pitch Perfect 2

This 2^nd movie about a group of girls who sing in an all-girl a capella group known as the Bella’s again stars the same characters from the first movie.  Anna Kendrick plays Beca, Rebel Wilson plays Fat Amy and Brittany Snow played Chloe.  Added to the sequel was Hailee Steinfield as Emily Junk-Harden, a freshman who has dreamed of being a Bella most of her life.  Katy Segal plays Katherine Junk who is Emily’s mother and a former Bella herself.  

The movie begins with the Bella’s performing at the Kennedy Center for President Barack Obama’s birthday.  The presentation, however, goes horribly wrong when Fat Amy comes in on a makeshift trapeze and has a wardrobe malfunction while not wearing any underwear.  This incident causes the Bella’s to be banned from any further competition. 

After lobbying to reduce their punishment, they reach an agreement that if they can win the world competition, they can be reinstated.  Anna is tasked with coming up with a new routine for the Bella’s but she is sidetracked by her desire to pursuit her career as a producer and the Bella’s seem to lose their way. 

This movie is outrageously funny and even has guest appearances by Snoop Dog and members of the Green Bay Packers.  The Green Bay Packer members participate in a “Sing-Off” which only adds to the hilarity.  As before Anna Kendrick shows off her fabulous voice and acting abilities. Rebel Wilson again keeps you laughing the aisles.  All of the actors were fabulous. 

I gave this movie 4 out of 4 stars.  Go see it!  

Hot Pursuit

This comedy stars Reece Witherspoon as policewoman Rose Cooper and Sofia Vergara as Daniella Riva, the wife of a cartel informant.  Rose’s father was a police officer who often took her with him in his squad car.  This led to her desire to follow in his footsteps and become an officer herself.   Rose, however, has problems separating her police life from her personal life because of her intensity.  She is the butt of many jokes on the police force.  

One day she is asked by her captain to help escort Daniella and her husband to safety before he testifies.  While at the Riva house, shots begin flying and Rose and Daniella escape together in one of the Riva’s cars.  Rose and Daniella then get into one escapade after another since many on the police force are on the cartel’s pay roll. 

Reece Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara were terrific in their parts and Anne Fletcher did a great job of directing.  The movie started out making me laugh and really didn’t let up.   This is a movie where you really need to check your mind at the door and just allow yourself to enjoy.  

I gave this movie 3 out of 4 stars. 

The Age of Adeline

This movie is the unique story of Adeline Bowman who is played by Blake Lively.  Adeline was born in 1908.  She married and had a child but was widowed at a young age after her husband was killed in an accident while helping to build the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.  At the age of 29 while driving home from her parent’s house, it begins to snow.  She has a car accident and then is hit by lightning.  From that day on, she never ages.

Adeline soon realizes that she can no longer remain Adeline Bowman as people begin to question her.  And so she changes her identity often and moves around a lot.  The only person who knows her true identity is her daughter Flemming who is played by Ellen Burstyn. 

Adeline meets a young man who steals her heart but when she realizes that he intends to propose to her, she suddenly leaves him without a word.  Many years later, a very lonely Adeline allows herself to fall in love with Ellis Jones who is played by Michiel Huisman.  He invites her to come with him to his parent’s 40^th wedding anniversary celebration.  Adeline agrees but much to her surprise, Ellis’s father William, who is played by Harrison Ford, is her prior love that she had left behind.

I thought that this movie was exceptional in all things.  The story, the characters, and the acting were all fantastic.  Blake Lively played her role beautifully.  Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker (William’s wife) worked well as husband and wife.  I also applaud Ellen Burstyn in her part.  

I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.    Don’t miss this one.  

Monkey Kingdom

This Walt Disney movie follows Maya who is toque macaque monkey living in ruins in the jungles of Sri Lanka.  The film is narrated by Tina Fey.  Maya is of the lower caste within the Monkey Kingdom and knows her place in the pecking order.

 

After another male shows up and takes a liking to Maya, she finds that she will soon be a mother.  The leader of the monkeys chases off the newcomer leaving Maya alone again.  She must now find food for her and her newborn son if he is to survive. 

This movie is cute and enjoyable and leaves a warm feeling inside while teaching the ways of this kingdom of monkeys.  

I gave this movie three out of four stars.  

Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2

This sequel again stars Kevin James in the lead role and Raini Rodriguez as his daughter Maya.  In the previous movie, Paul married Amy.  At the beginning of this movie, he receives notice that Amy has filed from divorce.  Soon after that, his mother is hit by a milk truck and killed. 

Paul is struggling to find happiness again when he receives notice that he has been requested to attend a security guard convention in Las Vegas.  At the same time, Maya is reading an acceptance letter to UCLA.  Paul tells Maya his news and she decides to keep UCLA’s letter to herself. 

They travel to Las Vegas where someone leads Paul to believe he will be the key-note speaker.  He soon learns that this was incorrect but a series of events leads to a request for him to speak anyway.  In the meantime, Maya has made a friend out of the hotel’s valet, Lane. 

As usual trouble seems to find Paul.   A very wealthy man has made plans to steal all of the valuable art work that is in the hotel.  Maya and Lane attend a party in one of the hotel’s suites and stumble upon the heist.  Both are kidnapped and Paul takes action. 

I loved every second of this hilarious movie.  You need to go in and check your brain at the door.  If you do, you will truly enjoy.  The whole cast was great.  

I gave this movie three out of four stars.  

The Longest Ride

This movie was an adaptation of yet another novel by Nicholas Sparks.  It stars Scott Eastwood as Luke Collins who is a successful bull rider, Britt Robertson as Sophia Danko who is an art student about to graduate from college, and Alan Alda as Ira Levinson, an older gentleman who the two find after he was in a car accident.

Sophia’s friends convince her to leave the studying behind to attend a rodeo even though it’s not Britt’s cup of tea.  While there she catches the eye of Luke and he tosses her his cowboy hat.  Later at a bar, the two meet again and Luke gets Sophia’s phone number.  After ignoring several of Luke’s calls, she finally answers and they go out. 

When returning from a date, they come upon a car accident involving Ira.  Sophia retrieves a box of old letters that were in the car and delivers them to the hospital to give to Ira.  They become friends and Sophia begins to read the letters to him.  The letters were old love letters between Ira and his wife, Ruth, who had recently died. 

Rodeo is a dangerous sport and Luke has been seriously injured many times.  His mother, played by Lolita Davidovich, has been trying to get Luke to quit for years.  

Sophia tries as well but also with no success.  Luke and Sophia who are from two very different worlds must figure out how to make their lives work together. 

I really enjoyed everything about this movie. Scott Eastwood who is the spitting image of his dad Clint Eastwood was terrific as was Britt Robertson.  They make a great couple on film.  I normally do not like Alan Alda but he was really quite good in a pretty big role.  He pulled off the part quite nicely.  

I gave this movie three out of four stars.  I enjoyed it from beginning to end.  

The Woman in Gold

This movie based on a true story stars Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds.  Helen Mirren plays Maria Altman who was a Jewish woman from Austria who had escaped the Nazis in the 1940’s.  Both Maria and a sister fled to the United States.  Their parents were unable to leave and eventually died in Nazi-run death camps.  Ryan Reynolds plays Randy Schoenberg, a lawyer who is the son of one of Maria’s friends who is also a Jewish woman from Austria. 

Maria was brought up in a well-to-do family who loved art.  Maria’s aunt was the subject of an Austrian painting known as “The Woman in Gold”.   All of the art the family owned was confiscated by the Nazi’s including the painting of her aunt.  It was now being held in an Austrian museum with ownership belonging to Austria.  

When Maria’s sister dies, she begins to go through old belongings and discovers a letter leading her to believe she may be the rightful owner of the painting.  Maria enlists Randy to help her take her case to court to reclaim “The Woman in Gold”. 

I thought this movie was spectacular.  Both Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds did a fantastic job.  I loved the replay of Maria’s life as a young woman as remembered through her daydreaming.  These memories made the story what it was.  

I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  Helen Mirren’s performance was worthy of an Oscar.  

Unfriended

Unfriended is a horror film of modern day technology.   It begins with Blaire Lily (Shelley Hennig) skyping with her boyfriend Mitch played by Moses Jacob Storm.  Just as the online conversation begins to get racy, they are joined by three more friends and one unknown.  They repeatedly try to kick off the unknown but have no success.

The whole group was at a party one year earlier when Lily’s best friend, Laura, became drunk and passed out.  Someone was taping Laura and while she was passed out, bad things were done to her.  The whole thing ended up on You Tube causing Laura to commit suicide.

You are led to believe in the movie that the unknown chatter is Laura trying to get revenge from whomever videoed her.  She makes the whole group play a game where they must admit to secrets that the others are not aware of.  If they do not tell the truth, they will be killed. 

I thought this movie was different and fit in with today’s world.  The director started out strongly.  I enjoyed about the first half hour of this movie and then I began to fall asleep.  The direction seemed to get lazy and the actors were only so-so.  The idea was good but there was bad execution.  

I gave this movie two out of four stars.  

The Avengers: Age of Ultron

This action filled movie is the second in the Avenger series.  It stars Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark (Ironman), Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner (Hulk), Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow,  Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury.  These comic book heroes join together to defeat baron Wolfgang von Strucker who was experimenting on humans with the scepter that was previously used by Loki.  The experiment was being conducted on a set of twins, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff.  Pietro had superhuman speed and Wanda had the ability to manipulate people’s thoughts as well as throwing energy blasts. 

Tony Stark and Bruce Banner had been experimenting with artificial intelligence and were using it in a global defense program known as Ultron (voiced by James Spader).  Ultron decides he must kill all humans in order to save the earth and attacks the Avengers as they are celebrating victory over Strucker.  Ultron attains the scepter and uses it to build an army of robot drones.  The Avengers must defeat the twins and Ultron in order to save the human race.  

This movie had it all, action, humor, and a touch of romance (between Black Widow and Hulk and between Hawkeye and his wife who was played by Linda Cardellini).  I really enjoyed James Spader voicing Ultron.  I salute everyone associated with this movie as it was better than the first.  I think the action was even stepped up a notch.  The actors were all spectacular as was the directing by Joss Whedon.    Stan Lee even made an appearance once again. 

I noticed many families at the theater to see the Avengers and even some dressed in character.  I really loved this movie and know you will too.  

I gave this movie four out of four stars.  Go see it.  

The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

In this version, Sonny (Dev Patel) has decided he is ready to expand.  He and Mrs. Donnelly (Maggie Smith) travel to San Diego to convince a hotel chain to invest.  They are told that an inspector will make an unannounced visit before a decision will be made. 

Sonny is on pens and needles and becomes at odds with his fiancé, Sunaina who is played by Tina Desae.  It doesn’t help that one of her brother’s friends (who is very good looking) is spending a lot of time with her.  When the inspector arrives, Sonny immediately recognizes his purpose.  However the inspector, who is played by Richard Gere, says he is there to write a book. 

Evelyn (Judi Dench) is offered a job as a fabric buyer and must decide if the amount of travelling that will be required is what she wants at her age.  Douglas (Bill Nighy), who is in love with Evelyn, is afraid he will not have any time with her if she accepts the job. 

All of the characters return and are dealing with different events in their lives including  Madge (Celia Imrie) who is still hunting for a husband and Norman (Ronald Pickup) who has found his love but is afraid he’s losing her.    The acting was quite good and I really enjoyed this movie.  In fact, I enjoyed it as much as the first. 

I gave this movie three out of four stars.  

Get Hard

This hilarious movie stars Will Farrell as James, a hedge fund manager who is very rich.   He is engaged to Alissa (Alison Brie) who only wants his money.  Kevin Hart plays Darnell who is James’s car washer.  One night in a parking lot, Darnell accidentally frightens James and is given a big speech about how James got to be a success.

Alissa throws an engagement party which is interrupted when the police storm in and arrest James for fraud and embezzlement.  He is found guilty and sentenced to ten years at San Quentin and given 30 days before the sentence begins. 

James again runs into Darnell in a parking lot and asks him to train him to be able to survive in prison assuming that Darnell has been in prison himself.  Darnell, however, has no idea what life in prison is like but agrees to help toughen James up. 

I have to say that Will Farrell and Kevin Hart are so very funny in this movie.  It’s just one riot after another.  I enjoyed every second.  It’s not going to win any academy awards.  However, if you check your mind at the door and just go in ready to enjoy, you will.  

I gave this movie three out of four stars. 

Home

This animated movie stars the hilarious Jim Parsons as Oh, a Boov who is not liked by his people due to his constant mistakes.  The Boov are always on the run from their enemy, the Gorgs, and are in search of a new planet.  They settle on Earth and quickly banish the humans from their homes so they can take over. 

Oh is excited to be in a new home and throws a party inviting all his neighbors.  When no one shows up, he becomes depressed.  He decides to send a mass email to all of the Boov inviting them to the party.  However, the email goes to everyone in the galaxy including the Gorgs.  All the Boov are searching for Oh in hopes of recalling the message.  They just need Oh’s password.  

One teenaged girl named Tip (voiced by Rhianna) has managed to escape capture along with her cat who is named Pig.    While on the run, she meets Oh, who is now also on the run after realizing his mistake.  Oh and Tip soon strike up a friendship and Oh promises to help Tip find her mother who was banished with the other humans. 

The humor in this movie was terrific. What else would you expect from Jim Parsons who was absolutely fantastic?  Rhianna did a great job as well.  The animation was really well done.  3D doesn’t always add a lot but I felt it did here. 

The movie was just a little too long but I still loved it. 

I gave this movie three out of four stars.  

Furious 7

Hold on to your hats in this movie because it starts fast and never slows down.  Vin Diesel returns as Dominic Toretto, the leader of the group.  Michelle Rodriguez as Letty Ortiz, Paul Walker as Brian O’Conner,  Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs, Chris Bridges as Tej Parker, and Tyrese Gibson as Roman Pearce all return.  Jason Statham plays the part of Deckard Shaw who is out to seek revenge for his brother, Owen, who Dom’s team had defeated in the previous movie.

The movie begins by showing how all of the crew are getting on with their lives.  Brian is adjusting as a husband and father while Letty is trying to regain her memories.  A mysterious package is left on the porch at Dom’s home.  While standing outside talking with Brian and his wife, he receives a phone call from Deckard Shaw and then the bomb goes off destroying Dom’s home. 

The crew are recruited by Frank Petty (Kurt Russell) to assist him in preventing a mercenary from acquiring God’s Eye which is a computer program that can track down any person through their digital devices and also to save the program’s creator Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) at the same time.  In exchange Frank will help them in getting Deckard Shaw.

This movie was a great tribute to the late great Paul Walker and was just fantastic.  The action never stopped.  Everyone who had a part in this movie played their roles to perfection.   The whole movie blew my mind by how enjoyable it was.  I encourage everyone to go watch this movie.  

I gave it movie four out of four stars.  

Insurgent

Shailene Woodley and Theo James return as Tris and Four in the second installment of the Divergent series. In this version, Tris and Four are on the run evading the Erudite faction and Jeanine (Kate Winslet) who has accused them of leading the attacks by the Dauntless.  They hide out with the Amity faction led by Johanna who was played by Octavia Spencer.  Soon, however the Dauntless arrive, forcing Tris and Four to run again. 

The Dauntless faction is ruthlessly searching for a small box that is thought to contain the means to put an end to the Divergents.  However, only a divergent can open the box.  This is the same box that Tris’s mother died to protect. 

Tris and Four travel to Factionless territory where they discover that Four’s mother is the leader. Four wants nothing to do with his mother, and they soon head to Candor where they are forced to take truth serum to prove their innocence in the attacks they have been accused of.  After passing the test, Jeanine plays on Tris’s heart strings by getting people to attempt suicide if Tris does not turn herself in. To avoid more death,

Tris does just that and is now the next person who will attempt to open the box and avoid death in the process.

I thought this movie was better than the first one.  I loved how the characters developed and the comradery between them.  Shailene Woodley was again fantastic and gets better and better as an actress every time I see her.  The chemistry between Shailene Woodley and Theo James was terrific.  The special effects were spectacular as well. 

Four and his mother were building on their relationship and I think that will be a big factor in the next movie.  I enjoyed this buildup and can’t wait to see the next installment.  

I gave this movie four out of four stars.  

Blue Rays and DVD’s: Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

This is the last of the three Night at the Museum movies and may have been the best.  It was definitely better than the second movie.  It again stars Ben Stiller as Larry Daley who is the security guard at the Museum of Natural History in New York City.  When the museum closes at night, the exhibits come to life.  In this version, all of the characters travel to London to visit the British Museum. 

This movie is loaded with stars.  Besides playing Larry Daley, Ben Stiller also plays Laaa who is a Neanderthal.  Ben Kingsley plays as a powerful pharaoh named Merenkahre.  Dick Van Dyke stars as Cecil, a retired security guard for the museum.  Rebel Wilson plays Tilly, the security guard at the British Museum, and Owen Wilson plays Jedediah, the cowboy.  It also features the late Mickey Rooney as Gus, another retired security guard, and the great Robin Williams as Theodore Roosevelt.  Even Hugh Jackman makes a brief appearance.

Ben Stiller was terrific as was the other cast and I really enjoyed it. 

I gave this movie 2 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Blue Rays and DVD’s: Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

I truly loved everything about this movie starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, Liam Hemsworth as Gale, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch, and Donald Sutherland as President Snow.  This movie in the Hunger Games saga is very good and full of action.  Katniss continues her fight for independence for her people from President Snow.  Peeta, however, is being held by President Snow and used as a pawn to convince Katniss to stop her resistance. 

The acting, the imagery, and everything involved in this movie is spectacular.  Even if you were able to catch this at the theater, I recommend you add this movie to your DVD/Blue Ray collection.  

I gave it four out of four stars.  

Run All Night

Run All Night is an action movie starring Liam Neeson as an aging hitman named Jimmy.  Jimmy had worked most of his life for his best friend Shawn, played by Ed Harris.  Because of his profession, Jimmy’s son Mike (Joel Kinnaman) will have nothing to do with him.  Mike is an amateur boxer as well as a limousine driver. 

Shawn’s son Danny (Boyd Holbrook) is trying hard to follow in his father’s footsteps but doesn’t have his father’s experience and maturity.  He tries to join with an Armenian man to venture into drug smuggling but his father refuses to agree.  Danny has already taken money from the Armenian’s and when they come to collect, he tries to swindle them.  Danny kills them all with the help of a friend. 

The Armenian’s had hired Mike to drive them.  While waiting outside, he witnesses the death of one of the men.  After realizing that Mike is a witness, Danny goes after him but Mike disappears leaving behind his wallet.  Danny calls his father who calls Jimmy.  Shawn tells Danny that he will take care of it but Danny doesn’t listen and goes to Mike’s house anyway.  

Mike asks Jimmy to leave.  While outside, Jimmy notices Danny’s car.  He arrives just in time to keep Mike from being shot by Danny.  Jimmy kills Danny in order to save Mike.  Out of respect, he calls Shawn to tell him what has happened.  Shawn advises him that Mike will be killed in retribution and next will be Jimmy.  The chase is then on and Jimmy and Mike are now on the run. 

The acting by Liam Neeson and Ed Harris was amazing.  They work really well together.  Joel Kinnaman was also quite good and held his own with his performance. Nick Nolte even made a brief appearance as Eddie, Jimmy’s brother.  The action in this movie was terrific and kept you entertained.  Once you see this movie, you will enjoy it as much as I did.  

I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.

Cinderella

This version of the Disney Classic stars the beautiful Lily James in the lead role as Ella, Richard Madden as Kit the prince, and Cate Blanchett as Lady Tremaine who his Ella’s wicked step mother.  This version was superbly directed by Kenneth Brannagh. 

Ella’s mother dies when she is very young.  Her mother left her with the words to always show courage and kindness to others.  She quickly becomes the apple of her father’s eye.  He becomes lonely and marries the recently widowed Lady Tremaine who has two daughters of her own.   Ella’s father’s profession requires him to travel around a lot.  While away on a trip, her father dies leaving her alone with her wicked step mother and two wicked step sisters.  All quickly assign her the duties of cooking and cleaning for them and banish her to the attic. 

One day while out riding her horse, she comes upon a group of hunters and chastises one of them for hunting a defenseless animal.  She did not realize that the man she spoke to was the prince as he only told her his name was Kit. 

There is to be a ball that all of the people of the land are invited to. The purpose of the ball is for the prince to choose a wife.  Ella wants to attend so she might meet up again with Kit but is forbidden by her step mother.  However, she finds a way with the help from her fairy godmother.

The imagery in this movie was terrific.  I really loved everything about this movie.  I have seen several versions of Cinderella but this might be the best.  I encourage all families to take their kids.  However, adults will enjoy this just as much.  

I highly recommend this movie and gave it four out of four stars.  

Blue Rays and DVD’s: Birdman

I thought this movie was the best film in 2014 and should win the Oscars as should Michael Keaton who played the starring role as Riggan.  Riggan had starred as Birdman earlier in his career and is now trying to get back the notoriety that he had before by writing and starring in a Broadway play.

The movie shows the stress that Riggin is under and the struggles he has not only in his career but in his personal life as well.  This is truly a wonderful movie and as I said before should win the Oscar’s hands down.  Go get this movie at the store as it was just released.  The whole cast were fantastic.  Even the set was designed perfectly as it was filmed with only one camera on both sides of the set. 

I gave this movie 4 out of 4 stars

Blue Rays and DVD’s: St. Vincent

This movie stars Bill Murray as Vincent and Melissa McCarthy as Maggie.  Maggie moves in next door after she becomes divorced.  She has a 12 year-old son who needs a father figure.  Maggie works as a nurse and Vincent agrees to help her out with watching her son even though Vincent is far from a good role model.

Vincent’s girlfriend is played by Naomi Watts.  She is a pregnant Russian prostitute and further proof that Vincent is not the normal person to provide support to a young boy. 

This was actually one of the best films in 2014.  Bill Murray deserved to be nominated for an Oscar as did the movie and the director.  All were snubbed which was too bad. 

I gave this movie 4 out of 4 stars.  

Black or White

Elliot Anderson, who is played by Kevin Costner, unexpectedly becomes a widow.  He and is now departed wife had been raising their granddaughter, Eloise (played by Jillian Estell) who is of mixed race.  The Anderson’s daughter died during Eloise’s birth.  The Anderson’s, who had no idea of the pregnancy, blamed Eloise’s father for their daughter’s death. 

Elliot knows nothing of what is required to raise a young girl and is soon challenged for custody by Eloise’s other grandmother, Rowena, who is played by Octavia Spencer.  Rowena has a large family and believes her son should take a part in his Eloise’s life. 

Elliot likes to drink alcohol and begins drinking more and more after his wife’s death.   A court battle soon ensues. 

Kevin Costner is good in all sports movies and was terrific in Black or White as well.  In my books, he deserves an Oscar for this role.  The emotion he showed in this movie was very believable. Octavia Spencer deserves a nod for supporting actress as she was terrific as well.  The directing was worth of an Oscar too.  

I gave this movie 4 out of 4 stars.  The movie was spectacular.