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.  

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.  

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.  

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.

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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.

Taken 3

This sequel is the third installment of the Taken series and as in the others stars Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills.  The movie begins with Bryan meeting with his ex-wife Lenore who was played by Famke Jannsen.   They discuss the fact that they still love each other.  Lenore however has remarried and is trying to keep the marriage going.  Lenore’s husband, Stuart, (Dougray Scott) suspects that something is going on and visits Bryan requesting that he stay away from Lenore. 

While Bryan is out jogging, he gets a text from Lenore asking him to get bagels and she will meet him at his house to talk.  Lenore gets a similar message, asking her to meet Bryan her near a convenience store.   Bryan gets the bagels and arrives home to find that Lenore has been killed.  Soon the police arrive to arrest Bryan led by inspector Franck Dotzler who was played by Forest Whitaker. 

Bryan escapes and makes his way to a payphone to call his daughter, Kim, (Maggie Grace) to alert her of her mother’s death and to warn her to be careful and to trust no one.  Bryan plans to find out who killed his ex-wife and set him up to take the fall. 

I love almost everything that Liam Neeson stars in and this movie was no exception.  He is a far better actor than most people realize and is a terrific action hero.  Forest Whitaker was also fantastic in his role as was all the other actors.  I loved the scenes between Neeson and Whitaker showing the respect Inspector Dotzler has for Bryan Mills. 

This movie will not disappoint if you enjoyed the first two movies.  I highly recommend that you see Taken 3.  I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

The Equalizer

I really enjoyed this movie that starred Denzel Washington and Chloe Grace Moretz.  The two of them together were excellent.  Denzel plays the part of a tough guy who looks out for the common person taking their side when they are wronged. 

The action in this movie was terrific.  Denzel just turned 60 years old and I can’t believe it.  He is so talented as an actor.  He always plays parts that are demanding and he always comes through.  The Equalizer will not disappoint.   I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  I really enjoyed it.    

Into the Woods

This musical was made into a movie with multiple stars including Meryl Streep, Johnnie Depp, Emily Blunt, Chris Pine, James Corden, and Anna Kendrick.  A baker and his wife, played by James Corden and Emily Blunt, anger a witch played by Meryl Streep.  The witch then curses the couple and they find themselves at a crossroads.  They wish to have a family but in order to do so the curse must be lifted.  Their fates are linked with those of fairy tales like Cinderella who was played by Anna Kendrick, Little Red Riding Hood who was played by Lilla Crawford, Rapunzel who was played by Mackenzie Mauzy, and Jack of Jack in the Beanstalk who was played by Daniel Huttlestone. 

I went to the movie with two of my daughters.  Both thought it was just OK.  I, however, thought it was pretty good.  I enjoyed the acting and the singing.  Meryl Streep has a tremendous voice as she showed in Mama Mia.  Emily Blunt and Anna Kendrick are also wonderful singers.  I look forward to buying the soundtrack. 

Johnnie Depp was solid as was the rest of the cast.  I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars because it was truly enjoyable and I hope you all will enjoy it as well.

This is Where I Leave You

This movie stars Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, and Jane Fonda.  The movie portrays a family who is observing a week of Shiva following the death of their father and husband.  You get to see the comradery and disagreements amongst siblings while they are in close quarters as adults. 

I really enjoyed all of the characters in this movie.  All their performances were great.  With so many characters in one movie, you expect one part to be poor.  However, all were fantastic.  I gave it 3 ½ out of 4 stars.    

The Theory of Everything

This movie tells the life story of Stephen Hawking.  It starts with Stephen, played by Eddie Redmayne, as a high school graduate getting ready to go to college at Cambridge.  While there he meets Jane, the girl of his dreams, who was played by Felicity Jones.  Soon after he begins to notice that something is wrong.   

While walking through campus one day, he falls down.  After a visit to the doctor, it’s discovered that he has a motor neuron disease and is not expected to live past two more years.  Stephen tries to distance himself from Jane, but she convinces him of her love and they marry. 

Of course Stephen proves the doctors wrong but caring for Stephen becomes more than Jane can handle.  The choir director, Jonathan Jones (Charlie Cox) from Jane’s church is their son’s piano teacher.  They invite him to dinner and he volunteers to help Jane out.  Both Jane and Jonathan discover they have feelings for one another, so Jane ends the relationship and hires another woman to help with Stephen’s care. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful movie.  However, you will need to travel to Kansas City to see it.  The acting was fantastic, especially Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Stephen Hawking.  Felicity Jones was also superb in her role. The love between both was touching even if it didn’t last.  I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

22 Jump Street

I thought this movie was even funnier than 21 Jump Street.  Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, and Ice Cube were back as undercover police officers.  They go to a university to discover who is behind a large drug ring. 

I love the roles played by Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum in what was a very entertaining movie.  This movie will give you a real good belly laugh.  I gave this movie 3 1/2 out of 4 stars. 

Jersey Boys

This wonderful movie was directed and written by the great Clint Eastwood.  The movie is a tribute to Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons.  It follows Franki’s rise to stardom from a troubled high school boy to an adored and well loved singer. 

This movie was brilliant and has a great cast.  The music is unbelievably good and worth purchasing the sound track for.  I gave this movie 3  ½ out of 4 stars.   

Big Hero 6

This movie was just spectacular.  It is about two brothers who have a passion for science.  The older of the two, Tadashi, is working on a robot who can immediately tell what kind of care is needed when someone is sick or hurt.  Tadashi convinces his younger brother, Hiro, to enroll in the same university as he is in. 

Hiro presents his invention, mind-controlled nano-bots, and impresses the school’s administration enough to allow his admission.  Before he can attend his first class, a fire destroys the lab on campus and Tadashi is killed.  It soon becomes apparent that the fire may not have been accidental. 

Hiro discovers that Baymax, Tadashi’s robot, was in his bedroom.  He makes some modifications and soon Baymax, Hiro, and their friends go about finding the truth. 

I think Big Hero 6 was unbelievably well-done and a terrific film.  This is one movie in which the 3-D format would be worth the price but the standard format would still be great.   The animation was so great that cars and buildings look some-what real. 

Ryan Potter voices Hiro, Daniel Henney voices Tadashi, and Scott Adsit voices Baymax.  All were great, especially Adsit who did a wonderful job with voice inflection.  I would highly recommend this movie for all families because it will appeal to people of all ages.  From beginning to end it was extremely entertaining.  The story was touching and contained a good amount of humor as well.   I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Interstellar

This tremendous movie directed by the great Christopher Nolan stars Matthew McConaughey as Cooper, a former astronaut and a widowed father of two.  Michael Caine plays a scientist named Dr. Brand, Anne Hathaway plays Brand’s daughter Amelia, and John Lithgow plays Cooper’s father-in-law.  Mackenzie Foy plays Cooper’s daughter, Murphy, as a preteen, and Jessica Chastain plays Murphy as an adult. 

They live in a time where they are constantly plagued by dust storms and it is increasingly harder to grow any crops that can be used for food.  None-the-less Cooper and his family are farmers.    One day he and his daughter stumble upon an underground NASA facility led by his former mentor, Dr.  Brand. 

Cooper is persuaded to go to outer space with a crew that includes Dr. Brand’s daughter Amelia in search of a habitable place to live for the human race.  Cooper must leave behind his family and cannot promise his return.  In outer space, time moves more slowly so 1 hour in space may be one year on earth. 

Christopher Nolan and his younger brother Jonathan both wrote this and did an amazing job putting it all together.   I love everything Christopher Nolan does as a director.  The imagery in this movie was spectacular as was the sound.   

Matthew McConaughey,  Anne Hathaway,   Jessica Chastain, and Michael Caine were all fantastic in their portrayals as was the rest of the cast.  I hope that Matthew McConaughey and Christopher and Jonathan Nolan are nominated for Oscars because I thought this movie was incredible.  I am going to see this movie again since I’m sure I missed something.  I gave this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.  

Deliver Us From Evil

This was one of the best horror films of the year.  Eric Bana stars as a married police officer with one child.  His wife was played by Olivia Munn. 

Eric Bana’s character, Ralph Sarchie, is called on to investigate a case in which some strange happenings are occurring between a number of individuals who seem to be under some sort of demonic force.  He teams up with a priest, played by Edgar Ramirez, in an attempt to exorcise the demons. 

I thought this movie was outstanding and it really got into your head.  I rate this movie 3 ½ out of 4 stars.