Little Women

A new screen adaptation of the book Little Women (1868) written by Louisa May Alcott.

This was...OK I suppose. It is edited oddly, starting towards the end of the story when Jo heads off to New York to work as a governess and then told in flashbacks and flash-forwards. I'm sure this style was chosen in an effort to see this remake as fresh or unique, but for those that have never read the book or seen other versions of the story, be it film or on the stage, this leaves us with a confusing if not convoluted storyline.

I took two of my nieces with me - the fourteen year old who has read the book, commented that she didn't like how the story was "mixed up and told backwards." The eleven year old was completely confused and had no clue what was going on and asked questions the entire time trying to clarify the timeline.

Also the casting director seemed to take the term "little" literally, as all of the girls looked to be the same age and their leading "men" appeared as though they were twelve. So yeah, it wasn't that great.

** Rentable

Rated PG (for thematic material) 

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Well kids...it's here...Episode IX...the end.

So admittedly I went into this with very low expectations as I was so very disappointed with The Last Jedi (2017), I don't know that it helped.

This final installment though much better than its' immediate predecessor was still a tad lack luster. For the deliriously devout Star Wars fans, they will be delighted with the way things all tie up nicely with a bow, the extensive homage that is paid to the original three movies (episodes, IV, V & VI) and the fact that the basic plot very much mirrors that of Return of the Jedi(1983). 

On the other hand, for the critics and the cynics there are a few things that bring into question the realm of the force and stands to reason that if this is the reality of the galaxy far far away why did it take nine movies to get here...?

**1/2 Must See for the Devotees

Rated PG-13 (for violence and thematic elements)

Jumanji: The Next Level

Our four heroes re-enter the video game version of Jumanji and this time they bring along some new friends.

This was funnier than expected but not nearly as clever or as original as it's video game version predecessor.

The new characters bring a slight - albeit predictable twist to the new version but the pacing, the wit, the plot and most importantly overall 80's vibe were all off if not missing entirely.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13(for language, violence and some suggestive material)

Frozen 2

Elsa, the Snow Queen and her sister Anna continue their adventure as they leave the Kingdom of Arendelle to search out the mysteries of the enchanted forest and the origin of Elsa's powers.

Meh. It was totally underwhelming. The original Frozen (2013) was a unexpected sensation. Disney was completely unprepared for how eminent it would become - the music was fabulous, the story was excellent as it poked fun of the traditional fairy tale romances that Disney has become known for over the past century, mix that all together and it was an absolute hit.

The sequel...not so much. No doubt this will make just as much money...it's not as memorable, not as creative, just not as gratifying. The music is decent - but I didn't leave the theater thinking; "I need to buy that soundtrack" or "I want to see that again." Nevertheless if you have little's in your life it's not the worst way to spend two hours.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG(for some peril and thematic elements)

Knives Out

A southern sleuth is hired to investigate the death of a wealthy patriarch, which leads to the questioning of the peculiar and quirky family.

A fun who-done-it that is a mixture of Clue (1985) and Murder, She Wrote (1984-1986). The eccentric movie has a slow hypnotic pace and you may find yourself getting a little fidgety during the two hour and ten minute running time, nevertheless it is still clever and worth the watch.

**1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (language, violence and thematic material)

Charlie’s Angels

This new reboot was a huge let down. The pacing was so off, it felt like it struggled to get out of first gear and had neither the timing of a comedy or the throttle of an action movie to be worth the effort. Predictable plot was way too drawn out and not funny enough to be tongue in cheek nor exciting enough to be taken seriously.

⭐️⭐️ - Rentable 

Rated PG-13 (for language and violence) 

Joker

The origin story of the notorious Batman nemesis, the Joker.

This is an unsettling twisted look at how a sociopath might come to be. What is the most disturbing part is that you find yourself sympathizing with a character that you should despise. Is he the villain or the victim?

Far too dark and way to realistic to feel like a "comic book" movie, Joaquin Phoenix does a spectacular job of creating a character that is terrifying yet somehow tragically affable. This blurred and perplexing interpretation of the protagonist, while likely award winning, is also reason enough to keep impressionable children or impressionable people in general from seeing this movie as it could confuse or ignite vulnerable minds.

Likely to touch raw nerves of many this DC installment may have a hard time finding a place in a genre that is typically designed for an under-aged demographic.

*** Must See

Rate R (for violence, language and brief nudity) 

Brittany Runs A Marathon

A party girl is given a wake-up call when she haphazardly visits a doctor in hopes of scoring prescription drugs.

This is a funny and slightly sad reality for anyone that hopes to make changes in their life and the surprising places that they find their cheerleaders.





**1/2 Rentable

Rated R (for strong language throughout, sexual content and drug use) 

Downton Abbey

The Crawley family and staff continue life at Downton Abbey. It is now 1927 and the King and Queen are paying a visit...what could possibly go wrong?

This was a lovely epilogue that will thrill and delight the fans of the PBS television series.

**** MUST SEE (for all Downton fans)

Rated PG (for thematic elements) 

Hustlers

An unexpected tale about how the economical crash of 2018 impacted the "working girls" of Wall Street.

Based on a true story so I guess the history is what it is, but I wanted this to be better. I wanted the women to be smarter, and more superior at hustling than they were portrayed.

Not amazing but semi-entertaining.

** Rentable

Rated R (for sexual content, language and drug use)

The Peanut Butter Falcon

A young man, who is a ward of the state, runs away from his care center. Along the way he meets up with an outlaw who is determined to help him realize his dream of becoming a professional wrestler.

Although somewhat predictable, this slightly edgy dramady is very well done. The dialogue is fun, witty and fast - faintly Aaron Sorkin-esque.



Sweet and poignant, the story defines what "family" should mean.

***1/2 - Must See

Rated PG-13 (for thematic content, strong language and violence) 

The Biggest Little Farm

This documentary follows two Los Angelites out of the city and into a endeavor to build one of the most diverse farms in complete harmony with nature. As they attempt to rebuild a true ideal ecosystem they naively run into every problem imaginable.

This is possibly the best thing that came out of the Sundance Film Festival this year.




**** Oscar Worthy

Rated PG (for thematic elements) 

Blinded By The Light

A young teenager in 1987 Luton, England finds hope and validation when he is introduced to Bruce Springsteens' music and lyrics.

An exceptionally sweet story though slightly underdeveloped, seemed to be overrun by the soundtrack. Understandably the music and lyrics are what inspires our hero, that being said the movie is about 40 minutes too long because the narrative often stops to recognize the music instead of it being woven into the fabric of the storytelling.

Sweet and sentimental, slow and stretched.

**1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language and thematic elements)

Good Boys

Three prepubescent tweens are determined to define themselves as "cool kids" now that they are in the sixth grade. When one of them gets invited to a "kissing" party, they go to extremes in every effort to make sure that they are prepared for the life altering event.

This was actually surprisingly sweet in spite of the vulgar language and suggestive material. It is truly a story told through the perspective of 11 year olds' as they try to navigate their way through the fine line that is their adolescent bubble and the real world.

Laugh out loud funny and so charming in its' childish innocence.

*** Must See

Rated R (for strong language throughout, sexual content and drug and alcohol use)  

Dora And The Lost City Of Gold

Dora the Explorer is now a teenager and must navigate her way through her newest adventure - high school.

For those that grew up watching the childrens' program there are several Easter eggs that will cause fans to laugh out loud and revel in nostalgia. For those of us that never watched the original cartoon - it is kind of like Romancing the Stone and Sesame Street had a baby.

It was tolerable.

** Rentable

Rated PG (for violence, scariness and rude humor)

The Kitchen

The Irish mafia runs a New York city neighborhood known as "Hell's Kitchen."  When the FBI sends three of their men to prison their respective wives take some drastic action.

This is a dark, gender swap on a genre and era that is typically dominated by men. The story is well developed and the characters are fantastically flawed.

Disheartening albeit edifying in it's portrayal of the time period and where women stood in society, it still manages to create a typical mobster flick feel that carries the audience to the very end.

*** Must See

Rated R (for violence, language and some sexual content)

Fast & Furious presents: Hobbs & Shaw

A spin-off of the Fast & Furious movies.

So this is great eye candy with some funny banter and a horrifically stupid plot.

No need to rush out and see it but its a fun summer B movie.


** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for prolonged violence, suggestive material and language)

Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood

Rick Dalton and his long time stunt double Cliff Booth struggle to stay relevant in 1969's Hollywood scene.

I loved this movie - it was funny, it was clever, it was nostalgic and it was obnoxiously violent in traditional Tarantino fashion.

Oddly paced especially for a running time of two hours and forty-five minutes, nevertheless, the ending, believe it or not, is sweet and wistful.

The casting is spectacular - stay through the credits as it adds even more shrewd fun from the era.

***1/2 Must See

Rated R (for strong language, violence and drug use) 

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Spider-Man, now without the guidance of Tony Stark, must step it up to protect the world from a new threat.

So, I wanted to like this so much more than I did. The character and script just aren't consistent with the Spider-Man that we have seen in the past...four or five flicks. Let me explain:

First: Throughout the movie, Peter Parker is resistant to helping save the world, because he has more important things to do. Such as going on his school field trip and telling his crush that he is in love with her. Does that sound right?? I mean this is the same guy that voluntarily went into space with Tony Stark when he specifically tried to send him home, but no, he was so devout to the cause of saving the world - he hung onto the space thingamabob to help his hero, Iron Man.  Iron Man who then miraculously saved all those that had been "blipped" by Thanos and brought them back to life, at which time they then engaged in the Endgame to save themselves a second time - are we all caught up?  Now, that Nick Fury is asking for Spider-Man's help - knowing what kind of threat the world is facing...and he can't be bothered.

Second: Instead of trying to "do it all" which seems to be the m.o. of the Spider-Man in the comic books, i.e. I can save the world, but I must be back in time to take a test or go to the party that Aunt May planned - he just keeps trying to avoid being the hero.

Third: There is a major plot hole in that none of the other Avengers are helping. Thor is off world, as is Captain Marvel and apparently Dr. Strange is unavailable. OK fine, what about Black Panther? Or the Falcon? The Hulk perhaps? Or hey, Captain America didn't die in Endgame - he just kind of aged out and retired, why not bring him in as a consultant? I get this is a Spider-Man movie, but my point is, that for a threat of this magnitude it seems extremely odd and unlikely that SHIELD is going to just let the kid handle it, when he is clearly so riddled with teenage angst that he can't commit to the job.

Pitiful character development, weak storyline, and pathetic arc with great comedic dialogue.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence, language and suggestive situations)

Yesterday

After a twelve second global blackout - Jack, a struggling musician, seems to be the only person on the planet that remembers The Beatles and their music.

This was cute but not as great as I expected. I wanted to hear more music and for them to illustrate why it still resonates with people in this century. The on-going theme throughout the film is what would the world be like without iconic pop-culture - yet it didn't seem to be much different.

Sweet, but not charming enough to rush out and see.

** 1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language) 

MIB International

The Men in Black have expanded to cover the globe and the London branch could use some help.

Mediocre reboot of its' predecessors. It has a few laugh out loud moments, that being said, the plot is predictable and there is nothing new here that we haven't seen before - its just wrapped in a new shiny and sexy package.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13(for violence, sexual innuendo, crude humor and language)

Toy Story 4

I can't believe I am saying this but, Disney/Pixar should have quit while they were ahead. Toy Story 3 (2010) was such a perfect ending to this beloved tale. Toy Story 4 seemed like an unnecessary epilogue that didn't have the charm, the depth, the heart, or the dynamics of its predecessors.

This installment is really more about Woody, while the whole ensemble cast that we have come to love and care about lo these twenty-four years were somewhat of an afterthought and have a limited role throughout the movie. Even Buzz Lightyear had an obscure fragmented involvement in the storyline - not to mention, his character seemed to have been dumbed down a great deal.

The new characters that were introduced were fun, mind you they greatly overshadowed our original cast of heroes. And in spite of the comic relief that they provide they were unable to fill the void of the characters that stole our hearts back in 1995/1999/2010.

The animation is spectacular  - but admittedly I was disappointed.

**1/2 (I expected so much more)

Rated G

The Secret Life of Pets 2

A dog has to come to terms with life changing events when his owner gets married and has a baby...

So the first twenty minutes of this were mediocre at best... I fell asleep for the rest of it. The last time I fell asleep in a movie was 102 Dalmatians (2000). Not a good sign.

** Rentable perhaps?

Rated PG (for some action and rude humor)

Aladdin

Meh...
The cartoon is so much better.

** Rentable

Rated PG (for some action and peril)

The Hustle

The tag line states, "They're giving dirty rotten men a run for their money.".... they're not.

This is another gender swap remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988) starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine. Which was itself a remake of Bedtime Story (1964) starring Marlon Brando and David Niven - both are better.

*1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for crude sexual references and language) 

Booksmart

Yet another gender-swap. This is female version of Superbad (2007) that isn't nearly as endearing or funny.

Highly disappointing.

*1/2 - Rentable

Rated R (for strong sexual content and language and teen drug use and drinking) 

Long Shot

Two childhood friends reunite twenty-five years later on a campaign trail. One the speechwriter the other the candidate. As they reminisce and get to know one another along the way, their new-found adult relationship could get in the way of her run for the White House.

This was totally forgettable. It has some funny moments, and in-spite of the predictable storyline and crude humor has a few laugh out loud bits of dialogue. It could have been better, nothing to run out and see but certainly might be Netflix material.

** Rentable

Rated R (for strong language, sexual content, brash humor and drug use)

Avengers: Endgame

Thanos has won destroying 50% of all living beings. The remaining Avengers struggle to keep their lives together while still protecting what is left of the universe. Still in desperate search of a way to fix what has happened, they set out to find Thanos...but can things be reversed?

No spoilers - just go see it. You know you want to and you won't be disappointed. Even with the outrageous running time of three hours and two minutes (that doesn't include previews so plan accordingly) it is well worth your time and is a pleasant wrap to the 22 movie-ology. OK who are we kidding - they made $1.2 billion dollars this weekend world wide - that is billion with a "B" - this is far from over, but it is a fantastically fun pause.

***1/2 - Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language and intense violence) 

Shazam!

Billy Batson is a runaway foster child, when he is placed within a new group home his life is turned upside down by a little bit of magic. Now an adult superhero, he has to figure out who he is and master his new found power before the evil Dr. Thaddeus Sivana can find him and his new family.

This was unexpectedly "super"! Super cute, super fun, just an all around super, hero film.  It was a dynamic combination of Big (1988) and The Mask (1994). 

This is the best DC comic book movie since Wonder Woman.

*** Must See

Rated  PG-13 (for language, intense violence and suggestive material) 

Captain Marvel

A rookie Kree warrior put to the test when sent to fight the Skrulls on a neighboring planet. Her team is ambushed and in the escape she ends up on a strangely familiar planet...Earth.

Meh. This isn't horrid but it certainly isn't one of Marvels' best movies. In fact the storyline itself is surprisingly predictable and unimaginative. The characters are very one dimensional and our heroine seems to have zero comedic timing, not to mention that her responses to everything seem to be a series of amatory smirks. There is also a pitiful subplot that I think is suppose to bring heart to the character but is so terribly cliche' that no one cares.

Certainly not Wonder Woman. (that's the only thing DC got right)

** Renatable

Rated PG-13 (for language and violence) 

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

Hiccup, now chief, along with his vigilante viking crew, set out to rescue dragons and bring them to Berk. Their missions ignite a new threat to their village and their way of life. Love.

This was cute, however not nearly as heartfelt or clever as the original. In fact, it doesn't really even live up to the second movie, which was a solid sequel. This final chapter is sweet albeit predictable and not innovative or endearing enough to hold a candle to its predecessors.

** Rentable

Rated PG (for mild language and thematic elements) 

The Upside

A wealthy quadriplegic hires an unlikely caregiver. Their worlds collide and at times are in perfect sync as they develop a life changing friendship.

Not as funny as I thought it would be and very predictable, nevertheless this is a feel good, slightly comedic drama about life, friends and the unknown that is worth seeing.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language, sexual content, drug use and thematic elements) 

Isn't it Romantic

Natalie has been raised on romantic comedies, and as such, it has left her as a lifelong cynic when it comes to love. So when she wakes up after a mugging in a live romcom she must use her knowledge of the formulaic, the cheesy, the predictable , the corny, and the trite, to get back to her real life.

This was a fun, if not brilliant, idea that was so poorly executed it was hideous.

 Cliché in its clichéity.

* Not-a-chance

Rated PG-13 (for sexual content and language) 

Green Book

Dr. Donald Shirley is a world class pianist beginning a record tour into the deep south of 1962 America. He recruits Tony Lip, an crass bouncer from the Bronx to be his chauffeur and bodyguard for the two month tour.

Very well scripted and likely to be nominated for best original screenplay, this was a fun, uplifting and hopeful story about where we've come from and what is ahead.

The production design is fantastic and the casting was surprisingly spectacular.

**** Oscar Worthy

Rated PG-13 (for violence and language) 

Welcome to Marwen

After Mark was beaten within inches of his life it left him with no memories of his past and little chance of a future. As he slowly puts together the fragmented pieces he creates a world where he gets to be the hero.

This was interesting only because it is based on a true story.  I wanted to like it so much more than I did, but the film drags and becomes repetitive.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence, language and sexual content) 

Second Act

After getting passed over for a manager position at the grocery store Maya has worked in for years, her godson "revamps" her digital footprint. It lands her in a cushy executive position and living the high life while rubbing elbows with those that have far more education than she does but not her street smarts.

Meh.

Predictable, major plot holes, and lackluster.

*1/2 - Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language and suggestive crude dialogue)