Reviews at a Glance
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Joy
If you put Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence together enough times they are going to end up married. Or at least with a few love children. And it’s all David O. Russell’s fault. I feel like that’s the story we’re all waiting for here after she teamed up with Cooper and relentless matchmaker, I mean director, David O. Russell for the 4th time in Joy. Because of the many departures that Russell took from Joy Mangano’s real life this is not being categorized as a biographical film. He didn’t even want to meet her until after the film was finished in order to let the film be his guide. Russell’s film tells the story of a divorced single mother who is living with some of the most needy and ungrateful people you can imagine. She’d make her life a whole lot easier if she just emptied her house of her ex-husband in the basement and her divorced parents, a deadbeat father and a mother who spends her days in her room watching soap operas and being as unhelpful as possible. Don’t even get me started on her half-sister who passive-aggressively tries to smother any spark of hope or ambition that arises in Joy.
After a painful and bloody experience wringing out a mop while cleaning up broken glass, Joy designs self-wringing mop, what we now know as the Miracle Mop. As seen on TV. The path to getting a patent, manufacturer, and stage for an invention is paved with corruption, fraud, and betrayal. And it’s a road that she goes down with frightening tenacity. I found myself asking “Good grief, Joy, don’t you ever get tired?” But seriously, this woman does not know when she has failed – which I guess is how you become a success. The reason that so few people become the entrepreneurial powerhouse that she has is because most people are more cautious, more practical, and more exhaustible. 4.5 out of 5 stars
After a painful and bloody experience wringing out a mop while cleaning up broken glass, Joy designs self-wringing mop, what we now know as the Miracle Mop. As seen on TV. The path to getting a patent, manufacturer, and stage for an invention is paved with corruption, fraud, and betrayal. And it’s a road that she goes down with frightening tenacity. I found myself asking “Good grief, Joy, don’t you ever get tired?” But seriously, this woman does not know when she has failed – which I guess is how you become a success. The reason that so few people become the entrepreneurial powerhouse that she has is because most people are more cautious, more practical, and more exhaustible. 4.5 out of 5 stars
Big Hero 6
Big Hero 6 is an animated superhero movie set in fictional San Fransokyo. Hiro, the 14-year-old protagonist, is a robotics genius and taken under the wing of his older brother who is a student in a university robotics lab. His brother invents Baymax, the home health companion designed to appear comforting and friendly. From the moment the pudgy, peaceful robot appeared on screen I wanted to cuddle with everything in sight. But when Hiro needs a fighting machine to fight the man who stole his invention and to use for evil, Baymax is the best he has to work with, along with friends from his brother’s robotics lab who transform their inventions into super powers.
What I liked about their super powers is that they were born of intellect rather than accidentally acquired through radioactivity or birth. At a time when lots of kids are idolizing superheroes, this is the kind of power I would want my kids to hunger for and seek to emulate. I also liked Hiro’s constant struggle with Baymax as a warrior because the robot is designed to improve people’s health and his programming does not allow him to harm a human being. But he is an excellent protector. His greatest motivation is to help someone who cries out in pain. There is also an interesting twist in the story when the team of six realizes that the villain they are fighting is out to avenge someone he loves just like they are. A situation which points out that everyone is the hero in their story and just destroying the opposition isn’t necessarily the answer. Enlightening themes and a big cuddly robot as the superhero make this a movie that I not only thoroughly enjoyed, but also respected. 4.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked about their super powers is that they were born of intellect rather than accidentally acquired through radioactivity or birth. At a time when lots of kids are idolizing superheroes, this is the kind of power I would want my kids to hunger for and seek to emulate. I also liked Hiro’s constant struggle with Baymax as a warrior because the robot is designed to improve people’s health and his programming does not allow him to harm a human being. But he is an excellent protector. His greatest motivation is to help someone who cries out in pain. There is also an interesting twist in the story when the team of six realizes that the villain they are fighting is out to avenge someone he loves just like they are. A situation which points out that everyone is the hero in their story and just destroying the opposition isn’t necessarily the answer. Enlightening themes and a big cuddly robot as the superhero make this a movie that I not only thoroughly enjoyed, but also respected. 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Lego Movie
I forgot that The Lego Movie was a kids’ film until I was sitting in the theater with my two adult girlfriends and a quick scan let me know that the adults in the room were outnumbered 5 to 1. This is because the praises I had been hearing about The Lego Movie were all coming from adults. Well, 20-30 something males. Interpret that age as you will. This wide target audience is possible, because it is one of those kids’ movies that successfully entertains children with talking toys and a simple plot while also maintaining a clever, over-their-heads-reference- and inside joke-filled script for the adults. The Lego people live happy lives following “the instructions” as lain out by Lord Business (Will Farrell) who has a sinister plot to – well – glue everyone so they have to stay happy and perfect always. Emmet (voiced by Chriss Pratt) accidentally becomes the prophesied “Special” who will save everyone. This news is delivered to him by a hot Lego girl named Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) so as any yellow Lego male would, he rolls with it. Thus beginning a wild adventure through many of the Lego worlds accompanied by Wyldstyle’s boyfriend Batman (Will Arnett), psychopathically cheery Unikitty (Alison Brie), and many other characters who range from very familiar to very obscure characters who can actually be found in the Legos’ repertoire through the years. So even if you haven’t played with Legos since the 1970s or 80s, there is still something there for you to feel nostalgic about.
I loved the animation and how strictly they stuck to only using Lego scenery and props so that even the clouds, smoke, and lasers are made up of Lego pieces. Anything not made of Legos are objects that you probably used as a child to supplement your collection and complete the story you were creating. For instance, Vitruvius' staff is actually a chewed up lollipop, because in most cases, the stick of a lollipop will fit a Lego person’s hand. I had fun and I laughed, and I especially appreciated the creativity, but at the end of the day the story was for the kids. Oh, and be careful: my roommate and I were stuck singing “Everything is Awesome” all weekend. 4 out of 5 stars
I loved the animation and how strictly they stuck to only using Lego scenery and props so that even the clouds, smoke, and lasers are made up of Lego pieces. Anything not made of Legos are objects that you probably used as a child to supplement your collection and complete the story you were creating. For instance, Vitruvius' staff is actually a chewed up lollipop, because in most cases, the stick of a lollipop will fit a Lego person’s hand. I had fun and I laughed, and I especially appreciated the creativity, but at the end of the day the story was for the kids. Oh, and be careful: my roommate and I were stuck singing “Everything is Awesome” all weekend. 4 out of 5 stars
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty starring Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig made me feel – torn. Call to adventure movies never fail to inspire me and I find myself carefully watching the events unfold so that I will know how to act in order to recognize and heed any calls to adventure in my own life. Or to find a way to get adventure to call. But it’s confusing when the call to adventure movie presents a completely unfeasible adventure. In one day he gets on a plane to Greenland, walks into the first building he sees which happens to be a bar, solves a huge part of the mystery, and leaves with free transportation to continue on his adventure. I love the theme of fearlessly grabbing life by the junk and taking adventures, but when every step of his journey is nearly impossible in real life I find myself confused about what exactly I’m supposed to get out of this. But, and this is a big but – giggle – it is worth it just to see the incredible footage of Greenland, Iceland, and the Himalayas. And the soundtrack is pretty kickass.
Nothing about the film was unpleasant and it actually is pretty funny, but I agreed with Entertainment Weekly’s assertion that “despite all of its visual razzle-dazzle, never locates the beating heart of its hero.” 3.5 out of 5 stars
Nothing about the film was unpleasant and it actually is pretty funny, but I agreed with Entertainment Weekly’s assertion that “despite all of its visual razzle-dazzle, never locates the beating heart of its hero.” 3.5 out of 5 stars
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2
The town of Swallow Falls has been ordered to evacuate while the island is cleaned up following the first installment of this film. In order to keep Flint occupied and distracted from the actual devious plan, the villainT, Chester V, invites him to join his super hip and exclusive inventing company Live Corp. Let's just get this straight right now: it's Apple. Every time the villain did something villainous either my friend or I or both of us in unison would cry "Damn you, Steve Jobs!" When Flint and his friends return to the island they discover that the food has come to life - and it's beautiful. And occasionally adorable. It is basically Avatar for children. Now they have to fight Steve Jobs - I mean Chester V, to save the island's sweet inhabitants.
The plot isn't as complex as the first, but the same zany humor is present in the sequel. To sum up, I had a good time. 3 out of 5 stars
The plot isn't as complex as the first, but the same zany humor is present in the sequel. To sum up, I had a good time. 3 out of 5 stars
Rush
Based on a true story directed by Ron Howard about two driving rivals in formula one racing (they do a surprisingly smooth and brief explanation of how this racing world works. I didn't even realize I was being educated.) This is a fascinating depiction of how two people could be so different and yet equal in their determination to win that they make each other better and how two people could be such utter ass***** in such different ways. (I tried using a less profane word and it just really didn't work to convey the magnitude of their assery.) It's quite a trick to create an anti-hero. It's a feat to create two. No matter how much they hate each other, you're still rooting for both of them somehow.
With sports movies it is popular to say "it's about more than ___. It's about the human spirit or whatever." While there is a great theme about how having an enemy is a wonderful blessing because of the drive that it gives you to succeed, or in Niki Lauda's case to return to the race track 42 days after being engulfed in flames during a horrific wreck and still win the championship because he couldn't let that smug bastard win; however, the theme of just how bad ass race car driving and its drivers are does not take a backseat. 4.5 out of 5 stars
With sports movies it is popular to say "it's about more than ___. It's about the human spirit or whatever." While there is a great theme about how having an enemy is a wonderful blessing because of the drive that it gives you to succeed, or in Niki Lauda's case to return to the race track 42 days after being engulfed in flames during a horrific wreck and still win the championship because he couldn't let that smug bastard win; however, the theme of just how bad ass race car driving and its drivers are does not take a backseat. 4.5 out of 5 stars
Quartet
Quartet has an interesting premise of a retirement community for musicians and some wonderful actors like Maggie Smith (aka: Professor McGonagall) who received a golden globe nomination for this role and Michael Gambon (aka: Albus Dumbledore). However, the majority of the roles are played by actual musicians and singers from the 1950s through the 1980s. There are lots of loveable characters and funny moments; however, the story core really isn’t all that interesting. There is so much buildup about the lasting pain and unforgivable nature of some mysterious act that Smith’s character committed years ago that by the time we find out what it was it’s kind of a letdown. I’m sorry to say this about such a sweet, heartfelt project, but it’s a poor man’s Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
3 out of 5 stars
3 out of 5 stars
The Impossible
The Impossible is based on a true story of a tourist family in Thailand during the 2004 tsunami. The family becomes separated during the disaster and have to fight to find their way back to each other without knowing if their missing family members are still alive. Naomi Watts plays Ewan MacGregor's wife and was nominated for both a Golden Globe and an Oscar.
My experience with the tsunami of 2004 was distant to say the least and I found this up close perspective of what it would be like to have been one of its victims fascinating and moving. Particularly the scenes depicting the filthy, overcrowded hospital. I found it to be a rather powerful and enlightening film and I would recommend it.
4 out of 5 stars.
My experience with the tsunami of 2004 was distant to say the least and I found this up close perspective of what it would be like to have been one of its victims fascinating and moving. Particularly the scenes depicting the filthy, overcrowded hospital. I found it to be a rather powerful and enlightening film and I would recommend it.
4 out of 5 stars.
Promised Land
Written by Matt Damon and John Krasinski who also both star, Promised Land is a story seen through the perspective of a Global representative played by Matt Damon who goes to failing farm communities to convince land owners to lease their land to the natural oil company, offering them a percentage of the profits that will make the families very wealthy. Then a charismatic environmental rep played by John Krasinski rides into town and begins swaying everyone's opinions. I never thought the day would come that I would dislike John Krasinski.
Believe it or not, this isn't really an environmental film. The good guys aren't where you think they should be and it's hard to tell who the bad guys are. Which I think is the point. I really appreciated the new perspective and the fuzziness of that good guy/bad guy line. It is a relatively quiet movie. It can be seen in mainstream theaters but it can also be found in the art house theaters if that gives you an idea of the tone of the film. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but it is a smart and interesting narrative.
3 out of 5 stars.
Believe it or not, this isn't really an environmental film. The good guys aren't where you think they should be and it's hard to tell who the bad guys are. Which I think is the point. I really appreciated the new perspective and the fuzziness of that good guy/bad guy line. It is a relatively quiet movie. It can be seen in mainstream theaters but it can also be found in the art house theaters if that gives you an idea of the tone of the film. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but it is a smart and interesting narrative.
3 out of 5 stars.
Wreck-it Ralph
Wreck-it Ralph is about an arcade game nemesis who after hours is ostracized and lonely so he goes on an adventure to become a hero by entering other arcade games, eventually landing in Sugar Rush where he meets Vanellope who is also ostracized and lonely because she is a glitch in her arcade game.
I actually found the premise pretty clever, scores of retro arcade game characters make appearances and if you are a video game junkie there are plenty of inside jokes for you. It has a kind of Toy Story appeal by showing unrelated play things merging and forming relationships and interacting in unexpected ways - such as Ralph entering Pac-Man just so he can still the cherries for a snack. I enjoyed the humor and cleverness and the storyline is complex enough for adults to get into and not find predictable (I was pretty shocked at the twist actually) but kids will be able to follow the character's adventure and motive behind it along with the host of games and forms of animations that the Ralph goes through. I would recommend this fun film purely for its creativity.
4 out of 5 stars.
I actually found the premise pretty clever, scores of retro arcade game characters make appearances and if you are a video game junkie there are plenty of inside jokes for you. It has a kind of Toy Story appeal by showing unrelated play things merging and forming relationships and interacting in unexpected ways - such as Ralph entering Pac-Man just so he can still the cherries for a snack. I enjoyed the humor and cleverness and the storyline is complex enough for adults to get into and not find predictable (I was pretty shocked at the twist actually) but kids will be able to follow the character's adventure and motive behind it along with the host of games and forms of animations that the Ralph goes through. I would recommend this fun film purely for its creativity.
4 out of 5 stars.
Playing for Keeps
He's a washed-up Scottish soccer player and he's moved to Virginia to be near his ex-wife and young son. His son is on a soccer team with a dead beat coach so he steps up and simultaneously becomes the hot single dad. I lost count of how many women he slept with. Of course he tries to fight it initially but he almost always gives in. It's gross. Meanwhile he's still in love with his ex-wife (funny way of showing it) even though she is engaged. So while he's whoring his way through the soccer moms he is trying to find a way back to her. I wasn't really rooting for him.
I am a sucker for junk food chick flicks, easy plot lines, big romance, hopefully some good dialogue. I know they're not good - like cotton candy with its big presentation and not a lot of substance - but I keep watching them, usually by myself because I'm kind of embarrassed. This was awful cotton candy. I have no idea how they got so many big names to agree to this script. I didn't like a single person in this movie. The ex-wife, played by Jessica Biel is actually alright but she has a really unflattering hairstyle throughout the entire thing. Cheap laughs, lots of sex, and I have no idea what the theme was supposed to be. Don't bother. I wish I hadn't.
1 out of 5 stars
I am a sucker for junk food chick flicks, easy plot lines, big romance, hopefully some good dialogue. I know they're not good - like cotton candy with its big presentation and not a lot of substance - but I keep watching them, usually by myself because I'm kind of embarrassed. This was awful cotton candy. I have no idea how they got so many big names to agree to this script. I didn't like a single person in this movie. The ex-wife, played by Jessica Biel is actually alright but she has a really unflattering hairstyle throughout the entire thing. Cheap laughs, lots of sex, and I have no idea what the theme was supposed to be. Don't bother. I wish I hadn't.
1 out of 5 stars
Hotel Transylvania
You know how there are animated movies for kids that adults can also enjoy? This isn't one of them. Dracula is a single father whose daughter is turning 118 so he has invited every monster in the world to attend her birthday party at his hotel. Hotel Transylvania is a safe place for monsters from humans - it's kind of a sore spot for him since humans are the ones who killed his wife. However, it is accidentally infiltrated by 21 year old backpacker who has a love connection with Dracula's daughter. Most of the movie is spent with Dracula trying to hide the true identity of the kid while also trying to get rid of him.
If you're an adult you won't necessarily want to blow your brains out but your kids are the ones that the comedy is aimed at. Lots of lame jokes and bathroom humor. But at least it is a vampire-human romance in which the vampire burns in the sunlight rather than sparkles. 2 out of 5 stars
If you're an adult you won't necessarily want to blow your brains out but your kids are the ones that the comedy is aimed at. Lots of lame jokes and bathroom humor. But at least it is a vampire-human romance in which the vampire burns in the sunlight rather than sparkles. 2 out of 5 stars