Star Trek Beyond—special effects hide many of the faults in this movie— has a weak story line that questions its relevancy and clarity. An audience may question what direction Director Justin Lin is taking this film. It is what it is.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Krall (Idris Elba) attacks the Enterprise and its crew scrambles for survival and means of escape.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Justin Lin for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Jeffrey Chernov, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, and Tommy Harper for for making the film possible. Cast include: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe
Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, and Sofia Boutella.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. Hard core Trekkies will love the special effects.
God's Not Dead 2 has a predictable beginning and does not increase interest until the court scene, which is 'kind of' a worthy watch. Overall, the movie does not provide a high level of entertainment.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A high school student asks about the similarity of Gandhi, MLK Jr. and Jesus' teachings on peace. The teacher answers and then quotes a Bible verse about peace to relate to the teachings of these three men. After class, the teacher is accused of crossing the line between church and state.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Harold Cronk for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis, Brittany Lefebvre, Michael Scott, David A. R. White, Russell Wolfe, Matt Shapira, and Nathan Wenban for making the film possible. Cast includes Melissa Joan Hart, Jesse Metcalfe, David A. R. White, Ernie Hudson, Hayley Orrantia, Robin Givens, Fred Dalton Thompson, Maria Canals-Barrera, Sadie Robertson, Pat Boone, and Ray Wise.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. The best part of the film is the court hearing. The acting and writing are not up to par.
The Infiltrator— above par performance by Bryan Cranston—has been crafted for the adult audience with such precision, such tight development that it stands far above average in masterful story telling. Watch for John Leguizamo's very good performance. There is one car crash scene that is incredibly realistic. Be aware that this movie has been crafted for the adult audience. There is some nudity as well as violence. It earns its time and money investment. Not 'sloppy'.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
The Columbian drug cartels are infiltrated by a Customs Agent.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Brad Furman for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Paul Brennan, Miriam Segal, Brad Furman, Don Sikorski for making the film possible. Cast includes Bryan Cranston, Diane Kruger, John Leguizamo, Benjamin Bratt, Yul Vazquez, and Andy Ryan.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Be aware that this is a taut movie, a stressful watch, due to the danger that has been very well drawn until the conclusion. It's not a relaxing watch and takes energy to watch with strong character development that makes the audience care about who wins. It's an adult only watch.
The War with Grandpa—presents as a comedy—has little comedy. This is a war where everyone loses. It has a good cast: Oakes Fegley, Christopher Walken, Cheech Marin and Uma Thurman, but it does show a situation where someone should have stepped in long before the climax reveals itself. There are some original comedic points; but overall, it is not a high quality storyline.
Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb
Storyline
A woman believes her father can't take care himself anymore. So she brings him to her house and makes her son's room into his room; but her son is not happy.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Tim Hill for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Marvin Peart, Rosa Morris Peart, and Phillip Glasser for making the film possible. Cast includes Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, Rob Riggle, Oakes Fegley, Laura Marano, Cheech Marin, Jane Seymour, and Christopher Walken.
Buy a ticket?
Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. It is well-acted and has good portrayal, but no one 'wins' in this movie. It is meant to be a comedy, but seems to fall flat in storyline.
The Queen Mary: Greatest Ocean Liner—informative film—allows a good peek into the history of the Queen Mary. It's a good watch, educational for the family. This was originally a 1-hour long film but they shortened it for Paramount + through Smithsonian channel.
Film Poster Courtesy of IMDb
Storyline
History of the Queen Mary ship and how it still serves in its old age.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director and Producer Matthew Pinder for directing effort. Thank you to Producers for Ewan Agnus, Jackie MacLean, Mick McAvoy, Dan McCue, Clare Paterson, making the film possible. Cast includes Iain Glen, Everette Hoard, Ian Johnston, Eileen Gourley, Bruce Peter, Robert Tennenbaum, Ludwig Katzentein, Bill Spurrier, Ray Devau, and Larry Schlesinger.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Provides good after-viewing discussion. Good story.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2—while not as much of a splash as the first film, it is a good watch for fans of this movie series—sends a good recommendation for the 2023 release of the third movie in the series. There are a few suggestive dialogue scenes in the movie, but presented in a realistic 'female talk' before the wedding. This film is, overall, a great watch, creative and fun. Good work
for all involved in production.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Kostas "Gus" Portokalos finds that his marriage certificate is not valid. When he tells his wife and shows the certificate, she laughs and then the fun begins as she requires a 'real' marriage the second time around.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Kirk Jones for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, and Rita Wilson for making the film possible. Cast includes Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Gia Carides, Joey Fatone, Louis Mandylor, Andrea Martin, and Michael Constantine.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Fans of the first film will like this movie just as well. It's fresh, creative, and fun to watch.
The Wild Life—odd, animated film—tells a story as old as time. The computer animation is suitable; the voice actors, while not well known domestically, are good. The movie is challenged in portrayal and writing. The character development is good but not good enough for an audience to care about the progression of events.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A man, Robinson Crusoe, is shipwrecked on an island, makes friends with animals, and tries to survive on that island.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Vincent Kesteloot and Mimi Maynard for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Olivier Courson and Eric Dillens for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthias Schweighöfer, Kaya Yanar, Ilka Bessin, Dieter Hallervorden, Aylin Tezel, Ghadah Al-Akel, Tommy Morgenstern, and Melenie Hinze.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
No. This
is a "shipwreck." Try the 1960 film Swiss Family Robinson instead.
The Accountant is a film that has multiple plot holes. If the viewer doesn't think too deeply about the storyline, especially about the relationship between the two brothers and John Lithgow's character, and watches it superficially, then it is a fun watch. Read a Wikipedia plotline before watching to keep the brothers' roles defined and how they develop from childhood to working adults and become involved in criminal activity.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A super smart autistic boy, grows into adulthood with assassin skills and becomes an analyst for a big corporate company.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director and Executive Producer Gavin O'Connor for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Marty P. Ewing, Steven Mnuchin, Jamie Patricof, Producers Lynette Howell Taylor and Mark Williams for making the film possible. Cast includes Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, J. K. Simmons, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey Tambor, and John Lithgow.
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Superficially, it is a suitable and fun watch overall. Read a plotline before going to enhance enjoyment of the movie.
Mechanic: Resurrection—Jason Statham—has an easy-to-follow storyline with less adult content than the previous film. Statham is in the spotlight as a suitable/good action hero. The movie has its thrilling action moments and a good conclusion.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Arthur Bishop is back to save a Cambodian teacher.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Dennis Gansel for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Steven Chasman, Boaz Davidson, Frank DeMartini, Mark Gill, Avi Lerner, Brian Presley, and Trevor Short for making the film possible. Cast includes Jason Statham, Jessica Alba, Tommy Lee Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Sam Hazeldine, John Cenatiempo, Toby Eddington, Femi Elufowoju Jr. And Anteo Quintavalle,
Buy a
ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie works on the usual action format for Statham films. This movie contains less adult content and increases its audience range. The storyline is easy to follow and may be predictable at times. The movie earns its watch.
Concussion—WOW!—is one of those films made very good because of the chosen casting. Will Smith makes the movie
shine and makes it very real. The
storyline revolves around football head injuries and the aftermath of those
injuries. This film has a great script with dialogue lines that are above
average. Camera work, lighting, all stand at above average levels. This
serves as a quality watch. Look for Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, David Morse,
and Adewale Akinnouye-Abaje who round out the rest of the cast exceptionally
well.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A doctor reveals the danger of concussions and
their aftermath in football field injuries.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Peter Landesman for
directing effort. Thank you to Executuve Producers Greg Basser, Bruce Berman, David Crockett, Michael Schaefer, Ben Waisbren, and Producer Elizabeth Cantillon, Giannina Facio, Ridley Scott, Larry Shuman, David
Wolthoff, for making the film possible.
Cast includes Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morse, Arliss Howard, Mike O'Malley, Eddie Marsan, Hill Harper, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje,
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This film belongs in the home video library
and serves as a good teen/adult share watch. Thank to all involved in making a
film that is more than worth watching.
FantasticBeastsand Where to Find Them—slow—has strength because
of its creativity. The animation of the fantastic beasts, even by
today’s standards, is very good. This prequel movie shows Eddie Redmayne’s
talent well. However, an audience may wonder how it really connects to the Harry
Potter series. It needs exposition that hopefully Part 2 and Part 3 will
allow. Albus Dumbledore is mentioned in passing and that does make a small
concession to ‘connecting the dots’ to make a complete picture. Overall, it is
a J. K. Rowling thinking process that, as usual, does not follow the straight
path to its conclusion.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Beasts, who would be unknown to muggles, escape
their place of keeping and create their own special havoc.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to
Director David Yates for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Heyman,
J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram for making the film possible.
Cast includes Eddie Redmayne, Sam Redford, Scott Goldman, Tim Bentinck, Tristan Tait, Colin Farrell, Tom Clarke Hill, Matthew Sim, Katherine Waterston, Samantha Morton, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller, Faith Wood-Blagrove, and Jenny Murray.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This is not a terrible film, but it is slow and
presents complications for following its storyline easily. It is difficult to relate
to the original Harry Potter movie series. The largest challenge is trying to
relate Mr. Scamander (Eddie Redmayne’s character role) to earlier stories…and
leaves its audience wondering where really does he come from and why does he
carry a portal with him everywhere?
Internet research reveals that he was mentioned in Harry Potter and The
Prisoner of Azkaban and other sources say that his character was not
fleshed out yet when The Prisoner of Azkaban movie was released.
Jason Bourne—fifth in the Bourne series—does not let Bourne movie fans down. It
serves at the same high level of quality of previous Borne films and continues
to reprise Matt Damon as its lead actor. Everything is in place…acting, presentation,
action, timing, portrayal, storyline, dialogue, and great conclusion. The same concept
runs in this film as in the previous Bourne films, but it still manages to feel
freshly done. Great work for all involved. Watch for Tommy Lee Jones’
performance.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
This
action film is about: Jason Bourne recovers from
his amnesia but a friend tells him he is still tied to the Treadstone project.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Paul Greengrass for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Frank Marshall, Jeffrey M. Weiner, Ben
Smith, Matt Damon, Paul Greengrass, and Gregory Goodman. Cast includes Matt
Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassel, Julia Stiles, and Riz
Ahmend.
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