Snow White and the Huntsman casts actors and actresses that, at first glance,
seem a bit shocking and makes the audience question how this cast is going to
work in this story. But, after getting into the story, they work well because
this story interpretation does not work on the more childlike version that
Disney portrayed. Charlize Theron as the evil queen, Kristen Stewart as Snow
White, and Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman are well cast for the more brusque and
gritty presentation of realism that this Snow White depicts. Be prepared for more violence, more dark
scenes, war, blood and gore than Disney allows. It is great to see the
modification of regular size people into small people as used in Lord of the Rings
and the Hobbit film series. While this movie is not fabulous, it is watchable if only for a comparison in different interpretations of the same story
and how the story can be re-tailored for completely different audiences.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Snow White meets the huntsman and sets out on an
adventure of a lifetime.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Rupert Sanders for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Joe Roth and Sam Mercer for making the
film possible. Characters/cast include: Snow White (Kristen Stewart), Queen
Ravenna (Charlize Theron), Eric the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth), William (Sam
Claflin), Beith (Ian McShane), Muir (Bob Hoskins), Gort (Ray Winstone), Nion (Nick
Frost), and Coll (Toby Jones).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Be prepared to enter the
real world of a young woman, with a right to the throne, fighting to establish
that right against the usurper to the throne. The movie is watchable but
know this is not the more innocent, traditionally presented fairy tale of Snow
White.
Drunken Master—good teen/adult share film—is the first in a series of two films that
has a third film in the series with remarkably different content. Completely
worth watching, Drunken Master shows Jackie Chan in a rougher mode than
later films depict him. He demonstrates great acrobatics and body exercises
that are little known in the western world. The only criticism is the
overwhelming presentation of fighting scenes to the point where the movie loses
its storyline and makes the movie seem a bit bland at times. But, this small
criticism is erased due to the remarkable techniques and moves of the Drunken
Master’s fighting styles. The dubbing does not always match the mouth movements
well, but the quality of the movie quickly overcomes this small fault. This
movie more than earns the time and money.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A young man finally learns that he needs
discipline and enrolls under a demanding martial arts instructor.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Yuen Woo-ping for directing
effort. Thank you to Producer Ng See
Yuen for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Wong Fei-hung (Jackie Chan),
Beggar-So (Yuen Siu-Tin), Thunderleg Yen Tie Hsin (Hwang Jang-Lee), and Professor
Kai-Hsin (Dean Shek).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This younger version of Jackie Chan shows some
of his best fight techniques. The acting quality is more than worth watching.
The storyline is simple, entertaining, and completely watchable. This Chinese/Hong
Kong entertainment easily crosses international borders to delight and
entertain. The movie uses both subtitles and voice dubbing for English-speaking
audiences.
Jack Frost—'cool' concept (pun not intended)—plays as an average movie more like
television fare than theatrical fare. Michael Keaton, Mark Addy, Kelly Preston,
and Joseph Cross work well together to present an interesting 'take' on the Jack
Frost story. The movie works as family fare for light afternoon
entertainment. It does not require a great deal of energy or involvement
to watch. It’s clean fare with no offensive surprises.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A professional musician takes an unusual turn in
life.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Troy Miller for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Mark Canton and Irving Azoff for making the film
possible. Characters/cast include: Snowman/Jack Frost (Michael
Keaton), Gabby Frost (Kelly Preston), Mac MacArthur (Mark Addy),
and Charlie Frost (Joseph Cross).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. It’s a simple, easy-on-the-mind, clean,
likable story that can easily be followed while doing other things.
Operation Mincemeat bases itself on the book written by Ben Macintyre. The movie is a true story that occurred during World War II. This is a
great story that holds audience attention.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images.
Storyline
Britain sets up a plan to fool the Nazis during
World War II.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director John Madden for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Charles Cohen, Iain Canning, Emile Sherman, and
Kris Thykier for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Ewen Montagu
(Colin Firth), Charles Cholmondeley (Matthew Macfadyen), Jean Leslie (Kelly
Macdonald), Hester Leggett (Penelope Wilton), Ian Fleming (Johnny Flynn), John
Godfrey (Jason Isaacs), Ivor Montagu (Mark Gatiss), Iris Montagu (Hattie
Morahan), Jock Horsfall (Mark Bonnar), Bentley Purchase (Paul Ritter), John
Masterman (Alex Jennings), and Winston Churchill (Simon Beale).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie especially appeals to audiences
who love intrigue. It earns its watch.
Ice Age—one of the classics in animated entertainment—has heart, terrific
character development, and relatability for a wide audience. Know that the
animation is aging but the film is as engaging as it was 20 years ago.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
It's migration time as the Ice Age begins to change.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Chris Wedge for directing
effort. Thank you to Producer Lori Forte for making the film possible.
Characters/cast include: Manny (Voice of Ray Romano), Diego (Voice of Denis
Leary), Sid (Voice of John Leguizamo), Scrat (Voice of Chris Wedge), Soto (Voice
of Goran Visnjic), Zeke (Voice of Jack Black), Oscar (Voice of Diedrich Bader),
Lenny (Voice of Alan Tudyk), Carl (Voice of Cedric the Entertainer), and Frank
(Voice of Stephen Root).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie completely entertains at a high level of
comedy.
Beckett—intense, intriguing, and thrilling—plays well with John David
Washington. The movie earns its watch and serves action movie fans well. The
writer did a great job of hiding where the film is going so that the audience
is engaged from its beginning to its ending.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A tourist trip to Greece turns upside down for a
man who sees something he shouldn’t have seen.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Directors
Ferdinando Cito Filomarino for directing effot. Thank you to Producers Luca Guadagnino, Marco
Morabito, Francesco Melzi d’Eril, and Gabriele Moratti for making the film
possible. Characters/cast include: Beckett (John Washington), Stephen Tynan
(Boyd Holbrook), Lena (Vicky Krieps), April (Alicia Vikander), Father (Michael
Stuhlbarg), Officer Xenakis (Panos Koronis), and Eleni (Maria Votti).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This movie is more than worth watching. It’s
intense and thrilling.
Rexy Meets the Mountain King—cute computer animated short film—tells a simple
story with terrific animation. The story is clean and serves as a good
child/adult bedtime share that perfectly serves children who love dinosaurs.
Rexy, the main character of the Rexy films, is very likable and presents a
clean, honest watch in its presentations.
Great work for all involved.
Film Poster Courtesy of YouTube
Storyline
Rexy amazingly survives a series of adventures.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Aenimax and YouTube for providing the platform for this animation.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Very likable short film that makes a good
child/adult share film. It’s honest entertainment with no surprises. Does not
try to push a point and does not present controversy into its storyline.
Refreshing.
Cowboys & Aliens, great film from Director
Jon Favreau (Director of Chef, Iron Man 1 and 2, and Elf),
is no exception to other great films Favreau has directed. Daniel Craig lends
his talent to this movie and greatly adds to its basic entertainment value.
Paul Dano is perfectly cast here. Harrison Ford seems a bit mis-cast but
performs well. Watch for a performance by Adam Beach. The movie has an unusual
mix of storyline that follows the title of the film. The story is well written
and portrayed. Worth watching. Good work for all involved.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Cowboys and aliens interact together.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Jon Favreau for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Brian Grazer, Ron
Howard, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Scott Mitchell Rosenbaum for making
the film possible. Characters/cast include: Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig),
Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford), Ella Swenson (Olivia Wilde), Doc (Sam
Rockwell), Emmett Taggart (Noah Ringer), Percy Dolarhyde (Paul Dano), Meacham (Clancy Brown), Sheriff John
Taggart (Keith Carradine), and Nat Colorado (Adam Beach).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Entertaining and worth watching. Good work
for all involved.
Never Stop Dreaming: The Life and Legacy of
Shimon Peres—wonderful
documentary—tells a full story of Szymon Perski, later known as Shimon Peres. The
movie is completely rewatchable and shows remarkable attention to detail within
its over 2-hour presentation. The story is thorough and documents both the ups
and downs of a life well-lived. This movie has heart and soul built into every
scene as it details the birth of a Jewish boy born in Poland and migrant to
Israel in later life. Wonderfully packed with archival photos and videos, the
film is full. WOW. Great documentary.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
This documentary examines the life path of Shimon
Peres, his childhood, and political career.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Richard Trank for directing effort.
Thank you to Producer Nimrod Erez for making the film possible. Cast include:
George W. Bush, Narrator George Clooney, Barack Obama, Shimon Peres, and Barbra
Streisand.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This wonderful documentary is worth
watching for all audiences. It’s a well-timed, nicely organized documentary that
relies on complete interviews and great camera work.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 takes its audience on a ride that is as good as
the first production of Sonic the Hedgehog. The original cast reprises all
roles. It’s often difficult for a movie to base itself on a computer game and
deliver good entertainment but this film is an exception and delivers good
entertainment. WOW. Possessing ultimate power seems much over-used in movies
over the last several years, but does not overpower the originality, fun, and
entertainment of this film. The story is sound and presents itself well. Good
watch for Sonic the Hedgehog fans.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Sonic faces Robotnik again and makes new friends along the way.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Jeff Fowler for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Neal Moritz, Toby Ascher,
Toru Nakahara, and Hitoshi Okuno for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Doctor Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey), Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), Maddie
Wachowski (Tika Sumpter), Rachel (Natasha Rothwell), Wade Whipple (Adam Pally),
Randall Handel (Shemar Moore), Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub), Commander Walters
(Tom Butler), Jojo (Melody Nosipho Niemann), Sonic the Hedgehog (Voice of Ben
Schwartz), and Knuckles (Edris Elba).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie is imaginative, fun, and backed
with very good animation, one of the better streaming watches for 2022.
Interceptor needs stronger actors and actresses to carry the storyline. The movie
starts well, but the fighting roles have not been assigned well and this failure
noticeably detracts from the strength of the story. While Elsa Pataky has
spunk, she performs at the average to good level as does her supporting cast.
The movie needs a boost in presentation to push past the average rating. Watch
for the excellent cameo of Chris Hemsworth.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Russia attacks with warheads. The United States
responds with Interceptors.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Matthew Reilly for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Boughen,
Matthew Street, and Stewart Beattie for making the film possible.
Characters/cast include: Captain Collins (Elsa Pataky), Alexander Kessel (Luke
Bracey), Beaver Baker (Aaron Glenane), Corporal Clark Marshall (Rhys Muldoon),
Corporal Rahul Shah (Mayen Mehta), Ensign Washington (Belinda Jombwe), and General
Dyson (Marcus Johnson).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. If the audience is looking for
an action film with female heroines, SaltandResident Evilentertain
on a higher level than this film.
The Indian Fighter—simple 1955 Kirk Douglas western movie—runs with
Walter Matthau and Lon Chaney Jr. It’s an interesting study of 1950 classic
western content and the audiences who would be attracted to this writing style for
entertainment. It’s an overall interesting watch that allows Douglas to drive
the storyline. Good afternoon entertainment that could also run as good
background at a party.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A wagon train leader must keep peace with native Americans
to protect his wagon train.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Andre de Toth for directing effort. Thank you to Producer William Schorr for
making the film possible. Characters/Cast include: Johnny Hawks (Kirk Douglas),
Onahti (Elsa Martinelli), Wes Todd (Walter Matthau), Susan Rogers (Diana
Douglas), Captain Trask (Walter Abel), Chivington (Lon Chaney Jr.), Red
Cloud (Eduard Franz), Will Crabtree (Alan Hale Jr.), Briggs (Elisha Cook), Morgan (Ray
Teal), Tommy Rogers (Michael Winkelman), Lieutenant Blake (William Phipps), Grey
Wolf (Harry Landers), and Crazy Bear (Hank Worden).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie is a classic study
on western movie productions in the 1950s. Overall, it serves the western movie
fan well.
1917 sits among the best World War I films produced. While Hollywood
usually focuses on World War II films, this movie becomes a real treat for the
war movie fan as its focus is a time period not often produced within the film
industry. The film easily becomes a must watch and creates good discussion
material after viewing. Both actors, George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman earn their dollars
with good acting and portrayal of World War I military personnel. Watch for cameo
stars who make shorter appearances in the film—Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark
Strong, and Richard Madden.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
This movie examines the role of runners delivering
messages from one military division to another during World War 1.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Sam Mendes for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Sam Mendes, Pippa Harris, Jayne-Ann Tenggren,
Callum McDougall, and Brian Oliver for making the film possible.
Characters/cast include: Lance Corporal
William Schofield (George MacKay), Lance Corporal Tom Blake (Dean-Charles
Chapman), Captain Smith (Mark Strong), Lieutenant Leslie (Andrew Scott),
Lieutenant Joseph Blake (Richard Madden), Lauri (Claire Duburcq), General Erinmore
(Colin Firth), Lieutenant-Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch), Sergeant Sanders
(Daniel Mays), Major Hepburn (Adrian Scarborough), Lieutenant Richards (Jamie
Parker), Lieutenant Gordon (Pip Carter),
Lieutenant Gordon (Pip Carter), Lieutenant Hutton (Michael Jibson), Colonel
Collins (Richard McCabe), and Captain Ivins (Justin Edwards).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This film covers the role of messengers traveling
cross country during wartime and suits not only the war movie fan base but also
appeals to the wider audience who may gain a deeper appreciation of the
conditions where humans have exercised great courage, endurance, and commitment
to duty. The story is very well done and completely earns its watch.
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted completes the Madagascar series quite well. The movie has lots of
perks and encourages laughter with its comical antics and dialogue. The
characters are deeply drawn and lovable. The animation is outstanding and
interestingly presented. The timing in the story is particularly well done. The
color, special effects, and musical scoring
add significant weight to the film’s quality. The voicing is highly
professional and works like clockwork. The movie is a fun ride for a wide
audience. It satisfies and has ability to remain viable for many years. It’s a
good addition to the home video library.
Thank you to Directors
Eric Darnell, Conrad Vernon, and Tom McGrath for directing effort. Thank you to
Producers Mireille Soria and Mark Swift for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Alex (Ben Stiller), Marty (Chris Rock), Melman (David Schwimmer),
Gloria (Jada Pinkett Smith), King Julien XIII (Sacha Baron Cohen), Maurice
(Cedric the Entertainer), Mort (Andy Richter), and Skipper (Tom McGrath).
3 Ninjas Kick Back surpasses the second film in the series in
entertainment value. It’s great to see classic actor Victor Wong reprising his
role in this series. The movie is a straight forward presentation that serves
the children’s audience well.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Thismartial artsfilm is about a grandfather’s desire to present a special gift
to the best martial arts student in Japan but he gets into a bad accident.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director
Charles T. Kanganis for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Martha Chang,
James Kang, and Arthur Leeds for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Grandpa Tanaka (Victor Wong), Colt Douglas (Max Slade), Rocky (Sean
Fox), Tum-Tum (J. Bonifant), Miyo (Caroline Junko King), Sam Douglas (Alan
McRae), Jessica (Margarita Franco), Koga (Sab Shimono), Glam (Dustin Nguyen),
Slam (Angelo Tiffe), Vinnie (Jason Schombing), Ishikawa (Masashi Ozawa), Darren
(Scott Caudill), and Grand Master (Shunichiro Yunoki).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This movie particularly serves the young
martial arts audience well.
Samaritan—novel and imaginative storyline—puts Sylvester Stallone in the action
seat with a bang. He performs outstandingly as the protector of a young
neighbor boy. This movie completely entertains with several unexpected story
twists. It’s a good watch…worth the time and money.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A superhero helps a neighbor boy.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Julius Avery for directing
efforts. Thank you to Producers Sylvester Stallone and Braden Aftergood for
making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Joe (Sylvester Stallone),
Sam Cleary (Javon Walton), Cyrus (Pilou Asbaek), Tiffany Cleary (Dascha
Polanco), Reza (Moises Arias), Albert Casier (Martin Starr), Sil (Sophia
Tatum), Farshad (Jared Odrick), Tuna (Michael Aaron Milligan), Arthur Holloway
(Henry Sanders), and Devin Holloway (Shameik Moore).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie is perfect for the adult who likes
good action movies backed with great drama. No lack here for Sylvester Stallone
fans and any audience looking for a good superhero story.
The Gray Man—very well done—features Ryan Gosling against Chris Evans. Watch for Billy Bob Thornton in
the movie. This film has plenty of action and thrill to satisfy fans looking for
this emotion in a movie. It works as the perfect guys flick with lots of
suspense.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
An espionage agency picks up a prisoner to act
for them and then decides to assassinate him.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Anthony Russo and Joe Russo for directing effort. Thank you
to Producers Joe and Anthony Russo, Joe Roth, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Mike Larocca,
and Chris Castaldi for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Six
(Ryan Gosling), Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), Dani Miranda (Ana de Armas),
Suzanne Brewer (Jessica Henwick), Carmichael (Rege-Jean Page), Laszlo Sosa
(Wagner Moura), Claire (Julia Butters), Lone Wolf (Dhanush), Margaret Cahill
(Alfre Woodard), and Fitzroy (Billy Bob Thornton).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The story has been put together very well and
sprinkles the action throughout the film in just the right places. It’s a wonderful
action film for adults. Great work for all involved.
