Smitty—simple, well-written story—accesses the acting talent of Peter Fonda
who shows stronger performance here than in the children’s film Thomas and
the Magic Railroad. This movie serves as light fare for an afternoon watch.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A young boy learns ethical values from his grandfather
and his grandfather’s friend.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director David Evans for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Michael Baumgarten and Marcy Levitas Hamilton. Characters/cast
include: Russell (Jason London), Tia (Gabrielle Bul), Peebo (Booboo Stewart), Jack
(Peter Fonda), Amanda (Mira Sorvino), Ben (Brandon Tyler Russell), Mr. Smith
(Louis Gossett Jr.), and (Judge Greenstein) Lolita Davidovich.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie earns its watch and has a good
conclusion.
Victoria and Abdul—huge WOW! for Judi Dench—succeeds due to great
casting choices and a unique view of the life of royalty. The movie has a
terrific performance by Ali Fazal who plays the part of confidant to Queen
Victoria. Eddie Izzard is a great pick for Bertie, Victoria’s son. The dialogue
comes from a well-written script. Bravo for a wonderful film that serves all
audiences.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A bored queen finds novel entertainment in an
Indian subject.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Stephen Frears for
directing effort. Thank you to Producers Tony Bevans, Eric Fellner, Beeban
Kidron, and Tracey Seaward for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast
include: Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), Queen Victoria (Judi Dench), Henry Ponsonby
(Tim Pigott-Smith), Bertie, Prince of Wales (Eddie Izzard), Mohammad Bakhsh (Adeel Akhtar), Robert
Gascoyne Cecil (Michael Gambon), Sir James Reid (Paul Higgins), Jane Spencer
(Olivia Williams), Harriet Phipps (Fenella Woolgar), Alick Yorke (Julian
Wadham), Arthur Bigge (Robin Soans), Giacomo Pucchini (Simon Callow), Mr. Tyler
(Simon Paisley Day), Princess Helena (Amani Zardoe), Sophia of Prussia (Sophie
Trott), Sophie of the Netherlands (Penny Ryder), Sous Chef (Joe Caffrey),
Tailor (Tim McMullan), Wilhelm II (Jonathan Harden), and Head Waiter (John
Rowe).
Jingle all the Way—feel-good Christmas film—with Arnold
Schwarzenegger, begins well, lags a bit in the middle of the movie, and then picks
up pace through the concluding scenes. The addition of Sinbad does not work
well as supporting cast member. The movie serves the family audience.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A father needs to buy a specific Christmas toy
for his son.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Brian Levant for directing effort.
Thank you to Executive Producer Richard Vane for making the film possible.
Additional characters/cast include: Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger),
Myron Larabee (Sinbad), Ted Maltin(Phil Hartman), Liz Langston (Rita Wilson),
Officer Hummell (Robert Conrad), D.J. (Martin Mull), Jamie Langston (Jake
Lloyd), Mall Santa (Jim Belushi), Johnny (E.J. De La Pena), and First Lady
(Laraine Newman).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. The movie delivers family comedy with an
eyeful of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior shows the impressive acrobatic skill and martial
art mastery of Tony Jaa and intersperses that activity with outstanding action
scenes that show remarkable creativity and freshness. The movie can easily
impress a United States audience. The story itself does not work as fresh and
unique, but the action completely overcomes that lack. Be aware that many of the fight scenes run toward brutal.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A young boy goes to the city to find a statue that
belongs to his village.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Prachya Pinkaew for
directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Luc Besson and Somsak
Techaratanaprasert for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast
include: Ting (Tony Jaa), Humlae (Petchtai Wongkamlao), Muay Lek (Pumwaree
Yodkamol), Komtuan (Suchao Pongwilai), Saming (Chatthapong Phantana Angkul),
Don(Wannakit Sirioput), Peng (Cheathavuth Watcharakhun), Ngek (Rungrawee
Barijindakul), Mae Waan (Pornpimol Chookanthong),Uncle Mao (Chumphorn
Thepphithak), and Waitress (Sukanya Kongkawong).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Action drives this Thai movie. It serves an adult
audience.
Abe—offbeat, yet entertaining—introduces Noah Schnapp as its main actor
with a full cast that completely complements his acting ability. The
presentation straightforwardly approaches its subject matter and, while it
does not deeply delve into the subject matter, respectfully and lightly
investigates a common marital challenge found within the larger universal
setting. The theme of the movie places a small bandage on a very large
challenge, but the attempt is there and, oddly, is enough.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
A young boy with mixed heritage attempts to unite
his two families through cooking.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Fernando Grostein Andrade
for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Gal Buitoni, Claudia Buschel,
Andrea Giusti, Fabio Golombek, James Huntsman, Paula Linhares, and Marcos
Tellechea for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Abe
(Noah Schnapp), Chico (Seu Jorge), Rebecca (Dagmara Dominczyk), Amir (Arian
Moayed), Benjamin (Mark Margolis), Salim (Tom Mardirosian), Aida (Salem
Murphy), Ari (Daniel Oreskes), Mandioca (Gero Camilo), Cadu (Victor Mendes), Claudia
(Ildi Silva), Adam Gold (Devin Henry), Mike Gold (Steve Routman), Ronnie (Josh
Elliott Pickel), and Chef Roy Wang (Alexander Hodge).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Family entertainment that provides excellent
after viewing discussion. The script has been well-written and it’s a nice
preview of upcoming entertainment talent.
Dragon Rider—good concept and animation—needs much improvement to make a quality watch. The story complicates itself with unrelatable characters.
One of the best things about this film is the song: ‘Side by Side’.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A young boy and a dragon look for heaven’s rim.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Tomer Eshed for directing
effort. Thank you to Oliver Berben and Christoph Muller for making the film
possible. Additional characters/cast include: Firedrake (Thomas Brodie
Sangster), Sorrell (Felicity Jones), Ben (Freddie Highmore), Nettlebrand (Patrick
Stewart), Twigleg (Jimmy Hibbert), Gravelbeard (Alex Norton), Mighty Djinn
(Nonso Anozie), Subisha Gulab (Meera Syal), and Mad Doc (Sanjeev Bhaskar).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. It has a good story to some extent, but it
has a way to go to make it a quality movie watch.
Daniel Boone: Trail Blazer—good, simple, afternoon, family entertainment
fare—unfortunately, needs complete restoration. The acting? Okay. Portrayal?
Good. Presentation? Good. An average entertainment piece that serves average
entertainment needs. Be aware that the discoloration creates significant
disadvantages such as the inability to read commentary toward the conclusion of
the movie.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
Daniel Boone helps settle land that will be
Kentucky.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Albert Gannaway and Ismael
Rodriguez for directing efforts. Thank you to Producers Ben Costanten, Albert
Gannaway, and C.J. Ver Halen Jr. for making the film possible. Characters/cast
include: Daniel Boone (Bruce Bennet), Blackfish (Lon Chaney Jr.), Faron
Callaway (Faron Young), Simon Girty (Kem Dibbs), Andy Callaway (Damian O’Flynn),
Rebecca Boone (Jacqueline Evans), Susannah Boone (Nancy Rodman), Israel Boone
(Freddy Fernandez), Jamima Boone (Carol Kelly), Squire Boone (Eduardo Noriega),
Kenton (Fred Kohler Jr.), John Holder (Gordon Mills), James Boone (Claudio
Brook), Smitty (Lee Morgan), and General Hamilton (Joe Ainley).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. Simple, linear story serves family entertainment needs.
Be aware that the movie’s visual quality suffers from coloration defects.
Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV—out-of-this-world animation with more offered
cinematically than seems necessary to carry the film—provides a small snippet
of a much larger story. If one does not play the game and drops into the movie, it may not make sense and becomes exceptionally hard to follow. The movie works best for audiences who follow the story through gaming. Other audiences need to read the backstory and the plotline before viewing the movie to understand it. Wikipedia provides a plot line for this film.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A king tries to prevent the theft of a valuable crystal.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Takeshi Nozue for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Larry Sparks, Kosei Ito, Shinji Hashimoto, and Hajime
Tabata for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Nyx Ulric (Go
Ayano/Aaron Paul), Lunafreya Nox Fleuret (Shiori Kutsuna/Lena Headey), Regis
Lucis Caelum (Tsutomu Isobe/Sean Bean), Iedolas Aldercapt (Shozo lizuka), Ardyn
Izunia (Keiji Fujiwara/Darin De Paul), Titus Drautos (Koichi Yamadera/Adrian
Bouchet), and Ravus Nox Fleuret (Yuichi Nakamura/Trevor Devall),
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie has outstanding artistic craftmanship.
Date Night—Steve Carrell and Tina Fey comedy—provides WOW! entertainment despite
tailoring itself more to the adult audience due to adult humor and sexual
references. The script dialogue runs at a fast pace and the action moves along
well. Watch for cameo appearances by Mark Wahlberg and Common.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Mistaken identity causes involvement in life
threatening situations for a young couple.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Shawn Levy for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Shawn Levy and Tom McNulty for making the film
possible. Additional characters/cast include: Phil Foster (Steve Carell),
Claire Foster (Tina Fey), Holbrooke Grant (Mark Wahlberg), Detective Arroyo
(Taraji Henson), District Attorney Frank Crenshaw (William Fichtner), Tom
Felton (James Franco), Whippit Felton (Mila Kunis), Brad Sullivan (Mark
Ruffalo), Haley Sullivan (Kristen Wilg), Detective Armstrong (Jimmi Simpson), and
Detective Collins (Common).
Thomas and the Magic Railroad—animation and live action—caters to young
children with its beautiful animation. The storyline, however, cannot easily be
followed. The film cannot find its audience, almost as if it can not decide
between appealing to the child or to the adult. Both Alec Baldwin and Peter Fonda
seem poorly cast for this film. Even if one reads a plotline before going, it seems
convoluted without reason for the introduction of some of the characters and
their personalities, almost as if someone believes it is necessary to have a
mean character to make a good movie and someone needs to ensure there is a
female engine as well as male engines to be politically correct rather than relying on inborn story-telling to just tell a simple, good story. The backstory to
this movie needs more unfolding.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A train engine and its conductor go in search of
gold dust.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Britt Alcroft for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Britt Allcroft and Phil Fehrle for making the
film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Mr. Conductor (Alec
Baldwin), Burnett Stone (Peter Fonda), Lily Stone (Mara Wilson), Mr. Junior
(Michael Rodgers), Patch (Cody McMains), Stacy Jones (Didi Conn),Billy
Twofeathers (Russell Means), Mrs. Stone (Lori Hallier), Tasha Stone (Laura
Bower), Thomas (Voice of Eddie Glen), Lady (Voice of Britt Allcroft), Four of
the Engines (Voice of Neil Crone), Two Engines, Red Bus, Helicopter (Voice of Kevin
Frank), Percy (Voice of Linda Ballantyne), James (Voice of Susan Roman), Toby (Voice
of Colm Feore), and Two coaches (Voice of Shelley Skinner).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. Children may appreciate the colors, the familiar
presence of Thomas, engines running up and down tracks, and the magical little
persons; but, other than that, a Disney classic such as a Mickey Mouse cartoon serves as a
better entertainment choice.
Prometheus—solid, but strange story—can be received well by most audiences. The
charismatic cast work well together to produce a believable watch. Watch for veteran
actor Guy Pearce as well as very interesting talent coming from Rafe
Spall, good screen presence coming from Logan Marshall Green, and both
talent and great screen presence coming from Benedict Wong.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A space team searches for human origins.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Ridley Scott for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers David Giler, Walter Hill, and Ridley Scott for
making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi
Rapace), David (Michael Fassbender), Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), Janek
(Idris Elba), Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce), Charlie Holloway (Logan Green),
Fifield (Sean Harris), Millburn (Rafe Spall), and Ship Medic (Kate Dickie).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie takes its audience on an adventure
that it will not forget soon. This is the prequel story to Alien.
The Cave requires better special effects, a unique storyline, and actors with
higher skill level for the movie to become a desirable watch. It quickly works
itself into an I’ve seen this before movie due to its thin story and lack of realism.
It may work as a background party flick.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Cavers encounter deep earth creatures.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Bruce Hunt for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Richard Wright, Andrew Mason, Tom Rosenberg, and
Gary Lucchesi for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include:
Jack McAllister (Cole Hauser), Tyler McAllister (Eddie Cibrian), Top Buchanan
(Morris Chestnut), Katheryn Jennings (Lena Headey), Charlie (Piper Perabo),
Briggs (Rick Ravanello), Alex Kim (Daniel Dae Kim), Strode (Kieran Darcy
Smith), Dr. Nicolai (Marcel Lures), Creatures (Brian Steele), and Dr. Bacovia (Vlad
Radescu).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
No. The movie, a coulda, woulda, shoulda horror
film, cannot serve its function due to scenes that fail to achieve ‘scary’ and
actors who seem digitized rather than real (without recognizable human traits
that respond to horror in a different manner).
We Bought a Zoo—unique, interesting, heartfelt, clean—becomes better than it would have been because of
wise casting choices. Matt Damon and Thomas Hayden Church create an onscreen dichotomy that makes the film work. Scarlett Johansson, cast as a zookeeper, adds
to this sweet story that includes a single Dad trying to raise his children. Watch for Elle Fanning and the cameo appearances of Kym Whitley and Stephanie Szostak.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A widower and his children intend to buy a country home and find it comes with a zoo.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Cameron Crowe for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Julie Yom, Cameron Crowe, and Marc Gordon for making
the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Benjamin Mee (Matt
Damon), Kelly Foster (Scarlett Johansson), Duncan Mee (Thomas Haden Church),
Rosie Mee (Maggie Elizabeth Jones), Lily Miska (Elle Fanning), Robin Jones
(Patrick Fugit), Walt Ferris (John Michael Higgins), Peter MacCreedy (Angus
Macfadyen), Rhonda Blair (Carla Gallo), Mr. Stevens (J.B. Smoove), Katherine
Mee (Stephanie Szostak), Shea Seger (Desi Lydic), and Delbert McGinty (Peter
Riegert).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. The movie serves as good, family entertainment.
William Tecumseh Sherman: Beyond the March to the
Sea—WOW! BRAVO! documentary—shows
thoroughness in presentation rarely seen in film. Memoirs, sketches, and photographs
of actual persons that dot Sherman’s life richly and deeply detail this movie. It
thoroughly educates and entertains.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
General Sherman’s life from birth through his
many life accomplishments.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Jonathan Cook for directing
effort. Thank you to Producer Jonathan Cook for making the film possible. Thank
you to Jonathan Cook for narrating this documentary.
Desperado—part two of a three film set—serves a WOW! story via the charismatic
Antonio Banderas. It’s adult entertainment directed by Robert Rodriguez who
captures the deadliness of being involved in drug running. Great storyline and
script offer several unpredictable surprises. The movie is not for the faint of
heart as it runs on reprisal and vengeance with gore, blood, and violence.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A small border town’s deep involvement with the
drug industry creates havoc in a young man’s life.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Robert Rodriguez for making
the film possible. Thank you to Producers Robert Rodriguez and Bill Borden for
making the film possible. Characters/Cast include: El Mariachi (Antonio
Banderas), Carolina (Salma Hayek), Buscemi (Steve Buscemi), Short Bartender
(Cheech Marin), Pick-up Guy (Quentin Tarantino), Right Hand (Carlos Gomez),
Tavo (Tito Larriva), Zamira (Angel Aviles), Navajas (Danny Trejo), Nino
(Abraham Verduzco), Campa (Carlos Gallardo), Quino (Albert Michel Jr.), Buddy
(David Alvarado), Tourist Girl (Angela Lanza), Moco (Peter Marquardi), and
Domino (Consuelo Gomez).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. In its own right, despite over-the-top
violence, this is a wonderful movie, partly due to its energy, pacing, and
well-timed introduction of additional characters into its story. The sequel is:
Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
Live Free or Die Hard teams Bruce Willis with Justin Long to create a
very entertaining action flick. It does not match the high level of action that
the prequel to this John McClane series does but nonetheless earns its watch as
a seat binding movie.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
A police detective teams with a computer expert
to clean up cybercrime.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Len Wiseman for directing
effort. Thank you to Producer Michael Fottrell for making the film possible.
Characters/Cast include: John McClane (Bruce Willis), Matt Farrel (Justin
Long), Thomas Gabriel (Timothy Olyphant), Lucy Gennero McClane (Mary Elizabeth
Winstead), Mai Linh (Maggie Q), Frederick Kaludis (Kevin Smith), Miguel Bowman
(Cliff Curtis), Trey (Jonathan Sadowski), Emerson (Edoardo Costa), Rand (Cyril
Raffaelli), Russo (Yorgo Constantine), Agent Molina (Zeljko Ivanek), and Taylor
(Christina Chang).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. For the Bruce Willis action movie fan, the
movie completely fulfills its purpose. The next film in this series is: A Good
Day to Die Hard (2013).
My Little Pony: A New Generation has great animation with exceptionally nice
background scenery. The concept goes in the right direction, but the writing is
a bit weak and lacks the vibrancy and strength to carry its overall good
message with continuity. The film seems to gear itself toward a young girl’s
fascinations rather than a young boy’s interests. It would have been nice to
have seen a better balance.
Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia
Storyline
Peace between species through communication and
close association becomes the focus of this animated movie.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Directors Robert Cullen and Jose
Ucha for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Cecil Kramer and Peter Lewis
for making the film possible. Characters/Cast include: Sunny Starscout (Vanessa
Hudgens), Izzy Moonbow (Kimiko Glenn), Hitch Trailblazer (James Marsden), Pipp
Petals (Sofia Carson), Zephyrina (Liza Koshy), Phyllis Cloverleaf (Elizabeth
Perkins), Queen Haven (Jane Krakowski), Sprout Cloverleaf (Ken Jeong),
Alphabittle (Phil LaMarr), and Argyle Starshine (Michael McKean).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Maybe. This feature can be difficult to follow at times and has a little way to go for qualification as a quality children’s film.
