Birth of the Dragon is old-school awesome

Movie Title: 
Birth of the Dragon

Grade:   B-

Rating: PG-13, 91 minutes

In a nutshell:  I love China, San Francisco, Kung Fu, and Bruce Lee.  Put all of those things together and you get this entertaining movie directed by George Nolfi, who also directed the fun movie The Adjustment Bureau. 

While Birth of the Dragon is a fictional origin film, it's based on an event that supposedly occurred. 

It's an imagining of what may have inspired Bruce Lee to develop his unique style of martial arts.

Uplifting theme:

• “Kung Fu is not a game, gentlemen.  It is not a religion.  It is about who lives and who dies.” – Bruce Lee (Philip Ng)
• “Kung Fu is about self-discipline and self-discovery.” – Wong Jack Man (Yu Xia)
• “Kung Fu does not reside in the fists, but it resides in the soul.” – Wong Jack Man

• Balance and harmony

Things I liked:

• Serious old-school Kung Fu fighting.
• 1 inch punch.  Ha ha
• A good amount of humor.
• Great stunts and action.  I have a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do, but I was always pretty clumsy and awkward, especially compared to all of the actors and stuntmen in this movie!
• I loved the flowing movement of Wong Jack Man's golden robes.  Besides it looking cool, it represented his inner dance for balance in his life.  I've been to China twice and love their philosophy of chi and harmony in all things.
• If you liked this, you might like watching the old Enter the Dragon (1973) 

Things I didn’t like:

• The movie makes Bruce Lee look really cocky.  In reality, Bruce Lee inspired millions.  One of his famous quotes is, "Real living is living for others."  The Bruce Lee Foundation was created in 2002 by his wife and daughter.  Every year they donate money and help students with scholarships.
• I can’t stand fake flying in martial arts movies.
• Steve McKee (Billy Magnussen) has a much larger role in the film than he probably should, considering this movie is supposed to be about Bruce Lee.  In fact, there are some Asians who are completely offended that it's a white guy who seems to be at the center of the story and, ultimately, saves the day.  They have a valid point.  While it's not supposed to be a biopic, we watch this movie because we want to learn more about Bruce Lee and watch him kick a$$, instead of see some white guy who has a crush on a Chinese girl.

Interesting lines:

• “Now you have begun to exceed your limits.” –  Wong Jack Man

“What limits?” – Bruce Lee

• “I was going to be a star, but I’d rather be a legend.” – Bruce Lee

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity.
• Lots of fighting!  (Duh!)
• Discussion of prostitution.
• If you have a child who is taking some kind of martial arts lessons, you can point out the lessons learned in this movie about when to fight and how to do it with honor.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Kingsman Golden Circle is crazy, over-the-top entertainment

Movie Title:   Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Grade:  B

Rating: R, 2 hours 21 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This sequel to the original Kingsman: The Secret Service 

Uplifting theme: 

• “Being a kingsman is more than the clothes we wear or the weapons we bear." - Harry (Colin Firth)
•  "Having something to lose makes life worth living." - Harry (Colin Firth).
• Friendship, loyalty, love
• Good over evil

Things I liked:

• The talented cast is fun to watch and includes Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Julianne Moore, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, and Jeff Bridges.  Throw a thick mustache on Pedro Pascal and he looks like a young Burt Reynolds, right?
• The movie starts with a great action sequence and runs fast the entire 2 hours.
• I got a kick out of the British vs. American banter.
• Taron Egerton is the perfect Eggsy and really shines in his role.
• Julianne Moore is a fun villain.  You can see her play twin sisters in the dark comedy Suburbicon in theaters now.
• Yes, that’s the real Elton John in the movie!  His acting isn't very good, but he's still awesome.
• Great stunts and special effects.
• Cool James Bond types of weapons.
• John Denver and Elton John music.  Ahhh.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s extremely over-the-top and exaggerated.
• Jeff Bridges seems to play the same crusty, old fart in all of his movies lately. 
• There is a LOT going on!  

Funny lines:
* "If I save the world, can I have two tickets to your next concert?" - Harry to Elton John
   "If you save the world, you can have a backstage pass." - Elton John


Tips for parents: 

• Lots of crude profanity, including many F-bombs.
• Lots of violence, deaths, and destruction.
• Several inappropriate sex jokes and images. 
• Gross images involving a meat grinder and other forms of death.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Home Again is not Reese Witherspoon's best rom-com

Movie Title:   Home Again

Grade:   C

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 37 minutes

In a Nutshell:   No, this movie isn’t related to the 2013 Home Again movie with Tatyana Ali. This rom-com features America’s sweetheart, Reese Withersppon, but certainly is not her best work.  You'd think they would have picked a different name. Something like "Shacks Up with An Impetuous Boy Toy" would be appropriate.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• “This is your day, your year.  Get ready Alice.  The future is yours!”  - Alice’s father
• Family comes in different shapes and sizes.
• Be open to change.

Things I liked:

• Alice’s little blonde daughter is adorable, played by Eden Grace Redfield.  She has a bright future in film and TV if she wants one.  You can also see her in The Glass Castle.
• They play Heads Up! in a musical montage, so you might miss it.  It's a free app and a lot of fun!
• Alice’s boy toy is played by Pico Alexander.
• Teddy is played by Nat Wolff.  Did you know his mother is Polly Draper (thirtysomething: Season 1) and his father is Michael Wolff, the bandleader on the old Arsenio Hall Show?  Nice pedigree!
• I love Candace Bergen in anything.  It’s always great to see her.
• Jon Rudnitsky playes the only one in the movie who acts like a responsible grown up.  We’ll see him again in James Franco’s upcoming movie The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made

Things I didn’t like:

• Throwing up, sleeping with a stranger after just meeting.  Nope.  Not glamorous.  Alice and her boy toy are sluts.  What happened to old fashioned romance?
• Lots of music montages with talking, laughing, drinking, and kissing.
• The boy toy acts selfishly when he storms out when his friends explain they’re working on additional projects.  Instead, he should be happy for them.  He seems young and immature and self-centered the entire time.
• Alice (Reese Witherspoon) makes some very bag parenting choices.  For example, she brings in three male strangers to live in her house, even though she has two young daughters.  That's just asking for trouble in the real world.  Sleeping with one of them is irresponsible and confusing for the children. It's supposed to be adorable and charming in the movie, but it frustrated me.
• The premise is pretty unrealistic and ridiculous.
• Instantly forgettable. 

Tips for parents: 

• “Can’t I just go on anti-depressants just like everyone else?” – Isabel (Lola Flanery)  She talks about having anxiety and depression and watches her mom pop pills every time she has a problem.
• Profanity.  I hate it when kids swear.
• A married woman sleeps with a young guy (you only see kissing)

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Jigsaw is twisted and sick

Movie Title:  JigSaw

Grade:  C

Rating: R

In a Nutshell:  I don’t like gory, torture movies, so it’s no surprise that I’ve never seen any of the previous 7 movies in the Saw franchise.  Somehow I ended up in the theater watching this one.  (Oh yeah, I get paid to watch movies.) 

It’s basically what I expected: a gory, torture movie.  Yuck.  Presented by Twisted Pictures, this is just a twisted, sick movie. Saw fans will probably enjoy it, since it has been many years since the last movie….which was actually supposed to be the last movie in the series.  Why did we need another one?

Uplifting theme: 

• “What’s the value of a life?” – Anna (Laura Vandervoort)
• “There are no short-cuts in life.” -  Jigsaw
• “We all have a thumb on the scale, for good or for evil.” – John Kramer (Tobin Bell)   TRUE
• Motivations
• Take responsibility for your actions.

Things I liked:

• Timed well for Halloween.  Is it me or has Halloween become more freaky, creepy and sick lately?
• I hear that the first 7 films in the Saw franchise had odd color and sound effects, but this one looks more professionally made.
• It takes those popular “Room Escape” concepts to a new level.  Have you ever been to any of those?  I’ve been to a few in several different cities and got a kick out of them.
• Twist.  I love twists in movies.

Things I didn’t like:

• The plot doesn’t make sense.
• It’s just demented.

Tips for parents: 

• This is a messed up movie.  It tries to act like John Kramer is torturing people with nothing but good intentions in mind and to create balance in the world.
• Bloody, violent, gory deaths.
• Lots of screaming and murderous torture.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Suburbicon is a messy disappointment

Movie Title:   Suburbicon

Grade:  D

Rating: R

In a Nutshell:  Nope.  Hated it. The film tries to be a drama, dark comedy, murder thriller, and social commentary all at the same time, but it’s a messy downer.   I felt like I just wasted a part of my life.  Dang it.

Actor/Director George Clooney and the Coen writing brothers have talent, but it’s not revealed in this movie.  Super disappointing.

Uplifting theme: 

• Hypocrasy
• Racism

Things I liked:

• The 1950’s tone was well done.
• The talented cast did a great job with the material they were given, especially Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, and Oscar Isaac.

Things I didn’t like:

• The trailer was extremely deceiving.  It makes the film look like a fun, dark comedy with quirky characters.  Well, I guess it was those things, but without the fun.
• It reminded me of another ugly film that had great acting talent in it, but left me wanting to take a shower.  In 1989, Tom Hanks starred in the mystery thriller The Burbs.  

Tips for parents: 

• Lots of profanity, including F-bombs.
• The film shows a black family being bullied and violently attacked.
• There are slurs against Jews and Episcopalians.
• A child walks in on a couple having sex (no nudity).
• Bloody, violent deaths.
• Dead bodies killed in violent ways.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Lego Ninjago tickles fans

Movie Title:    The LEGO NINJAGO Movie

Grade:   B+

Rating: PG, 90 minutes

In a Nutshell:  

While this third installment in the Lego movie universe isn’t getting the rave reviews that the first two did, I still got a kick out of it and recommend it for families.  

As a mother of 4 sons who were all obsessed with Legos while growing up, I wish these movies had come out years ago.  The jokes and gags fly fast and furiously, making for an energetically, fun time.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• • “Some powers you cannot see, and those are the most important powers of all.” – Master Wu (Jackie Chan)
  • “Even if you’re different, you can still do great things.” – Master Wu  
  • “To be a master, it takes patience, hard work, and courage.” – Master  Wu
  • Family
  • Love, forgiveness
  • Everyone has a unique talent
• “You must forget everything you know and see things in a new way.” – Master Wu
• “The strongest weapon is inside you.” – Master Wu

Things I liked:

• • Jackie Chan is currently in two great movies in theaters: this Lego movie for families and The Foreigner (DVD) for parents only, where he shows impressive dramatic depth.  He’s so amazing.  
  The beginning and end were super sweet with live action Jackie Chan.
• Plenty of humor for kids and adults.  The visual gags are hilarious.
• Cat humor.
• Voice talents include Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Olivia Munn, Fred Armisen, and Michael Pena.
• • Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end for a funny blooper reel with Jackie Chan and to hear the funny “Dance of Doom” lyrics.
  • There’s a good dose of the Darth Vader/Luke Skywalker relationship going on for all you Star Wars fans out there.

Things I didn’t like:

• Sometimes you can't quite understand what Jackie Chan says because of his thick accent.
• Some of the jokes are repetitive and tired.
• • The storytelling is uneven, but the target audience for this movie certainly won’t care one bit.

Tips for parents: 

• Some text messages, so kids who can't read will miss the humorous notes.
• Lots of Lego fighting.
• Some potty humor, but not as much as you would think, considering the target audience’s age.
• • Strained father/son relationship.
  • Lots of fighting and Lego destruction (nothing you haven’t already seen when your kids play with Legos.)
  • Safe for all ages
  • Lots of current jokes about society

Christmas shopping season has begun! Some great Lego Ninjago gifts: 


LEGO Ninjago Movie Master Falls 70608 Building Kit (312 Piece) LEGO NINJAGO The Green NRG Dragon 70593 Fun Toy LEGO Ninjago Movie Spinjitzu Training 70606 Building Kit (109 Piece) LEGO Ninjago Temple of Airjitzu 70751

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

The Mountain Between Us blends genres, but no heat

Movie Title:    
The Mountain Between Us

Grade:  C+

Rating:   PG-13, 100 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Based on The Mountain Between Us: A Novelthis dramatic romance with a survival backdrop features two great actors: award-winning Kate Winslet and Idris Elba.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• Love
• Hope

Things I liked:

• Winslet and Elba offer solid acting.
• Some say the melodramatic ending is corny, but I liked it.  Call me a hopeless romantic.
• The cinematography sets up great shots in the beautiful mountains.

Things I didn’t like:

• There’s no way to tell how much time has passed on their journey, other than when Kate Winslet’s character tells us.
• As far as a survival movie goes, they easily happen upon food and shelter, so there’s no feeling of desperation.  I kept imagining the actors sitting in a warm camper, drinking hot cocoa right before each scene they did.
• There's not a lot of character development.  
• The romance feels forced and then rushed.  Some would call that a lack of chemistry.     

Funny line:
* "It would be funny if you weren't really a doctor." - Alex
    "Why would that be funny?" - Ben
    "Because you'd be doing all this just to see my fancy underwear."
      - Alex
    "They're not that fancy." - Ben



Tips for parents: 

• Pre-marital "relations".
• Some profanity.
• Some perilous situations.
• Kids will like the dog, but probably be a little bit bored.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Blade Runner 2049 enriches the original with stunning cinematography

Movie Title:   Blade Runner 2049

Grade:  A-

Rating:  R, 164 minutes

In a Nutshell: This is a LONG movie.  If you’re a big fan of the 1982 original Blade Runner, you’ll probably love every minute, while admittedly, it’s not everyone’s cup of futuristic tea.  

This visually stunning sequel was a long time in coming and I’m thrilled that Harrison Ford was able to be in it so we can revisit his character.

You don’t have to see the original Blade Runner movie first, but it sure helps.  While this film stands alone in an impressive way, it also deepens and expands the original.  It's a science-fiction masterpiece that has director Denis Villeneuve earning the praise he deserves.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• What makes a man?  What is humanity?
• Life....the value of life, the meaning of life.

Things I liked:

• You had me at Ryan Gosling.  When he touched a piano key, I kind of hoped he'd start singing City Of Stars (From "La La Land" Soundtrack)  ha ha
• Ana de Armas is just fun to look at.  I loved her scenes with Ryan Gosling.
• Robin Wright sure has come a long way since The Princess Bride (one of my all-time faves.) 
• They did an amazing job with creating a new world and time.
• The cinematography by Roger Deakins is outstanding.  Some say it’s the best of his career and worthy of an Oscar.
• The sound is impressive, but sometimes annoying.
• There are many surprises, which makes movie-going so much fun.

Things I didn’t like:

• Everything is so dusty!  ha ha
• Some of the frames are just so long and drawn out and slow-moving.  Did I say the same thing three times?
• There are  a lot of scenes where people sit, think, and stare.
• Lots of monologues.
• It takes forever to be rewarded with scenes that include both Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling.
• You kind of have to watch both films more than once to really understand it.  I readily admit I don't get it all.

Tips for parents: 

• Kids may be confused with what’s happening and get bored.  Watching the movie requires a certain amount of patience.
• Violence.
• Some gory, bloody scenes.
• Full female nudity.
• Prostitute action.
• Some profanity.

Never saw the original Blade Runner?   Click here to get a super cheap Blade Runner DVD!

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

American Made features entertaining Tom Cruise control

Movie Title: American Made

Grade:  B+

Rating: R, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell: 
Based on a true story, this entertaining ride features Tom Cruise as a wide-eyed pawn in illegal activities led by the American government in the 1980’s.  

It’s amazing and alarming that this really happened.  The documentary-style of film making works perfectly for this story. 

 

Uplifting theme: 

• There are always consequences.
• Just because something is legal doesn't mean it's right. 
• When it comes to drugs, just say no!

Things I liked:

• Tom Cruise always does a great job playing flawed characters with charisma and he always give it 100%.
• There is a lot of humor. 

Things I didn’t like:

• A lot happens in a very short amount of movie time, so you often don’t realize years have passed by in the story. 

Interesting lines:

• “All this is legal?” – Barry Seal (Tom Cruise)

“If you’re doing it for the good guys.” – Monty Schafer (Domhnall Gleeson)

Tips for parents: 

• F-bombs and other profanity.
• Some Spanish without subtitles.
• There’s a short clip of “Bedtime with Bonzo” movie, starring President Ronald Reagan, who was a movie star before he went into government.  Your kids may not even know that!
• Because this is based on a true story, your kids may not know who the Sandinistas and Contras were and what happened in Central America in the 1980’s.  You may want to give them a briefing on Pablo Escobar while you’re at it.
• The movie features drug dealers and arms dealers, as well as other illegal activities that appear glamorous on screen.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Happy Death Day takes a creepy stab at the movie Groundhog Day

Movie Title: Happy Death Day

Grade:  C+

Rating: PG-13, 

In a Nutshell:  This is like a warped, creepy version of Groundhog Day.  I have loved that fun movie for years, so I was curious to see what this suspenseful horror flick would do with it.  I thought it was funny at the end of the movie when Israel's character says,  “This reminds me of that movie Groundhog Day.”  Jessica Rothe's character, Tree, says she’s never heard of it and doesn’t even know who Bill Murray is.  Aww, Millennials.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• “Each new day is a chance to be somebody better.” –  Carter Davis (Israel Broussard)

Things I liked:

•  Jessica Rothe does a fantastic job.
•  There is a surprising amount of humor and snark.
• Timed perfectly for Halloween.
• It also reminded me of Before I Fall.  Both of these two flicks will appeal a lot to tweens and teens.

Things I didn’t like:

• I hated the female protagonist.  She’s a slutty, self-absorbed, mean skank.  I just didn't mind her dying.  I would have liked to see her character grow more and become a much kinder person by the end, but she doesn’t seem to have learned any lessons like Bill Murray’s character did in the original Groundhog Day.
• SPOILER: I enjoy a lot of red herrings, which this movie has, but when you learn who the real murderer at the end is, it's kind of a let-down and doesn't make very much sense.

Tips for parents: 

• The female protagonist sleeps with a guy after getting drunk at a party.  Nice role model for your daughters, eh?  Her daily routine includes the “Walk of Shame.”
• Vulgar language, profanity, and an F-bomb.
• Creepy baby face mask.
• Lots of violent murders.
• Masturbation.
• Homosexual kissing.
• She walks through campus naked to show she doesn’t care while the song “What’s wrong with being confident?” plays in the background.  That's not exactly the lesson of female empowerment I would want my daughter to have.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice