Winchester disappoints in the telling of a true spooky tale

Movie Title:      Winchester

Grade:  D

Rating: PG-13, 
1 hour 39 minutes

In a Nutshell:   I don’t like scary movies, but I was curious about this one because I grew up very close to the actual Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California.  

I wanted to see what the Spierig brothers would do with it. Whenever we would drive by the spooky mansion, I would shudder.  I was told the creepy stories of the house, but never actually visited the tourist attraction.  It is still one of the most haunted mansions in the USA.

With lots of jumps and scares, it’s a pretty clichéd horror movie.

Like many of the stairs at the Winchester mansion, the movie doesn’t go anywhere.   

By the way, this film is not connected to Supernatural: Season 1 - Part 1 [Region 2]   .

                                             

Tips for parents: 

• Some creepy, scary moments.
• Guns and death.

                                           

Uplifting theme: 

• “Sometimes we need a little help to see the difference between reality and illusion.” – Dr. Eric Price (Jason Clarke)
• “Fear only exists in your mind.” – Dr. Eric Price
• Those who die are still alive.

                                    

Things I liked:

• Helen Mirren is a national treasure that both England and America like to claim.  I was kind of surprised she would go for a movie like this.  She was great, as always.

Things I didn’t like:

• The first time you meet Jason Clarke's character, you see him with a bunch of prostitutes, so you think he's a scumbag, making it hard to feel connected to him throughout the entire movie.
• The real reason why Sarah Winchester kept building on to her house is actually changed in this movie.  Why?  As a little girl, I was told that she believed that if she kept building, the spirits would be confused and not harm her.  Very little of the movie was filmed at the real Winchester mansion because the rooms are too small and dark.
• The movie missed out on a real opportunity of showing what the house is really like.  There are stairs that lead to nowhere, windows in the floors, and doors that opened into walls. Creepy.  Lionsgate purchased the rights to the images in the mansion, so now tourists are no longer allowed to take pictures when they tour the home.  Lame.
• Pretty clichéd.

Interesting lines:

• “Instruments of death have a powerful connection to the afterlife.” -  Sarah Winchester (Helen Mirren)
• “Grief can be far more crippling than arthritis, Doctor.” – Sarah Winchester, who had terrible arthritis
• “There are worse things in this world to lose than that, Doctor.” -  Sarah Winchester talking about losing control of her company holdings in the Winchester rifle empire. 

@trinaboice

Annihilation is cerebral sci-fi modern art that's leaving audiences with mixed feelings

Movie Title:     Annihilation

Grade:   B

Rating: R, 1 hour 55 minutes

In a Nutshell: 
Based on the first book in Area X: The Southern Reach Trilogy: Annihilation; Authority; Acceptance , Director Alex Garland decided not to make the film an adaptation, but a “dream of the book.”  

Like most dreams, this film feels incomplete and somewhat unsatisfying in the end.

Critics seem to be falling all over themselves with this movie, but the audience I sat with hated it.  Some people saw that I was writing notes for a review, so when we walked out, they asked me what I thought.  More importantly, I asked THEM what THEY thought.  One guy shouted, “It sucked!”  Several admitted they were disappointed and felt they had just wasted 2 hours of their lives.  They were mostly guys looking for a sci-fi action flick like Alien.  The good thing was that audience members wanted to TALK about it.  I love that.

The best description I’ve heard of this film is “sci-fi modern art.”  It's one of those polarizing movies that some people will love and others will hate.

                                                  

Tips for parents: 

• Some bloody, gory, disgusting deaths.
• Tons of F-bombs and profanity.
• Twice you see the naked back side of Natalie Portman while she’s having sex.  
• Marital infidelity.
• Creepy skeletons.

Uplifting theme: 

• Humanity
• Resistance to change
• Trust

                                                   

Things I liked:

• I adore Natalie Portman.  She is both beauty and brains.
• There is a similar scene in this movie that made Sigourney Weaver famous in Alien, where she is side-by-side with a sharp-toothed monster.  Viewers who are expecting the entire movie to be another Alien will be disappointed.
• It was good to see Jennifer Jason Leigh in something again, although it annoyed me that she was always playing with something between her fingers in the first half of the movie.
• There are mostly women in the movie and they all do a great job. 
• Director Alex Garland also did Ex Machina, so people were really expecting elevated material from him.  He is great at providing social commentary and getting audiences to think.
• Beautiful, delicate, colorful images.  The "shimmer" is beautiful to look at and definitely creates that dream-like feeling that the director was going for.  The environments are an interesting hybrid of heaven and hell.
• I have really enjoyed Gina Rodriguez in Jane the Virgin: Season 1 and she does a great job in this film.  What I didn’t enjoy is that she drops F-bombs almost every time she opens her mouth.  We get it…you’re tough now.
• Surprisingly, this movie is going to be released on Netflix outside of the USA shortly after the USA theater release.
• The musical score is noticeably good.   
•                                                 

Things I didn’t like:

• It is no Arrival.  I loved that movie for so many reasons.  That's a movie that was expertly crafted to REALLY make you think.  You can read my movie review of Arrival here.
• There were moments when I was actually bored.  It’s a slow burn for sure.
• Extremely cliched, disappointing ending.
• I felt like I was watching a frustrating episode of Lost - The Complete First Season where a lot of questions are presented with no answers.
• The film goes back and forth in time, which could be confusing and frustrating for some people.
• When are people ever going to learn that it’s not wise to go off alone in a hostile, unknown territory?
•  

•  

Interesting lines:

• “It’s destroying everything.” – Dr. Ventress (Jennifer Jason Leigh)

“It’s not destroying.  It’s making something new.” – Lena (Natalie Portman)

• “God doesn’t make mistakes.  It’s pretty much key to the whole God thing.” – Kane (Oscar Isaac)
• “Soldier scientist.  You can fight.  You can learn.  You can save him.” – Dr. Ventress
• “Almost none of us commits suicide.  Almost all of us self-destruct in some way or another.” – Dr. Ventress

                                          @trinaboice

Want to read the books that this movie was based on?

   

Peter Rabbit has something for all ages

Title:  Peter Rabbit

Grade:  B

Rating: PG

In a Nutshell: Beatrix Potter’s beloved The Tale of Peter Rabbit gets a very modern spin as Sony Pictures blends live action with impressively expressive animation.  

With lots of critter mayhem, silly banter, and posh British accents, this family flick will make old and young viewers giggle at least a few times.  While it’s not the greatest movie out, there is something for everyone here, as well as some surprising depth that will touch your heart.
                                                 

Tips for parents: 

• An old man dies by having a heart attack.
• The rabbits steal things and trash a house and all of that is supposed to be considered cute and funny.
• Your kids are going to want a pet rabbit after they see the movie.
• Some fighting and violence
• Some references to things anyone under 25 wouldn’t understand.
• Some rude humor, but no profanity.

Uplifting theme: 

• The importance of family
• Forgiveness
• Kindness

                                     

Things I liked:

• James Cordon does a great job as the voice of Peter Rabbit.  We’ll see him in two more animated movies this year: Smallfoot and Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.  He’s probably hoping everyone will forget he was in The Emoji Movie.
• Other voice talent includes Sam Neill and a cast of very lovely ladies: Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Sia, and Margot Robbie.
• Domhnall Gleeson is perfect, just like he is in everything else he does.
• Cute beginning.  Quick intro to all of the characters with some humor.
• Very expressive animation with incredible details.
• Some of the original Peter Rabbit animation design is shown as a respectful nod to the past.
• Upbeat soundtrack.
• I liked the enthusiastic rooster’s reaction to each new day.  We should all feel that way when we wake up!
• It’s sweet when their foreheads touch.
• Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end.
• Funny deer gag.
• Peter Rabbit’s motivation is much deeper than you would expect.
• Parents aren’t going to mind watching this with their kids.
• When Bea and Tom play Scrabble, she makes the word “Potter” in honor of the author of the original The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter.
• Very fast moving in action, gags, and jokes.
• Surprisingly, many of the live scenes were filmed in Australia, although the story takes place in England.

Things I didn’t like:

• It veers VERY far from the gentle original.
• Harrods department store is mentioned several times.  Americans may not know what it is.  It’s similar to the famous Macy’s department store in New York City, enormous and hugely successful.
• It’s predictable, but still enjoyable.

                                                                    

Funny lines:

• “And where did they get those little jackets?  They’ve been there all along!” –  Mr McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) 

                                     

                                              @trinaboice

Braven lets you see the studly Jason Momoa while we wait for Aquaman to hit theaters

Movie Title:      Braven

Grade:   C

Rating: R, 94 minutes

In a Nutshell: 

Directed by  Lin Oeding, this Canadian action flick is all testosterone.

Nothing like a relaxing winter day at the cabin.  Ha ha  My dad has a cabin in the mountains near Park City, so I kept imagining what we would have done if we had been in the same situation.  Die a horrible death, most likely.

                             

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including TONS of F-bombs.
• Lots of brutal fighting.
• Some bloody, gory deaths.
• You see Jason Momoa shirtless.

Uplifting theme: 

• Needed supplies at your cabin: ammo, guns, knives, bear trap, bow & arrow, a PHONE!
• Family
• Don’t do drugs.

                                                 

Things I liked:

• Beautiful scenery and wildlife.
• Wow, Jason Momoa is HUGE.  He even makes Stephen Lang look small in comparison. Until an AquaMan feature film from the Justice League comes to the big screen, I’m happy to see him in anything.  It’s fun to watch him kick bad-guy butt, but otherwise, the movie isn’t very good. Did you know he’s married to the petite Lisa Bonet?

                                                             

Things I didn’t like:

• Dumb dialogue.
• Some silly choices that make you scratch your head.
• I really liked Garret Dillahunt in the TV sitcom Raising Hope: Season 1 by Fox, so it’s hard for me to take him seriously in a drama. 

             

                                           @trinaboice

The Shape of Water is certified fresh

Movie Title:     The Shape of Water

Grade:   A-

Rating: R, 119 minutes

In a Nutshell:   Certified fresh!  This "adult fairy tale" was produced, directed, and written by Guillermo Del Toro.  The film combines a love story with science fiction and Cold War drama.  Some critics have likened it to Beauty And The Beast meets Creature from the Black Lagoon.  It's odd, for sure.

This film has received more Oscar nominations than any other film!  Many of them are technical noms.  We'll see how many they win.

Tips for parents: 

• This movie is rated R for a reason.  It's not appropriate for children's viewing.
• A LOT of full frontal nudity of a woman.  Another woman opens her shirt to reveal her bare chest.
• Woman pleasures herself in a bathtub
• Crude language, F-bombs, and profanity
• You see a married couple have sex.
• You learn sign language for some words.
• Racism
• Homosexuality
• Hypocrisy 
• Hope, compassion, humanity

Uplifting theme: 

• Feeling incomplete and unfulfilled in life and how we fill that void.
• Love can’t be defined.
• Humanity, outsiders
• Friendship, loyalty

Things I liked:

• Sally Hawkins gives a really great performance with no words.  Guillermo Del Toro said that he wrote the movie with only her in mind.  Her character's last name is "Esposito" which is Italian, given to orphaned children, meaning "exposed" or "abandoned."
• Michael Shannon is fantastic, as always.  He successfully makes you hate his guts. 
• The talented ensemble also includes Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, and Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer.
• Some people watch a classic scene from a Shirley Temple movie.  Music and dance play a role in the movie.
• Beautiful production design with incredible colors.  It uses practically every shade of green.
• I loved the Old Hollywood nods to lots of other movies.
• A surprising musical number.
• Doug Jones spent three hours every day to get into his costume.

Things I didn’t like:

• Way too much nudity, awkward sex, and crude language.
• The end is pretty predictable.
• A bit of a creepy love affair.

Interesting lines:

• “He’s not even human.” – Giles (Richard Jenkins)

“If we do nothing, neither are we.” – Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins)

• “Life is but the shipwreck of our plans.” – Daily Thought
• “I’m not a good liar…except Bruster.  It takes a lot of lies to keep a marriage going.” -   Zelda  (Octavia Spencer) 

                                          @trinaboice

Hostiles shows the brutal wild West with solid performances

Movie Title:      Hostiles

Grade:   B

Rating: R, 135 minutes

In a Nutshell:   While this film fits in the Western niche, its narrative is still relevant to today.

Tips for parents: 

• A man is shot and scalped within the first 3 minutes.
• F-bombs and other profanity
• Lots of brutal carnage and burials in the wild West.
• Subtitles when the Indians speak.
• Lots of brutal fighting.
• Dead body hung from a tree.

Uplifting theme: 

• At the very beginning of the movie, you see the words, “The essential American soul is hard, isolate, stoic, and a killer.  And it never yet melted.”  = D. H. Lawrence
• Hope, faith
• Humanity
• Respect for others not like you

Things I liked:

• Rosemund Pike is always a pleasure to watch.
• Christian Bale gives a solid performance with impressive depth and seems right at home in 1892 frontier America.  This is his second Western.  His first was 3:10 To Yuma. 
• I thought it was interesting to learn that the film was shot in chronological order.  That rarely happens.  Most of the film was shot outdoors in New Mexico and Arizona, exposing the actors to the hostile elements.  Q’orianka Kilcher suffered heat stroke during filming.
• I first noticed Stephen Lang in Avatar.  He’s the quintessential military man.
• Beautiful landscapes that make you realize that parts of America haven’t changed one bit in hundreds of years.
• Wes Studi plays a respectful Chief Yellow Hawk.
• Director/writer Scott Cooper has gotten a lot of attention for his solid work with this film.
• Satisfying character arcs for several characters.

Things I didn’t like:

• Sometimes it’s hard to understand what people are saying.  With all those beards, you can't even read their lips.
• Sometimes it’s hard to see what’s going on in the night time scenes when it’s dark.
• The Native Americans are fairly one-dimensional characters.
• It's slow moving.
• The content is dark and grim.
• I sure am glad I didn't have to live back then.

Interesting lines:

• “If I did not have faith, what would I have?” – Rosalie Quaid (Rosamund Pike).
• "Sometimes I envy the finality of death, the certainty, and I have to drive those thoughts away when I'm weak." - Rosalie

If you like this movie, you'll probably enjoy
Dances with Wolves

                                                                           

                                          @trinaboice
       

Maze Runner: The Death Cure ends the YA dystopian trilogy

Movie Title:   
Maze Runner: The Death Cure

Grade:   B+

Rating: PG-13, 114 minutes

In a Nutshell:   This third film provides a fitting finale to a thrilling young adult book and movie franchise. 

Congrats to my friend, James Dashner, for all of his success!  That must be so satisfying to bring a book to the Big Screen!  (My books are all non-fiction.)  

You get to see Dashner in one of the scenes where Teresa and Ava are presenting information to the WCKD board members.  Dashner is the only one on the board who doesn’t speak.  I loved the cameo!  

My tiny claim to fame is that he and I both did a book signing together many years ago and later spoke at the same writer's conference.  I'm so happy for him!

Tips for parents: 

• Some creepy faces
• Violence, fighting
• Explosions, tons of destruction
• Scary zombies that chase you...really fast!
• Some profanity.

Uplifting theme: 

• Bravery, loyalty, friendship
• Hope

Things I liked:

• Dylan O’Brien was seriously injured during the last installment in the series, so fans have waited two years for his recovery and this release.  He's a talented young actor with great promise.
• Lots of action sequences!  Tons!
• If you like zombies and teen dystopia, you’ll enjoy the crazy chaos.

Things I didn’t like:

• Not a lot of dialogue, since everyone is running around most of the time…thus the title.
• Aren't we glad we have teenagers to save the world?
• Fans of the books will notice quite a few changes in the film.
• Those who haven't seen the first two movies or read the books won't feel as invested in the characters as the die-hard fans.   Fans will be interested in seeing the end of the trilogy, but first-timers might be confused.
• The character arc over the course of three films isn't as big as you would hope.

Check out my movie reviews of the first two movies here:

Maze Runner

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

Did you miss the first two movies in the franchise? You can order them here:

            

                                       @trinaboice