Boss Baby confuses critics, but amuses everyone else

Movie Title:  The Boss Baby

Grade:  B

Rating:  PG, 97 minutes

In a Nutshell:  With great animation and voice talent, this film has some confusing elements that baffle adults.  But let’s face it, it’s made for kids and they simply won’t care that a lot of the plot points don’t make sense.  They’re just going to laugh and move on to the next animated flick.

Uplifting theme: 

• “There’s plenty of love for everyone.” – Tim (Miles Christopher Bakshi)
• “Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.”  The Boss Baby spouts off a bunch of platitudes like that during one particular scene.
• Family is the most important thing.
• Imagination

Things I liked:

• Alec Baldwin was really fantastic.  He added to the skilled animation and the animation added to his performance. Outstanding blend. A recent news report explained that he got sober on Feb. 23, 1985 — but if he hadn’t, the “Boss Baby” star is confident he would have straightened out at some point. Baldwin, 58, detailed his experiences with substance abuse, addiction, and recovery in his new book: Nevertheless: A Memoir hitting shelves Tuesday.
• Tobey Maguire’s voice always makes for the perfect, reflective narrator who has become wise through time and experience.
• It’s cute in 3D, but not necessary.
• The animation and sound effects are so great that drool and farts have texture.  Another outstanding blend.
• The parents in the audience I sat with absolutely loved the assembly line scene at the beginning of the movie.  Adorable.
• I got a kick out of the Elvis scene, maybe because I live in Las Vegas.  When there are a bunch of Elvis, are they called “Elvi”?
• Some cute scene transitions.
• I loved the magical sound of the laughing baby whenever the Boss Baby would revert back to being a baby.  Is that from a YouTube video?
• I love how Dreamworks always takes important items from the movie and incorporates them into their logo at the beginning of the film.
• I used to be the National Marketing Director for a company.  I thought it was hilarious that the babies who didn’t laugh were the ones who went into management of the company.  Ha ha
• “Wake up halflings!” alarm clock which featured lines from The Lord of the Rings: Motion Picture Trilogy Blu-ray.  I just finished binge-watching that awesome trilogy again.  Such great movies.
• Poopies diaper brand.  Ha ha
• Some things really made me laugh out loud.  There are plenty of jokes and gags for parents to get a kick out of.
• Fans of Jimmy Kimmel Live! will enjoy hearing him voice the dad.

Things I didn’t like:

• It was clever to animate Tim’s imagination sequences differently than the main story line, but by the end of the movie, you’re not exactly sure if the whole thing was supposed to be Tim's imagination or real or what?
• Surely, some people at PETA are going to protest that Puppy Co. dangled puppies from the ceiling.  Funny visual though.
• Lots of anal gags and slapping.  The film has lame lines like “Fart! Poop! Doodie!” – Boss Baby
• The mother is pregnant, but….??? 

Interesting lines:

• “You can’t miss what you haven’t had.” – Boss Baby
• “Sometimes I rescued my parents; sometimes they rescued me.” – Tim

Funny lines:

• “Cookies are for closers.” – The Boss Baby
• “I don’t wear nautical.  And it’s not even Friday!” – Boss Baby
• “Well, isn’t that sanitary?” – Mom (Lisa Kudrow) as she looks at a ball pit made of puppies
•  “We can share!” – Tim

“You obviously didn’t go to business school.” – Boss Baby

• “I don’t have a quote for this!” – Boss Baby
• “Welcome ladies and gentlemen….and those in Coach.” – flight attendant announcement
• “So, you went to a community college, is it?” – Boss Baby
• “I’m going to write the perfect memo.  The perfect memo can change the world. ” – Boss Baby
• “If people knew where babies really come from, they’d never have any.  Same goes for hot dogs, by the way.” – Boss Baby

Tips for parents: 

• You see a lot of baby bums, but thankfully, the front “naughty bits” are blurred out, which is actually a funny visual.
• So, you probably shouldn’t give your son the middle names of Leslie.  Just sayin…
• Be prepared…your kids may ask you where babies really come from…

Adult jokes lost on kids because they’re based on the 1960’s—1970’s pop culture:

• Cassette tapes
• Six Million Dollar Man Season 6 5 TV show sound's bionic effects
• Julia Child - The French Chef on the TV
• Mary Poppins reference – By the way, did you know Disney is currently re-making Mary Poppins?  The musical nanny will be played by the lovely Emily Blunt.  Your head will explode when I tell you who’s going to play Dick Van Dyke’s role: Alexander Hamilton own Lin-Manuel Miranda!  An A-list joins the cast: Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Julie Walters, Ben Wishaw and even an appearance by 91 year old Dick Van Dyke!  It’s going to be awesome!  It’s supposed to hit theaters Christmas Day, December 25, 2018.
• Blackbird - The Beatles Album, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
• The Thor pose
• Cabbage Patch Kids 11" Drink N' Wet Newborn reference
• Tim eats an old version of TV dinners from the 1960’s made out of aluminum pans.

@trinaboice 

Concussion earns Will Smith a Golden Globe nod

Movie Title:    Concussion

Grade:  A-

Rating:  PG-13

In a Nutshell:    Will Smith rightly deserves the Golden Globe nomination he earned from his role in this “David vs. Goliath” story.  His Nigerian accent is great and his depth of emotion superb.

This is not the typical underdog football story.   It’s based on the true story of Dr. Bennet Omalu, who tried to go head on with the National Football League when he discovered a medical link to brain damage and playing football.

The end of the movie mentions Junior Seau’s recent suicide.  I remember how traumatic that announcement was because Seau and his foundation had just given one of my sons a college scholarship.  We were heartbroken to hear the news.  I remember being shocked and wondered how someone who seemed to have everything would choose to end his life.  Now I understand a little better.  This film presents important information and does it in a very tasteful, interesting way.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Need is not weak.” – Dr. Bennet Omalu  (Will Smith)
• “You have to be the best version of yourself.  If you don’t know what that is, you pick something and fake it.” –  Dr. Omalu
• “If you know, you must come forth and speak.” – Prema Mutiso (Gugu Mbatha-Raw)
• “When you have truth, the thing you are told you cannot do is the thing you must do.  Embrace that and nothing created by man can bring you down.” – Prema
• “The gift of knowledge is a great gift, a dangerous gift.” – Dr. Omalu
• Guilt, integrity, honor, respect

Things I liked:

•  I loved the imagery and use of hands throughout the entire movie.
•  Alec Baldwin makes me laugh, even when he’s in a dramatic role.
• I always appreciate it at the end of movies when they tell you what has happened after the movie left off.  The statistics presented are sobering.
• I thought it did a good job being sensitive to all the football fans out there.
• Albert Brooks was made to look like a balding, older man.  Young fans will recognize his voice from the huge Pixar hit “Finding Nemo.”  They’ll be happy to know that he still has a full head of hair.  He provides some much needed humor to this cautionary tale.
• I appreciated the respectful discussion about religion vs. science.
• Paul Reiser and Luke Wilson play roles, although small ones in the film.

Things I didn’t like:

•  You will see a lot of football collisions and crunches.
• Fans hoping to see a lot of football action will be disappointed. 
• It’s tough to say who the target audience is for this film and who will or can take action after seeing it.

Funny lines:

•  “I had quite a revelation tonight.  This body was made for dancing.  When they say dancing machine, I am what they mean.” – Dr. Omalu

Interesting lines:

• “All we have to do is finish the game.  If we finish, we win.” – Mike Webster (David Morse)
• “I am not interested in common sense.  I’m interested in science.  Science is knowing.” – Dr. Joseph Maroon  (Arliss Howard)
• “The NFL owns a day of the week.” –  Dr. Cyril Wecht (Albert Brooks)
• “Everyone has been in the dark and you have turned on the light and given this Boogeyman a name.” – Dr. Julian Bailes  (Alec Baldwin)
• “Tell the truth.  Tell the truth!” – Dr. Omalu
• “There is no coincidence in this world.” – Prema
• “If you don’t speak for the dead, who will?” – Prema
• “You know, it is a mindless, violent game…and then it’s Shakespeare. I mean, to me, it’s like life that way.  I know you can’t see how exciting and beautiful all that is and I don’t blame you.” –  Dr. Bailes

Tips for parents:   

• There is some profanity.
• This is a serious, slow-moving “talking” movie that may bore young children.
• Discussion of suicide and miscarriage.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation will finish your summer with a bang

Movie:   Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation

PG-13, 2 hours, 12 minutes

Grade:   A-

In a Nutshell:    I can neither approve, nor deny this movie review without approval from the Secretary…

Tom Cruise reminds us again that he is still an action star that can draw us in.  Alec Baldwin’s character says of Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise): “Hunt is uniquely trained and highly motivated, a specialist without equal, immune to any counter-measures, there is no secret he cannot extract, no security he cannot breach, no person he cannot become….Hunt is the living manifestation of destiny.”

The movie is pure action, fun, fresh, intelligent and just what you want to watch with some buttery popcorn.  This franchise knows its audience and delivers.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Self-sacrifice, loyalty, friendship, patriotism.

Things I liked:

·          The comic relief role is provided by the loveable Benji (Simon Pegg whose movie Hector and the Search for Happiness inspiring).  He sighs, “IMF.  See the world….on a monitor…in a closet.” 

·         The Turandot opera scene was pretty awesome, using the music to accent the action. 

·         The Mission Impossible theme song is the best.

·         I love that the villain has a high-pitched whiny voice, instead of the deep growl that most villains         have.

·         Aw, those masks.

·         It’s always fun to see Alec Baldwin involved with the CIA.  One of my favorite movies of his is The Hunt for Red October .

·         You know an underwater action sequence is good when it makes you hold your breath.

·         Fun chase scenes and lots of them.

Things I didn’t like:

·         It always cracks me up when spy women in long ball gowns and high heels climb curtains and roof tops with ease.

·         Beautiful woman in a wet bikini, walking slowly out of a swimming pool.  So cliché.  I guess it’s to be expected in a Mission Impossible or James Bond movie.  Rebecca Ferguson is a nice addition to the franchise.

·          

Funny lines:

·         “We’ve never met before, right?”  - Ethan Hunt

·           “She tried to shoot me!” – Benji

       “That doesn’t make her a bad person.” – Ethan

·         “Oh hey boys!  What did I miss?” – Benji

·          

Cool lines:

·         “This man, can you find him?” – William Brandt  (Jeremy Renner)

“I won’t stop until I do.” –Ethan Hunt

·         “You want drama?  Go to the opera.”  - Ethan Hunt

·         “Tell me it’s possible to pull facial recognition off a sketch.” – William Brandt

“For mere mortals, no.  For me, I could have done this at home.” – Luther Strickell (Ving Rhames)

Tips for Parents:

·         Some foul language, but no sex scenes.
-    Lots of flying bullets, suspenseful moments, explosions, fight scenes, and high body count.

Mission Impossible movies that are done well:

 

Still Alice moves

Movie:   Still Alice

Grade:  A-

In a Nutshell:   Julianne Moore won a Golden Globe for her stellar performance in this important drama.  The script isn’t brilliant, but Julianne’s use of subtle nuance is.  Her grace and skill in this realistic, heart-breaking film is what earned her a well-deserved award..  My mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, so this movie felt very personal to me.   It’s hard to watch someone you love lose herself.

Uplifting Theme:

·         My grandmother lost her memory long before her body finally gave out.  On the other hand, my father-in-law’s mind was super sharp until the day his body stopped.  I’ve often wondered which way of dying is worse.  If you could choose, which way would you want to go?  I think the goal is to be kind and brave until the end.

·         Alice uses the keyword “butterfly” on her computer as an important marker, as well as wear butterfly jewelry that has symbolic meaning.  A butterfly  represents change and metamorphosis; our lives are constantly evolving.  Later, Alice comments “butterflies don’t live a long time, but they have a nice life.”

Things I liked:

·         My mother has become very childlike as her Alzheimer’s has progressed.  So did Alice.  I appreciated the accurate details in the movie that showed the writers and directors had truly researched this debilitating illness that affects an estimated 5.1 million people in America in 2015.

·         Alice does all of the right things to exercise her brain, including use mobile apps like “Words with Friends”.  What are you doing to give your brain a workout?  She also takes good care of her body.  Alice’s doctor says “Get some exercise.  It’s good to get the blood pumping.  Hydration helps memory.”

·         It was fun to see Alec Baldwin and Julianne Moore together again as a couple.  They played a dysfunctional, but passionate couple on the comedy TV show 30 Rock: The Complete Series (Seasons 1-7 Bundle) many years ago.  As a married couple, they modeled a good example of informing themselves of the issues and asking good questions of Alice’s doctor.  It’s important to take an active role in your health and work with your health care professionals, rather than blindly accept whatever they say.

·         I thought it was interesting that the camera didn’t focus on the doctor in the beginning.  He didn’t make eye contact with the patient which, sadly, happens to me.  That’s so annoying and unprofessional.  My aunt was visiting a doctor who never looked at her husband, the patient.  Instead, the doctor sat at his desk, typing on his computer.  Finally, my aunt was fed up with the doctor and sharply scolded him by saying “You might want to look up from your monitor to actually see your patient.”  True story.

·         As a college professor, I have a twisted love for big words.  Ironically, Alice teaches phenology (the study of the sound of language) at Colombia University and is surrounded by academic nerds who use words like “vituperatively” (bitter and abusive), “seminal” (of a work or event that strongly influences later developments), and lexicon (the vocabulary of a person or branch of knowledge).
-    I thought it was important to show the affect this illness has on the family.

Things I didn’t like:

·         This is a serious movie with only a little bit of subtle humor.   It ends with a good message, but it can be quite depressing.  With an inevitable end of life, I was curious to see at which point of Alice's illness the movie would finish.

Insightful lines:

·         “Who can take us seriously when we are so far from what we once were?” – Alice

·         “Live in the moment.  That’s all I can do.”  - Alice

·         “Nothing is lost forever.” – Lydia (Kristen Stewart)

·         “It’s all about love.” – Lydia

·         “Now, you may say this falls into the great academic tradition of knowing more and more about less and less, until we know everything about nothing.” – Alice

·         “I wish I had cancer. “ – Alice

“Don’t say that.” – Dr. John Howland

“No, I do.  I mean it.  I mean I wouldn’t be so ashamed.  People have cancer and they wear pink ribbons for you , and go on long walks to raise money, and you don’t have to feel like some kind of a social…I can’t remember the word…”  - Alice

·         “I don’t have to be fair – I’m your mother.” – Alice

Tips for Parents:

·         This isn’t exactly a movie for children; however, if they have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it might create an environment for discussion. 

·         There is one F-bomb in the movie, which is spoken by Alice.  When my grandmother neared the end of her life with Alzheimer’s, her sweet little lips turned into a foul-mouthed sailor’s!  We had never heard her use profanity before!  You have to  keep a sense of humor even with the most serious of illnesses.

Critics are saying good-bye to Aloha

Movie:    Aloha

PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes

Grade:  C

In a Nutshell:   The cast is a delight to watch: Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, John Krasinski, Alec Baldwin and Bill Murray.  Unfortunately, this RomCom is just too messy.   Most of the characters will frustrate you, as well as the pacing and transitions.  It’s pretty predictable, but yeah, I’m a sucker…the last scene made me tear up a little anyway.

Uplifting Theme:

·         In the beginning of the movie, a kid who is a Hawaiian myth buff (played by Jaeden Lieberher)  announces the theme by asking Colonel “Fingers”, “Are you aware of the so-called ‘Arrival Myth’?  The calendars all say that this week is the return of the playful Hawaiian god “Lono” and he will wreak havoc in the sky with the fire goddess Pele.”

·         “Nothing’s sacred.  It’s all for sale.” – Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper)

·         Bill Murray’s character explains “The future isn’t just something that happens.  It’s a brutal force with a great sense of humor that’ll steam-roll you if you’re not watching.”

·         Islander purity and folktale vs. big business

Things I liked:

·         The movie starts with the sounds and images of old Hawaii, including cultural and military history.  Throughout the movie you get to hear lots of great Hawaiian music and feel the laid-back attitude of the islanders.

·         Emma Stone’s character describes Bradley Cooper’s character by saying “you look into his eyes and it’s like miles of blue.”  I’m pretty sure a lot of other women would agree.

·         Who doesn’t like Alec Baldwin as a fast-talking general?  I first loved him in a military uniform in The Hunt for Red October

·         The unspoken “conversations” between Brian and Woody weres hilarious and awesome.

·         Watching Emma Stone dance with Bill Murray was both funny and disturbing.  She said “I danced with the devil and I liked it.”

Things I didn’t like:

·         It’s pretty insensitive and inappropriate for a spouse to invite an ex over for dinner, don’t you think?  It’s got to be one of the most awkward positions you can put your spouse in, right?  Rachel McAdams’ character seemed too selfish to me by putting her unfinished, romantic past before the needs and happiness of her marriage and family. Yeah, yeah…there’s that “thing”…NO Spoiler alert.

·         Emma Stone’s character is a little too intense and the performance uneven.

·         It might surprise you to know this mediocre movie was written and directed by Cameron Crowe, who brought us box office hits like Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous

Funny lines:

·         “A double espresso.” – Brian

“Good morning Sir!  I’m so jacked for today!”  - Allison Ng

“Make that a triple.” – Brian

·         “Why is dad in places where the war is supposed to be over?” - Grace

“Oh, I don’t know, Sweetie.  That’s why your mom takes long walks.” – Tracy

·         “You’re a workaholic who creates works to avoid real work.” – Tracy

“Well, I’m still working on that.” – Brian

·         “I don’t hook-up; I get deployed.” – Allison Ng

·         “I’d just rather be alone.  Mostly it’s with guys like me.  I just call them ‘alone- togethers.’” – Allison Ng

·         “Happy holidays Bottom-Feeder.” – General Dixon

Interesting lines:

·         I will tell you this for sure.  In its many forms , I have found that nothing beats fun.” – Brian

“Maybe, purpose.”  - Allison Ng

·         “If we can’t look up and see purity or promise, we are finished.” – Allison Ng

Tips for Parents:

·         Young children will be bored with all of the romantic drama.  Teenage girls will get lost in Bradley Cooper’s eyes and the love triangle.

·         There is very little profanity

·         Pre-marital sex,.  You see people kissing and then later, they're in bed.

Other movies by Cameron Crowe:

Tom Clancy fans come out of the shadows to cheer on the new Jack Ryan

Movie Title:  Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:  Tom Clancy fans will love this prequel to the popular Jack Ryan save-the-USA stories.  Chris Pine, with his beautiful blue eyes, joins the club of fantastic leading men who have brought this patriotic character to life: Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Affleck.  I would have loved to see some short cameo appearances with those guys!

Sure, the film is formulaic: inexperienced CIA analyst uncovers an attack on the U.S. and is suddenly thrust into operative status as he dodges bullets, guided by a crusty mentor (played by Kevin Costner).  It’s still a fun spy thriller that will get your pulse going as you yell “Hurry!” at the big screen.

Uplifting theme:  Jack is wounded in Afghanistan in the beginning of the film, but finds two unexpected motivations to recuperate: Cathy and protecting his beloved country. I loved the look in his penetrating eye (one was swollen shut) as he was wheeled off on a gurney.  It said so much about how this country felt after the 9/11 attacks. Meaningful motivation can push you beyond what you thought you could do.

Things I liked: Kenneth Branagh directs and plays a vicious Russian in the movie.  He proves he can equally navigate Shakespeare and Thor.  I liked that the setting is modern day and spotlights a very real threat of the collapse of the American dollar.  Jack warns “They’ll call it the American crisis, but after six weeks, they’ll call it what it is…the second Great Depression.”

Things I didn’t like:  I usually like Keira Knightley, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between her and Chris Pine.  She seemed a bit forced with her American accent. There is an obligatory car chase scene and many of the tense moments feature pounding at computer keyboards.  One disjointed scene that annoyed me included a fight scene with Jack and Aleksandr in the water under the streets, but then suddenly they’re exchanging blows in a van moving above-ground.  With all of the recent talk in the news of NSA spying, it’s interesting to see how quickly the field agents can gather intel and act on it.

Funny lines:

• “You weren’t kidding…you ARE in the CIA” states Jack.  William Harper responds “Somebody has to be.”
• “This is geo-politics, not couple’s therapy.” – William Harper
• “You Americans like to think of yourselves as direct, but maybe you’re just rude.” – Viktor Cherevin
• “You Russians like to think of yourselves as poetic, but maybe you’re just touchy.”  - Jack
• “The first night can be brutal.” = Viktor Cherevin after he tries to get Jack killed
• William Harper asks “Any way to get that Boy Scout look off your face?”  Jack laughs “Not a chance.”  Harper responds “Good.  That’s what I like about you.”
• “He drinks, right?” Jack asks.  The response: “Like a Russian.”
• “I’m in the CIA ”  - Jack    SPOILER ALERT:  After surviving a frightening ordeal, Cathy sighs “Thank God.”

Inspiring lines:

• “Wait 2 minutes before you take that” counsels Cathy to her new patient Jack who wants some pain killers.  When he asks “Why?” she inspires “So you know you can.”

Things to look for:

• Read the words on the movie screen when Jack passes the data on to a field agent in the dark movie theater for a symbolic undertone.
• The 360 degree camera pan while Jack is in the taxi after just arriving in Russia.
• The picture hanging in Viktor’s office.  What is it? “Battle Of Bunker Hill ”?  Interesting choice, right?

Tips for parents: One F-bomb, but not that much other profanity.  Lots of bloodless fighting scenes. Jack and Cathy are found in bed for a conversation only.

Add this one to your collection of other fun Jack Ryan movies.  These are some of my favorite movies of all time:

Blue Jasmine takes Cate Blanchett to the Golden Globes and Oscar

Movie Title:   

Blue Jasmine

PG – 13, 1 hour 38 minutes

Grade: B+

In a Nutshell:  The best part of this Woody Allen film is the stunning Cate Blanchett, who just won a Golden Globe for this role, as well as an Oscar nomination with buzz of a win.  She plays Jasmine/Jeanette, a wealthy Park Avenue wife whose life unravels, leaving her to discover and reinvent herself. It’s a bit depressing, but darkly funny.  Some people will find some satisfaction in watching a rich snob fall to the bottom of the financial barrel.  Of course, Alec Baldwin is completely believable in his role as a Bernie Madoff type of husband.  Andrew Dice Clay hardly has to act and British actress Sally Hawkins is delightful as Jasmine’s sister Ginger.

Uplifting theme:  It’s a cautionary tale of sorts for women.  Girls, pay attention to your finances; don’t “let” your husband take care of it all.  Be an informed partner.  Jasmine’s brother-in-law Augie said about her “She’s a phony and had to know.”  Did she?  We hear one of Jasmine’s wealthy gal pal’s advise her “Just don’t file a joint tax return.”  Jasmine sighs “I sign anything…I’m very trusting.”  Famous last words.   

Jasmine’s step-son asks “Did you not suspect anything or did you not care?”  Good question.  She turned the other eye at her husband’s dishonest business dealings, but ironically, she drew the line at his cheating.  Jasmine is so delusional that she makes a remark about another man who can’t seem to live without a woman, but in reality, she is the one who can’t live without a man.  She criticizes her sister for choosing to date losers, but Jasmine’s husband Hal is the bigger loser, albeit an extremely wealthy one.

Jasmine said “There’s only so many traumas a person can withstand before you take to the streets and start screaming.”  Perhaps those who judge “crazy” people mumbling on the park bench will now stop to consider what pains and sorrows brought the person to that point.

Things I liked:  Cate Blanchett is simply mesmerizing to watch. Woody Allen is a master at building characters and choosing his leading women.  I loved Jasmine’s gorgeous home on the beach.

Things I didn’t like:  I hated watching women being lied to by married men.  I was surprised that there was nothing interesting to see at the beginning…just rolling names on the screen. I might have panned across beautiful homes of the “rich and famous” or the The Hamptons: Life Behind the Hedges .  Same thing.  The film is a bit messy at times, but I suppose that matches the lives of the people in it.

Funny line:

• “I changed it. Yeah, Jeanette had no panache.”  - Jasmine
• Can you believe I had to move out of my beautiful home and take a place in Brooklyn?”  - Jasmine
• Ginger asks Jasmine “How did you fly First Class” and Jasmine answers “I don’t know.  I just did.”
• “I suppose I’m going to have to invite them to my birthday party now.” – Jasmine
• “Tomorrow I’m definitely taking the day off. I’ve neglected everything: my yoga, my pilates…”  - Jasmine

• “Not bad taste for a Philistine businessman.”  - Hal when he gives Jasmine an expensive bracelet”

• “Nurses are hot to go to bed with.” – Ginger’s new boyfriend
• “They say every year millions of brain cells just die off.” – Jasmine as she throws back a glass of alcohol
• “He’s sexy and he doesn’t steal.” – Ginger
• “Edison’s Medicine – because they use electricity to get you thinking straight again.” - Jasmine

Things to look for: 

• The way she treats people in the service industry at the beginning.
• The “infinity pool” in her backyard
• Jasmine checks her watch when Ginger & Augie come to visit
• Jasmine’s gigantic diamond wedding ring

Tips for parents:

This is really not a movie for children.  The film is a character study with no action.  In other words, they’ll be bored to death.  Some profanity, but no F-bombs.  Some sexual discussions and a terrifically awkward groping scene with a pathetic dentist.