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 

The Jungle Book takes CGI to a new level

Movie Title:      The Jungle Book

Grade:   A

Rating:   PG, 1 hour 51 minutes

In a Nutshell:    What do you get when you mix 90% CGI with a Rudyard Kipling remake?  Surprisingly, a beautiful family friendly film.  

Director Jon Favreau gives a respectful nod to the 1967 Disney original, while crafting a new one that is fresh and full of heart.  See it in 3D if you can.

Uplifting theme: 

•  Baloo says, “Everyone’s got a song.” A strong message that comes out in the film is to be yourself, your best self.  We all have our unique strengths and others around us will be blessed when we are true to ourselves and use our talents.
• Another wise thing Baloo says is, “You say you want to go the man village.  I say you can be a man right here.”  We need to stop waiting for something to happen before we live up to our potential.
• Friendship, courage, love.

Things I liked:

• Neel Sethi plays Mowgli, the only human in the movie, yet there is great humanity in the film.  He does an excellent job and is completely adorable.  I love the realistic detail of some scars on his shoulder and chest.  
• Even if we don’t get to see the talented Ben Kingsley, it’s a pleasure to hear his voice as the protective teacher Bagheera.
• Who doesn’t love the carefree Baloo?  Bill Murray’s voice fits perfectly and provides plenty of comic relief, making the audience I sat with laugh almost every time the lovable bear was on the screen.  This ain’t no bear from The Revenant!
• Casting Christopher Walken as the creepy, funny King Louie was perfect. Walken has that reputation in Hollywood.
• Idris Elba voices the scary Shere Khan and provides a villain who is frightening, yet not so much that young children won’t be able to watch the movie.
• Scarlett Johansson’s soothing, tempting voice was also a great choice for Kaa.
• The wolf oath has been borrowed by the Boy Scouts of America, because it teaches some important principles still today!  The 8 year old boys in Cub Scouts repeat a somewhat different version each week in their gatherings.
• Adorable, yet realistic creatures in the jungle.  The porcupine was an especially popular character for the audience.   
• Pay close attention to this fascinating detail…there is a water scene where you actually see water splashes on the camera…but is there really a camera there or was it all CGI?
• Honey IS actually good for scratches and bee stings!

Things I didn’t like:

• There is nothing at the end of credits, so feel free to leave the theater after the last scene.  I was disappointed, because they could have easily added any number of fun nuggets to surprise and delight audiences.
• Some of the CGI looks a little fake, but most of it is actually stunning.

Funny lines:

•  “Bears don’t hibernate in the jungle.” – Bagheera 

“Not full hibernation, but I nap…a lot.” – Baloo

• “I realize you weren’t born a wolf, but couldn’t you just act like one?” - Bagheera
• “If you can’t learn to run with the pack, one of these days, you’ll be someone’s dinner.” – Bagheera
• “He’s walking on two legs!” – animal child at Peace Rock

“Don’t stare!” – animal’s shocked mother

• “What did I tell you?  He’s special.” – Baloo talking about Mowgli

“I know.  I raised him.” - Bagheera

Interesting lines:

• “If it’s meant to be, it will be.” – Raksha (Lupita Nyong’o)
• “You have never been a more endangered species than you are in this moment.” - Baloo 

Tips for parents:   

• There are some animal fight scenes that might frighten very young children.
• Shere Khan has a scarred eye that makes him look scary.
• No profanity.

Other great versions I loved of The Jungle Book :

    

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:

St. Vincent isn't heavenly, but messy good.

Movie Title:   St. Vincent DVD

PG-13

Grade: B-

In a Nutshell:  It never ceases to amaze me at what qualifies for a PG-13 movie these days.  The content in this movie is quite mature and inappropriate for children, even though a little boy named Oliver stars in the movie, played by the talented, young Jaeden Lieberher.

Hilarious Bill Murray plays a crusty old guy who swears, smokes, gambles, drinks, and pays weekly visits to a pregnant prostitute...hardly the father-figure that Oliver needs or one that you want your kids to watch.  Nevertheless, the movie has heart.  Bill Murray’s performance is stellar and is already receiving Oscar buzz.  McCarthy plays the straight role as a hard-working single mom whose frenzied life collides with Bill Murray's.

Uplifting Theme:  

• “A saint is a human being we celebrate for their commitment and dedication to other human beings, for the sacrifices that they make, for their hard work in making the world a better place for those around us and for those who will follow them.”  - Brother Geraghty

• “I do happen to believe that there are saints all around us today.  They may never be considered as such by religion, but they are just as important as the ones in your textbooks.”  -  Brother Geraghty

Things I liked:

• Chris O'Dowd plays a snarky Catholic priest who inspires young minds to look for the good in the world.  He has a believable accent and some of the best lines in the movie.
• The lovely Naomi Watts is fantastic and chose this film because she had been looking for a comedy to "lighten" her career.
• The characters feel real in their messy lives.
• I loved Oliver's sweet innocence combined with his young wisdom.
• Even the rotten kids at school said "Sir."  Why couldn't I ever get my kids to say that?
• True to the disheveled characters, nothing gets wrapped up in a tidy Hollywood bow in the end, but there are some "feel good" moments that will leave you smiling in the end.  
• Saints don't always come with halos.

Things I didn't like:

• I don't have to see a character in bed with a prostitute to understand the story line.
• Vince's wife seemed too classy to be married to such a curmudgeon.  Did his character really change that much when she became ill or did she see the "sainthood" in him too?
• Wait for it to come out on DVD or Redbox.  It's not worth the hefty movie theater price.

Funny lines:

• “It is what it is?  Everyone’s saying that these days.  What it means is “You who are screwed shall remain screwed.”  -  Vince

• “Dumbness does not play well in heaven.”  -  Brother Geraghty

• “Take me God.  Don’t play with me.” – St. Vincent

• “I think I’m Jewish.” - Oliver              OK.  Good to know. – Brother Geraghty (Chris O’Dowd)

• “Your father never taught you to defend yourself?” – St. Vincent      “No Sir.  He’s a pacifist.” - Oliver            Well, this country wasn’t founded by tree huggers, that’s for sure.  You need to defend yourself or you get mowed down.”  - St. Vincent          “I’m small, if you haven’t noticed.” – Oliver         “Yeah, so was Hitler.” – St. Vincent

• “When will you become like man?” - prostitute 

• “I’m a Catholic, which is the best religion of all religions, because we have the most rules and the best clothes.” – priest

• “This food beats hunger.”  - St. Vincent

Tips for parents:  The movie starts with Vince having sex in bed with a pregnant prostitute.  Yeah...not exactly a family-friendly movie.  There is a lot of profanity, including one F-bomb.  Vince takes Oliver to the horse races, a bar, and surrounds him with cigarette smoke and filth of all  kinds.

Monuments Men movie gets me Googling for more

Movie Title:  The Monuments Men

Grade:  B+

PG-13, 1 hour 52 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This inspiring movie is based on a true story about us all of us.  I admit that I’m curious to learn more about what really happened as the small group of art experts tried to save priceless pieces of history as the Nazi regime began to fall in WWII Europe.  I was in Italy just a few months ago, basking in all of the beautiful artwork and can’t imagine what a terrible loss it would have been to humanity if we didn’t have some of the masterpieces that exist in that country alone. 

Based on the non-fiction telling by Robert M. Edsel,Monuments Men , the subject matter and setting are truly fascinating.  Unfortunately, the movie falls a bit short of what could have been an outstanding cinematic journey worthy of Oscar buzz...for next year.  (It was supposed to be released at Christmas in time for this year's Oscars, but George Clooney chose to wait.)  It misses the German mark...you could say.  The audience I watched the movie with consisted of mostly older people, some who looked like they could have actually fought in WWII. 

This brief tour through war-torn Europe was directed, written, and performed by George Clooney.  It’s a bit of “Geriatric Band of Brothers” heist meets “Saving Private Ryan”, although not nearly as realistic or good as the latter.  The audience loved the camaraderie among the men and were left wanting a little more out of the star-studded cast which includes Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville and the exquisite Cate Blanchett.

Uplifting theme:  What a sobering reminder this film features that Hitler stole lives, art, and even history from all of us.  James Granger says “He really wanted it all.”  Frank Stokes corrects him “He wanted everything.”  Frank Stokes continually reminds his crew that their lives are worth more than a piece of art, and yet they are all willing to sacrifice everything in order to preserve it because it represents mankind’s greatest accomplishments.  

I love that the men refer to various works of art as “she” and “her”, granting true life to images that capture our very soul.  Frank Stokes narrates the journey and explains that they were fighting for culture, our history, and our very way of life.  The works of art are not simply beautiful things to look at and admire, but our history…yours….mine.   It was inspiring to learn that over 5 million pieces were recovered through The Monuments Men project.

Things I liked:

• It was refreshing to see a loyal husband resist an invitation of infidelity, especially on a lonely night in romantic Paris.  Matt Damon’s character, James Granger, even returned the tie he was given by the hopeful woman.
• The sets and scenery were breathtaking.
• One of the most profound scenes was when (SPOILER ALERT) the group finds a big barrel of gold nuggets and then realizes they were from the mouths of Jews who were killed by the Nazis. The scene carried a sobering weight that other scenes lacked.  The audience gasped a few times, which I think, would have made George Clooney proud.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s a bit slow-moving and disjointed with not nearly enough humor and some missed opportunities to make the film truly wonderful. 
• Substitute the last line of the movie with something better like “Come on, I want to show you something else!”

Funny lines:

• “Do we get to kill anybody?” – Preston Savitz
• “Speak English” said several people to James Granger whose French was terrible.  I’ve been to France and they really do hate it when we Americans attempt to speak their beautiful language.
• James Granger explains “I seem to have stepped on a land mine.” Frank queries “Why would you do that?” repeated by Walter Garfield.  James says “It was a slow day.”  I thought that scene was well done as they tried to come up with a solution and were prepared for any outcome.
• An American soldier says after the war was announced to be over “Isn’t there supposed to be a parade or something?” to which James Granger gently corrects “Probably not in Germany.”
• While talking about setting up some dynamite, two on the team have the following exchange: “Maybe I should do this.”  “What do you know about explosives?”  “Nothing.”  “Ok.”

Inspiring lines:

• “Who will be their protectors?  Who will make sure the Mona Lisa is still smiling?” – Frank Stokes
• “It’s not bad.”  “It’s not good” – an exchange as two of the crew look at a canvas of Hitler’s artwork from his failed run as an art student
• “Frank explains his passion about the Monument Men project by saying “If you destroy their achievements, it’s like they never existed.”
• “Great works of art can never belong to one individual.”  - Donald Jeffries

Things to learn more about:  George Clooney said of this film “It’s so rare to do any story that people don’t know.” I would love to learn more!

• Ghent Altarpiece and the Art of Jan Van Eyck
• Russia’s Soviet Trophy Brigade
• The Nero Decree stated that if Hitler died, the Nazis were to destroy Germany’s infrastructure, as well as other valuables, including art.  Nero was blamed for the fire that destroyed much of Rome.  Forty-two days after issuing the Nero Decree, Hitler killed himself, and a week later, Germany surrendered.
• Michelangelo: the Bruges Madonna and the Piccolomini altar,

Tips for parents:  There is some profanity, but not as much as you would think there would be in a war movie.  People are killed and wounded with some blood and gore.