Guardians of the Galaxy 2 entertains fans with more silly fun and incredible special effects

Movie Title:  Guardians Of The Galaxy 2

Grade:  A

Rating:   PG-13, 137 minutes

In a Nutshell: I loved the first Guardians Of The Galaxy and have been sooo excited to see this next one!

I wasn’t disappointed.  James Gunn's Volume 2 sequel is creative, fun, wacky, action-packed, and extremely entertaining.   

Because it's Volume 2, there are 2 times the action, 2 times the explosions, 2 times the gags and laughs.  One of the planets in the movie was created with a trillion polygons, the biggest special effect ever made to date.  Double wow.  It's also the first film to be shot in 8K (Red Weapon camera system).

As Groot says, “Welcome to the frickin Guardians Of The Galaxy!” (Although he didn’t use the word “frickin”.)

Uplifting theme: 

• “There are 2 kinds of beings in the universe: those who dance and those who do not.” – Drax (Dave Bautista)
• “I wanted more.  I desired meaning.” – Ego (Kurt Russell)
• You need to dance more.
• Family isn’t always just what you are born into.
• Friendship, sacrifice
• “Sometimes the thing that you’re searching for your whole life is right there by your side all along and you don’t even know it.” - Peter Quill/Star-lord (Chris Pratt) 

Things I liked:

• The opening credits alone were awesome and hilarious.  That’s what I’m talking about!  What a way to start the ride.
• Groot!  Oh my gosh, he’s soooooo awesome!
• Chris Pratt sure has come a long way since his flubby days on Parks and Recreation: The Complete Series.   Female fans even get to enjoy his new six-pack abs when he takes his shirt off. He lost 60 pounds for the original movie and has kept in shape ever since.  
• Kurt Russell!  Nice job on the scenes in the opening of the movie when he was younger.
• Harpulary Batteries.  Ha ha  We learn so much more about Rocket and his motivations in this one.
• Sylvester Stallone! 
• The music soundtrack Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) is a lot of fun and plays an important role in the story, like in the first flick.
• As expected, a lot of slow motion shots.  Hilarious.  Epic.
• Talk about a sister feud.  Jeez.
• I love that Marvel always puts Stan Lee in their movies.  He actually shows up twice this time in Volume 2.
• Really great special effects.
• The talented cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker, and Kurt Russell.
• Taserface.  Ha ha
• There was actually a lot of character development and backstory information about our heroes and even some of the villains.  It really adds depth to the movie and care even more.  Chris Pratt's own father died and he said that making this movie helped him deal with that trauma better.
• In the last movie, Kevin Bacon got some funny shout-outs.  This time it's David Hasselhoff.  Ha ha
• Zune.  300 songs.  Ha ha
• Keep watching after the credits start to roll at the end and stay seated until the very, very end.  There are quite a few scenes to watch.

Things I didn’t like:

• A lot of inappropriate jokes.
• Some of the lines and scenes in the trailer are different from the actual movie.  That always bugs me.
•  To truly appreciate it, you need to have seen the first Guardians Of The Galaxy.
• The "gold" people look cool, but I didn't quite get into what they were all about.
• As much as I enjoyed it, it's still not as good or fresh as the original.  Sequels rarely are, right?

Interesting lines:

• “All you do is yell at each other.  You’re not friends.” – Nebula (Karen Gillan)

“You’re right.  We’re family.” – Drax

• “When you’re ugly and someone loves you, you know they love you for who you are.  Beautiful people never know who they can trust.” – Drax  (In the first movie, it took up to 4 hours to apply his make-up, but they got it down to only 90 minutes in the making of the sequel.)

Funny lines:

• “So, we’re really saving the galaxy again?” – Rocket (Bradley Cooper)

“I guess!” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord

“Awesome!  We’re really going to be able to jack up our prices for 2 times galaxy savers!” – Rocket

• “Yes, I prefer to make people the old-fashioned way.” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “I’m sorry.  I’m using the wrong eye again.  That was supposed to be behind your back.” – Rocket after calling the high priestess a douche-bag and then winking.
• “Don’t call me a raccoon!” – Rocket

“I’m sorry.  I took it too far.  Trash Panda.” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord

• “Like they say, you’re out of luck until you go duck.” – Howard the Duck (He made a surprise and funny appearance at the very end of the first movie, voiced by Seth Green.) 
• “Ha ha.  You look like Mary Poppins.” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord

“Is he cool?” – Yondu (Michael Rooker

            (Standee advertisement at my local Regal theater)

Tips for parents:

• There is a lot of crude humor.
• Some profanity.
• Lots of violence.
• SPOILER ALERT:  You’ll laugh out loud and be able to relate to the teenage Groot at the very end.  Ha ha   Loved it.

Joy might inspire future women entrepreneurs

Movie Title:    Joy

Grade:  B

Rating:  PG-13, 2 hours

In a Nutshell:    

The movie informs you at the beginning that it was “inspired by true stories of daring women.”  It’s based loosely on the true rags-to-riches story of Joy Mangano, inventor of the “Miracle Mop” and “Huggable Hangers”, a business titan on QVC and HSN.   

Jennifer Lawrence does it best when she plays an underdog with natural talent and hope.

Your heart will sink and soar with Joy as she journeys through the perilous business world.  This movie will make you want to take a leap of faith and invent that thing that’s been in your head for years…or hide from the world, watching soap operas all day.   

Uplifting theme: 

• “Hope springs eternal.” – Grandma Mimi
• “You can’t let the practical get you down.  You got to keep moving to what you love.”  - Tony (Edgar Ramirez)
• Persistence, determination, hard work, hope.
• “We got here from hard work, patience, and humility.  Don’t think the world owes you anything, because the world owes you nothing.” - Joy

Things I liked:

• It’s always great to see Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro, Diane Ladd, Isabella Rossellini, and Virginia Madsen.  It’s impressive how they were able to deliver some of their ridiculous lines with straight faces.
• I love the soap opera that is layered throughout most of the movie.  (Director and co-writer David O. Russell should have brought it back in the end.)  I especially love that it features the queen of all soap operas, Susan Lucci.  It’s cute how it showcases the decades through their clothing and hairstyles.  It made me laugh because my mother used to “tape her shows” and watch them every day.
• I liked the comparison of the cicada hiding for 17 years, like Joy did.
• The music gave the movie a magical story feel.
• I love that sisters Joy & Peggy looked like sisters.  Nice casting.
• Even Joy’s loved ones put down her ideas, but she never gives up on herself or them.  Life keeps pushing her down, but she never gives up.  I admire that tremendously, because I’m often too quick to quit.
• I admire how she keeps control of her temper. 
• In the scene in Texas, Joy follows a great rule of negotiation: stop talking and let the other guy make the first offer.
• It paints a fairly realistic picture of the business world and how difficult it can be to begin and maintain a successful business. 
• Joan Rivers was played by her rea life daughter Melissa Rivers.  That must have been so much fun for her.
• Drena De Niro plays Cindy.  She is the adopted daughter of Robert De Niro and has played bit parts in several of his films.

Things I didn’t like:

• Jennifer Lawrence is the bright star in this movie.  You kind of don't care about any of the other people.  They're too over-the-top "characters" to feel real.
• I never like watching families fight.
• Joy’s mother gets sucked into soap operas and spends her life in front of a TV, rather than truly living her life.
• I don’t like it when kids call their parents by their first names.
• The trailer didn’t explain the movie very well.
• Director Russell starts with an interesting style in the beginning of the movie and then drops it completely mid-way.   
• While Russell is great at creating damaged characters, they’re often one-dimensional.
• Jennifer Lawrence speaks Spanish a few times, but there aren’t any subtitles.  Her accent is pretty good!

Interesting lines:

• “When someone sees a weakness in me, I turn that weakness into a strength.” – Danica – (Susan Lucci)
•  “The funny thing about hiding…you’re even hidden from yourself.” – young Joy (Isabella Crovetti-Cramp)
• “We’re doing an invention.” – Joy’s daughter

“Why?” – Grandma Mimi

“Because we are.” – Joy

“It’s very serious.  It’s priorities.” – Joy’s daughter

• “There’s no shame in hard work.” – Joy
• “Everybody starts out with some kind of dream about what life will be.” – Grandma Mimi  

Morris’ 4 questions of financial worthiness:

1.      Where did you go to high school?

2.      Who were you in high school?

3.      Are you prepared, within 6 months of financing this venture, to show adequate returns?

4.      You are in a room and there is a gun on the table and the only other person in the room is an adversary in commerce.  Only one of you can prevail, yet you have protected your business and Morris’ money.  Do you pick up the gun?

Tips for parents:   

• This isn’t a movie that young children will enjoy or understand very well.  Teenage girls may be interested and inspired by Joy’s tenacity to live their dream.
• Some profanity and fighting.

Worst movie weekend of 2015

                                                  YIKES!


Our Brand Is Crisis bombed in its box-office debut, earning an estimated $3.4 million as the worst wide release of Sandra Bullock’s career. Crisis, in which Bullock stars as an American political strategist working on a Bolivian presidential election, earned a C+ CinemaScore. 



John Wells’s Burnt, which stars Bradley Cooper as a chef attempting to make a comeback, earned just $5 million and a B- CinemaScore. The box office brought about $74 million over Halloween weekend, marking the worst weekend of the year so far.

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:

Guardians of the Galaxy is the Star Wars sequel you wanted to see

Movie Title:  Guardians of the Galaxy

Grade:  A

PG-13, 2 hours 1 minute

In a Nutshell:  FAN-Friggin-Tastic!  This movie is everything you want a summer popcorn blockbuster to be. 

By now, everyone has heard of Captain America: The First Avenger , Iron Man , and Thor , but not as many people are familiar with the characters in Guardians of the Galaxy , except maybe my cousin who owns a comic book store in Vegas.  I’m “hooked on a feeling”…..that you’ll be a fan now. 

The fun flick is FILLED with action, comedy, special effects, warmth, witty dialogue, and unexpected surprises that will tickle your insides that aren’t filled with popcorn.  There is so much to see in every scene that you’ll immediately want to get back in line at the theater and see it again. 

The audience I sat with cheered, laughed, clapped and remained seated until after the credits rolled….and was rewarded with one last surprise.  (SPOILER ALERT: Brush up on your Howard the Duck trivia.)  Fantastic fun for all ages.

Uplifting themes:  Never give up, believe in yourself, hold fast to good friends, stand up to evil.  

Things I liked:

• Rocket and Groot had the potential to become the Jar-Jar Binks death of this movie, but in fact, they enrich it and even steal the show in many scenes.
• Although the Guardians comic series came out in 1969, this movie feels fresh and modern.  It also feels like the Star Wars sequel movie lovers have been hoping for, complete with awesome air battle scenes, zany creatures, cool toys, and lovable misfits.
• Paying extra for 3D is worth it. 
• Chris Pratt was the perfect leading man, complimented by the acting and voice talents of Zoe Saldana (who goes from blue in the awesome Avatar movie to green in this film), David Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Benicio Del Toro, Glenn Close, and John C. Reilly.   
• Vin Diesel only has one line (“I am Groot”), but provides enough variety in the telling that communication is enhanced.  In fact, Rocket and Groot have a cute “Lassie” (“Timmy fell down the well!”) relationship, enabling Rocket to translate and carry on entire hilarious conversations with that single phrase.  Groot is full of delightful surprises and expressive facial movements.  He was the highlight in the movie for me, personally.  Groot’s got skills!  My husband is built like Groot..all legs, broad but thin, sculpted jaw line, interesting angular head.  Don't tell him I said that.
• Be sure to catch the Stan Lee cameo in the beginning when Peter Quill goes to Zandor.
• 1970’s and 80’s music plays a fun and meaningful part in the movie.  I had one of those Walkman’s like Peter Quill’s, complete with orange foam headphones.  No doubt, the movie soundtrack and character merchandising will be popular items on Ebay and Amazon.
• You’ll see tons of cool gadgets, space ships, and special effects.
• You actually care about the characters and their heart-tugging back stories.
• I liked that the stone-faced soldier bad guys were visually minimalistic, suggesting they were robotic followers without depth.  Am I reading too much into them?
• I loved Drax the Destroyer’s body art.  David Bautista joins the ranks of former WWE champion-turned-successful actor, along with The Rock, who kicked off his own summer blockbuster last weekend in Hercules.  (You can click here to read my movie review of Hercules.)
• The cool space pods that connect to form a glimmering protective net give new meaning to “star”ship.

Things I didn’t like:

• Some of the outfits worn by The Collector’s peeps were just silly.
• I thought Ronan the Accuser’s make-up was messy and not as cool as it could be. 

Funny lines:

• “We’re just like Kevin Bacon.” – Gamora
• “What are you doing?”  - Ronan the Accuser

“I’m distracting you, you turd blossom!”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord

• “You’ve got the best eyebrows in the business.”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “I come from a planet of outlaws: Billie the Kid, Bonnie & Clyde, John Stamos…” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “No one’s blowing up moons.”  - Drax the Destroyer

“You suck the joy out of everything.”  - Rocket

• “Dance-off, bro.  Me and you.”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “I can’t believe I’m taking orders from a hamster.” – Denarian Saal
• “I wasn’t listening.  I was thinking about something else.” – Drax the Destroyer
• “I found something inside myself, incredibly heroic…not to brag.” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “You are a disappointment, Sister.  Out of all our siblings, I hated you least.” – Nebula
• “You’re making me beat up grass!” - Rocket

Tips for parents:   There is some profanity, but it flies past so quickly that you might miss it.  There is a lot of violence (mostly bloodless), and a huge body-count.  The characters are admittedly flawed…in fact, are wanted criminals, as opposed to Marvel’s heroic and squeaky-clean Captain America.  Gamers in your family will get their daily fix.  There is some sexual innuendo that should mostly, hopefully, go over the heads of little ones (as well as some adults), such as a funny mention of a black light and a Jackson Pollock painting…

Let the fun merchandising begin!