The Girl With All The Gifts presents a satisfying spin on the zombie movie genre

Movie Title:  The Girl With All the Gifts

Grade:  B+

Rating: R, 1 hour 51 minutes

In a Nutshell: This dystopian horror drama is based on the best-selling book by M.R. Cary and delivers a satisfying spin.

There are some typical zombie tropes in this British film, but there is more to it than a predictable splatter-fest.

 Uplifting theme: 

• “Hope is the good thing that makes you be able to stand all of the bad things.” – Helen Justineau (Gemma Arterton)
• “They just want to live.  Everyone does.” – Melanie (Sennia Nanua)
• Humanity vs. science
• Look for the images that reveal the theme of nature claiming humanity.  Even the zombies have emerging layers of moss on their faces and bodies.  Fascinating.

Things I liked:

• Sennia Nanua is delightful...in a creepy way.
• The ending is really fun and different.
• I'm told that the film is backed by real science in parts.
• There is a good atmospheric score by Cristobal Tapia de Veer that sets the mood and seamlessly blends into sound effects.
• I thought the two mother figures offered interesting metaphors. 

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s hard to stand a chance against zombies who RUN!
• Most of the characters make some really dumb choices.
• The CGI of London didn’t look very real at times.
• I kind of go into a food coma after I eat too.  Ha ha
• I haven't read the book, but I hear that the 3rd act of the movie adaptation was negatively changed from the book's more satisfying final unfolding.  Isn't that kind of a cliche though...the book is always better than the movie...except maybe Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy - Extended Edition (The Fellows....

Interesting lines:

• “She’d feel nothing.” – Dr. Caroline Caldwell (Glenn Close)

“That’s more your thing than hers.” - Helen

Funny lines:

• “Was that cathartic?” – Dr. Caroline Caldwell  
• “Now our mission is to keep ourselves off the F-ing menu.” – Sgt. Eddie Parks (Paddy Considine)
• “Do you want a cat?” Helen

“I already had one.” – Melanie 

• “Pretend you’re really scared of me.” – Melanie

“Pretend?” – Sgt. Eddie Parks

Tips for parents: 

• A LOT of F-bombs. Some other profanity.
• Blood, gore, zombie attacks, violence, fighting

@trinaboice 

Eddie the Eagle jumps to DVD

                                          AVAILABLE ON DVD June 14

               

Movie Title:      Eddie The Eagle  

Grade:   A

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes

In a Nutshell:    With big heart and a sense of humor, Eddie the Eagle has now landed on DVD.  If you missed it at the theater, now is your chance to watch this feel-good, underdog sports movie that will make you cry, laugh, and soar.

Just a few days before the 2002 Winter Olympics in SLC, Utah, I went to Park City to watch the pre-Olympic trials in men's ski jumping and freestyle aerial skiing.  It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen (pun intended).  So, raise your glass of milk to toast to a great film and a triumphant moment of human spirit.

Uplifting theme: 

• There is something truly special about those who have big dreams and believe in themselves.
• Don’t ever believe anyone who says you aren’t “Olympic material” or “college material” or any kind of material.  They don't know what you can really do.
• “A true Olympian is not just about a God-given skill set.  It’s about not ever giving up, no matter what.” – Warren Sharp
• “Doing your best is the only option, even if it results in failure.” – Warren Sharp
• “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not the winning, but the taking part.  The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle.” – Pierre De Coubertin, Founder of the Olympic Games, 1896

Things I liked:

• Wow, what a lesson in tenacity and perseverance.  I give up way too easily.
• Eddie’s mother, played by Jo Hartley,  is so sweet and supportive.  I hope I'm that kind of mother.
• I love the glass stain on the tablecloth in the beginning of the movie in the shape of the Olympic rings. 
• The boys who play Eddie when he was younger are adorable and brothers in real life.  (Tom Costello, Jack Costello)
• You see a LOT of terrible and funny falls.  I truly admire anyone who is that determined.
• I love that Eddie doesn’t drink alcohol.  It’s refreshing to see a protagonist in movies nowadays who isn’t a wise-cracking, egotistical drunk.  I was sad when he succommed to peer pressure.
• I love Australian hunk Hugh Jackman.  He can do it all.  Did you know his character is actually fiction?  There was no Bronson Peary who coached Eddie.
• How did they film some of those jumping scenes?!  Green screens?  If so, they did a really great job.  It's all very believable.
• You get to see some of the old footage from the 1988 Calgary Olympics.
• The Olympic crowds loved him and movie audiences do too.  Of course, the movie is entirely predictable, but I still weeped tears of joy.
• I love that Eddie was able to be happy for other people’s accomplishments and not let those who beat him take joy away from his own personal triumphs.  We can all learn a lesson from his example.
• Christopher Walken plays a small role, but is great and has a powerful moment.
• You get to see some pictures of the real Michael "Eddie the Eagle" Edwards at the end of the movie.  Since the Olympics, he has gone on to compete and win in several celebrity British reality TV shows, still a fan favorite. Taron Egerton portrays him well in the film and even includes Eddie's famous under bite.

Things I didn’t like:

• It's very predictable and full of cliche's, but it still tugs at all of the right strings on your heart.
• There is a comparison between sex and ski jumping that is inappropriate for children.

Funny lines:

•  “It’s not like I’m taking up ballet.  It’s still skiing, just higher.” – Eddie
• “He’s going to break his neck!” – Jeanette Edwards

“Ah, I’M going to break his neck!” - Target Edwards

• “Any tips then?” – Eddie

“Don’t die.” – Bronson Peary 

Tips for parents:   

• There is some profanity, but not much.
• There is a scene with a bunch of naked men in a sauna.  They all have strategically-placed items so you don’t see any “naughty bits.”  It’s actually a funny scene.
• There is a When Harry Met Sally sex scene when Hugh Jackman makes sound effects and facial expressions that are inappropriate for children.
• Bo Derrick is mentioned quite a few times in the movie.  Kids won’t know who she is. She was a popular, sexy actress in the 80’s.  She is still beautiful today and makes occasional movie and TV appearances.

If you loved this heartwarming Olympic film, you'll also love:

         

Second Time's a Charm with The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Movie:   Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - O.S.T.

PG, 2 hour 2 minutes

Grade:  B+

In a Nutshell:  The cast is charming and fantastic: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Penelope Wilton, Celia Imrie, Dv Patel and even Richard Gere. 

If you liked the first movie, this one will feel like you’re spending a couple of hours with good, old friends...."old" being a key word.  I guess I'm showing my age when I say that I really enjoyed both movies... While the target audience is an older crowd, younger viewers will see some of their favorites from Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

As a stand-alone movie, it’s ok, but it’s MUCH better if you have seen the first movie made in 2012, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel , in order to fully appreciate and understand the growth of the characters, as well as know what’s going on.  In fact, it’s very satisfying to see “the rest of the story.”

Uplifting Theme:

·         “Water doesn’t flow until you turn the tap on.” – Madge (Celia Imrie)    In other words, don’t sit around waiting for your life to happen. Make it happen.

·         Judy Dench’s character asks herself “How many lives can we have? But then I thought…as many as we want!”

·         “In the end, it’s all very simple: to look into someone’s eyes and to say ‘yes, it’s what I want’ and for them to say ‘it’s what I want too and there’s nothing to fear.’” – Douglas (Bill Nighy)

·         Maggie Smith’s character (Muriel) says “There’s no present like the time.” Indeed.

Things I liked:

·         If you liked the first one, you’ll enjoy this sequel.

·         Sonny’s quips are fast and funny throughout the entire movie.

·         I had a friend get the Henna hand art tattoos just for fun, but in India, brides get it done for their wedding.  I think it’s really pretty.  Speaking of weddings, I thought the Indian wedding scene was beautiful with so many colors, flowers, and interesting traditions.

·         In the movie, Richard Gere plays a man who is 64 years old, but in real life, he’s actually 66!  While Hollywood is filled with plastic celebrities, Richard Gere seems to be growing old quite gracefully.  Younger viewers may not realize that he was actually named the “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Some of the story lines end a bit vaguely.

Funny lines:

·         “You’re nineteen days older than I am.” – Muriel

“Nineteen days is the life span of a wasp.” – Evelyn

·         “While her language is salty, it has great economy and pith.” – Sonny talking about Muriel

·         “You’re probably thinking I’m a bit young to be staying at the Exotic Marigold.” – Lavinia (Tamsin Greig who has fantastic biceps)

“Either that or your plastic surgeon is a genius.” – Sonny

·         “I’m 79 years old!”   Evelyn

“We don’t mind if you don’t.” – Susan

“Nobody checks out until…they ultimately check out.” – Sonny

·         “You have bedrooms?” – Sonny

“For when our members get tired…or fortunate.” – Viceroy Club concierge

·         “I must apologize.”  - Sonny

“You already apologized.” – Sunaina (Tina Desai)

“I mean it more now.” – Sonny

Interesting Lines:

·         “Sometimes it seems that what we want and what we fear is the width of an eyelash.”   Evelyn

·         “Coincidence is just another way of saying we cannot see the whole plan.” – Sonny

·         “There’s nothing I admire more than those who plant trees under whose shade they may never get to sit.” – Ty Burley (David Strathairn)

·         “There’s no such thing as an ending…only the place where you leave the story.” – Muriel

·         “Let go.  That’s where the fun starts.” - Muriel

Tips for Parents:

·         Some sexual innuendos.

·         Some British profanity like “bloody”, “bollocks”, etc.

      Young kids will be extremely bored.  Teens may only be mildly entertained, but watching the  
      film together might be a catalyst for talking about their purpose in life.

       

The Imitation Game is the real deal

Movie:  The Imitation Game

Grade: A

PG-13, 1 hour 54 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Two words:  Benedict Cumberbatch

Endless are the movies about WWII that are thought-provoking, inspiring, heartbreaking, and touching.  This is definitely one of them.  I’m embarrassed to admit that I knew nothing of Alan Turing’s history before viewing this film. In fact, his story has been hidden for 50 years.

Based on the book Alan Turing: The Enigma: The Book That Inspired the Film "The Imitation Game" by Andrew Hodges, the movie is a fascinating character study of a British mathematical genius who broke the unbreakable German code during the war and who created the first computer.  He was also a homosexual during a time when it was illegal. Especially engrossing is watching Cumberbatch’s multi-layered facial expressions that reveal impressive depth and deserve Oscar recognition.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Alan’s childhood friend explained it well when he said “You know Alan, sometimes it’s the very people who no one imagines anything of who do the things no one can imagine.” -  Christopher

Things I liked:

·         I love movie titles that have double meaning.

·         I thought the suspenseful music at the beginning set the tone well for the movie.

·         The interview between Alan and Commander Denniston was hilarious.

·         Keira Knightley is always mesmerizing to watch.

Things I didn’t like:

·         It may be a little slow-moving for some, but I was intrigued the entire time.

Funny lines:

·         “You’re serious!” – Commander Denniston (Charles Dance)

“Would you prefer I made a joke?” – Alan

“I don’t think you know what those are.”  - Commander Denniston

·         “How the He** were you supposed to decrypt German communications if you don’t speak German?” – Commander Denniston

“Well, I’m really quite good at crossword puzzles.” – Alan

·         “What is it about women with little hats?” – Hugh (Matthew Goode)

·         “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.  That’s not progress; that’s just blind luck.” – Alan

·         “Well, this is inhuman, even for you.” – Hugh

Interesting lines:

·         “Do you know why people like violence?  It is because it feels good.  Humans find violence deeply satisfying. But remove the satisfaction, the act becomes hollow.  I didn’t learn this on my own, of course.  I had help.” – Alan

·         “They only beat me up because I’m smarter than they are.” – Alan

“No, they beat you up because you are different.” -  Christopher

·         “Some people thought we were at war with Germany.   Incorrect. We were at war with the clock.” – Alan

·         “I’m a woman in a man’s job and I don’t have the luxury of being an a$$.” – Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley)

·         “The interesting question is just because something thinks differently from you, does that mean it’s not thinking?” – Alan

·         “Are you paying attention?  Good.  If you’re not listening carefully, you WILL miss things.  Important things.”   “What I will need from you now is a commitment.  You will listen closely and you will not judge me until I am finished.” - Alan

Tips for Parents:

·         Discussion of homosexuality, school bullying, smoking, actual war footage from WWII.

·         The language is mostly clean and even eloquent.

·         It’s a bit slow-moving, so children may get bored.