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

Collateral Beauty is manipulative and sappy with fortune cookie wisdom, but still got me to cry

Movie Title:  Collateral Beauty

Grade:  B+

Rating: PG-13, 94 minutes

In a Nutshell: I really love two-time Oscar nominee Will Smith and I was so excited to see this film after the trailer practically had me in tears.   SPOILER:  The trailer is a bit deceiving.  The film isn’t quite what you think it’s going to be.

For that and other reasons, a lot of film critics are ripping this emotional drama to shreds, stating that it’s manipulative and overly sappy with fortune cookie wisdom.  Well, I agree that it may be all of those things, but I also think they’re missing an opportunity to reflect inward and learn some of the life lessons this insightful film attempts to teach us.

What would you say if you could talk to Time, Death, and Love?  An even more interesting question is what would they say to you?

Uplifting theme: 

• ‘Just be sure to notice the collateral beauty.  It is the profound connection to everything.” – Madeline (Naomie Harris)
• “What is your why?” – Howard (Will Smith)
• “We’re here to connect.  Life is about people.” – Howard
• “We don’t get to choose who we love and who loves us back.” – Whit (Edward Norton)
• “Tomorrow’s not promised.” – Howard
• “Your children don’t have to come from you; they come through you.” – Time

Things I liked:

• The performances are really great.  I love the entire cast.
• Will Smith digs deep for his performance that only a father in real life could do.  Did you know he has won 4 Grammy Awards?  He has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe Awards and 2 Academy Awards, but he hasn’t won those big boys yet. Surprising, right?  Everyone loves him.  He should have won an Oscar for The Pursuit Of Happyness.  His performance in Concussion was outstanding, but he lost to Leonardo DiCaprio in The Revenant, which I can’t disagree with.  I mean, DiCaprio practically blew himself up, ate a live fish, and got beat to a pulp, for heaven's sake!
• Academy Award winner Helen Mirren is a national treasure.  I adore her. She just looked stunning in those blue feathers. She had some great lines and provided some depth and comic relief.  I love her in everything.

• There is an interesting Domino metaphor.
• It cracked me up that Howard’s friends hired a private investigator who they said looked like a “Mormon grandmother.”  Well, I’m a Mormon and can tell you that not all Mormon grandmothers look like that, but she really did.  Ha ha
• I’ve been to New York City twice before, but never during the Christmas season.  It looks so magical in December.
• Brigitte mentioned the movie Gaslight   Have you seen it?  I haven't either.  I'm going to have to add that one to my list. 
• Madeline tells Howard that 79% of couples divorce after losing a child.  According to a recent study by at Montana State University-Billings, that’s pretty accurate, sadly.
• There’s a twist.  I love twists.  Well actually, it’s more of an unveiling.  Still, it worked for me and drew out the expected tears that director David Frankel had intended.
• If you're looking for a therapeutic film about losing a loved one, adult or child, I highly recommend A Monster Calls, which is also currently in theaters.

Things I didn’t like:

• Would you want such manipulative friends who go to such great lengths to prove that you’re crazy?
• We never really get to see a happy Will Smith with his daughter, so we feel less invested in them than if there had been some happy flashbacks or something.
• Well, yeah…it’s manipulative on every level.  Some people don’t mind that.
• We saw a softer side of Michael Pena as Simon.  His story line seemed extra contrived just so Death could make a point about something (although her point was a good one.)
• This incredibly talented ensemble’s talent was appreciated and enjoy, but mostly under-utilized.

Interesting lines:

• “We long for love, we wish we had more time, we fear death.” = Howard
• “This doesn’t feel right.” – Claire (Kate Winslet)

“I know, but when everything starts with a 6 year old dying, nothing is gonna feel right.” - Simon (Michael Pena)

• “Life is found when you shed your skin…..OR Shed your skin; find your life.” = Amy
• “I’m trying to fix my mind.”  Howard

“You lost a child, Howard.  It’ll never be fixed.” – Madeline

Profound lines about Love:

• “I realize that I wasn’t feeling love.  I was becoming love.” – Whit
• “I am the only why.  Please don’t try to live without me.” – Love
• “I’m the fabric of life.” – Love
• “I was there in her love, but I’m still here in your pain.” - Love
• “I’m love…the very fabric of life.” – Love  
• “Love is the reason for everything.” – Love

Profound lines about Death:

• “Nothing’s ever really dead if you look at it right.” – Brigitte
• “Death is so much more vital than time. Death gives time its value.” – Death
• “You’re dying?” – Death

“Everyone’s dying.” – Simon

• “You lived right, my friend, but you’re not dying right.” –  

Profound lines about Time:

• “I’m abundant.  I’m a gift.” – Time

Funny lines:

• “I have depth.  We’ve discussed this.” – Whit
• “The word you’re looking for is philanderer, not philanthropist.  They have a slightly different meaning.” – Whit
• “I thought you can’t afford therapy anymore.” – Claire

“I can’t.  It’s my Uber driver.” – Whit

Tips for parents: 

• Talk of sex, cancer, death.
• 1 F-bomb and some other profanity.
• Children may be bored with this “talking” movie and certainly won't appreciate any of its profound truths, unless they have been through their own dark challenges.

The Woman in Gold has heart, humor and history

Movie:  The Woman in Gold

PG-13, 1 hour 50 minutes

Grade:  A-

In a Nutshell:  This is a fascinating, true story about a woman’s and nation's journey toward justice and peace after the Holocaust.   The film has heart, humor, and history as the David vs. Goliath story unfolds.

Helen Mirren and Ryan Reynolds demonstrate a quirky chemistry as two Americans with unique and prestigious roots in Austria.

The value of art is not monetary, but about the feelings it evokes when we experience it.  Great art should stir our humanity, don't you think?  Film is art too and this one does just that very well.

Uplifting Theme:

·       “Your only enemy is fear.” – Adele

·         Maria wants restitution and defines it as: “to return something to its original state.”  She learns that we can never be the same after life’s experiences.
*  "Remember us."  - Maria's father.    We need to never remember what happened to the world during the horrific Holocaust so that we don't repeat it.  We also need to see some of the atrocity's that are still happening in the world today and stop them.

Things I liked:

·         The woman in gold may actually be the talented Helen Mirren, winner of the prestigious golden statue named Oscar.  She always brings grace, elegance and wise maturity to any role.  I simply adore her.  She’s believable as a moody Austrian who struggles with pain and pride.   

·         I loved that Casting found an actress (Antje Traue) who very closely resembles the real Adele Bloch-Bauer who was portrayed in Gustav Klimpt's famous painting “Woman in Gold.”  Maria learns that Adele’s name was removed from the title of the artwork by the Nazis to hide the fact that she was Jewish, exclaiming “Her identity was stolen as well.”

·         The plot may be simple, but it’s still a remarkable story.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Helen Mirren wears dark contact lenses to make her look more like the real Maria Altmann.  I wasn’t bothered by it, but some people say they were distracted.  Whatever.  If that’s the worst thing you can say about her performance…

·         The court scenes didn't quite reach the status and thrill of To Kill a Mockingbird , but they're still inspiring.

·         Katie Holmes is sleepy in bed during most of her scenes in the movie.  They could have cast me in that role. 

·         Sadly, there was no one in the audience under the age of 50 when I watched this movie.  All you young ones out there may feel the need for more speed, but you’re missing a little gem in this film.  Wow, that sentence made me sound so old.

Funny lines:

·         “Against my better judgement, I think I like you.” – Randy

·         “Smile Maria.  It’s good to exercise your facial muscles once a year.” – Maria’s father

·         “My sister finally decided to move in with me.  The only problem is she didn’t do it until she’s dead.” – Maria

·         “This is like a James Bond film and you’re Sean Connery.” – Maria to Randy

·         “I want to go to Austria with my daughter some day.  She loves kangaroos.” – Dumb clerk

Interesting lines:

·         “I have to keep these memories alive, you see, especially because the young forget.” – Maria

·         “What’s in it for you?” Randy

“Let’s just say it’s a very particular brand of patriotism.” – Austrian journalist

·         “It’s hard to believe Hitler applied to be an art student here.” – Randy

“I wish they had accepted him.” – Maria

Tips for Parents:

·         Children may be bored with the legalese in court scenes and the slow drama.  The subject matter of the Holocaust is dark, although the film doesn’t show some of the horrors of the time like other Holocaust movies do.

·         1 F-bomb, but very little “other” profanity.

Want to know more?

I studied abroad in Spain and traveled to Vienna back in the 80’s before the Judenplatz Holocaust memorial was built.  It is a somber, haunting structure that makes you feel uncomfortable intentionally.  It honors the 65,000 murdered Austrian Jews during WWII.
                               

If you’re fascinated by the history of artwork stolen by the Nazis during WWII, you’ll enjoy learning more in the film The Monuments Men   You can read my review of that movie here.   The Rape of Europa can be watched for free on Netflix right now!

       

To learn more about the artwork of Gustav Klimt, check out the following:

The Hundred-Foot Journey is a Must-See for Foodies

Movie Title:   The Hundred-Foot Journey

Grade:  A

PG, 2 hours 2 minutes

In a Nutshell:   Mmmmm…..a must-see for foodies.  

I’m an instructor at the famous Le Cordon Bleu CulinarySchool and so, obviously, I love good food.  (You could also take one look at my figure and deduce that.) Dreamworks offered complimentary movie tickets to our faculty and students, so I was thrilled to join other epicurean nerds in a special preview of this delectable film.  I also brought my cute niece, Lacey Long, who was featured in a student episode of Top Chef Masters!

Based on Richard C. Morais’s first book, you know that co-producers Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey are going to create something truly magical.  And it is.  Because it was a special preview, we got to hear from them before the movie began.  Oprah calls the film “Deliciously charming.”  And it is.  It satisfies the senses and is comfort food for the soul.

I finally get to use the word “bucolic” in a movie review.  The bulk of the movie takes place in a picturesque and postcard-perfect village in the gorgeous south of France.  The cinematography is stunning. This is also one movie where I really wish smellovision existed.

Uplifting theme:  In addition to the inspiring dishes, the film serves up cultural understanding, tolerance, and appreciation.

Things I liked:

• The title of the book and movie is brilliant.
• Academy Award Winner Helen Mirren is a national treasure.
• Manish Dayal is adorable as Hassan Kadam and Om Puri is a lovable, wise Papa.
• The dialogue is filled with layered meanings.  I love that.  Like an onion.

 Things I didn’t like:

• This film will make you hungry. 
• The drama is sentimental, but easily forgivable.

Did you notice?

• Madame Mallory’s big, beautiful ring?
• The crepe maker in the outdoor market?
• Le Cordon Bleu book on the bookshelf?  When we saw Hassan look at it, all of us from the Culinary School cheered with obnoxious enthusiasm.  By the way, did you know they offer free community classes and campus tours?  See if one is in your city!  (My shameless plug)  Another book that was featured was a pastry book written by Jules de Gouffe.
• The giant chef’s knife the young boy uses in the courtyard?
• The sleek wine carafe Madame Mallory uses on Bastille Day?
• The hideous wallpaper in Papa’s bedroom?

Great lines:

• “Wherever the family is at is home.”  - Papa
• “Asking for a discount doesn’t mean I’m poor.  It means I’m thrifty.”  - Papa  (I completely agree!  Check out my “thrifty-living” blog at Sister Thrifty!)
• “In this restaurant we do not serve an old, tired marriage, but a passionate affair.” – Madame Mallory
• “One Michelin star is good.  Two is amazing.  Three is only for the gods.”  - Madame Gallory
• “If your food is anything like your music, then I suggest you tone it down.”  Madame Mallory
• “You’re a chef.  I do not pay you to burn things.” – Madame Mallory
• “Welcome to our humble abode and thank you for barging in.”  - Papa
• “Smile!  You got good teeth…just smile!”  - Papa says to his daughter on their opening night.  In contrast, Charlotte Le Bon doesn’t have good teeth, but has a beautiful smile.  She’s a beautiful and charming French actress who is perfectly cast as Marguerite.
• Talking about the five “mother sauces”, Marguerite says “You must find them in your heart.  Then, bring them to your pots.  That’s the secret.”
• “Food is memories.” – Hassan
• “I’m waiting for Hassan Kadam or death, whichever comes soonest.”  - Madame Mallory
• Papa asks “Is he as good as I think he is?”  Madame Mallory pronounces “Better.”
• “This is the beast that must be fed twice a day.  And what does it like?  Innovation.”  - Parisian restaurateur

French words to know before seeing the movie:

• Bon chance   =  Good luck
• Je suis désolé    =  I’m sorry
• Maison   = house, home
• Incroyable   = incredible
• Bon vivant  =   gourmet
• Le aster = star, luminary
• Le aliment = food

Tips for parents:   Kids may think the length of the film is too long.  Food lovers will enjoy every tasty morsel.

You've seen the movie, now read the book!

If you were inspired by the book or movie, then get cooking!

Red 2 movie review

 
The last time we saw John Malkovich in Red, he was wearing blonde braids and being pushed in a wooden cart through a field in Maldova with bombs going off all around him, while being chased by dozens of armed soldiers. 

Red 2 reunites John Malkovich’s paranoid and retired CIA-Agent (Marvin) with his old partner, Frank Moses, played by Bruce Willis.  You have to love a Hollywood movie where all of the stars are over 50.  I watched the first installment of the 2010 sleeper hit Red this week to refresh my memory of the fun story and quirky characters in preparation for the sequel, and enjoyed it as much as I did the first time, but you don’t have to see it to still get a kick out of Red 2.  You’ll miss a few inside jokes and some relationship background, but you’ll catch on quickly enough to enjoy the goofy action.

Although the original poster to advertise Red was actually red, it’s actually an acronym which stands for “Retired Extremely Dangerous”, a label some “thumb sucker” used on a file when Frank and Marvin retired from the CIA.  The color red is actually highlighted more in this second film, as well as a more comic-book feel.  The campy 70’s music from the original is replaced with a more current twist, often using popular musical snippets to underscore comedic moments.

Red 2 opens in Costco, where Marvin and his girlfriend (Mary-Louise Parker) are shopping for giant bags of shrimp to take home to their quiet, boring life in the ‘burbs.  It doesn’t take long for bullets to start flying and a mysterious crime to call them into action. 

The film is rated PG-13 for lots and lots of violence (mostly bloodless).  It has it all: awesome explosions, car crashes in impressive chase scenes in Paris, tons of shooting with various weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and even a guy getting killed with a lethal origami bird.  You’ll hear some profanity in the heat of the moment, but no F-bombs.  Oh, and lots and lots of kissing.  Frank’s girlfriend often resorts to kissing the bad guys when she can’t think of anything else to do.  She’s an enthusiastic accomplice, successfully donning short skirts during most of the movie, eagerly taking tactical tips from Marvin when Frank isn’t looking.  It’s important to have fun activities to do together as a couple.

Speaking of Frank’s girlfriend (Sarah Ross) played by Mary-Louise Parker, I wish Hollywood actresses would stop messing with their faces and just age gracefully.  I always admired Mary-Louise Parker for her feminine beauty before she had “work” done, including Botox which leaves her acting more reliant upon voice inflection than facial expression.  She’s a terrific actress, also starring in this weekend’s arrival of R.I.P.D. directed by Robert Schwentke, who directed the first Red, but not the sequel.  Marvin comments that she has something that neither he nor Frank have: people like her.  And they do…in both Red 2 and R.I.P.D.

Frank’s romantic kryptonite is revealed in the “dusky femme fatale”, Russian Katja (Catherine Zeta-Jones).   What happens in the Kremlin, stays in the Kremlin.  I’ll bet you didn’t know there was a Papa John’s right next door to Soviet headquarters, did you?  The beloved Anthony Hopkins graces the screen as a brilliant scientist who can unlock the secrets to the “Project Nightshade” dilemma, but alas, he has been put under I.C.E. (Incarcerated Can’t Execute). 

Helen Mirren’s character, MI6 agent Victor, offers relationship advice to Sarah and skillfully takes out enemies while looking fabulous the entire time.  Marvin encourages Frank to run to emotional safety, explaining “I know one thing: women and covert ops.”  Frank protests “But that’s two things.”  Marvin, in his great wisdom, opines “No Grasshopper.  It is not.”

As our favorite cool, yet deadly, retired agents all come together again, Han (Byung-hun Lee) appears in the least convenient times to put a hit on Frank.  Their fights are pretty impressive, especially considering the age difference between the two.

My husband has a hard time enjoying movies that are completely implausible, and there are quite a few critics out there who are also annoyed by the film’s holes, but imagine the actors and director with their tongue firmly planted in their cheeks and you’ll be entertained.  By the way, Maldova gets a shout-out in the movie, and John Malkovich ends the movie wearing fruit on his head, dressed as a dancer in their next adventure in Caracas.  Red 3?

Grade = A-

Mike and Sully go to lovable Monster's University

I imagined the director and producers of Monster’s Inc sitting around a board room table, trying to come up with a plot for the next installment of the Pixar’s lovable monster flick.  During the brainstorm, someone in the room must have said “Monsters scare you….Scare U” and suddenly the college template was framed for the newly released prequel.

How the one-eyed Mike Guzowski and furry “kitty” giant, James Sullivan (Sully), first met in college is a ragtag underdog story that includes party monsters in frat houses, a rousing alma mater fight song with spunky cheerleaders, jocks, boring Ferris Bueller-esque professors, and inspiring competition between students who want to win the annual Scare Games.  The campus is full of all the clichéd groups you ever saw during your undergrad years, complete with an emo Goth goul and dragon-winged, centipede-bodied dean who is easily the scariest monster in the entire school.  You know you had a dean like that.

Randy Newman’s theme song gets you in the mood for some magical monster animation from beginning to end.  And by the way, be sure to stick around at the end of the rolling credits for the final touch.  I love it when movies reward their diehard fans who want just a little bit more and are willing to stay in their seats until the bitter end.  

The cast includes the exceptional voice talents of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Sean Hayes, Bonnie Hunt, and Jennifer Tilly.  Mike and Sully are fleshed out with back-story details that leave us loving them even more.  Can you say “Merchandising Jackpot!”?

One of my sons is currently an animation student in college, so I always love to hear his opinion on the artistry and CGI in films.  He gave Monster’s University two big thumbs up and bows to Pixar’s talent and creativity.  Fingers crossed my son can get a job with Pixar when he graduates next spring!

The film doesn’t rely on the fans’ love of the first movie; it introduces new characters you’ll fall in love with, as well as new dimensions to the Monsters’ world that are sure to create new areas in theme parks.

It’s an adorable movie that the entire family will enjoy.


Grade:   A-