Midnight Special is a hidden gem

Movie Title:      Midnight Special

Grade:   A-

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This sci-fi surprise is a fun road trip mystery.    Indie director Jeff Nichols is a compelling storyteller that allows the audience time to figure out what is going on while the film races along.  I really like it when a director doesn’t spoon-feed the audience.  As the plot unfolds, you’ll see magical elements of E.T.,The Extra-Terrestrial , Close Encounters Of The Third Kind , and even Starman .

Marketing for this film was minimal, so this little gem may pass you buy. 

Uplifting theme: 

• “Sometimes we’re asked to do things that are beyond us.” – electrician
• Sacrifice for those you love
• Family, parental bonds of unconditional love
• Trying to understand one’s true identity

Things I liked:

• There are some cool special effects, like when the satellite debris hits the ground and sprays all over a gas station, as well as other things Alton can do.
• Good for Adam Driver for having 2 movies out in theaters at the same time.  Yep, he plays Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Plus Bonus Features) .  Nope, he doesn’t throw a tantrum in this film.
• Jaeden Lieberher is adorable and does a great job playing Alton.
• The effective musical score adds suspense from beginning to end.
• There’s an interesting element that refers to a savior and a heavenly plane: higher beings who watch over us, but we can’t see them.  You get to see the beings of light, sort of, who are peaceful and good….kind of angelic.
• It’s impressive how much can be done with such a low budget.
• Michael Shannon is captivating as a devoted father who will do anything for his son.

Things I didn’t like:

• We haven’t seen Kirsten Dunst in a while.  She wears no make-up and has gained some weight, playing a devoted mother.  I guess it really has been a long time since that upside down kiss with Spider-Man .
• SPOILER: The buildup is fun and mysterious, but then it simply ends in a clichéd car chase.

Funny lines:

• “Is it too much to ask you to punch me in the face? No? Never mind.” – Paul Sevier
• “Could we go back to Texas now?” - Lucas

Interesting lines:

• “The only thing I ever believed in was Alton” – Roy (Michael Shannon)
• “You don’t have to worry about me.” – Alton

“I like worrying about you.” – Roy

Tips for parents:   

• It might be a little too mature and intense for young children.  Older teens will enjoy watching the story unfold as they find out who/what Alton Meyer is.
• Some profanity and violence.
• Discussion of cults and faith.
• A really bad car accident roughs up some people, but they don’t die.

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.