Hidden Figures is an overdue movie with heart and humor

Movie Title:  Hidden Figures

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG, 127 minutes

• In a Nutshell: Based on true events, this uplifting film with a fantastic title shines the spotlight on some overlooked figures in history.   
• 
  
• While the movie features new math that was invented in order to get the first man to the moon, it was really about these African-American women who struggled as second-class citizens during the Civil Rights movement and who were pivotal to the success of NASA’s space program.

The film sheds inspiring light on the space race and Jim Crow laws of the 1960’s, one that lifted mankind to new heights and one that pushed them down.  This story was long overdue.

Uplifting theme: 

• “You know what’s dangerous?  Inaction and indecision.” – Jim Webb (Ken Strunk)
• “Discovery is not just for the sake of discovery, but survival.” – Al Harrison (Kevin Costner)
• “I looked beyond.” – Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae)
• “We set sail on this new sea because there is knowledge to be gained.” – Al Harrison
• “We all get to the peak together or we don’t’ get there at all.” – Al Harrison

Things I liked:

• Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, and Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer truly light up the screen. All of their performances were stellar (pun intended, and true.)
• Janelle Monae is absolutely fantastic as Mary Jackson and is a true stand-out.  From the minute you first see her on the screen, she radiates intelligence and determination.  Mary’s speech to the judge was outstanding. She has been in a few small movies since 2014, but I’m sure her career is going to really take off after this movie (yep, another intentional space pun.)
• Pharell Williams does a great job blending the sound of the 60’s with music that sounds current to today’s audience. Click here if you'd like to relive the music: Hidden Figures: The Album
• There is a lot of humor and heart.
• You get to see real footage from historical NASA events during the film, as well as pictures of these three important women at the end of the movie.
• When I was little, my father held a top position at Lockheed.  I remember going to visit the company at a special event for families.  They proudly showed off their computer room, which was filled with gigantic computers that stood from floor to ceiling.  It’s hard to believe that we can now fit a computer on our cell phones and in even smaller spaces.  How wonderful it is to live in the Information Age when knowledge is so easily obtainable.
• They did a great job setting the 1960’s environment with rotary phones, typewriters, etc.  Some of you young ones out there may have never seen those things before!
• Written and directed by Ted Melfi, who is more than welcome to bring more inspring stories like this to the Big Screen.
• John Glenn was considered a hottie of his day, appropriately played by Glen Powell.

Things I didn’t like:

• I love award-winning Jim Parsons from The Big Bang Theory: Season 1, but his character pretty much just gave the stank face the entire time, not providing any big growth arc or allowing Jim to use his full talents.
• Even if you were really good at math, you’re probably going to realize you’re not as smart as you thought you were.
• Red tape and bureaucracy make me crazy.  Kirsten Dunst and Jim Parsons’ characters epitomize all that is wrong with companies and organizations that have no vision or flexibility.  That close-minded librarian just about made me want to scream when she said, “Well, that’s just the way it is.”  I completely understand rules are designed for the benefit of all, but when they make no sense any more, they need to be changed.
• Dorothy Vaughan steals a book from a library and gives a compelling speech to her kids about why it was ok.  While you feel the sense of injustice that the “colored” section of the library didn’t contain as many good books to choose from, it certainly doesn’t mean stealing is ok.
• There is a bit of reverse racism showing how all the white people are stupid and racist, while all the black people are brilliant and morally superior.

Interesting lines:

• “Let me ask you: if you were a white male, would you wish to be an engineer?” – Senator Patrick (Wilbur Fitzgerald)

“I wouldn’t have to.  I’d already be one.” – Mary Jackson

• “There’s no protocol for women attending.” – Paul Stafford

“There’s no protocol for a man circling the earth either.” – Katherine Johnson

• “Who makes the rules?” – Al Harrison

“You, Sir.  You are the buss.  You just have to act like one…Sir.” – Katherine

• “The kids need to see this.  Everybody needs to see this.” – Levi Jackson (Aldis Hodge)
• “This IBM is gonna put us all out of work.” – Dorothy Vaughan
• “Every time we get close to winning, they move the finish line.” – Mary Jackson
• “Separate and equal are two different things.” – Dorothy Vaughan

Funny lines:

• “Yes, they let women work at NASA, Mr. Johnson.  And it’s not because we wear skirts.  It’s because we wear glasses.” – Dorothy Vaughan
• “How can you be ogling these white men?” – Dorothy Vaughan

“It’s equal rights.  I can see fine in any color.” – Mary Jackson

• “Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.” – Al Harrison (Kevin Costner)

Tips for parents:   

• Yay math!  This movie will make your case to your kids that math IS important and they should do their homework.
• The film highlights racism in the United States in the 1960’s and uses terms like “Negro” and “colored.”  They’ll see images of colored-only bathrooms and drinking fountains, as well as see how whites and blacks were separated on busses and in the court room.

Want to see more?  If you want to learn more about the Civil Rights movement that took place in America in the 1950's and 60's, check out these VERY good movies:

Lee Daniels' The Butler
Loving
Selma
Freedom Writers
The Help

Black or White addresses racism on both sides

Movie: Black or White

PG-13, 2 hours 1 minute

Grade: B

In a Nutshell:  Inspired by true events, Academy Award winner Kevin Costner produced this heartbreaking and heart warming film that attempts to cross black and white barriers to understanding and accepting one another.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Unfortunately, race is still an issue in this country.  Kevin Costner plays a hard-drinking and newly widowed grandfather, trying to raise his mixed race granddaughter.  Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer plays Rowena Spencer (Grandma WeeWee).   Rowena says “But you don’t want her down here, do you Elliott…here with the black folks…?”  Elliott brushes her off and says “Don’t start with that.  What is it with you? Why do you always have to go there?” She spits back “What is it with you that you don’t want to admit that there’s a ‘there’ there?”

Things I liked:

·         There are some funny moments like when Kevin Costner tries to brush his granddaughter’s black hair.  Frazzled, he asks “This is every day?”  There are also a lot of funny/awkward moments, like when Grandma WeeWeePee tries to kiss Kevin Costner or give him "some love" with a hug.

·         The evolving relationship between Elliott Anderson and his granddaughter, Heloise, is very sweet.  It’s cute how they tap their heart with their fingers when they say goodbye to each other.

·         The math tutor (“Johnny Quest sidekick”)  played by Mpho Koaho is adorable.  I love how he has written papers on so many different subjects and is always there to support Elliott.

·         Jillian Estel (Eloise) does a great job and is adorable.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I don’t care what color you are…if you’re doing drugs, I don’t want you around my kids.  It bugged me that Rowena and her brother sued Elliott, claiming he didn’t want Eloise around her biological father because he was black, as if his drug use, prison time, and dangerous lifestyle had nothing to do with it.

·         Some of the characters in the story are ridiculously stereotyped on both sides.
          

Funny lines:

·         “I’m no good at math; I’m a lawyer.  Do you know what we’re good at?” - Elliott

“What?” – Heloise

“Nothing…….it’s a little joke.” – Elliott
  “Duvan, tell me the truth. What planet are you really from?  OK? I’m not going to report you.  I just would like to know.” - Elliott

Interesting lines:

·         “She’s not black.  Alright, she’s half black. She’s also half white.  What does that have to do with anything anyway?  That’s the stupidest thing you’ve ever said.” – Elliott

·         “I don’t watch much television.  I’m afraid for me it is not a nourishing form of entertainment.” – Duvan

          

Tips for Parents:

·         Language, including the “N” word and 1 F-bomb, drinking, drug use, and a couple of fights.
*    Custody battles often cause emotional hurt for both parents and children.  Because of the complicated nature of race and custody, this film would be boring and inappropriate for young children.  

McFarland USA will warm your heart and inspire your feet

Movie:  McFarland, USA

PG, 2 hours 9 minutes

Grade: A

In a Nutshell: While this underdog story isn’t unique, the newest Disney film has a lot of heart and shows how to do the proven formula for inspiring sports films right.  Like the sign says that the town’s kids hold up to cheer on the cross country team, “McFarland es mas macho.”  I especially love inspiring movies about true stories when, at the end, they show the real people the film was based on and where they are today.

Hollywood cranks out movies about football and baseball, but rarely do you see high school cross country featured. My two oldest sons ran cross country when they were in high school in San Diego.  I remember cheering them on and eagerly waiting for the judges to score the races and announce the winners.  It’s an admirable sport whose athletes impress me with their tenacity and calm endurance.  You’ll be even more in awe when you see what this coach and team were able to accomplish in real life.

Maybe I was in a sentimental mood, but I got teary-eyed several times in this movie.  If you don't feel anything during this movie, you need to run until you cry.

Uplifting Theme:

·       You’ll be introduced to the small town of McFarland, USA , “the fruit bowl of California” and you’ll look at the plentiful produce in your grocery store differently.  Hopefully, you’ll look at Mexican Americans, especially “pickers”, in a different way too.

·        Like all good sports movies, this one includes lessons on sportsmanship, dedication, humility, hard work, persistence, and vision.

Things I liked:

·         Kevin Costner seemed to disappear from the big screen for awhile, but now he’s starring in two movies currently playing in theaters: McFarland USA and Black or White.  He does a great job in both.

·         I always appreciate the details in movies.  This movie painted a broad brushstroke of Mexican American cliches, while also providing details like yard chickens, tortas,  quinceanera parades, and dusty car windows to give you more of a flavor of the culture and town.

·         The Star Spangled Banner montage reminded me that America is the home of the brave and how truly brave those who leave their own countries to work this land are.  

      The boys on the team are charismatic, which makes for a good story, but the fact that they are real people is awesome.

               

Things I didn’t like:

·         While I love Maria Bello’s biceps, she looks pretty beat up in this film.  Maybe that was intentional?

       The script doesn't address illegal migrant workers. 

Funny lines:

·         “Nobody can hold a grudge like a teenage girl.” – Cheryl White (Maria Bello)

·         “Nice shorts dude.” – cocky runner on a different team, making fun of the McFarland team outfit

“You play golf?” – Thomas Valles (Carlos Pratts)

“Yeah.” – cocky runner

“This ain’t golf.” – Thomas smirks as he runs ahead of the other player

·         “You go slow, right?” – Jim White (Kevin Costner) to Javi (Rigo Sanchez) who is driving his daughter in a Quinciniera parade

“”It’s the only way to we go…low and slow” - Javi

·         “We certainly don’t want a fire in this place.  It could cost tens of dollars in damage.” – McFarland High School janitor

·         “Where’s Danny?  He’s slower than 911 to a Mexican’s house.” – Jose Cardenas (Johnny Ortiz)

·         “You think I’m picking on you, Diaz?  Go faster and I’ll pick on someone else.” – Coach White

·         “Congrats, White. They’re treating you like a picker.” - Johnny Sameniego (Hector Duran)

Inspiring lines:

·         “We don’t practice to lose.” – David Diaz (Rafael Martinez)

·         “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight.  It’s the size of the fight in the dog.” – Johnny 

“It depends on the dog.” – Coach White

“Now we know what we didn’t  know.  Let’s hit it again.” - Coach White

Tips for Parents:  This movie can provide a great opportunity to talk to your kids about sports, determination, cultural differences, prejudices, expectations, bullying, and working hard.

Other inspiring Disney sports movies I think you'll enjoy!

                    

3 Days to Kill movie review

Movie Title:   3 Days to Kill

PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes

Grade:   B

In a Nutshell:   I’ve seen this movie a million times.  Of course, I haven’t seen this actual movie before, but it sure felt like it.  It’s pretty formulaic: crusty old international spy…done.  Creepy looking villain who just won’t die…done.  Obligatory car chase scene…done.  Snarky teenage daughter who has a conflicted relationship with her absentee father…done.  Sexy vixen spy who always has a cigarette in her hand and who is too cool and hardened for her young age…done.  Absentee father trying to reconcile with his family….done.  Sweet revenge…done.

Don’t get me wrong.  If you love all that stuff (I do!), you’ll be entertained.  If you’re looking for a fresh story, move on.  Writer Luc Besson can pump out action-thrillers that will help you pass a fun hour and half with a bowl of popcorn, but not deep story lines that will spark a very long dinner conversation.  If you enjoyed his recent flicks The Transporter , Lockout and The Family , then you’ll get a kick out of this one as well.

Uplifting theme:   

• Unfortunately, many people wait until they hear the big “C” word (cancer) from their doctor to start prioritizing what’s truly important in life.  It always comes back to family.  The movie addresses the constant battle to balance work and family life. 
• The father rescues his daughter several times and she rescues him right back.

Things I liked:

•  I loved the daughter’s obnoxious ring tone I Love It (I Don't Care)   I hate that stupid song and thought it fit the bratty daughter’s personality perfectly.
• Cute twin girls.  I have a twin sister!
• The movie takes place in beautiful Paris.  You get to enjoy lots of views of the Eifel Tower.
• The comical relationship between Ethan and Mitat, the father of the twins, who he tries to get information from…professional and parenting information.  I've always enjoyed Kevin Costner who does a great job at playing the straight man with humor.
• Ethan’s wife is beautiful, played by the stunning Connie Nielsen.  She kind of reminds me of Diane Lane, whom I recently met in person!   Below is a terrible picture of me, but isn't she cute?

Things I didn’t like:

•  Kevin Costner’s gravelly voice.  He reminded me of Christian Bale’s voice in Batman's I Love It (I Don't Care) .
• There is a scene were the vixen CIA agent (Amber Heard) and Kevin Costner argue about goatees and young men right after he kills people.  It’s supposed to be witty and charming, but it’s not quite a successful effort.  3 more days on the script could have put together better playful banter for the entire movie.
• It’s silly that an experienced assassin would be flustered by almost anything.
• I hate it when rude teenagers call their dad by their first name in an act of defiance because they don’t think their dad has been a good father.  It’s been done a million times in movies and always bugs me.
• “What kind of kid doesn’t know how to ride a bike?” asks Ethan.  His daughter hurls “The kind of kid who doesn’t have a father to teach her.”  I saw that line coming a million miles away.  Of course she doesn’t know how to dance either, so they share bonding moments riding a bike and learning how to dance.  Cookie-cutter scenes.
• The names of the bad guys aren’t the most original or awe-inspiring: The Wolf and The Albino. 

Funny lines:

•  “Ethan, don’t say anything weird.”  - Daughter says to her dad when she leaves him alone with her boyfriend to talk for a few minutes

Tips for parents:   Decapitation, shooting, torture with some blood.

Tom Clancy fans come out of the shadows to cheer on the new Jack Ryan

Movie Title:  Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:  Tom Clancy fans will love this prequel to the popular Jack Ryan save-the-USA stories.  Chris Pine, with his beautiful blue eyes, joins the club of fantastic leading men who have brought this patriotic character to life: Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, and Ben Affleck.  I would have loved to see some short cameo appearances with those guys!

Sure, the film is formulaic: inexperienced CIA analyst uncovers an attack on the U.S. and is suddenly thrust into operative status as he dodges bullets, guided by a crusty mentor (played by Kevin Costner).  It’s still a fun spy thriller that will get your pulse going as you yell “Hurry!” at the big screen.

Uplifting theme:  Jack is wounded in Afghanistan in the beginning of the film, but finds two unexpected motivations to recuperate: Cathy and protecting his beloved country. I loved the look in his penetrating eye (one was swollen shut) as he was wheeled off on a gurney.  It said so much about how this country felt after the 9/11 attacks. Meaningful motivation can push you beyond what you thought you could do.

Things I liked: Kenneth Branagh directs and plays a vicious Russian in the movie.  He proves he can equally navigate Shakespeare and Thor.  I liked that the setting is modern day and spotlights a very real threat of the collapse of the American dollar.  Jack warns “They’ll call it the American crisis, but after six weeks, they’ll call it what it is…the second Great Depression.”

Things I didn’t like:  I usually like Keira Knightley, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between her and Chris Pine.  She seemed a bit forced with her American accent. There is an obligatory car chase scene and many of the tense moments feature pounding at computer keyboards.  One disjointed scene that annoyed me included a fight scene with Jack and Aleksandr in the water under the streets, but then suddenly they’re exchanging blows in a van moving above-ground.  With all of the recent talk in the news of NSA spying, it’s interesting to see how quickly the field agents can gather intel and act on it.

Funny lines:

• “You weren’t kidding…you ARE in the CIA” states Jack.  William Harper responds “Somebody has to be.”
• “This is geo-politics, not couple’s therapy.” – William Harper
• “You Americans like to think of yourselves as direct, but maybe you’re just rude.” – Viktor Cherevin
• “You Russians like to think of yourselves as poetic, but maybe you’re just touchy.”  - Jack
• “The first night can be brutal.” = Viktor Cherevin after he tries to get Jack killed
• William Harper asks “Any way to get that Boy Scout look off your face?”  Jack laughs “Not a chance.”  Harper responds “Good.  That’s what I like about you.”
• “He drinks, right?” Jack asks.  The response: “Like a Russian.”
• “I’m in the CIA ”  - Jack    SPOILER ALERT:  After surviving a frightening ordeal, Cathy sighs “Thank God.”

Inspiring lines:

• “Wait 2 minutes before you take that” counsels Cathy to her new patient Jack who wants some pain killers.  When he asks “Why?” she inspires “So you know you can.”

Things to look for:

• Read the words on the movie screen when Jack passes the data on to a field agent in the dark movie theater for a symbolic undertone.
• The 360 degree camera pan while Jack is in the taxi after just arriving in Russia.
• The picture hanging in Viktor’s office.  What is it? “Battle Of Bunker Hill ”?  Interesting choice, right?

Tips for parents: One F-bomb, but not that much other profanity.  Lots of bloodless fighting scenes. Jack and Cathy are found in bed for a conversation only.

Add this one to your collection of other fun Jack Ryan movies.  These are some of my favorite movies of all time: