Just Getting Started never quite gets started

Movie Title:    JUST GETTING STARTED

Grade:   D

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 31 minutes

In a Nutshell:   With a promising beginning, this lazy comedy just doesn’t get started.   It’s a disappointing waste of talent and time.

Surprisingly, this is the first time that Tommy Lee Jones and Morgan Freeman have worked in a film together.  I love them both.  

The movie features a playful rivalry between the two as they battle it out for the Alpha male position at a retirement village with Rene Russo as the prize.  Morgan Freeman’s character challenges, “You and I…just getting started.”  Their chemistry is good, but the writing is inconsistent in what could be an entertaining war between the two.

The cast includes other delightful, aging actors, but the star power is much greater than the plot and storytelling.  It’s mostly funny for people aged 60 and over.  Make that 70.

Morgan Freeman’s character sums up his goals, philosophy and this movie when he states, “Sex, booze, golf, and then you die.”

 

Uplifting theme: 

• “Happiness is not a condition.  It’s a choice.”  - Duke (Morgan Freeman)
• Friendship

Things I liked:

• Given that everyone in the audience I sat with probably has some cans of Ensure in their kitchen pantry, I think it’s funny that the movie is produced, in part, by Endurance Media.  Ha ha
• Christmas in Palm Springs includes Santa Claus in board shorts and flip flops, Christmas trees on golf carts, and carolers singing to people in hot tubs.
• Fun cameo performance by Johnny Mathis
• A shout-out for the navigator app “Waze.”  I love that app!  When Google’s navigator got me lost in Panama, Waze saved the day.  True story.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s just not that funny.  I was so bored that I kept looking at my watch.  Well, I don’t actually wear a watch, but you know what I mean.
• I was surprised that all of the big name stars in the movie would go for such a dumb script.
• If you want to see a better Morgan Freeman “twilight years” movie, rent The Bucket List
• Lots of pointless, boring scenes.
• Sadly, this is Glenne Headly’s last movie.  She died on June 8, 2017.
• Jane Seymour is such a lovely, graceful beauty, but in this movie she plays an over-the-top mob wife who actually looks old and ridiculous.
• You hear the snotty words “Shut up!” MANY times by quite a few characters.  Once might be funny, but over and over is just sloppy writing and makes all of the characters look equally mean spirited.
• Morgan Freeman’s cronies were played by Joe Pantoliano, George Wallace, and Graham Beckel.  Sadly, their talent didn’t add much to this lame comedy.

Interesting lines:

• “A lot of trees have flaws.  So do people.  You can put the bad side of trees against the wall.  What do you do with people?” – Duke Diver (Morgan Freeman)

“That’s deep.” – Jimmy (Nick Peine)

“Write it down.” - Duke

Funny lines:

• “If she falls for a drunk Santa Claus, I badly misjudged her character.” – Leo (Tommy Lee Jones)
• “I need a cup of coffee.” – Duke

“You need a new liver.” – Leo

• “I’m exploring my feminine side.” - Leo

Tips for parents: 

• Tons of jokes about sex.   
• The trio of old women who are included for comic relief constantly throw themselves at the men and are always seen with a glass of alcohol.  Trio of lushes.  Is that like a gaggle of geese?
• Some profanity, including one F-bomb.
• Guns and shooting
• Kids will probably think it’s stupid and just think it’s a movie of a bunch of “old farts.”  Surprisingly, no one actually farts in the movie.

@trinaboice 

Going In Style showcases 3 legendary actors with charming chemistry

Movie Title:  Going In Style

Grade:  B+

Rating:  PG-13, 97 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Face it, the cast is a bunch of adorable, lovable, and legendary guys: Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin.   They have fantastic chemistry and are the highlight of the film.  They ARE the film.

Going In Style is a remake of the old 1979 movie, yet the story still has relevance.  You’ll be entertained and walk out of the theater with a goofy grin on your face.

Uplifting theme: 

• Life-long friends
• Loyalty, family, friendship
• “One can’t get enough time.” – Joe (Michael Caine)
• “Do you want to drift off into the sunset or go out with a bang?” – Joe
• “There’s always another way.” – Murphy (Peter Serafinowicz

Things I liked:

• Christopher Lloyd has a small role, but he does a great job and steals the scenes he’s in.  I don’t like seeing him get so old, but it happens to all of us.
• We haven’t seen Ann Margaret in a while.  I think the first time I ever saw her in a movie was in Bye Bye Birdie.  I thought she was mesmerizing.  What incredible, long careers all of these actors have had.
• Pie!
• It’s entertaining to see how they mastermind their big crime.  Even funnier is watching them try to steal some groceries to get their feet wet in their new life of crime.  Kids, don't try this!
• Have you noticed that Morgan Freeman has now been in 3 movies with the same theme that he’s dying and now needs to do something crazy?   Check out The Bucket List   and  Last Vegas.   See?   They're both fun flicks too.

Things I didn’t like:

• The movie suggests that all banks are evil and heartless; therefore, it’s OK to commit crime.   It is NOT OK to commit a crime.  When people have nothing to lose, they do bad and/or illegal things.  Having challenges in life still doesn’t give us permission to break the law.
• It’s always a strange sensation when the audience wants the people in the movie to do something bad.  Does that mean we’re living variously through them? Do we want to be able to justify or rationalize our own bad behavior?  What does that say about us? 
• It’s not laugh-out-loud super funny, but it’s still charming.  The older crowd will definitely be laughing the loudest.

Funny lines:

• “This isn’t an admission of guilt.  I’m just tired.” – Albert (Alan Arkin)
• “Take my number.  Things happen.” – Mitzi (Siobhan Fallon Hogan)  My family still imitates her funny accent when she said "sugar water" in Men In Black 

Interesting lines:

• “We’re friends, Willy.  We’re supposed to look out for each other, aren’t we?  Then, let’s do it.” –  Joe (Michael Caine)
• “It’s a culture’s duty to take care of its elderly.” – Jesus (John Ortiz)   

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including one F-bomb
• You might have to tell the kids about who the Rat Pack was.
• Some suggestive material and pre-marital relations.
• Medical marijuana discussion

If you're interested in seeing the original Going in Style (1979) with George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg, you can actually still get it on Amazon!   

@trinaboice 

Newest Ben-Hur movie is half the length of Charlton Heston's Oscar-winning film

Movie Title: Ben Hur

  

Grade:   B-

Rating:  PG-13, 124 minutes

In a Nutshell:   I grew up watching the 1959 Oscar-winning original every Easter when it would play on TV.  

As a Christian, I’m always grateful to see religious-based movies hit the Big Screen.  However, as a Christian, I’m often disappointed.  

While the Charlton Heston adaptation earned 11 Academy Awards, this 6^th version will be mostly forgotten.   Watch the original instead.

Uplifting theme: 

• Redemption.
• Revenge vs. forgiveness
• Mercy vs. justice
• Fear vs. faith
• Kindness vs. brutality

Things I liked:

• This was filmed at the same site in Rome as the 1959 movie.
• Some of the sets were actually very good.
• The Roman ship battle scene was very impressive.  You’ll want to take a deep breath when it’s over.
• The chariot race towards the end was brutal, action-packed, and pretty exciting.
• Cheers to married couple Roma Downey and Mark Burnett who keep trying to bring family-friendly, inspiring movies to Christian audiences.  In fact, this adaptation shows more scenes with Jesus than any other version of Ben-Hur.
• Jack Huston sells us on his character's development.

Things I didn’t like:

• It doesn’t seem to have the same heart and soul as the Charlton Heston version. 
• The first half of the movie was a bit of a snore fest.
• Choppy editing.
• There is a lot of very obvious foreshadowing.
• This remake doesn’t really add anything new or even offer a different perspective to give audiences a reason to watch it.
• A lot of CGI, although it was done well.
• I always feel so sad for the horses in these sandal and sword movies.
• I wanted to cry and really feel something, but the few touching scenes were too rushed.
• Yeow!  Yeow!  Yeow!  Yeow!  (chariot race)
• This remake is half the length of Charlton Heston’s famous film that lasted almost four hours.  Granted, four hours is really too long for a movie (the popcorn only lasts 20 minutes).  I guess you could call this version “efficient.”  
• This movie will give you a headache if you see it in 3D.  2D is perfectly fine and enough.
• When you see Morgan Freeman playing the old sage, you know this movie isn’t going to be offering anything new.  I mean, how many times have we seen him play that role already?  Don’t get me wrong.  I do love him.  But wait, Morgan Freeman in dreadlocks?  That's new.

Interesting lines:

• “What should I do?” – Judah Ben-Hur  (Jack Huston)

“You’ve done enough.  Now pray!” – Naomi (Ayelet Zurer)

• “Love your enemies.” – Jesus (Rodrigo Santoro)

“That’s progressive.” – Judah

“It’s the truth.” – Jesus

• “We don’t kill all Romans.” – girl in tent

“Well, that’s not very comforting to the dead ones.” – Judah

• “You confuse peace with freedom.” – man in tent
• “You should have stayed away.” – Messala (Toby Kebbell)

“You should have killed me.” – Judah Ben-Hur  (Jack Huston)

“I will.” – Messala

  

Tips for parents:   

• Fighting, blood, suffering, drowning, trampling.  In other words, LOTS of violent sequences.
• Some kids just don't like older movies, so this newest version of Ben-Hur will be a nice introduction to this loosely-based Bible story for them.

Now You See Me is mostly smoke and mirrors

Movie Title:     Now You See Me 2

  

Grade:   B

Rating:     PG-13, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell:    I loved the first movie, but this sequel just felt more like smoke and mirrors.   

Uplifting theme: 

•  “Seeing is believing, but is it truth?  It depends on your point of view.” – Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman)

Things I liked:

• Lots of twists and turns.  It’s a fun ride, because you never know what's around the corner.
• Funny sleeping scenes.
• I love all of the cast.  Two Woody Harrelsons?  Twice the fun.
• It's always fun to see places around the world.  They spend some time in London, Macau, and New York.
• SPOILER ALERT: I love it when good "bad guys" outsmart real bad guys.
• Lots of action sequences mixed in with some quick wit.

Things I didn’t like:

•  I should have re-watched the first movie so I could remember how everything left off.  There were a lot of comments made that referred to past events, so if you haven’t seen the first one, you’ll be a bit lost.
• Too many villains.
• Everyone is too cool and slick, coming off as smug characters we have a hard time feeling sorry or concern for.
• Do't get me wrong here...I love all of the actors in the film, but they kind of play the same characters they usually do in almost all of their other movies.  Well, except Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter.  Amirite?  For example, Jesse Eisenburg always plays a fast-talking genius.  Morgan Freeman always plays someone wise and mysterious.  Dave Franco always plays a playboy loose cannon.  Lizzy Caplan always plays a snarky chick.  I'm just sayin...
• A lot of things are just too implausible and ridiculous.  If you think really hard to figure it all out, most of it just doesn't make much sense.  
• Most of the lines sound like scripted performance lines, rather than spontaneous conversations.

Funny lines:

•  “Not Chinese food.  I think here it’s just called food.” - Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson)
• “I want to be completely off the Grid and do you know why?” – (Walter Tressler)    “Yeah, because the Grid is for real humans.” – J. Daniel Atlas  (Jesse Eisenberg)
• “Don’t do anything I would enjoy.” – Merritt McKinney
• “Is that weird to have more hair in your ears than on your head?” – Merritt to his twin brother

Interesting lines:

•   “The eye; it can’t lie, but don’t think for a minute it can’t be lied to.” –  Thaddeus Bradley

• Tips for parents:   

• Someone flips the bird at the camera.
• Some profanity and inappropriate language.

As the characters say, “Didja get all that?”

5 Flights Up features Morgan Freeman warmth and Diane Keaton charm

Movie:   5 Flights Up

PG-13, 1 hour 32 minutes

Grade:  B

In a Nutshell:   Based on the novel Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment, this wry dramedy showcases the charming duo Morgan Freeman and Diane Keaton.

It's a coming-of-age look at life and the crazy things we do to ourselves to find happiness.

Uplifting Theme:

·         No one is promised tomorrow.

·         Take control of your life and create the one you want.
*   Morgan Freeman's character (Alex) explains "Those few days were like one big roller coaster ride, and like most rides, we ended up where we began.  Still, it reminded us of who we are, what we have.  It was worth it if only for that.

Things I liked:

·         Cynthia Nixon (Sex and the City: The Movie) seems right at home as a hard-hitting New York City realtor.
*    I had to laugh at the couple whose day was completely turned around as they got caught up in the real estate frenzy.  Alex asks Ruth "Why are we moving?  What are we chasing?"  I laughed because my husband and I have gone through that too.
*  Of course Diane Keaton wears a hat. Classic Diane Keaton.
*  There is a meager attempt to create a side story of a terrorist in the Big Apple to underline the message about what's truly important in life.
*  I liked looking back at Alex and Ruth in their earlier years, although it made me feel kind of sad, as I'm reminded at how fast time goes by.
*  While the script isn't exactly riveting, Freeman and Keaton successfully add warmth to it.

Things I didn’t like:

·         There are no big surprises in the end.   SPOILER ALERT:  I thought a better ending would have been to show Alex having tea with that little girl he kept running into at Open Houses.
*    The only hint of action is in the news reports...as they report there is no action in the terrorist story.  You have to laugh at the media who can talk for hours about nothing.

Funny lines:

·         “I thought you were watching the news.” – Ruth

“There’s nothing new about it.” – Alex

·         They ought to make it one of the ten plagues: first locusts, then house hunters.  - Alex

Interesting lines:

·         “Who would have thought the whole of my life’s work my whole life’s work is worth less than the room I painted it in?” –  Alex

     

Tips for Parents:

·         Some profanity, including 1 F-bomb.

·         Children will be pretty bored watching old people figure out what to do with their New York City apartment.

If you liked this movie, then you'll probably like:


         


If you loved it, then check out the book:

Dolphin Tale 2 continues the sweet, simple and inspiring story for all ages

Movie Title:    Dolphin Tale 2

PG, 1 hour 47 minutes

Grade: A-

In a Nutshell:   Admit it…the first time you went to Sea World, you wanted to be a marine biologist.  I think every kid has that fantasy at least once, right?  I know I did.  

A few years ago, I checked off one of the MANY items on my Bucket List: to swim with dolphins.  It was as AWESOME as I had imagined it would be.   You’d have to look really good in a wet suit to work at a marine center like that.  Have you ever tried one on?  EESH.  Be prepared for  lowered self-esteem.

If you didn’t see the first Dolphin Tale , you’ll be able to catch up with the story quickly enough.  You’ll probably want to see the first one after you see this one. The most compelling thing about this story is that it’s really true.  It’s such an inspiring story, told in an honest, sweet, and simple way that all ages will be touched.

The audience I joined was filled with young families who clapped at the end of the movie and even wiped away a tear or two.  To learn more about the true story behind both movies, go to www.seewinter.com

Uplifting theme: 

• Young Sawyer, played by Nathan Gamble, says “We don’t know if dolphins feel the same emotions as we do: fear, sadness, joy, but it sure seems like it.”
• Sawyer learns by experience and shares at the end of the movie “Because one door closes and another opens, life is full of possibilities.”
• When trying to decide what to do, Sawyer tells others “I don’t want to look back on this and say we didn’t try.”  That’s great advice for all of us. 

Things I liked:

• The fact that the story is true is what makes it so heart-warming.  While the closing credits ran after the movie ended, the audience was treated to videos of disabled veterans and handicapped children visiting the dolphin center in real life.  The impact that Winter (the disabled dolphin) has had on so many people is so touching.  Winter’s story is one of hope and perseverance and true love.
• It seems like a lot of family movies lately are animated.  It’s refreshing to have a live-action family flick that is wholesome and appropriate for all ages.
• The movie incorporated Bethany Hamilton, the surfer girl from Kauai who survived a shark attack when she was just 13 years old.  You can learn more about her true story in the movie Soul Surfer .  She’s not the most amazing actress, but she’s certainly an inspiring role model.  She also appeared in a Cosimin ad in the rolling stock before the movie began.
• The pelican was adorable.  How did they train the cute creatures in this movie?!
• The sea turtle was even more adorable.  I checked off another item on my Bucket List a few years ago when I got to put rescued baby turtles into the ocean.  Kinda weird that it was on my Bucket List, eh?  Singing with drunk Irishmen in a pub is also on my list.
• I thought it was cute that they frequently showed the camera angle from the dolphins’ perspective during the movie.
• Someone needs to write a book featuring all of the wise things Morgan Freeman has ever said in movies over the years.  He is great at playing the sidekick sage.
• I like watching kids taking responsibility because they want to, not just because they have to.
• I respected the decision the center had to make about whether or not to keep one of the rescued dolphins to be a friend for Winter.  Their motto was "Rescue, Rehab, and Release."  It's tough to fall in love with a creature and then have to say good-bye.

Things I didn’t like:

• The beautiful ocean views reminded me that I live in the middle of the desert in Las Vegas.  Sheesh.  I used to live in gorgeous San Diego near the beach and loved every day I was there.  Hopefully life will take me back there some day.
• I wish Harry Connick Junior could have figured out a way for his character to sing in the movie.
• The movie runs a little slow and it isn’t any big surprise how it’s going to end, but it’s still an enjoyable, gentle journey.  No, it’s not a big action movie with special effects; it’s just a continuation of how the amazing true story continues to inspire. 

Interesting lines:

• Dr. Clay Haskett (Harry Connick Jr.) says “You can’t just throw two dolphins in the water together!”  Um….why not? I thought that was a pretty silly thing to say, considering that’s how they live in the ocean.
• A disabled vet visited the center to see Winter and asked “How come she’s not wearing her rig?”  Sawyer, who was giving him the tour, explained “She’s been kinda down lately.”  The wise grandpa responds “We all get that.”
• “Sometimes you just have to make a decision.” – Lorraine (played by the beautiful Ashley Judd)
• “Sometimes things have to be shaken up before they move ahead.” – Dr. McCarthy

Funny lines:

• “That’s chicks talking trash through the fence.”  - Dr. McCarthy as he listened to the two female dolphins calling to each other

Tips for parents:   This is an extremely safe movie for all ages.  (aaaah)  The movie features a cool adventure program for high school students called “Sea Semester.”  If you’d like to know more, check out www.seasemester.com  and www.sea.edu  

There is a side story of young love, but it doesn’t show anything inappropriate and is very innocent.

If you missed the first part of the story, you can catch it now:

Lucy combines bang bang with Big Bang

Movie Title:  Lucy

Grade:  B+

PG-13 in the U.S.A. or R in Europe

In a Nutshell:   The evolutionary Big Bang theory meets Bang Bang.  As long as you remember that this is a summer popcorn movie and not a documentary, you’ll be fine.  Audiences proved they were more interested in brains than brawn, as Lucy outsold Hercules in box offices around the U.S.A. on opening night.   

Surprisingly, this action thriller is filled with comedic moments.  There are also a lot of bloody, violent ones.  Fans of this spring’s Transcendence movie will enjoy this flick in similar fashion, as both combine elements of science, philosophy, and flying bullets.

Uplifting theme: 

The lights fade and you hear Lucy explain “Life was given to us a billion years ago.  What have we done with it?”  At the end she says “Life was given to us a billion years ago.  Now you know what to do with it.”  (You have to watch the movie to find out and even then, it's not exactly clear…)

Things I liked:

• Scarlett Johansson does a great job effortlessly serving up bullets to the head with cold sass.  Scarlett is great at releasing tears without her voice breaking up or her nose turning red like when I cry.  Not a pretty site (me, not Scarlett).
• I love little details like Lucy’s chipped fingernail polish in the beginning to show how her life was messy and trashy. 
• With a glass of Champagne, Lucy toasts “to knowledge!”  I feel the same way, except with a Virgin Pina Colada in my hand.
• I loved it when Lucy’s eyes changed colors and shimmered.
• 2 Michelangelo/finger of God moments.  You’ll see.
• Who doesn’t love Morgan Freeman?  A friend of mine recently pointed out how President Obama has gone from a Denzel Washington hero to a Morgan Freeman character during his two terms in office.  Interpret that however you want.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s never explained why the other “mules” went straight to the airport, but Lucy was beat up and thrown in jail in Taipei.  Did I miss something?
• I thought it was interesting that the more knowledge Lucy gains, the more robotic and less human she becomes.  I’d like to think that with greater wisdom comes greater compassion and understanding for others…
• Suspend your disbelief and don’t think too logically.   
• Many viewers were surprised by the turn the movie makes in the end.  

Did you know?

• Ever wonder how old Morgan Freeman is?  He’s 77!  A recent video went viral of Morgan Freeman sucking helium with Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show.  Hilarious.   
• The only living being that uses its brain better than us is the dolphin:  20%.
• The drug featured in the film is called CPH4.  They say that pregnant women create it in their 6^th week of pregnancy, but in very tiny amounts.
• The first thing Lucy does when her brain capacity is enhanced is get free of her captors, eat a bunch of food, and then stock up on weapons.  Hmmm….is there a message there?

Interesting lines:

• “With movement, interesting things begin to happen.”  - Professor Norman
• “Humans are more concerned with having than being.”  - Professor Norman
• “For primitive beings like us, the soul purpose is time.” – Professor Norman explains that when the conditions are good, man is in a state of reproduction, but when conditions are not good, self-sufficiency is the key objective.  Later he says, “It’s up to us to take action to go from evolution to revolution.”
• “We never really die.”  - Lucy says as she nears 100% brain capacity. 
• “Time gives legitimacy its existence.”  - Lucy
• “Ignorance brings chaos, not knowledge.”  - Lucy

Funny lines:

• “Did you know that the first woman’s name was Lucy?”  - Richard    (The camera then zooms in on a pre-historic ape trying to drink water out of a pond.)
• “Hablo poco espanol.”  - Lucy
• “If you lost the key, you don’t have to chop off my hand; you can just cut the chain.” – Lucy
• “It’s not dangerous.”  - a bad guy says to Lucy while the tough body guards all around him crouch in fear behind bomb shields.

Tips for parents:  There are images of animals mating and giving birth, as well as some sexual innuendo.  There is a lot of violence with a variety of weapons, blood spurts and puddles, and destructive car crashes.

Interesting facts about your brain:

1. The belief that humans only use 10% of their brains is incorrect. Each part of the brain has a specific function and the average person uses all the various parts of the brain.

2. The brain is the fattiest part of your body by about 60%. 

3. We think about 70,000 thoughts a day.  

4. Most people dream about 4-7 dreams a night. Fifty percent of those dreams are forgotten in the first minutes after waking.  

5. The brain creates 23 watt of electricity while awake, enough to light a light bulb. 

6. The human brain has more 'wrinkles' and crevices than those of other animals. In this way, the brain gets more surface space, while staying at around the same size, and it is part of the reason for our increased intelligence.

Other brainy movies you might like:

Transcendence weighs humanity vs. technology

Movie Title:   Transcendence

PG-13, 1 hour 59 minutes

Grade:  B

In a Nutshell:  This was a really interesting movie about awareness: both computers’ ability to become self-aware, as well as humans’ struggle to truly understand what’s inside each other’s hearts. 

Dr. Will Castor (Johnny Depp) explains in the beginning of the movie at a technology conference: “For one hundred and thirty thousand years, our capacity to reason has remained unchanged.  The combined intellect of the neuroscientists, mathematicians and engineers pales in comparison to the most basic A. I.  Once online, a sentient machine will quickly overcome the limits of biology; in a short time, its analytic power will become greater than the collective intelligence of every person born in the history of the world.  Some scientists refer to this as the Singularity.  I call it Transcendence.”

The film addresses the haunting “unavoidable collision between mankind and technology.” The overall feeling of the movie is, ironically, a bit artificial, but I still enjoyed it.  This is the first directorial effort from Wally Pfister, who is receiving some negative reviews for a few of the film’s clunky issues, but his cinematography experience (The Dark Knight trilogy) shows through and elevates the movie.

Uplifting theme:  The movie tries to preach two simultaneous, yet opposing messages:  Humanity is more important than technology; technology can help us heal the world.  What role should artificial intelligence play in our lives?

Things I liked:

• I adore Paul Bettany in any movie and who can’t say the same thing about Johnny Depp?   My kids laugh that Morgan Freeman is in every movie ever made; sure enough, he’s in this one too. 
• I loved the small twist at the end.  (No spoiler alert) The entire spark that sets off this artificial intelligence conundrum is the perfect love between two imperfect humans.

Things I didn’t like:

• Some of the scenes are ridiculous with plenty of holes and uninspiring dialogue.

Things to notice:

• Preppers will get a kick out of seeing the items listed as being in demand on the store door after all the power goes off the grid. Non-preppers should ask themselves what might happen if there were an EMP or some other trigger that knocked all of our power out and sent us back to the stone age.  What would you do?  How would you live?  What would you value?
• Someone hangs a computer motherboard of sorts on to a dream catcher.

Interesting lines:

• An audience member listening to Dr. Castor’s presentation asks him “You want to create a god?  Your own god?”   Dr. Castor answers “That’s a very good question.  Isn’t that what man has always done?”
• “I don’t want to change the world.  I just want to understand it.”  - Dr. Castor
• They’re short on logic, but there’s no shortage of irony.”  - Dr. Castor
• “The internet was supposed to make the world a smaller place.  It feels smaller without it.”  - Max
• “Artificial intelligence is an unnatural abomination and threat to humanity.” – R.I.F.T.
• Evelyn asks her husband “Where are you going?”  He answers “Everywhere.”
• Dr. Caster says to Evelyn “I can upload you.  I can protect you from them.”  A suspicious Evelyn replies: “I’m not afraid of…them.”
• Evelyn worries about one of her employees who has become “transcended” and asks the anti-technology fanatics who beat him up “What did you do?”  Max responds “We gave him back his mortality.”
• “Human emotion…it can contain illogical conflict.”  - Max

Tips for parents:   

Any parent who has watched their kids get sucked into their cell phones or other electronic devices will question how well technology is serving humanity.  The film has very little bad language, but some violence.  Young children may get bored, but older children could be guided into an interesting conversation about the role technology should play in their lives.  Check out this movie clip to get you started.

Another movie your kids and you might enjoy on this topic is:

The Lego Movie has quick wit, gags and fun for all ages

Movie Title:  The Lego Movie

Grade:  A-

In a Nutshell:  Quick-witted fun for all ages, as well as obvious Lego lovers.  While raising 4 boys, I’ve sucked up my share of miscellaneous Lego pieces on the carpet with my vacuum cleaner over the years, as well as stepped on the sharp plastic corners in the middle of the night one too many times, but I still love Legos.  Actually, the plural of Lego is Lego, so I should change that last sentence, but I won’t because I’m as sassy as the movie.

I lived only a few blocks away from LegoLand in Carlsbad, California for 6 years and even had an annual membership.  That theme park is simply adorable and a truly fun amusement park for the whole family.  One of the things I love about LegoLand is its keen sense of humor and that it doesn’t take itself so seriously.  This movie is exactly that. 

The jokes fly fast and furiously and the story line is surprisingly thought-out with a couple of sweet twists in the end.  It feels like free-flowing play itself with the satisfaction you get after building something well.

The fun flick is filled with tremendous voice talent, including Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, and Chris Pratt.  Shaquille O’Neal plays himself, and Billy Dee Williams revisits his role as Lando in Star Wars.

Uplifting theme:  Like most movies with Morgan Freeman in them, his character says the bulk of the inspiring lines in the film.

• “The only thing you need to be special is to believe that you are.”  - Vitruvius
• “We all have something that makes us something.” – Emmet’s co-worker
• Emmet worries “What do I do?  I don’t have my instructions!” illustrates the importance of imagination and creativity.
• “Believe.  Then you will see everything.”  - Vitruvius
• “You have to embrace what is special about you.”  - Vitruvius

Things I liked:

• I can’t get that “Everything is awesome!” song out of my head
• I love quick wit.  This movie’s jam is quick wit.
• The water in the shower, hot tub bubbles, and ocean white caps were fantastic
• I loved how Emmet did Jumping Jacks
• Frequent use of plastic Lego flames.  It’s amazing how often they were able to use them.
• I thought it was cute how they tied in the use of instructions into the theme of the movie.  Emmet begins showing each step he takes in the morning, as if he’s writing instructions for you to follow.  Later, the good guys create a step-by-step plan to defeat the bad guys, identifying the correct order for you to follow.
• Twist ending

Things I didn’t like:

• No need to pay extra money for 3D.  There is almost too much stimulation and the whole film is a bit manic, similar to Christmas morning when wonderful presents and wrapping paper are strewn everywhere.
• My little kids were too smart to recognize that when everyone gets a trophy for just paying to be on a Little League baseball team, then the trophy isn’t worth anything.  They hated being told “Everyone is special” because that meant to them that nobody was special.  This movie has a bit of that philosophy in it, although it tries to point out that everyone is special for different reasons.
• Cloud Cocoaland?  I thought they could have come up with something more clever than that.

Funny lines: The adults were laughing more than the kids.  Parents won’t have to suffer through this children’s animated movie.  A lot of the humor will go over kids’ heads, and the wit happens so fast that you’re sure to miss some of it too.

• “Come with me if you want to not die.” – Wyldstyle/Lucy
• “Place the thing on the other thing and save the universe.”  - Vitruvius
• “We’ll wing it.  It’s a bat pun.”  -  Batman
• “You don’t know me, but I’m on TV, so you can trust me.” – Wyldstyle/Lucy
• “Let’s take extra care to follow the instructions or you’ll be put to sleep.  And don’t forget Taco Tuesday’s coming next week.”  - President Business
• “I only work in black.  And sometimes very, very dark grey.”  - Batman
• “Okay, I think it got it.  But just in case, say it all over again.  I wasn’t listening.”  - Emmet
• “Do you see the quotations I’m making with my claw hands?”  - Bad cop/good cop
• “Here are your pants.  End of series.”  - Wyldstyle/Lucy as she walks onto the set of the popular TV show “Where are my pants?”
• “Ow!  That is going to start hurting pretty soon.” – Emmet
• “I WILL text you.”  - Batman
• “This has been the greatest almost 15 minutes of my life.”  - Emmet
• “I’m dark and brooding.  Look!  A rainbow!”  - Emmet

Things to look for:  You need to pay attention, because clever gags appear and disappear quickly, along with the rapid-fire wit.  I’ll bet this film will do well with DVD sales, because everyone will want to have the power to hit the pause button on this one. There are too many details to mention.  The Legoland amusement park has a “Minland” in the center of the park that is unbelievably detailed with hidden gems everywhere.  This movie is like that.

• I’ve never seen a surfer Lego dude with flowing, blonde hair!
• Bubbles in the hot tub in The Old West
• Cool Lego dust behind moving cars in the dirt
• Lego smoke blocks from a moving train

Tips for parents:  Relax and rest easy on this one.  All of the profanity includes such lines as “Darn, darn, darny, darn” (Bad cop/good cop) and “Dangit!” (Batman & Wonder Woman).  Pretty nice, right?  Someone calls someone else a “butt”, but there is a surprisingy lack of toilet humor for a kids movie.  Nice, right?  There is a budding romance, but no Lego kissing. Merchandising for this movie is going to be huge.