Flatliners is dead on arrival

Movie Title:  Flatliners

Grade:  D+

Rating: PG-13, 108 minutes

In a Nutshell: I really liked the original Flatliners movie with 1990 Kevin Bacon, so I was interested to see how this remake would compare.   

I was pleased to see Keifer Sutherland appear in this movie, since he was in the original, although his role is much different. 
Speaking of the original, it’s better.

Uplifting theme: 

• I liked the phrase “dialogue of human knowledge” that Kiefer Sutherland’s character talked about.
• Life, death, and somewhere in between.
• Take responsibility for your actions.  The message at the end is explained by one of the characters when she says, "It's not enough to apologize.  We have to face up to what we've done and then forgive ourselves."
• Restitution for wrongs committed in the past.

Things I liked:

• I liked the idea of exploring near death experiences, but the film goes into a jump-scare horror genre, rather than taking a deeper philosophical approach.
• SPOILER:  Ellen Page is fun to watch in anything, so I was surprised that she actually dies half-way through the movie, leaving us with characters that aren’t as interesting.

Things I didn’t like:

·   It tries to be a thriller-horror movie, as well as a medical thriller, but the mixture is very messy and makes the flow of the movie die.

• Stupid sound effects.
• It never explains certain aspects of the plot, like how the med students are able to be physically touched by their hallucinations.  

Tips for parents: 

• Deadly car crash.
• Creepy jumps and scares.
• Med students volunteer to die.  Make sure your kids know that is extremely dangerous and stupid!
• Pre-marital sex.
• A girl flips the bird.
• Some profanity.

Be sure to check out the original Flatliners 

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Love, Kennedy requires a box of tissues when viewing

Movie Title:  Love, Kennedy

Grade:  B

Rating: PG, 92 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Based on a true story, this movie requires a box of tissues when watching.  The touching film will break your heart and fill it with love at the same time.  Written and directed by T.C. Christensen, it’s perfect for LDS families whose faith will be strengthened, but also uplifting and inspiring for those not of the Mormon faith.

 

Uplifting theme: 

• Love one another.
• “God has bigger plans for your family.” - missionary 

Things I liked:

• I love watching Jasen Wade in all of his movies. Partly, I think it’s because I think he’s handsome, but mostly because I think he does a great job evoking real emotion. His acting is believable and flows easily.
• 5 year old Kennedy, played by Scarlett Hazen, is absolutely adorable.
• Teenage Kennedy, played by Tatum Chiniquy, is so pretty with such a gorgeous smile, perfect teeth, and the long, beautiful hair I wish I had.  She did a great job and glows with the beauty from within, which is even better than the outside.
• I was impressed when someone said something unkind about Kennedy and her father patiently explained her illness.  When the person apologized, Kennedy's mom simply said, “That’s OK.  You didn’t know.” Oh, that more people were kind and forgiving like that.
• Kennedy’s little brother’s name is Beau, played by Brennin Williams.  I have a son named Bo, so I immediately liked him.
• I loved seeing pictures and videos of the real people at the end of the movie.  Keep watching during the final rolling credits.
• Many of the scenes were actually filmed in the Hansen family’s real home, as well as other locations where Kennedy’s experiences took place.
• I was impressed that Jason and Heather Hansen's faith never seemed to waiver.  I'm sure that in real life, they often struggled with the unique challenges that their family faced, but they held tightly to each other and their faith, so they were able to bear it all so beautifully.

Things I didn’t like:

• Viewers who aren’t Mormon won’t recognize LDS Primary songs or Book of Mormon stories that are referenced in the film, but they aren’t crucial to understanding the story.
• The movie can get heavy with sad scenes, one after another.  There is an attempt to include some lighter moments, but overall it’s a really sad movie.

·    This will never be a big Hollywood blockbuster, but it’s a touching story that will make you hug those around you a little tighter.

• It feels a little bit more like a loving eulogy than a feature film, but that doesn’t mean it won’t tug at your heart.  It lacks tension and arc that are the time-tested formula for great films; however, this sweet tribute to a remarkable young woman and her family is respectful and inspiring.

Funny lines:

• “Maybe it’s a part of the plan.” – Heather Hansen (Heather Beers)

“I’d like to see a copy of that plan!” – Jason Hansen (Jasen Wade)

• “She thinks she's the best cheerleader in the world.” – Jason

“She is!” – Heather

Interesting lines:

• “Get aggressive!  That’s how we stand up to a bully!” – Jasen

“But Daddy…why not just love her?” – Kennedy

• “Today’s going to be a great day.” – Heather

“It always is.” – Kennedy

• “Can anyone tell me why Kennedy doesn’t have any challenges?” – coach

“Because she doesn’t see them that way.” – cheerleader

• “When you hug her, you can feel the goodness, the beauty she has inside.” – coach          (Wow, I'd love it if people felt that way about me when I hugged them!)

Tips for parents: 

• This movie is 98% sad, so be prepared.  Your teenage daughters will bawl their eyes out.  Your sons will make up some excuse to leave the room.
• To learn more about Batten Disease, go to www.bdsra.org
• If you want to cry some more, check out the book based on the true story  Kennedy's Hugs
• No profanity or objectionable material at all.  Thank you!
• There is, of course, a lot of discussion of death.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Before I Fall is Groundhog Day meets Mean Girls

Movie Title:  Before I Fall

Grade:  B

Rating:  PG-13, 99 minutes

In a Nutshell: Teenage girls.  Squee!  (I’m so glad I have 4 sons.  Translation = no exhausting drama.)  

This is sort of a teenage girl version of  Groundhog Day (one of my all-time favorites.)  Another film that did the repeat-each-day format well was Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow . 

This thought-provoking flick is based on the young-adult novel Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver (2010-03-02).

Uplifting theme: 

• Become who you are.  (on a poster in Kent's bedroom)
• Friendship, kindness, not judging others
• On a bathroom wall at Sam’s school, someone wrote “Only those who attempt the absurd achieve the impossible.”
• “Just focus on that one good thing and you see where it leads you.” – Mrs. Kingston (Jennifer Beals)
• Cherish every day you have.
• “What you do today matters…in the minute and maybe into infinity.” –  Samantha Kingston (Zoey Deutch)
• What do you want to be remembered for?

Things I liked:

• Zoey Deutch is lovely and has a bright future in films if she wants one.  
• Adults will most likely roll their eyes, but for teens who are developing their moral compass, it just might give them pause to reflect on their own behavior and attitudes.
• Teenage girls need to remember that their mothers often have the same insecurities that they do.  It was sweet when Samantha told her mother she thought she was beautiful.
• The English literature teacher (played by Diego Boneta) asks the students if they know what Sisyphus means, but you never get to hear him actually explain it.  It means a difficult or futile endeavor, named after Sisyphus, a son of Aeolus and ruler of Corinth, who was punished for his trickery by being forced by the gods to roll a stone to the top of a slope, only to have it roll back down for eternity.  Samantha has a similar challenge of pushing through some problems that seem to go on forever.
• This is the perfect movie for teenage girls to watch at a slumber party.  They'll all be hugging and crying and vowing to be more kind by the end.
• The movie was filmed in only 24 days, which isn't too surprising, since so many of the scenes are told over and over.
• Halston Sage is the perfect mean girl.  She and Logan Miller were both in Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.   
• The little girl who plays Sam's sister (played by Erica Tremblay) is the real life sister of the little boy who stars in Room (Jacob Tremblay).  They sure look alike!

Things I didn’t like:

• Elody  (Medalion Rahimi) says, “No glove. No love” and hands Samantha a condom since it’s Valentine’s Day.  As a Mormon, I'm very old-fashioned that way.
• Juliet texts and drives. 
• It takes Samantha a very long time before she decides to take bold action.


• Samantha accuses Lindsay of having all kinds of venereal diseases to Lindsay replies, “At least I’m not still a virgin.”  What a ridiculous thing to say, as if being a slut is better than being a virgin?  Our world sure is backwards.
• Why would Sam even want to hang out with such mean girls?  
• It makes me really glad I'm not in high school again.
• There isn’t much humor.
• It's pretty slow-moving.

Interesting lines:

• “If I’m going to relive the same day over and over, I want it to be a worthy day, and not just for me.” – Sam
• “I truly understand how to live this day.” - Sam

Tips for parents: 

• A girl lifts up her shirt to show her bra.
• Discussion of sex and STD’s.
• Some of the teenagers are really mean and bully others.
• Lots of inappropriate behavior.
• Teens drinking alcohol at a party.
• Lots of profanity, including an F-bomb.
• There is a graphic suicide and several bad car crashes. 

@trinaboice 

Manchester by the Sea will break your heart

Movie Title:    Manchester By The Sea

Grade:  B

Rating: R, 135 minutes

In a Nutshell: Casey Affleck delivers a powerful performance, mastering the art of subtlety. 

He recently won "Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama" by the Golden Globes and has been nominated to receive the Best Leading Actor award by the BAFTA Film Awards.  That does no means end the list of awards this film has garnered.

Was it my favorite movie of 2016?  Definitely not.  Does it deserve some awards.  Yup.  I still think Denzel Washington should have won Best Actor for Fences though...

Uplifting theme: 

• Family is everything.
• Guilt, sorrow, grief.
• I've learned in my life that when someone behaves VERY badly and irrationally, I try to give them the benefit of the doubt because I know they are hurting either physically or emotionally.

Things I liked:

• I loved the jazz version of “Oh What A Beautiful Morning” in the bar scene towards the beginning of the movie.
• There is some soft humor to break up the dreary, somber sadness.
• Kyle Chandler gives the best performance I have seen him give.  He usually seems like he's acting, but he felt "real" in this story.
• Michelle Williams was fantastic.  The scene where she runs  into Lee Chandler on the street was breathtaking.  I literally stopped breathing while I watched her.  
• Director and writer Kenneth Lonergan doesn’t talk down to the audience and trusts that you will be able to follow the emotional ride and timeline. 
• You definitely don’t feel like you’re watching a movie, but rather, real life.  It’s almost like you’re a fly on the wall, watching real people go through some pretty terrible trials. 
• I love Matthew Broderick in anything, so even though he has a very small role in this film, it was great to see him.

Things I didn’t like:

• I like movies that allow me to escape the mundane, sadness of the world, but this movie throws you right in the middle of it and assaults you with incredible difficult situations and rough-and-tumble people you wouldn't want to spend a day with.
• There is a lot of bouncing around from past to present.
• No family should have to experience such heartache.
• Some of the music choices seemed mismatched for the scenes.  Most of it sounded like old Catholic music, yet the characters never really embraced their religion to help them through their struggles.  Elise (Gretchen Mol) tried, but was unsuccessful.
• I hate watching “Playas”…slimy, scumbag guys who sleep with a bunch of different girls.  
• How naive can parents be to allow their kid to close and lock their bedroom door with someone of the opposite gender inside?  My dad NEVER allowed that. EVER.

Interesting lines:

• “I can’t beat it.” - Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck)

Funny lines:

• “I think if you’re going to freak out every time you see a frozen chicken, I think we should go to the hospital. I don’t know anything about this.” – Casey
• “What happened to your hand?” – Patrick (Lucas Hedges)

“I cut it.” – Casey

“Oh, for a minute there I didn’t know what happened.” – Patrick

Tips for parents: 

• About a thousand F-bombs and other profanity.
• Pre-marital relations among teenagers.  There is a lot of discussion about it and you see some teens start to take off their clothes.
• People getting drunk and behaving badly.
• This is not a family-friendly movie.  It is a mature character study and look at coping with loss and sorrow.

@trinaboice 

The Book of Love explores love, life, grief, and healing

Movie Title:   The Book of Love

Grade:  C

Rating:  PG-13, 107 minutes

In a Nutshell: Written and directed by Bill Purple, this profanity-laced story is about death, love, insanity, and healing. 

Uplifting theme

• “Try something new.  Be bold.” – Penny  (Jessica Biel)
• “We aren’t supposed to be alone in our journeys, that we need other people to know we’re alive, that we matter.” - The Girl/Oprah  (Maisie Williams)
• “We all need help.” – Henry Hershel (Jason Sudeikis) 
• Accept people for who they are.

Things I liked:

• The Justin Timberlake score was lovely.  That was nice of him to give a boost to his beautiful wife’s film.
• The cast was an interesting mix: Jason Sudeikis, Jessica Biel, Maisie Williams, Mary Steenburgen, Orlando Jones, and Paul Reiser.
• Those jumping fish in Louisiana were pretty cool and they really are real.  You've probably seen the YouTube videos of them.
• My sister's husband died young.  It was painful to watch her go through the process of saying goodbye to a loved one and trying to rebuild a new life.  While the film doesn't necessarily present any new perspectives on death and grieving, it still presents a real journey of sorrow that people can relate to. 

 Things I didn’t like:

• I like Jason Sudeikis in comedies, but he just didn’t dig deeply enough to give the emotional performance this film needed.
• The Southern accents are pretty bad, except for that funny Cajun guy, Pascal, who couldn’t even speak English played by Richard Robichaux.
• Why on earth was Oprah spoon-feeding Henry?  That was a weird scene.  By the way, Oprah Winfrey is NOT in this movie.  The young girl calls herself Oprah.
• I hate it when young kids have such terrible potty mouths.  Game of Thrones: Season 1 Maisie Williams' character was more annoying than charming.
• Henry does some pretty irresponsible things that seemed more stupid than whimsical and bold. 

Interesting lines:

• “There’s an old Japanese proverb: The wounded koi cannot tend to its gills if it seeks solace and diversion of the pleasant seaweed god.” – (Paul Reiser)
• “67% of deaths happen when no one’s looking. What I never could find out is how many people live while nobody’s watching.” – Oprah
• “Haven’t you ever wanted to do something extraordinary?” - Oprah
• “Death ain’t about the people who die anyway.  It’s about the ones who have the s**tluck of having to go on without them.” – Opray
• “Some people try to hold on to the memories.  Others try to forget.  Neither one works.  And after enough time passes by, you find you ain’t the same you used to be.” – Oprah
• “Some things are better when they’re not perfect, you know?” – Oprah
• “Every brave journey is filled with surprises.” – Oprah 

Funny lines:

• “They don’t like it.” – Henry (Jason Sudeikis)

“Worse.  They love it.” – Wendell (Paul Reiser)

• “Whoever heard of a reception without shrimp?” – Julia (Mary Steenburgen)
• “Perverts got mustaches.  Everybody knows that.” – Cornelius Thibadeaux (Orlando Jones) 

Did you know?
*  It was originally titled "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea."
*  It had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival last April, but didn't get released in the United States until this week.

Tips for parents: 

• There are some heavy themes of death, remorse, sorrow, abuse, poverty.
• You see smoking and someone eating marijuana-laced stew.
• Lots of profanity.
• People call each other ugly names.

@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.

A Monster Calls is a stunning, heartbreaking tale

Movie Title:  A Monster Calls

Grade:   A-

Rating:  PG-13, 108 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This beautiful coming-of-age story is a painfully heartbreaking film about letting go of a loved one who is dying.  

My sister’s husband died young from cancer, leaving two children about the same age as the boy in this story.  My tears flowed for their story, as well as the one on the Big Screen.  Take tissues.

Based on the award-winning book by Patrick Ness, the movie deals with aching subjects like grief, bullying, fear, healing, and death.    

With an old, wise tree at the center of the story, this visually stunning film has both gritty bark and emotionally powerful sap.  “How does this story begin? It begins like all stories…with a kid too old to be a boy and too young to be a man…and a nightmare.” – The Monster

Uplifting theme: 

• Life, death, cancer, fear, courage, truth, the monster in all of us
• “Life is always in the eyes.” – Mum (Felicity Jones)
• “You waste the precious time that is given you.” – The Monster (Liam Neeson)
• “It is not important only what you think.  It is important what you do.” – The Monster

Things I liked:

• Felicity Jones has been knocking out movies non-stop the past couple of years.  She always does a great job.
• Lewis MacDougall gives a very strong performance and has a bright future.  He began his acting career in Edinburgh, taking classes on Saturday mornings for fun.  He quickly landed a role in Hugh Jackman’s Pan and has been walking the red carpet with Hollywood greats ever since.
• Who doesn’t love Liam Neeson?  He has a particular set of skills that allow him to voice the monster with the perfect combination of scary gruffness and kind warmth. Did you notice the picture of Liam Neeson on the wall as the grandfather of the little boy at the end of the movie?  Sweet.
• Spanish director J.A. Bayona does an excellent job weaving the illustrations from the book with the screenplay. The fantasy nature of the movie features watercolor animations to create a dream-like state when the Monster tells Conor stories, and adds a blend of pencil drawings to illustrate the boy’s thoughts.  There is a fantastic blurring between reality and fantasy.
• A lot of critics are comparing the tactile metaphors in this movie to the brilliant film Pan's Labyrinth.  The film is insightful and brutally honest.

Things I didn’t like:

• I like Sigourney Weaver.  I really do, but her British accent was HORRIBLE.  Why did she get cast in this movie?  It was so bad that I was annoyed and distracted every time she was in a scene.
• This isn’t a movie you’ll want to watch many times.  It’s emotionally exhausting and painfully sad.

Interesting lines:

• “Many things that are true feel like a cheat.” – The Monster (Liam Neeson)
• “There is not always a good guy, nor is there always a bad one.” – The Monster
• “If no one sees you, are you really there?” – The Monster
• “You were only wishing for an end of your pain.  It’s the most human wish there is.” – The Monster
• “What is a dream, Conor O'Malley, and who is it to say all others are not the dreams?” – The Monster
• “People don’t like what they don’t understand.” – Mum
• “You will tell me your nightmare.  That will be your truth.” – The Monster

Funny lines:

• “Whoa!” – Conor       “Whoa indeed.” – The Monster

Tips for parents:   

• While the movie features a young boy, this isn’t really a children’s “feel good” story.  I think it would be therapeutic to watch, however, for children going through a similar difficult situation so they don’t feel so alone.
• The tree monster is rather scary looking, yet he is also kind.  If you loved Guardians Of The Galaxy (I did!), I guess you could say he is a really intense I AM GROOT on steroids.

Miss You Already celebrates besties and BFF's

Movie Title:    Miss You Already

Grade:  B

Rating:  PG-13, 1 hour 52 minutes

In a Nutshell:    With such a title, you already know how this movie ends. 

It’s a sad journey that will make you laugh and cry, especially if you’ve ever watched someone you love fight the cancer battle. 

Sure, the script is designed to attack your tear ducts, but the target audience (women besties) won’t care.  While new ground isn’t uncovered in this film, it’s a BFF reminder to live with love.

Uplifting theme: 

• A true friend loves and forgives in good times and in bad.
• Life.  It’s precious.  Live it.
• Your loved ones are precious.  Love them every day the very best you can.

Things I liked:

• Toni Collette has lost weight and looks great.  She has come a long way from “Muriel’s Wedding.”  She gives a truly stellar performance.
• Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette have great chemistry together.
• It’s a fairly accurate representation of the emotional and physical ups and downs of going through cancer.
• You get to see some beautiful landscapes of England.
• The baby birth scene was hilarious and beautiful.
• I didn’t recognize Jaqueline Bisset at first as a blonde.  She’s beautiful in any hair color.

Things I didn’t like:

• Milly and Jess had their first kiss at the same time with the same boy. Gross.
• There is a lot of drunk singing, bad behavior, and emotional manipulation of the audience.
• It takes some people longer to grow up and overcome selfishness.

Funny lines:

•  “It’s too late for drugs.”  - Nurse who is helping Jess in the birthing room

“It’s never too late for drugs.” –  Jess

• “I should have called an Uber.” – Miranda
• “How could the tumor have gotten so big?” – Jess

“Because it’s aggressive, like you!” – Milly

• “That was after Milly ate…organic mushrooms.” - Jess

Interesting lines:

• “Try saying no to someone with cancer.” - Jess

Tips for parents:   

• This is a very slow-moving drama that won’t interest most kids.  The subject matter is serious and a wide range of adult behavior is displayed (drinking, adultery, partial nudity, drugs, cancer.)
• Millie has breast cancer, so you see X-rays of her chest, as well as everything else that goes with the topic (discussion, vomit, etc.)
• Some profanity, as well as British profanity  

Maggie isn't your typical zombie movie

Movie:   Maggie

PG-13, 1 hour 35 minutes

Grade:  C

In a Nutshell:   Arnold Schwarzenegger kicking zombie butt….what’s not to like?  Well, it’s not as exciting as that sounds.  In fact, there aren’t very many actual zombies in this post-apocalyptic movie. Instead, the film focuses on what it would be like to watch a loved one slowly “turn”…..slowly being the key word here.  In this version of the popular zombie genre, it takes 4-6 weeks to turn after a bite. The movie is so slow-moving that it might feel like 4-6 weeks.

That being said, there are some poignant moments that make you wonder how you might act in similar situations.
  

Uplifting Theme:

·         Blood is thick, but zombie juices are thicker.  Ha ha

·        Life is made up of moments and memories.

Things I liked:

·        Good on first-time director Henry Hobson for snagging some Hollywood names like Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, and Joely Richardson.

·         Is it terrible to admit I kind of enjoyed watching Maggie’s slow decay into a zombiehood?  The special effects were pretty good.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Not nearly enough zombies.  Have I been watching too much The Walking Dead: Season 1 ?
      There are some really stupid, selfish decisions made that put others at risk.  For example, Maggie’s finger starts to fall off and she drips blood all over the family’s food on the kitchen counter.  Nice, Maggie.

·         A lot of the scenes are really dark, so it’s often hard to see what’s going on.

·         I’ve always really liked Joely Richardson, but her fake Southern accent was unnecessary.

·         The pacing is so slow that there is plenty of time to run to the bathroom without missing anything.  Wait, maybe I should put this point under the "Things I Liked" section...

I was hoping for a bigger payoff...a bigger ending.  Then again, it perfectly matched the tone of the movie.

Tips for Parents:

·         Some profanity.  
*    Some deaths, but not much considering there are zombies around.

Here's another zombie movie that is different from the cliched monster thrillers:

The Fault in Our Stars has very few faults

Movie Title:  The Fault in Our Stars

PG-13, 2 hours 5 minutes

Grade:  A-

In a Nutshell:   I’m going to have to read this book.  The movie is based on the #1 bestselling novel by John Green and only whets your appetite with meaty nuggets of wisdom about life and love.  Get your tissues ready.  The movie starts with Hazel Grace, a teenager who battles every day with lung cancer: “I believe we have a choice in this world about how to tell sad stories.  One the one hand, you can sugar-coat it, the way they do in movies and romance novels for beautiful people to learn beautiful lessons, when nothing’s too messed up that can’t be fixed with an apology or a Peter Gabriel song.  I like that version as much as the next girl does, believe me.  It’s just not the truth.  This is the truth.  Sorry.”

Uplifting theme: 

• They say you can write your own eulogy.  How?  Write what you want to happen in your life and then live it.
• Death is unbearable, but so is living a life without love and less than what you are capable of.
• There is an honesty to the way people with incurable diseases live.  Unlike the rest of us who pretend that we can have as many days and nights as we want, those who stare death in the face every day truly understand the value of time.
• The movie isn’t so much about dying, but living in the face of death and after a loved one dies.

Things I liked:

• As an author myself, I loved the part of the story that features Hazel Grace’s relationship with a writer of a book she is obsessed with.  I love the title of the book “Imperial Affliction” and the fact that the story ends in the middle of a sentence. Hazel says “It’s so truthful.  You just die.  You die in the middle of a sentence.”
• I loved Augustus’ cigarette metaphor: “They don’t kill you unless you light them, and I’ve never lit one.  It’s a metaphor.  See, you put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don’t give it the power to do its killing.  A metaphor.”  Not that I would go so far as to buy cigarettes to put between my lips, but I love the feeling of empowerment and defiance that image evokes.
• I loved seeing the bridges in Amsterdam that Hazel and Gus sailed underneath.  It’s on my Bucket List.
• I thought it was cute that two of the couples in the movie have a word they lovingly repeated to each other like “always” or Hazel and Gus’ “OK.”  One word can say so much.
• I liked Hazel and Gus’ conversation about believing in something after this life.  Gus said he absolutely did…“Otherwise, what’s the point?”
• It’s always great to see Willem Dafoe in anything.
• There is warmth, humor, and honesty in the story-telling.  Cancer weepies can often be too contrived and manipulative, but there is enough snark and wisdom in this film to pull it off.

Things I didn’t like:

• Only in Chick Flicks do teenage boys fall all over themselves to win a girl’s affection.  Guys: take note…it works every time.
• The music tends to cue you on when to cry, but you do it anyway.
• Call me an old fuddy-duddy, but I really hate watching pre-marital sex scenes.  I also hate it when people make fun of well-intentioned Christians, like Hazel and Gus do in their cancer therapy session when their group leader starts singing to give them hope.

Did you know?

• The imaginative playground with the skeleton where Hazel and Gus have a picnic is actually located on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art and is called “Funky Bones.”
• Dozens of web sites have been created by fans who want to continue talking about this book and movie.
• Sheilene Woodley (Hazel Grace) and Ansel Elgort (Augustus) did a fantastic job.  They played brother and sister in Divergent and have great chemistry together.  Sheilene admits they have more of a brother-sister relationship in real life…not romantic.  You can read my movie review about Divergent here.

Interesting lines:

• “That’s the thing about pain: it demands to be felt.”   - Augustus
• “I wouldn’t mind.  It would be my privilege to have my heart broken by you.”  - Augustus
• “I’m a grenade.  One day I’m going to explode and obliterate everything in my wake and I don’t know…It’s just my responsibility to minimize the casualties.”  - Hazel Grace
• “Everything’s coming up Waters.”  - Hazel Grace
• “You two are so adorable.”  - Mom

“We’re just friends.”  - Hazel Grace

 “Well, she is.  I’m not.” – Augustus

• The waiter in the beautiful Amsterdam restaurant asked Hazel Grace and Gus “Do you know what Don Perignon said after he invented champagne?”  “Come quickly!  I’m tasting the stars!”  The waiter then told them“We’ve bottled all the stars for you, my young friends.”
• “I want this Dragon Carrot Risotti to become a person so that I can take it to Vegas and marry it.”  - Gus
• “You’re American.”  - Van Houten’s assistant   

“Incurably so.”  - Author Peter  Van Houten

• “You gave me a forever within a numbered days and, for that, I am eternally grateful.”  - Hazel to Gus
• “If you want the rainbow, you have to deal with the rain.”  - sign that hangs on Gus’ wall at home.
• “Funerals are not for the dead.  They’re for the living.”  - Hazel Grace
• “You don’t get to choose if you get hurt in this world, but you do have a say in who hurts you and I like my choices.”  - Gus
• “I fell in love the way you fall asleep…slowly, then all at once.”  - Hazel
• “Embrace your destiny and leave your mark on the world.”  - Augustus

Funny lines:

• “So yeah, that just happened.  I’ve been trying to tell you… I’m kinda awesome.”  - Augustus
• Hazel, Gus and Isaac egg a house and Hazel says “Guys, I think we should wait until it’s dark.”  Gus reminds her that Isaac is blind and says “It’s all dark to Isaac.” 
• Hazel asks Isaac, who just broke up with his girlfriend, “Do you want to talk about it?”  His honest reply: “No, I just want to cry and play video games.”

Tips for parents:  Pre-marital sex, groping, 1 F-bomb and some other profanity.  The movie creates some good opportunities to talk to your children about:

• Disabilities
• Terminal illness & lung diseases
• Anne Frank
• Amsterdam
• Death
• The Trolley Problem

The rest of the story: This love story has a sad, but romantic real-life ending.  Katie Prager died 5 days after her husband died due to complications from cystic fibrosis and a lung transplant.  She was only 26 years old.  To learn more about the real couple in this movie, watch this video clip from CNN:  http://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peopleandplaces/fault-in-our-stars-wife-dies-5-days-after-husband/vi-BBwv9Nu?ocid=spartanntp