Love Simon is a coming out and coming-of-age dramedy

Movie Title:
  Love, Simon

Grade:   B

Rating: PG-13, 109 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Nick Robinson stars as Simon Spier in this coming-of-age dramedy that shows how difficult it is for a teenager to “come out” and reveal who he really is to his friends and family.  

Add a mystery man and you get an unconventional love story that critics are calling fresh and romantic.

Based on the popular book, the movie adaptation deals with a serious issue in a light-hearted way.  I have a lot of LGBT friends and have tried hard to assure them that they are loved and accepted by me.  Everyone deserves respect and kindness. 

Those who struggle with the same decisions that Simon does in this movie are praising the film for addressing a complicated social issue in a delicate way and giving it the Big Screen attention it deserves. 

Tips for parents: 

• Within minutes of the movie starting, you hear crude language and carefree conversations about sex.
• Profanity, crude language, and one F-bomb
• A black transvestite and a gay boy get bullied.
• Simon’s high school puts on a musical performance of Cabaret.  I remember when I was in high school and our theater director wanted to do that play.  The parents and school district leaders told us to pick another play because they thought it was completely inappropriate and too mature for kids.   What do YOU think?
• Teens laugh at parents who don’t know what the Grindr app is.  (It’s a hook-up app for gay men.)
• It’s a “talking movie,” so young kids might get bored.
• The entire subject matter is mature, so parents need to decide at what age they want their children to be to see this.  It certainly starts a conversation.

Uplifting theme: 

• Tolerance
• “No matter what, announcing who you are to the world is pretty terrifying, because what if the world doesn't like you?” – Simon   - The truth is that we ALL face this same scary challenge, whether we're straight or gay.
• Being brave enough to be who you really are.
• Everyone is battling with their own secrets.  Be gentle with yourself and with others.
• Tolerance goes both ways.We're all on our own journey in life, so it's not helpful to judge or criticize others whose path or values are different from ours. (Some people will simply not want to watch or accept this movie and that's OK too.)             

                                    

Things I liked:

• SPOILER:  Besides a few thug-head jocks in the school, everyone was really accepting of Simon.  I thought Simon’s mom was especially supportive and loving.  There will always be haters, but we live in a more accepting world in many ways.  I absolutely adored the recent movie The Greatest Showman, which also celebrated our differences and tried to show that everyone deserves to be loved.
• One aspect of the movie that I haven’t heard anyone else talk about is how friends and family actually WANT their loved one to come out to them.  One of Simon’s friends feels this way.  I have known that a dear friend of mine is gay for many years, yet he has still not officially come out to me.  He has told others, but not me.  It actually hurts my feelings, because I absolutely adore him and accept him 100% for who he is. 
• Teens will like the intrigue of trying to figure out who the mystery man/love interest is who chats with Simon online.
• Nick Robinson does a really great job.  He doesn't try to make us feel sorry for Simon, but only to relate to him. Simon explains, "I'm just like you."
• There were some home décor things in Simon’s house that I really liked, like the chalkboard walls around his bed, and the cozy kitchen benches.
• I loved Leah’s Papillion dog that she walked down the street, because I have one too!
• I thought it was adorable that Nora (played by Talitha Bateman) was into cooking and that her family showed patience and love while she tried to develop her talent and figure out who she wanted to be too.  Simon wasn’t the only one changing.  A good family is made up of imperfect people who show support while each one tries to stretch and grow.  The family in this movie did exactly that.
• Good soundtrack.

Things I didn’t like:

• The antagonist is goofy and easily dismissed, despite the fact that he could have caused serious trauma or even a suicide.
• Simon is very self-absorbed, like most teenagers, focusing solely on how his life will change when his big secret is revealed.  He never thinks about what his family and friends might go through when he tells them.  
• Lots of jean jackets.  Ha ha
• The teens drink a LOT of coffee.
• I wish there were more focus on the romance and less on the sex.
• Mr. Worth (ironic name, right?) was too much of a cartoon character.

Funny lines:

• “Stop with the Selfies.  You’re not all that.” – Mr. Worth (Tony Hale)
• “I have something more important to say than the ‘National Anthem.’  No offense America.” =  Martin (Logan Miller)

Interesting lines:

• “I’m just like you.” – Simon

                                        

 @trinaboice

Beauty and the Beast brings animation magic to life

Movie Title:
  Beauty and the Beast

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG, 129 minutes

In a Nutshell:  In this lovely Disney re-telling of a tale as old as time, Emma Watson shows us she can sing, dance, and cast a delightful spell on audiences, even when she isn’t playing Hermione Granger.  

Bill Condon (who also directed Dreamgirls and one of the Twilight movies) sticks fairly close to the source material, but adds a few new songs and some new jokes to freshen up the story.

While I enjoyed this new version, I have to admit the 1991 Disney animation did it better.

Uplifting theme: 

• Do not be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within.
• “Don’t be afraid.” - Beast
• Be kind and fearless

Things I liked:

• There are some beautiful set pieces and landscapes that put the make-believe French village and castle in the magic zone. 
• Josh Gad is Disney awesomeness and looks quite comfortable in another musical.
• It’s better in 3D, but not necessary.  (I saw it in both.)
• I love Dan Stevens’ blue eyes.
• I’ve always loved Kevin Kline in anything he does, so I thought his little solo was very touching. “How does a moment last forever? How does a story never die? It's love we must hold on to.”  Celine Dion sings it again at the end of the movie.  More love.  Did you know she won a Grammy for a song she sang with the 1991 animated movie?
• Audra McDonald clearly has the best pipes out of all the singers in the movie.  Did you know she is married to Will Swenson (I thought he was hilarious in Sons of Provo)
• I loved the Beast’s eye makeup in the beginning.
• I thought the tomato soup and rolls that Belle and the Beast ate for lunch looked delicious.  Yeah, of course I would notice the food.
• As an author, I love that books played a prominent role in the movie.  Belle explains that books allow you to escape.  Yes!  (So do movies.)
• Did you notice Belle’s modern earring that she wore on one ear at the ball?
• I thought Belle and the Beast looked good together at the end, like they matched.
• I loved how the rolling credits showed the cast at the end of the movie.
• Emma Thompson is magical in everything she does.
• The sets and costumes are all gorgeous.
• The original composer from the 1991 animation came back to score this film!
• Luke Evans was awesome as Gaston.
• If you loved the original, you'll be glad they didn't change much in this version.
• A lot of critics are bashing Ewan McGregor for his terrible French accent, but I thought it was fine.  I've always really liked him.  I mean, c'mon, he's a Jedi.
• Can't get enough of this movie?  Check out this interesting video that includes 20 secrets about the making of Beauty and the Beast.

Things I didn’t like:

• While I thought the live action remake of Cinderella with Lily James and Cate Blanchett was absolutely fantastic, this new version of Beauty and the Beast is just ok.
• In this new adaptation, the Beast has a magical book that allows you to teleport anywhere.  Awesome, right?  So then, why is the magic mirror still needed?
• While I enjoyed Emma Watson, I’m just wondering why Anna Kendrick wasn’t cast as Belle.  She has a much, much better voice.
• Why is Belle’s skirt always pulled up on the right side?
• It feels like a stage play at times.
• Sometimes the camera moves too fast.  I wanted to see more things slower.
• I wanted the famous ballroom dance scene to be breathtaking, like in the newest Cinderella, but it was underwhelming.
• If you were hoping for a new take on the original story, you might be disappointed, because it is very much the same movie, except with live action.
• I thought Belle was kind of rude when Gaston gave her flowers in the square.

Interesting lines:

• “She hasn’t made a fool of herself just to gain my favor.  What would you call that?” – Gaston (Luke Evans)

“Dignity.” – Le Fou
"It's outrageously attractive, don't you think?" - Gaston

• “Your library makes our small corner of the world feel big.” – Belle
• “People say a lot of things in anger.  It is our choice whether or not to listen.” – Mrs. Pott
• “Can anybody be happy if they’re not free?” – Belle

Funny lines:

• “It’s never going to happen, ladies.” – Le Fou (Josh Gad)
• "You really want to marry into this family?" - Le Fou

Tips for parents: 

• There is a scene with LeFou, Gaston’s sidekick, that has been labeled a “gay moment." Because of it, the movie has already been banned in Malaysia and restricted to viewers over the age of 16 in Russia.  In my opinion, that moment has been blown out of proportion.  In fact, I was able to identify what could be called 3 "gay moments."  I completely understand why parents feel betrayed by Disney, who they look to for "safe" family-friendly entertainment; however, over the years, more and more Disney films have contained potentially offensive material. What are parents to do?  Talk with your children about what you value and why, while teaching them to love others.
• Young girls will notice that only the boys were allowed to go to school and read.  Talk to your daughters about that.  Point out how smart, independent, and capable Belle was because she read and sought knowledge.
• No profanity.  Thank you Disney!
• There are some scenes that might frighten young children, particularly with scary wolves and fighting.

Check out this cool video that BYU's Vocal Point just made with Lexi Walker to honor the wonderful music of Beauty and the Beast! The male dancer in the scene "Tale as Old as Time" was dating my niece. They were both on the award-winning BYU Ballroom dance team together! He's a really great guy.

Moonlight wins Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Drama but I disagree

Movie Title:   MOONLIGHT

Grade:  B

Rating:   R, 110 minutes

In a Nutshell: This intimate coming-of-age film slipped right past most movie-goers, since it didn’t play in a lot of theaters and hardly anyone saw a trailer for it; however, the Golden Globe film committee most definitely noticed it, already naming it “Best Picture - Drama” at the recent awards night. 

Do I think it’s the best picture of 2016?  No, definitely not.  There were quite a few I would put ahead of this one.

Is it a well-done movie?  Yes.  Critics are falling all over themselves about this film, but it’s not for everyone’s taste, nor for fun family viewing. 

Labeled by the studio as “the story of a lifetime,” it’s an Indie film about someone who is often overlooked in society: young, poor, black, and gay.

Uplifting theme: 

• “At some point you gotta decide who for yourself who you gonna be.  Can’t let nobody make that decision for you.” – Juan (Mahershala Ali)
• The influence others have on us and we have on others is incalculable.
• "Who is you?" - Kevin
• We all just want to be loved.

Things I liked:

• Mahershala Ali is excellent as Juan, the drug dealer who shows kindness to Little.
• Fans who fell in love with Janelle Monae in Hidden Figures ( I loved that movie!) will be pleased to see her again in this film.
• Fans of Naomie Harris in Collateral Beauty will enjoy seeing her too, although her character is extremely different than the one she plays next to Will Smith.  She gives an especially impressive performance in this one.
• This is not a film filled with CGI or big explosions, but powerful dialogue.  Even more powerful is what is not said.
• I thought it was interesting that Juan taught Little to never sit with his back against the door.  Tough neighborhood.  Good advice.
• The 3 acts that show us different stages of Chiron’s life blend together seamlessly to paint a portrait of a single identity being created.
• The all black cast gives powerful performances.  
• Alex Hibbert didn’t have to memorize a lot of lines, since he mostly eats and broods as Little.  But those eyes!  All three actors who play Chiron have incredibly expressive eyes: Alex Hibbert, Ashton Sanders, Trevante Rhodes.
• The movie poster is really great.

Things I didn’t like:

•  The music choices were sometimes quite odd.
• People mumble a lot, so it's often hard to understand what characters say.
• You will see a lot of sad, ugly moments.

Interesting lines:

• “You always let them pick on you.” – Kevin (Jaden Piner)

“So, what I gotta do?” – Little

“All you gotta do…show these “Ni***ers you ain’t soft.” - Kevin

“I’m not soft.” - Little

• “I know, I know, but it don’t mean nothing if they don’t know it.” – Kevin
• “You know my rule: it’s all love and pride in my house.” – Teresa
• “S***, I cry so much sometimes I feel like I’m going to turn into liquid.” – Chiron

“And just roll out into the water, right?” – Kevin  (Jharrel Jerome)

Funny lines:

• None.  This was a sad, heart-breaking film.

Tips for parents: 

• Lots of F-bombs and other profanity, including racist and sexist words.
• This is not a “feel” good family movie.  It earned its solid R rating because it features a very harsh family life, drugs, crime, poverty, homosexuality, bullying, profanity and sex.
• There are a couple of awkward, raw sex scenes.

@trinaboice 

Jenny's Wedding feels like a social issue pamphlet

Movie:    Jenny's Wedding

PG-13, 1 hour 35 minutes

Grade:   C

In a Nutshell:   Timed perfectly for the recent Supreme Court decision that makes same sex marriage legal in the United States, this movie features the lovely Katherine Heigl as a lesbian who finally comes out to her family who struggle with who she is and what she wants.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “When you meet the right person, you go the distance.  And let me tell you about the distance.  Everybody changes.  If you’re with the right person, and they change, you meet the right person all over again.” – Eddie

Things I liked:

·         I liked the music by Brian Byrne.

·         The movie showed the pain and hurt that occur in families on both sides of this delicate issue. 

-     Gossip Girl: The Complete Series fans will be happy to see Alexis Bledel, although it may disturb some of them to see their favorite fast-talking teen kissing another woman. 

Things I didn’t like:

·     What bugs me is that religious people are always represented as idiots and bigots in most movies.  Sure, they definitely exist, but any other lifestyle, except a religious one, seems to always be considered "enlightened" in Hollywood.  A lot of the people in Jenny’s life really struggle with her newly exposed self.   That doesn’t mean they’re bad people or close-minded. The LGBT community demands tolerance, yet doesn't give any to those who have other values.   Jenny’s mom uses an analogy with a dance.  She explains that she likes dances with steps that she knows and that she simply doesn’t know the steps to this new dance that her daughter has introduced to her family. 

·         I thought Jenny’s sister is kind of a jerk.  In fact, I wouldn't particularly want to spend time with most of the characters in this movie.  They all seemed so self-centered and were more concerned with what their neighbors thought than showing love and support to one another.  There is so much anger and selfishness in Jenny’s family.  They all say terrible things to each other and only think of themselves.

·         If this is supposed to be a romantic comedy, it didn’t succeed at either one.
-    Jenny's sister, Anne, says "Happy people don't have dead grass", referring to not settling for things that don't make you happy.  I get that, but I also have a problem with that self-centered philosophy.  I mean, marriage is tough and there will be times when you want to walk away, but what about the "in sickness and health" part of the vow?  What good is getting married if you're just going to walk away when it gets hard?

Interesting lines:

·         “Being private isn’t the same thing as lying.” – Rose

·         “All you can do is what you do.” – Eddie    (I disagree.  We can always try to be better.)

·         “It’s bad to want her to be unhappy.”  - Eddie

“Why would we want her to be unhappy?” – Rose

“Because we are.” - Eddie

·         “If you spend your life lying to people about who you are, you never get to know who they really are.” – Denny

Tips for Parents:

*    There is some profanity and lesbian kissing.