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 

Saturday's Warrior makes a comeback

Movie Title:  Saturday's Warrior

Grade:  B-

Rating:   PG, 119 minutes

In a Nutshell:  I first saw this stage musical when I was a little girl.  I LOVED it and immediately began memorizing all of the songs day in and day out.  It was turned into a schmaltzy movie in 1989, so I was excited to see this new remake, directed by Michael Buster. 

I’ve been a huge fan of the talented Lex de Azevedo for many, many years.  He added 3 new songs to this version, which are great, but also removed some from the original fan favorites.   If you're unfamiliar with this story, know going in that it's super cheesy and melodramatic.  If you're a fan of this Mormon legend, feel free to sing along.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Life on earth is going to be difficult.” – Heavenly guide   (Alex Boye)
• “Truth is truth.” – Mack (Carlton Bluford)
• “Freedom is knowing who you are.” – Pam
• “Nothing is impossible.” – Tod (Mason Davis)
• There is more to this life than what you see. 

Things I liked:

• I got a kick out of the “There” and “Here” clocks in heaven.  
• The “Captain Uchtdorf” announcement at the airport made me laugh out loud.  That was awesome and hilarious.  You gotta be LDS to appreciate that one.
• They did a great job with 70’s costume design and home décor.
• A new song was added when Jimmy’s band, “Warrior”, played for Capitol Records. 
• I liked the new song “There’s Got to be More”.  What a fun addition to include the Piano Guys.  I love those guys.
• I thought Pam (Anna Daines) was lovely and I'd like to see more of her in other movies.  I felt the same way about the actress/singer who performed in the original stage play and soundtrack.
• Julie (Monica Moore Smith) has a really beautiful voice, although she over-acted like she was on a big stage.  
• The ending actually had true emotion, unlike most of the other scenes that felt over-acted.
• Keep watching as the credits roll to see Jimmy sing his version of “There’s Got to be More” with sweet Emily watching from the side.
• Mason Davis, who plays Todd, is also an artist, like his character.  All of the artwork you see Todd make was really made by Mason Davis himself.  He looked like a Ken (Barbie) doll to me.

Things I didn’t like:

• It feels like a stage play.
• It's super corny with very low production value.
• The technical dubbing issues were extremely distracting.   

• You can see what looks like microphone packs on the backs of the performers quite often.
• Non-Mormons won’t get some of the jokes or even the pre-mortal world scenes.
• Why is Emily (Abigail Baugh) in a yellow dress in heaven, while everyone else is wearing white?  She sure is adorable.
• Julie says, “I’m going to miss this beautiful place” while she and Jimmy are standing in a building with old, brick walls.  That line would have been more accurate if they were standing in a beautiful garden or something.
• There is an odd, unexpected, funny “gay” moment during the family’s concert towards the beginning of the movie.
• There are a lot of artificially white teeth.
• What happened to the song “He’s Just A Friend”, “Dear John”, and “Daddy’s Nose”?  Why did they take those songs out of the original?
• While everyone else looked "normal", Jimmy (Kenny Holland) always looked like he had a ton of make-up on. His boy-band nasal voice started to really grate on me.
• I recognize I had very high expectations, but I felt a bit disappointed.

Funny lines:

• “Stake President material for sure.” – Elder Greene (Morgan Gunter)

“Maybe one of my counselors.” – Elder Kestler (Clint Pulver)

Tips for parents: 

• I counted 3 times that people were slapped.
• No profanity.  Thanks Mormons!
• There are a lot of "downer" scenes that make the movie feel pretty heavy.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Life straddles science fiction and horror genres

Movie Title:  Life

Grade:  B+

Rating: R, 103 minutes

In a Nutshell: This is an extremely suspenseful and entertaining film that tries to straddle both the science fiction and horror genres.  

It presents an interesting “what if” scenario that is fairly believable and realistic.

The outstanding cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rebecca Ferguson, Ariyon Bakare, and Olga Dihovichnaya. 

If you can’t get enough of aliens, you’ll be glad to know that Alien Covenant is coming out May 19 in the United States.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Its curiosity outweighs fear.” – Hugh Derry (Ariyon Bakare)
• Life, survival, sacrifice, loyalty, friendship, curiosity

Things I liked:

• The CGI is excellent.  It definitely doesn’t look like they put actors in front of a green screen.  Everything is really believable.
• Named after Calvin Coolidge, the alien first elicits “awww’s” from the audience and then “EEK!”  You get to see plenty of the alien.  My son’s name is also Calvin, named after his grandfather and great-grandfather, who were also aliens.  Just kidding…about the alien part.
• There is an extremely impressive shot that is very long without cuts, showing the space station and the people working inside.
• The book Goodnight Moon book takes on new meaning when read while circling around the moon.
• Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese also wrote Deadpool and were happy to work with Ryan Reynolds again, who has all of the snappy one-liners in the flick. He was going to play the lead character, but his schedule conflicted with his role in the upcoming movie "The Hitman's Bodyguard", so he had to take a supporting role instead.  This is also the second time Ryan Reynolds has worked with Director Daniel Espinosa (Safe House).  By the way, have you seen the special, short clip of Deadpool before the movie Logan plays on screen in theaters?  Hilarious.
• I’m always fascinated with how they make space movies and show actors almost swimming through the space station.  I love it when items float in the air, especially tears.  In the film you often see drops of blood float, symbolism the very essence of life.  By the way, the actors said that the best thing about filming a space movie is wearing a Onesie and socks all day.  ha ha

Things I didn’t like:

• There are some really disgusting moments and super gory deaths that made the audience I sat with groan and moan.
• I really like Jake Gyllenhaal and find him almost mesmerizing to watch in all of his movies, but his character in this film seemed underdeveloped and one dimensional. 
• Rumors have been swirling that this is a prequel for a future marvel "Venom" movie.  Nope.  Not true, although it would be a good back story.

Interesting lines:

• “We’re looking at the first proof of life before earth.” –  Hugh Derry
• “What I feel is not rational.  It’s not scientific.  I feel hate.” – Miranda North (Rebecca Ferguson)
• “No life support, no life.” – Hugh
• “Life’s existence requires destruction.” – Hugh
• “Calvin doesn’t hate us, but he has to kill us in order to survive.” – Hugh
• “I can’t stand what we do to each other down there.” – David Jordan (Jake Gyllenhaal)
• “It’s hard to watch people die…like fireworks.” - David

Funny lines:

• “Woo!  Cue Instagram!” – Rory Adams (Ryan Reynolds)
• “This is some re-animator shxx!” – Rory

“That’s some kind of obscure reference!” – Miranda

“Not if you’re a nerd.” – Rory

• “Control, if you’re listening and I know you are because you’re creepy that way…” – Rory
• “Seriously, that kid had blue eyes.” – Rory
• “It was all going so well.” – Hugh

Tips for parents:

• Profanity, including F-bombs
• Bloody, violent, gruesome deaths.
• The alien itself isn’t that scary looking.  It kind of looks like an octopus in the end.

Fences features incredible performances by Denzel Washington and Viola Davis

Movie Title:  Fences

Grade:  A

Rating: PG-13, 133 minutes

In a Nutshell:  The Pulitzer-winning source material has already earned some awards for literature, on Broadway and now on the Big Screen.  

The book, stage play, and film are all a powerful look at life in the 50’s for African-Americans, as well as the emotional and physical Fences surrounding one family in particular.

Uplifting theme: 

• Family, hard work, love, sacrifice, marriage, forgiveness, respect, duty, guilt, life/death, friendship
• “Some people build fences to keep people out and some people build fences to keep people in.” – Bono (Stephen Henderson)
• “You are responsible for what you do.” - Bono

Things I liked:

• Denzel Washington is truly amazing.  Wow, how many lines did he have to memorize?  Holy moly!  Super impressive.  He needs to start preparing his Oscar acceptance speech right now. He also directed the film.  Well done, Denzel.  Well done.  If you could see me right now, you'd see me give you a standing ovation.
• Viola Davis gives a very strong performance next to Denzel, quite possibly an Oscar performance.
• Troy's speech about death in the beginning was hilarious.
• I love how Rose shows her love by immediately offering everyone food the second they walk in her door.
• Mykelti Williamson is excellent as Gabriel.  His trumpet playing at the end was awesome, although a bit cheesy.  As he said, "That's the way that go."
• The brilliant script has so much flavor that you can almost taste it. The story gets thicker and thicker as the movie goes on.
• I'm sure we'll see a lot more work from Jovan Adepo, who really peaks at the end of the movie as Cory.
• It didn't feel like a play.

Things I didn’t like:

• Audiences unfamiliar with the 1983 August Wilson play need to know that this is not a big action movie.  It’s a “talking” movie with incredible character development.
• This is a long, heart-wrenching movie that will leave you feeling exhausted.  It's not an easy film to watch; it's extremely effective in making you feel uncomfortable with torn emotions.

Interesting lines:

• “There ain’t never been no time called too early.” – Troy (Denzel Washington)
• “Ya gotta take the crookeds with the straights.” - Troy 
• “I didn’t know what I was gonna do, but I knew the time had come to leave my daddy’s house.  Suddenly, the world got big.” – Troy
• “It’s not easy for me to admit I’ve been standing in the same place for 18 years.” - Troy
• "I told ya, a watched pot never boils." - Rose
• "Disrespecting your daddy ain't gonna make you a man, Cory." - Rose

Funny lines:

• About the lottery: “Troy, you know I don’t play foolishly. I just play a nickel here and a nickel there.” – Rose

“That’s two nickels you done throw away.” - Troy

Tips for parents: 

• There are a lot of racist terms like the “N” word, “colored”, “white man”, “crackers”.
• Some profanity.
• This is not a "feel good" movie for children.  There are adult themes with drinking, adultery, crime.

@trinaboice 

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:

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