Jack Reacher struts macho action

Movie Title:   Jack Reacher Never Go Back

Grade:   B

Rating: PG-13, 118 minutes

In a Nutshell:  My husband really liked the first Jack Reacher movie, so he was looking forward to this sequel.  It’s definitely a “man’s movie” with lots of fighting, chase scenes, and military machismo.

Director Edward Zwick and Tom Cruise were last paired together in "The Last Samurai."

Uplifting theme: 

• Family first.
• Friendship, loyalty, patriotism, unconditional love.

Things I liked:

• Tom Cruise always gives 100% in all of his movies.  He really sells his stunt work and I like his interpretation of the Jack Reacher character in Lee Child's best selling books.
• Cobie Smulders is really great in this film too.  She looks great and keeps up with Tom’s physicality.  She has come a long way since the hit TV show "How I Met Your Mother."  It was fun watching their relationship develop as they learned to work together to solve the puzzle that was keeping them running as fugitives.
• We get to see a softer, more personal side of Jack Reacher.
•  Kick-butt fight scenes.  There is nothing mamby pamby about this movie.
• Robert Knepper always does a great job as a bad guy.  I loved/hated him in "Prison Break."
• "Intense retail therapy."    ha ha   (rich girl at the school)

Things I didn’t like:

• Movie reviewers have been critical of how formulaic this action movie is.  Well yeah, it kind of is.
• Some of the scenes take place in New Orleans.  Director Edward Zwick could have really featured its charm, but instead, the location comes off as a frat party.  Wait a second...that IS New Orleans.
•  There are a lot of faceless goons that come out of nowhere that Jack Reacher has to beat up.
• The story is a bit confusing, so don't think about it too much.
• Danika Yarosh's character (Samantha) was super annoying.
• It feels like a long movie.  On the one hand, you feel like you're getting your money's worth.  On the other hand, you kind of want it to end.

Tough guy lines:

• “Who the hell are you?” – bad sheriff (Jason Douglas)

“I’m the guy you didn’t count on.” – Jack Reacher

• “You think you’re above the law, but I’m not the law.  You better star running, because I’m going to start hunting.” – Jack Reacher
• “Two things are going to happen in the next 90 seconds…” – Jack
• "I don't like being followed." - Jack, Samantha
• "Ten minutes is a very long time, as you're about to learn." - General Harkness (Robert Knepper)
• It's time we stop running and start hunting." - Jack

Tough girl lines:

• “Not sure you could handle me.” – Susan Turner (Cobie Smulders)

“I’m not worried.” – Jack

“Worry.  Just a little.” - Susan
*  "I don't want them as bad as you.  I want them more." - Susan

Interesting lines:

• “Some people still wonder why you left.” – Susan

“Let’s just say one day I woke up and the uniform didn’t fit.” - Jack

Funny lines:

• “You have a very interesting way of saying thank you.” – Jack Reacher
•  "This is insane." - Susan
•  "Does this mean dinner's off?" - Jack
• "Why do I feel like you're enjoying this?" - Susan
• "You have a weird way of saying than you." - Susan
• "People talk to me.  It's a thing." - Samantha
• "Never underestimate the charm of a seedy motel." - Jack

Tips for parents:   
* This movie is full of brutal hand-to-hand violence, blood, gore, explosions, guns, and perilous situations.
* There is a scene where you see Cobie Smulders in a bra.
* Lots of profanity.

Own the collection!

 

Max honors military dogs and families

Movie:   Max

PG, 1 hour 51 minutes

Grade:  C+

In a Nutshell:   A Malinois Belgian Shepherd gives a respectable performance as a salute to all of the dogs who have served in the military.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Dogs have been used by the U.S.  military since World War 1.

·         Over 3000 dogs have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

·         26 dogs and 25 handlers have been killed in the service of their country since 2003.  The movie tells you at the end that this film was made in their memory.

Things I liked:

·         It’s absolutely heartbreaking to watch Max sit next to the casket of his fallen trainer, Kyle.

·         The animal training in the film is extremely impressive.  Wow, how do they choreograph the fight scenes?

·         I’ve enjoyed watching Thomas Haden Church in anything ever since I first saw him in that old TV show WINGS - The Complete Series .

·         It’s a needed look at another aspect of war and what grieving families and pets go through.

·         There are a few heartfelt patriotic moments.    The patriotism is extremely sappy and could have
      been done better, but I’m a sucker for the red, white and blue.

Things I didn’t like:

·         I usually like Lauren Graham, but her fake Southern accent was terribly distracting.

·         The movie makes all Mexicans look like total gangsters.
-      Justin’s friend Chuy is a real jerk of a kid.  I wouldn’t want my sons playing with a kid like that.

Funny lines:

  “Yo, we’re cool, but we don’t talk about this.  Never.” – Chuy after he watches his buddy kiss a girl.

          

Interesting lines:

·         “A hero always tells the truth, no matter what other people think of him or what the consequences are.” – Ray Wincott

·         “You’re turning against your race!” – Chuy   (Dejon LaQuake)
-     "Mexican isn't a race, Stupid!" - Carmen

·          

Tips for Parents:

·          Children will enjoy watching the dogs, but might be frightened by the fighting.
-      Some "mild" profanity.
-     Watching the film together as a family should create a good opportunity to talk about the costs of
       war and what things are worth fighting for.

Critics are saying good-bye to Aloha

Movie:    Aloha

PG-13, 1 hour 45 minutes

Grade:  C

In a Nutshell:   The cast is a delight to watch: Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, John Krasinski, Alec Baldwin and Bill Murray.  Unfortunately, this RomCom is just too messy.   Most of the characters will frustrate you, as well as the pacing and transitions.  It’s pretty predictable, but yeah, I’m a sucker…the last scene made me tear up a little anyway.

Uplifting Theme:

·         In the beginning of the movie, a kid who is a Hawaiian myth buff (played by Jaeden Lieberher)  announces the theme by asking Colonel “Fingers”, “Are you aware of the so-called ‘Arrival Myth’?  The calendars all say that this week is the return of the playful Hawaiian god “Lono” and he will wreak havoc in the sky with the fire goddess Pele.”

·         “Nothing’s sacred.  It’s all for sale.” – Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper)

·         Bill Murray’s character explains “The future isn’t just something that happens.  It’s a brutal force with a great sense of humor that’ll steam-roll you if you’re not watching.”

·         Islander purity and folktale vs. big business

Things I liked:

·         The movie starts with the sounds and images of old Hawaii, including cultural and military history.  Throughout the movie you get to hear lots of great Hawaiian music and feel the laid-back attitude of the islanders.

·         Emma Stone’s character describes Bradley Cooper’s character by saying “you look into his eyes and it’s like miles of blue.”  I’m pretty sure a lot of other women would agree.

·         Who doesn’t like Alec Baldwin as a fast-talking general?  I first loved him in a military uniform in The Hunt for Red October

·         The unspoken “conversations” between Brian and Woody weres hilarious and awesome.

·         Watching Emma Stone dance with Bill Murray was both funny and disturbing.  She said “I danced with the devil and I liked it.”

Things I didn’t like:

·         It’s pretty insensitive and inappropriate for a spouse to invite an ex over for dinner, don’t you think?  It’s got to be one of the most awkward positions you can put your spouse in, right?  Rachel McAdams’ character seemed too selfish to me by putting her unfinished, romantic past before the needs and happiness of her marriage and family. Yeah, yeah…there’s that “thing”…NO Spoiler alert.

·         Emma Stone’s character is a little too intense and the performance uneven.

·         It might surprise you to know this mediocre movie was written and directed by Cameron Crowe, who brought us box office hits like Jerry Maguire and Almost Famous

Funny lines:

·         “A double espresso.” – Brian

“Good morning Sir!  I’m so jacked for today!”  - Allison Ng

“Make that a triple.” – Brian

·         “Why is dad in places where the war is supposed to be over?” - Grace

“Oh, I don’t know, Sweetie.  That’s why your mom takes long walks.” – Tracy

·         “You’re a workaholic who creates works to avoid real work.” – Tracy

“Well, I’m still working on that.” – Brian

·         “I don’t hook-up; I get deployed.” – Allison Ng

·         “I’d just rather be alone.  Mostly it’s with guys like me.  I just call them ‘alone- togethers.’” – Allison Ng

·         “Happy holidays Bottom-Feeder.” – General Dixon

Interesting lines:

·         I will tell you this for sure.  In its many forms , I have found that nothing beats fun.” – Brian

“Maybe, purpose.”  - Allison Ng

·         “If we can’t look up and see purity or promise, we are finished.” – Allison Ng

Tips for Parents:

·         Young children will be bored with all of the romantic drama.  Teenage girls will get lost in Bradley Cooper’s eyes and the love triangle.

·         There is very little profanity

·         Pre-marital sex,.  You see people kissing and then later, they're in bed.

Other movies by Cameron Crowe: