I Can Only Imagine tells the inspiring story of the most played Christian song of all time

Movie Title:  
  I Can Only Imagine

Grade:  B

Rating: PG, 1 hour 50 minutes

In a Nutshell: Imagine what it would be like to walk with Jesus.  That’s the crux of the story line of this movie and the best-selling song by the popular Christian band “Mercy Me.”  Timed perfectly for release during the Easter season, its opening weekend earned an impressive 17.1 million dollars, making it Roadside Attractions' biggest box office debut to date.

I Can Only Imagine - The Very Best of MercyMe is the most played Christian song of all time.  Want to talk about the movie or its message?  Go to: www.ChatAboutFaith.com

                                          

Tips for parents: 

• The movie deals with abuse, a delicate, frightening subject for children…and adults.
• No profanity.  Thank you.

Uplifting theme: 

• Hope
• Father/Son relationships
• Forgiveness
• Jesus changes lives.
• Chase your dream.                       

Things I liked:

• First of all, it’s always great to see people in the theater supporting this and other Christian, faith-based films.
• Dennis Quaid’s smile.  Irresistible.  His twins are actually Extras in the movie in the dinner scene.
• It was great to see Cloris Leachman in a movie again!  I’ve always gotten a kick out of her.  I think the first time I ever saw her was when my dad took me to see the movie Young Frankenstein  I loved that she was the one who said, “Mercy me!”
•  J. Michael Finley did a great job.  This was his first movie!
• You get to hear a lot of Mercy Me’s music.
• You get to see Amy Grant.   I’ve always loved her and her music.  I really love what she did for Bart in this movie.
•  You get to see Rick Burgess, and Bill "Bubba" Bussey Jr. playing themselves.
• The Amazing Grace scene was very sweet and powerful.
• The ending concert is very sweet and made me cry.
• Bart makes a cameo appearance as the first DJ to open a CD case of the song at the end of the movie.
• The release of the song was actually on March 16, 3/16, in honor of the most famous Bible verse (John 3:16).
• You get to see footage of the real band "Mercy Me."

Things I didn’t like:

• Lots of terrible Southern accents.
• The kids are cute, but the acting wasn’t very good.
• It was kind of silly to have J. Michael Finley play a teenager in high school; he looked WAY older than any of the other students.  Shaving off that beard could have helped. 

Interesting lines:

• “You didn’t write this song in 10 minutes….it took a lifetime.” – Amy Grant
• “So, we’re still a band?” – Nathan (Mark Furze)

“No, we’re family.” – Bart (J. Michael Finley)

Funny lines:

• “She will not be joining us.” – Bart

“Well ain’t she the smart one.” – Brickell (Trace Adkins)

• “That was Amy Grant.  She talked to me!” – Bart

If you enjoyed the movie, you're going to want to pick this up:

                                                                     

                              

                                                 @trinaboice

Forever My Girl is a sugary flop

Movie Title:    Forever My Girl

Grade:  C-

Rating: PG
 1 hour 48 minutes

In a Nutshell:   This toe-tapping, sugary chick flick is based on a New York Times best-selling novel by Heidi McLaughlin.  Heidi even appears in the funeral scene as an Extra. 


It sure feels like a formulaic Nicholas Spark movie or something you’d see on the Hallmark channel, although it's not nearly as good.

                                                

Tips for parents: 

• No profanity.
• Liam gets drunk.
• Billy informs Liam about all of the dangers of convertibles.  While they’re true, I still drive my convertible and love it.
• Talk of pre-marital relations
• Liam teaches his daughter, “Sometimes you just need to let go and live on the wild side.”  How do you feel about that advice?
• Young rom-com fan girls will probably like the movie.

 Uplifting theme: 

• Your choices will define you.
• Family
• Community
• Loyalty
• Forgiveness                                                                                                                       
  

Things I liked:

• Abby Ryder Fortson, who plays the precocious Billy, is adorable.  She did a really great job, although her lines are much more advanced than what they should be for her age.
• If you liked Jessica Rothe in Happy Death Day, you'll be happy to see a softer side of her in this. 
• The cast includes Alex Roe, John Benjami Hickey, Abby Ryder Forstson, and Judith Hoag, with a special cameo by Travis Tritt, who sings the original song, “Slowin’ Down.”
• The small Louisiana town of St. Augustine is picturesque and charming, but actually filmed in Georgia.  I lived in Alpharetta, Georgia for 15 years!  I absolutely loved the Southern Hospitality and magical fireflies.  What I hated was the humidity and the fire ants!
• I was expecting a slap to the face, but the stomach punch was much better.  Ha ha
•  It was directed by a woman, Bethany Ashton Wolf.
• Country music fans will enjoy the soundtrack.

Things I didn’t like:

• The protagonist, Liam Page (Alex Roe), is not very likable.  He easily gets forgiven for being such a jerk to everyone, not just to Josie.  He never really gives a good reason for humiliating and leaving her on their wedding day.  He clearly has a drinking problem, but it's never addressed in the movie...ever.
• Some pretty terrible Southern accents. 
• Very slow moving.
• What ever happened to the burgers?
• Ultimately, it’s pretty forgettable.
• Yeah, sure, it’s easy to forgive someone who is rich and famous, but what if Liam had become a homeless bum with nothing to offer Josie?  
• Fans of the book may be thrown by the fact that Josie and Liam have a son in the book, but a daughter in the movie.

Funny Lines:

• “I said I wanted to meet him, but I never said I’d be easy on him.” – Billy 

                                                    

                                           

                                           @trinaboice

Pitch Perfect 3 is the swan song of the franchise

Movie Title:  
    Pitch Perfect 3

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 33 minutes

Grade:  C+

In a Nutshell: I admit that Pitch Perfect is one of my guilty pleasures. I’ve seen the first two movies in the Pitch Perfect franchise several times, and so I was really excited and curious to see what was going to happen in this final installment. 

While it was fun to see all of the Barden Bellas together again, their swan song ended on a bit of a low note.

Tips for parents: 

• EXTREMELY crude language.
• LOTS of sex jokes.
• The Bellas are generally NOT good role models for your daughters.  There is a lot of cleavage, foul language, alcohol, an unwed pregnancy, and they say things like, “Let’s get slutty!”

Uplifting theme: 

• “Your real family doesn’t hold you back.  They lift you up.” – Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson)
• “Age wrinkles the body, but quitting wrinkles the soul.” – Aubrey (Anna Camp)
• “I’m part of a group and we all have something special.” - Becca (Anna Kendrick)

                     

Things I liked:

• Great, fun music as always.
• Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson carry the show.
• This time the Bellas go to the south of France.  Ooh la la  They also spend a little bit of time in Spain, where I lived for 2 years.  Woot!
• Finally, Jessica and Ashley get a little more attention.  Ha ha
• If you like DJ Khaled, you’ll get a kick out of his appearance in this movie.  In fact, he plays a big role in the story.
• Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end of the movie.
• SPOILER:  We FINALLY get to meet Aubrey's dad who has all of the crazy sayings.
• A lot of the Bellas experience some kind of final resolution in their lives and stories in the end.
• Hailee Steinfeld and Brittany Snow are delightful as ever.
• John Lithgow was a surprise!  The trailer did a great job of hiding his role in the movie.  He's pretty amazing and can do dramatic roles as equally well as he does comedic ones.  He most recently won an Emmy for his impressive role as Winston Churchill in Crown, the - Season 01 , which my husband and I binge-watched and loved.

Things I didn’t like:

• The final song in the first two movies actually made me tear up with some emotional depth, but this one not so much. It just felt like a fond farewell.
•  If you haven't seen the first two movies in the series, you won't understand a lot of the inside jokes, but you'll still be entertained enough.
• Fat Amy's story gets chaotically crazy.
• If you're not a Pitch Perfect fan, you'll think this is a really dumb movie.  If you are a fan (like me), you'll put up with the nonsense and enjoy the last hurrah.
• Ruby Rose as Calamity is so mesmerizing.  I would love to have seen more of her.

Funny lines:

• “You can go wherever you want!” –  Fat Amy's dad (John Lithgow)

“Urban outfitters?” – Fat Amy

• “When am I ever going to learn to open my mail?” – Fat Amy
• “This is way too much cardio.” – Fat Amy
• “As my dad always says, “Always give 100% unless you’re donating blood or getting a divorce.” – Aubrey  

                                            @trinaboice 

Baby Driver is this summer's surprise blockbuster

Movie Title:  
Baby Driver

Grade:  A

Rating:   R, 113 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This musical masterpiece moves fast and with infectious style.  It’s fresh and furious fun. 

Director Edgar Wright delivers a smart, cool, funny, and brilliant movie.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Everybody wants happiness; nobody wants pain, but you can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”
• “Do you have a lucky soundtrack?” – Buddy (Jon Hamm)
•  Music, sound, language, love

Things I liked:

• The opening sequence was awesome.  Almost immediately after that is another scene that is pure magic while the opening credits roll.  Pay attention to the graffiti on the walls during that scene for some fun Easter eggs.
• The camera work is amazing.  Perfection.
• The talented cast nails it with fantastic acting.  I liked Ansel Elgort in a lot of his former roles in movies, but I really loved him in this one.  He shines, even among greats like Oscar winners Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx.
• I first fell in love with the lovely Lily James in Cinderella. I'll watch any movie with her in it.
• The action sequences are unbelievable.  I caught myself holding my breath several times.  The stunt team deserves an Oscar.
• The soundtrack is awesome, although has a lot of explicit language. Baby Driver (Music from the Motion Picture) [Explicit].  It’s not just great music, but each song serves a purpose for a specific moment in the film.  I loved that the closing song was Simon & Garfunkel’s Baby Driver.  Of course!  I used to listen to that song all of the time growing up.  I thought that album was awesome.
• This film has GOT to be nominated for an Oscar in sound or mixing or something.  It is noticeably excellent.  There are fantastic rhythms and songs constantly…so much so that some people are actually calling this movie a musical. You’ll be humming and tapping your toes the entire time.  This movie will make you want to dance and drive really fast.
• I’ve heard that there was some CGI, but everything looks super real.
• It’s not predictable.  Thank you!
• It’s not a sequel to anything.  Thank you!
• My father-in-law had Tinnitus and now my husband is getting it.  It’s fascinating how sound, music, and language play such an important part in this movie.  My niece married a man who is deaf, so we’ve all been learning sign language.  It’s used in the movie with subtitles.
• You KNOW Mike Meyers/Austin Powers masks are going to do really well in sales now.
• Great transitions and editing.
• Baby and Deborah almost always wear black and white, while the others in the cast wear color, illustrating that their love is timeless and clear.
• Apparently, Jon Hamm’s role was written just for him.  Jamie Foxx said about Jon Hamm, “He’s too handsome.” 

Things I didn’t like:

• I only saw the trailer once.  That goes to show you that marketing doesn’t make a movie great.  This movie is great with very little marketing.
• I wish we could have heard Lily James sing more!  I love her!

• SPOILER: There didn’t seem to be enough substance in the romance for Deborah to make the choices she did.

Funny lines:

• “Am I  being monitored for quality assurance?” – Deborah (Lily James)
• “This here is JD.  He put the invasion in Asian.” – Doc (Kevin Spacey)
• “Not groovy, JD.  Not groovy at all.” – Bats (Jamie Foxx)
• “I got different ipods for different days and moods.” – Baby

“So you’re in a pink and sparkly mood?” – Deborah

“I am now.” – Baby

• “Have we met?” – bad guy

“Are you alive?” – Bats

“Yeah” – bad guy

“Then I guess we haven’t met.” – Bats

• “You rob to support a drug habit.  I do drugs to support a robbing habit.” – Bats
• “Not a chauffeur.  Note.” – Deborah
• “Don’t ever quote lines from Monsters, Inc..  It ticks me off.” - Doc

Tips for parents: 

• LOTS of profanity and F-bombs in word and song.
• LOTS of violence, shooting, gory deaths, blood.
• You find yourself rooting for criminals.
• Derogatory slurs for policemen.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

La La Land has everyone singing its praises

Movie Title:   La La Land

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG-13, 128 minutes

In a Nutshell:  With a theme song that will be stuck in your head for a long time, this unexpected romantic musical feels like one of those magical movies Hollywood use to pump out decades ago.   

Beautifully shot in CinemaScope, it features the glamour, hope, sacrifice, pain, and dreams found in Los Angeles.  

It’s very entertaining and honest, already winning a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy, as well as a big trophy for both of its lead actors: Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling.

Uplifting theme: 

• “People love what other people are passionate about.” - Mia (Emma Stone)
• Here’s to the ones who dream…
• “You gotta give this everything you got.” - Sebastian (Ryan Gosling)

Things I liked:

• Emma Stone’s face can show a thousand different expressions.  She is so charming that you just can't keep your eyes off of her in every scene.
• It’s fun to hear some good jazz.  Sebastian explains, "You can’t just hear it; you have to see it.” 
• I know they must be partially or even completely manufactured, but I loved all the pretty LA sunsets. 
• Ryan Gosling.  Good on you.  He can do it all.  He actually learned how to play the piano for this movie.  
• Ryan and Emma Stone have great chemistry.  This is not their first movie together.
• I love the scene where they hold hands for the first time.  I remember those breath-taking moves from dates gone by.
• It's really such a breath of fresh air. Keep those musicals coming.
• John Legend!
• Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Damien Chazelle.  Nice job!
• I liked how the movie announced the seasons, reminding us how the seasons of our life come and go.
• This film reminded me of last year’s film Cafe Society that makes you ache with love, regret, and longing.
• Is this film a love letter to Los Angeles or Hollywood or being passionate about your dreams? Or maybe all three?
• The musical numbers easily blend into the traditional storytelling.
• The sequence at the end was done so well.
• I didn't expect to see J.K. Simmons in a musical!
• Mia and Sebastian go to the famous Griffith Observatory with a little nod to James Dean. Put it on your bucket list.  It has one of the best views of La La Land...I mean Los Angeles and Hollywood.
• It's clever that there are 2 story lines...2 paths that could have been.  In La La Land a/k/a Hollywood, movies end with "happily ever after", but in real life...not so much.  So, which story did YOU think was the REAL movie?

Things I didn’t like:

• I love Emma Stone, but I’m just wondering how much more fantastic this could have been with Anna Kendrick in the female lead role?  Maybe match her up again with Justin Timberlake like when they were together in Trolls?  Wow, can you imagine how great the soundtrack would have been?  As it is, Emma and Ryan aren't what I would call "powerful" singers.  If Director Chazelle was going for "sweet and simple", then he nailed it.  Some say that the "not perfect" singing was part of the point of the movie...everyone, even everyday people can make their dreams come true.  What do YOU think?
• That string of hair that constantly droops in Sebastian's face.
• The sound isn’t always quite in sync with the lips.
• It was funny, but also super annoying how Sebastian would honk loud and hard when he went to Mia's house and pick her up. Really?  Be a gentleman and go to the door, Bud.
• It conjured up images of great dance numbers with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, although not nearly as good.

Interesting lines:

• “Why don’t you want to do it anymore?” – Sebastian

“Because I think it hurts a little too much.” – Mia 

Funny lines:

• “This idea that we’re re-imagining Godilocks and the three bears from the perspective of the bears…it could be like a franchise.  There’s a lot we don’t know.  There could be 4 bears.  We don’t know.” – Carlo (the real screenwriter Jason Fuchs)
• “It’s pretty strange that we keep running into each other.” – Mia

“It IS strange.  Maybe it means something.” – Sebastian

“I doubt it.” – Mia

“Yeah, I don’t think so.” – Sebastian

• “You’re a real…um….what’s the word I’m looking for?” – Mia

“Knight in shining armor.” – Sebastian

“Weirdo…that was the word.” – Mia

Did you catch all of the Easter Eggs and tributes to other movies?
* The opening CinemaScope opening gives a tip of the hat to old movies from the 1950's and early 60's.
* Look at all of the pictures hanging in the cafe where Mia works and you'll see a bunch of celebrities eating or cooking food.
* Check out all of the movie posters in Mia's apartment.
* I love Ryan Gosling on the street lamp post ala Singing in the Rain.

• The dance scene on the street at night pays homage to Top Hat with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. 
• Guy and Madeline on a Park bench is represented by a scene where a movie poster rolls by Sebastian and Mia.
• To learn about more, check out this fun video.

Tips for parents: 

• This is pretty safe for all ages, but your daughters will probably enjoy it more than your sons.  It’s a romantic musical after all.
• 1 F-bomb; otherwise, no other profanity. 
• You see a couple living together out of wedlock.
• Mia flips someone the bird (the middle finger).
• Plan on listening to your kids sing these songs over and over again.

@trinaboice 

Sing has lots of toe-tapping heart and humor

Movie Title:   Sing

  

Grade:  A

Rating:  PG, 108 minutes

In a Nutshell:   All creatures great and small will really enjoy this delightful musical journey brought to us by the clever creators of Minions and Despicable Me.  

The music is fun and uplifting, the animation is imaginative and ADORABLE, and the story is heartwarming and inspiring.

Uplifting theme: 

• “Dream big dreams!” – Mr. Moon (Matthew McConaughey)
• “Don’t let fear stop you from doing the thing you love.” – Mr. Moon
• “Do what you love to do, then you won’t be afraid, because you’re doing it!” Mr. Moon
• “You know, the one thing that’s good about hitting rock bottom?  The only way is up.” – Mr. Moon

Things I liked:

• There is a lot of good, toe-tapping music that can’t help but make you leave the theater in a good mood, 65 hit songs to be exact.  There’s a nice variety of styles of music too.
• There are so many entertaining animals to see in every frame.
• The main characters are voiced by extremely talented A-List actors, such as Academy Award winners Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and Seth MacFarlane.   
• All of the actors do their own singing!  Tori Kelly, Taron Egerton, and
• Each of the characters struggle in his/her own way, adding several layers to the story.
• The scene where Mr. Moon is at the carwash is HILARIOUS and absolutely adorable.  It’s a scene that will stick with you for a long time.  The audience was howling with laughter.
• You can smell the ending a mile away, but there are a few twists and turns that keep the characters in peril and the audience engaged.
• The talented cast who voiced the characters is an impressive list that includes some names you haven’t seen in some time or ever in animated films, including Laraine Newman, Rhea Perlman, Jennifer Saunders, Nick Offerman, Leslie Jones, and John C. Reilly.

Things I didn’t like:

• There is some really bad behavior from a lot of the characters: Johnny’s dad robs banks; Mike the mouse is a deceitful, cranky bully and con man; Mr. Moon is dishonest and steals things; Eddie is spoiled and lazy. 

Funny lines:

• “Stand back…moody teenager in the way.” – Mike (Seth MacFarlane)
• “You can’t just sing; you have to show the fire and desire!” – Gunter (Nick Kroll)

  

Interesting lines:

• “Wonder and magic don’t come easy.” – Mr. Moon

Tips for parents:   

• It’s a kid’s movie, so yes…there is farting.
• No profanity.
• There are criminal acts by several of the characters.   

Trolls is sugary sweet, colorful fun for all ages

Movie Title:   Trolls

Grade:   A

Rating:  PG, 100 minutes

In a Nutshell:    This sugary sweet DreamWorks movie is like watching a bag of colorful Skittles sing and dance and hug for an hour and a half.  What’s not to like?  

The trolls are way cuter than those dolls that were around when I was a kid.  I mean, one troll poops cupcakes and another one farts glitter.  Totes adorbs.

As the trailer says, this is a “musical adventure that proves one voice can change the world.”  It’s a happy journey, perfect for all ages.  If you’re a cynical adult who hasn’t had children, this movie could be torture for you.

Uplifting theme:  

• Find your happy place.
• “Happiness is inside all of us.  Sometimes you just need someone to help you find it.” – Branch
• “Happiness isn’t something you put inside.  It’s already there.” – Princess Poppy
• “There’s always a bright side.” – Princess Poppy
• Friendship, unity, teamwork, togetherness.  We need each other.

Things I liked:

• This fun flick is filled with toe-tapping music.  There are a lot of familiar songs you can sing along to, as well as some new ones you’ll instantly like.  Some of them have great messages for your kids, like, “I’m not giving up today.  I will get back up again” sung by Anna Kendrick.  The trolls rescue the music and the music rescues them.  Speaking of combining music with animation in the film, Anna Kendrick said in an interview with Regal Theaters, “It just feels like they belong together.”  Anna is precious as Princess Poppy.
• Super colorful.  Even the color combinations are happy.  They use the lack of color to illustrate attitudes and states of mind as well.  It's simple symbolism that children can understand, but it works effectively.
• Cliché’d dance number at the end, but still fun and definitely appropriate for this story.  You'll leave the theater in a good mood.
• I know fanny packs are super dorky, but they sure are practical, right?  I thought it was hilarious that Chef Bergen wore one.  Speaking of Chef, I love Christine Baranski in everything she does.
• I liked that there was a little character named Cooper (played by Ron Runches), because it's my son’s name.  There was a "Jar Jar Binks" aspect about Cooper that was a little annoying, however.
• The animation is really good.  I’ve never seen felt, yarn, glitter, and fabric done so well before!  You really feel like you can reach out and touch them.
• Funny, fat crow.
• If you wondered why Zooey Deschanel was missing for weeks from her starring role in the TV show “New Girl”, you’ll be happy to hear her sing and voice Bridget, the scullery maid.
• Justin Timberlake’s voice is a welcome addition to the animated world.
• Once this movie hits the DVD market (March 2017), parents won’t mind this playing on the TV a hundred times a day.  Well, for a little while at least.
• Scrapbooking! 

  

Things I didn’t like:

• Merchandising for this film seems blatantly obvious, yet even the strongest objectors will probably secretly want to buy one of these adorable trolls.  The whole idea of merchandising these products is ironic, considering the theme of this movie is that you can’t consume happiness.  Ha ha
• The cast is absolutely fantastic.  It’s a shame that so many talented actors only get a short amount of screen/voice time compared to the main leads.  The list includes Gwen Stefani, James Corden, John Cleese, Jeffrey Tambor, Russell Brand, Kunal Nayyar, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
• Not all of the humor works.
• The movie poster could have been way cuter.
• The plot is extremely simple.  Just enjoy the musical ride.

Happy lines:

• “Hug time is all the time.” – Poppy
• “I know life’s not all cupcakes and rainbows, but I’d rather go through life thinking it mostly is.” – Poppy

Funny lines:

• “Solid burn, Branch.” – Poppy
• “Why don’t you scrapbook them to freedom?” – Branch
• “I don’t like the looks of him.  I mean, who wears socks without shoes?” – Branch
• "It has everything we need: fresh air and sweet acoustics!" - King Peppy

Tips for parents:

• Other than the troll who farts cupcakes, there is nothing objectionable about this movie.  Well, you see the rear end of one of the trolls.  ha ha
• No profanity, although one troll says "OMG."
• The monsters are called Bergens, but they’re not super scary.  Young children should be able to watch this movie without getting frightened.
• Talk to your children about what makes them happy and how they can help each other to find joy in everyday life.

Let the merchandising begin!

 

Florence Foster Jenkins reminds us AGAIN why we adore Meryl Streep

Movie Title:   Florence Foster Jenkins

Grade:  B

Rating: PG-13, 110 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This period dramedy spotlights a brilliant and ever talented Meryl Streep, although this film won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.  

I can really relate to Florence, however.  My singing voice is terrible, but I love music.  How wonderful it would be to have something beautiful come out of my mouth when I sing.

Florence Foster Jenkins was an heiress and socialite who desperately wanted to be an opera star, despite her lack of talent.  Those around her sheltered her from the ugly truth, something which is both sweet and irresponsible at the same time.  The dilemma: crush someone’s dreams with a dose of reality or enable their blind delusion by supporting their dream?

Uplifting theme: 

• “Music matters.” – Florence Foster Jenkins
• “Music has been, and is, my life.” – Florence
• Money can buy an awful lot.
• Supportive kindness, friendship, and loyalty.
• Oh, to dream.
• There's more to stardom than talent.  Of course, reality TV has already taught us that.

Things I liked:

• It was fun to watch Florence’s passionate reactions when she listened to music.
• Fans of the Big Bang Theory will get a kick out of Simon Helberg playing pianist Cosme McMoon.  His facial expressions are picture perfect.  His performance exceeds expectations and is sure to secure more spots on the Big Screen.
• Hugh Grant gives a mature and tender performance as Florence’s devoted, yet unfaithful husband, St. Clair Bayfield. I love how he dotes on her, calls her "Bunny", and makes her feel like she is truly loved and treasured.
• Bathtub full of potato salad.  Ha ha
• It’s actually hard to sing badly.  Meryl Streep seems to relish in those moments.  I loved Meryl’s singing at the very end.
• You get to hear the voice of the real Florence during the closing credits, as well as see some pictures of what she looked like.

Things I didn’t like:

• You will hear some truly terrible singing.  It can start to really grate on you and tear you down with weary.
• It’s slow-moving. 
• Such ridiculous excess and self-indulgence.

Interesting lines:

• “The lady is a lesson in fidelity and courage and that’s why we love her.” – Chrisitan McKay (Earl Wilson)
• “Yours is the truest voice I have ever heard.” – St. Clair
• “People may say I couldn’t sing, but no one will say I didn’t sing.” - Florence

Funny lines:

• “The Verdi lunch always begins with a soup.  You know that!  How could we begin the lunch without a soup?  There would be a riot!” - Florence

Tips for parents:   

• Most kids will be insanely bored.
• Some profanity.
• Discussion of infidelity.