Acrimony shows you what UNHINGED looks like

Movie Title:      Tyler Perry's Acrimony

Grade:  C

Rating: R, 2 hours

In a Nutshell:  This is a Tyler Perry drama that’s being touted as a psychological thriller.  What they mean is that it features a total psycho.  

The movie trailer is misleading, probably intentionally, to make you think the film is going to go in one direction, but there’s a little switcheroo.

For what it’s worth, the more I thought about the movie, the more I liked it.  There’s a huge paradigm shift that’s pretty clever.  Maybe I’m giving Tyler Perry more credit than he deserves.  Maybe that’s just how I interpreted his intention for the movie.  Either way, it’s not that great of a movie, but it’s an interesting journey.

                            

Tips for parents: 

• Lots of profanity, including MANY F-bombs.
• You see the naked rear of a man several times.
• Sex scene with some skin.   
• You’ll read the definitions of words like acrimony, bewail, deranged, and nexorable.  The best word to describe what you see is UNHINGED.
• Infidelity, adultery, pre-marital relations.
• Serious anger management issues.                                                  

Uplifting theme: 

• Love and infidelity
• Revenge
• Forgiveness, Trust
• Persistence in reaching your dream.

Things I liked:

• Music of Nina Simone Her Greatest Hits.  Robert (Antonio Madison) says, “Her music is like going to church.”
• I like that you don’t know exactly what happens after the movie ends.
• A lot of reviewers on IMDB loved this movie.  A lot of YouTubers hated it.  It goes to show you that movie critics only give THEIR opinion and it should only be taken with a grain a salt.
• I really like Taraji P. Henson.  Unfortunately, she could only do so much with the material she was given in this movie, but she still did a great job.
  
• The film was shot in only 8 days.  Wow, that's impressive.
• Ajiona Alexus played the younger version of Taraji's character, just like in the TV show "Empire."  If you missed it, click here to see the Pilot of that award-winning TV drama.
• Maybe this movie will help young people look for the red flags that often show up in relationships.  When you see them, RUN!

Things I didn’t like:

• I didn’t like either of the main characters.  They both lacked integrity and had anger management issues.
• The acting was over-the-top and mediocre at the same time.
• Lots of screaming, fighting, and profanity.  It was like watching crazy people on Jerry Springer.  I can’t stand that.
• There were some really dumb things that happened.
• The dialogue is often completely ridiculous.
• Sometimes outdoor scenes are filmed on an obvious green screen.  Why wouldn’t the director just film outside?  
• Below is another version of the movie poster.  It came out first and was later replaced by the one above of Taraji Henson.  Maybe Tyler Perry thought it would give away the story too much?

                              

Interesting lines:

• “Have you ever asked me what I wanted?” – Melinda (Taraji P. Henson)
• “You cannot negotiate with crazy.” –  Diana (Crystle Stewart)  Ain't that the truth?!

                                   

              

                                            @trinaboice

Death Wish gets remade with Bruce Willis

Movie Title:      Death Wish

Grade:   B

Rating: R

In a Nutshell:   With all the debate going on about guns and the 2nd Amendment in our America right now, this movie is tricky.  Timing, eh?

It’s all about arming yourself, getting revenge, defending the helpless, and not waiting around for the police to do it.  Liberals are going to really hate this movie and yell louder for more gun control. Conservatives are going to be frightened by all the crime out there and get angry enough to want to kick some bad-guy butt.  Charles Bronson fans may be disappointed that this movie doesn't live up to his original.  Revenge movie lovers are going to get a kick out of it.

I get it.  I feel it.  Sometimes I get so tired of all the scumbag thugs in the world that I want to be a vigilante too.  Obviously, I believe in obeying the law, which includes not taking the law into your own hands.  The truth is I’m not clever enough to outsmart criminals.  I appreciated the fact that there is a healthy debate about vigilante behavior by radio talk show hosts, serving as the movie’s moral compass.  

  

                                             

Tips for parents: 

• Profanity and tons of F-bombs
• Attempted rape with clothes on
• Dying deer gets shot.
• Guns, shootings
• Bloody, gory, violent deaths

Uplifting theme: 

• Consequences
• Family                                                

Things I liked:

• Elisabeth Shue’s biceps looked great.  She looked great.
• The expressions on Paul Kersey's face as he watched the YouTube video someone a witness posted of his first vigilante moment. 
• As much as I love Liam Neeson, I’m glad he wasn’t cast in this one.  I thought Bruce Willis was great.
• Dean Norris as a police detective.  What a stretch.  Ha ha
• There was a surprising amount of humor.
• Cheesy lines before Bruce Willis kills the bad guys.
• It's not a great movie, but if you like to watch a good guy kick bad guy butt, you won't mind too much.
• I like it when men aren't ashamed of being a man and protecting their family.  Our society has emasculated men so much lately that men feel like they have to apologize for their role.

Things I didn’t like:

• Eli Roth usually directs horror films, so it's not surprising that his first action movie has lots of gory deaths.
• The original book and film take place in New York, but this version is in Chicago.  I'm glad Paul Kersey ended up in New York at the end.
• Why do people think they can take what isn’t theirs?  Why are there so many scumbags in the world?

Funny lines:

• “Well, whatever you’re doing, keep it up.” – Dr. Jill Klavens (Wendy Crewson)
•  "Who the #?!@! are you?" - Ice Cream Man (Moe JeudyLamour)                                                                             "Your last customer." - Paul Kersey (Bruce Willis)

Interesting lines:

* “People rely on the police to keep them safe.  That’s the problem.  Police only arrive after the crime has taken place.  That’s like trapping the fox as he’s coming out of the hen house.” –  Ben (Len Cariou) 

• “Law abiding criminals don’t exist.” – Bethany at gun store

Things you can learn:

• Don’t put your home address in your car’s navigator written as “Home.”  
• Don't walk in dark alleys.
• Beef up the security at your house.

Want to watch the original movie?
                         

                                                   

                          

                                         @trinaboice

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri surprises you in every scene

Movie Title:      Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Grade:  A

Rating: R,  115 minutes

In a Nutshell:  From the minute Francis McDormand appears on the screen and starts chewing her fingernails in contemplation, you know you’re seeing an award-winning performance. 

To date, she has been nominated for Best Actress in a dramatic role by the Golden Globes, surely with an Oscar nod to follow.   

Director Martin McDonagh has also been nominated for a Golden Globe and the movie is on the short list for Best Picture.  This movie is that well done.  The movie balances dark humor with tenderness, racism, revenge, and rage, sometimes all in the same scene.

What makes this movie especially impressive to me is its unpredictability.  I see a LOT of movies and can usually guess what’s going to happen.  Not with this film.  Characters made surprising choices and scenes unfolded in ways I never would have imagined.  For me, that’s a delight and why I love movies so much.

                                                           

Tips for parents: 

• TONS of profanity.  Soooo many F-bombs.
• Use of the “N” word and lots of other racial slurs.
• Disrespectful talk of homosexuality 
• Talk of civil rights
• Talk of rape and abuse
• Robbie talks so disrespectfully to his mom all the time and uses extremely ugly language about her.
• Someone commits suicide.
• Lowest body count (2) in a Martin McDonagh film.
• Very strong, tough female lead. She basically stands up alone for what she believes against an entire town.

Uplifting theme: 

• Life, death, and everything in between
• Parenting decisions, family
• Choices and consequences
• “Hate never solved nothing.” – Woody
• “Anger begets greater anger.” – ex husband
• Hope
• Justice, revenge

                                                     

Things I liked:

• Francis McDormand is amazing as always.  She thought she was too old for the role and initially declined, but her husband said, “Shut up and do it.”   
• Entertaining conversations.
• Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell are extremely entertaining, as always, and the entire cast knocks it out of the park.
• While the movie title suggests that it was filmed in Ebbing, Missouri, the location was actually Sylva, North Caroline, where my mother was born!  I read that the production staff welcomed the locals in Sylva to watch the filming.  After a scene was shot, the actors would sign autographs.  Woody Harrelson gave an impromptu guitar performance.
• Pay attention to books people read and TV shows that people watch.  They actually have meaning to what the characters’ motivations are.  I love that
• Many of the characters have arc, which is what you want to see in a movie.  There is personal growth and understanding, which gives the film depth and meaning.
• I first noticed Zeljko Ivanek in the popular TV show Madam Secretary: Season 1 and have liked him ever since.

Things I didn’t like:

• I couldn’t quite figure out what kind of accent Abbie Cornish was going for.
• The excessive profanity is tiresome (for me), although appropriate for the film.
• The ignorant racism towards African Americans and bullying of a gay man is jolting.

Funny lines:

• “I don’t know what the compensation scheme is before you throw a guy out a window, Ma. I guess I shoulda looked into that beforehand.  I should Google it.” – Officer Jason Dixon (Sam Rockwell)
• “Do you think I care about dentists?  Nobody cares about dentists.” – Sheriff Bill Wiloughby (Woody Harrelson)

Interesting lines:

• “You aren’t trying to get me to believe in reincarnation or something are you, cuz you’re pretty, but you ain’t her.” – Mildred Hayes (Frances McDormand)

                                              @trinaboice 

Going In Style showcases 3 legendary actors with charming chemistry

Movie Title:  Going In Style

Grade:  B+

Rating:  PG-13, 97 minutes

In a Nutshell:  Face it, the cast is a bunch of adorable, lovable, and legendary guys: Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine and Alan Arkin.   They have fantastic chemistry and are the highlight of the film.  They ARE the film.

Going In Style is a remake of the old 1979 movie, yet the story still has relevance.  You’ll be entertained and walk out of the theater with a goofy grin on your face.

Uplifting theme: 

• Life-long friends
• Loyalty, family, friendship
• “One can’t get enough time.” – Joe (Michael Caine)
• “Do you want to drift off into the sunset or go out with a bang?” – Joe
• “There’s always another way.” – Murphy (Peter Serafinowicz

Things I liked:

• Christopher Lloyd has a small role, but he does a great job and steals the scenes he’s in.  I don’t like seeing him get so old, but it happens to all of us.
• We haven’t seen Ann Margaret in a while.  I think the first time I ever saw her in a movie was in Bye Bye Birdie.  I thought she was mesmerizing.  What incredible, long careers all of these actors have had.
• Pie!
• It’s entertaining to see how they mastermind their big crime.  Even funnier is watching them try to steal some groceries to get their feet wet in their new life of crime.  Kids, don't try this!
• Have you noticed that Morgan Freeman has now been in 3 movies with the same theme that he’s dying and now needs to do something crazy?   Check out The Bucket List   and  Last Vegas.   See?   They're both fun flicks too.

Things I didn’t like:

• The movie suggests that all banks are evil and heartless; therefore, it’s OK to commit crime.   It is NOT OK to commit a crime.  When people have nothing to lose, they do bad and/or illegal things.  Having challenges in life still doesn’t give us permission to break the law.
• It’s always a strange sensation when the audience wants the people in the movie to do something bad.  Does that mean we’re living variously through them? Do we want to be able to justify or rationalize our own bad behavior?  What does that say about us? 
• It’s not laugh-out-loud super funny, but it’s still charming.  The older crowd will definitely be laughing the loudest.

Funny lines:

• “This isn’t an admission of guilt.  I’m just tired.” – Albert (Alan Arkin)
• “Take my number.  Things happen.” – Mitzi (Siobhan Fallon Hogan)  My family still imitates her funny accent when she said "sugar water" in Men In Black 

Interesting lines:

• “We’re friends, Willy.  We’re supposed to look out for each other, aren’t we?  Then, let’s do it.” –  Joe (Michael Caine)
• “It’s a culture’s duty to take care of its elderly.” – Jesus (John Ortiz)   

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including one F-bomb
• You might have to tell the kids about who the Rat Pack was.
• Some suggestive material and pre-marital relations.
• Medical marijuana discussion

If you're interested in seeing the original Going in Style (1979) with George Burns, Art Carney, and Lee Strasberg, you can actually still get it on Amazon!   

@trinaboice 

Newest Ben-Hur movie is half the length of Charlton Heston's Oscar-winning film

Movie Title: Ben Hur

  

Grade:   B-

Rating:  PG-13, 124 minutes

In a Nutshell:   I grew up watching the 1959 Oscar-winning original every Easter when it would play on TV.  

As a Christian, I’m always grateful to see religious-based movies hit the Big Screen.  However, as a Christian, I’m often disappointed.  

While the Charlton Heston adaptation earned 11 Academy Awards, this 6^th version will be mostly forgotten.   Watch the original instead.

Uplifting theme: 

• Redemption.
• Revenge vs. forgiveness
• Mercy vs. justice
• Fear vs. faith
• Kindness vs. brutality

Things I liked:

• This was filmed at the same site in Rome as the 1959 movie.
• Some of the sets were actually very good.
• The Roman ship battle scene was very impressive.  You’ll want to take a deep breath when it’s over.
• The chariot race towards the end was brutal, action-packed, and pretty exciting.
• Cheers to married couple Roma Downey and Mark Burnett who keep trying to bring family-friendly, inspiring movies to Christian audiences.  In fact, this adaptation shows more scenes with Jesus than any other version of Ben-Hur.
• Jack Huston sells us on his character's development.

Things I didn’t like:

• It doesn’t seem to have the same heart and soul as the Charlton Heston version. 
• The first half of the movie was a bit of a snore fest.
• Choppy editing.
• There is a lot of very obvious foreshadowing.
• This remake doesn’t really add anything new or even offer a different perspective to give audiences a reason to watch it.
• A lot of CGI, although it was done well.
• I always feel so sad for the horses in these sandal and sword movies.
• I wanted to cry and really feel something, but the few touching scenes were too rushed.
• Yeow!  Yeow!  Yeow!  Yeow!  (chariot race)
• This remake is half the length of Charlton Heston’s famous film that lasted almost four hours.  Granted, four hours is really too long for a movie (the popcorn only lasts 20 minutes).  I guess you could call this version “efficient.”  
• This movie will give you a headache if you see it in 3D.  2D is perfectly fine and enough.
• When you see Morgan Freeman playing the old sage, you know this movie isn’t going to be offering anything new.  I mean, how many times have we seen him play that role already?  Don’t get me wrong.  I do love him.  But wait, Morgan Freeman in dreadlocks?  That's new.

Interesting lines:

• “What should I do?” – Judah Ben-Hur  (Jack Huston)

“You’ve done enough.  Now pray!” – Naomi (Ayelet Zurer)

• “Love your enemies.” – Jesus (Rodrigo Santoro)

“That’s progressive.” – Judah

“It’s the truth.” – Jesus

• “We don’t kill all Romans.” – girl in tent

“Well, that’s not very comforting to the dead ones.” – Judah

• “You confuse peace with freedom.” – man in tent
• “You should have stayed away.” – Messala (Toby Kebbell)

“You should have killed me.” – Judah Ben-Hur  (Jack Huston)

“I will.” – Messala

  

Tips for parents:   

• Fighting, blood, suffering, drowning, trampling.  In other words, LOTS of violent sequences.
• Some kids just don't like older movies, so this newest version of Ben-Hur will be a nice introduction to this loosely-based Bible story for them.

Secret In Their Eyes has satisfying and creepy double twist at the end

Movie:    Secret in their Eyes

Rating:    PG-13, 1 hour 51 minutes

Grade:   B-

In a Nutshell:   The source material is an Argentine crime thriller that won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.  (“El Secreto De Sus Ojos”).  Despite its talented cast and Julia Roberts’ stellar performance, this remake isn't as good as the original and probably won’t win any awards.   Joining Roberts is Nicole Kidman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dean Norris, and Alfred Molina.

It’s a disturbing movie that is dark, sad and depressing.  You leave the theater thinking “Ew” and “Oh” and “Ah” all at the same time.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Revenge doesn’t bring peace.

·         Does the end justify the means?
      Blood is thick.  A mother's love is thicker.

·         “Passions are like maps.  Passion always wins.” – Jess

Things I liked:

·         Ray (Chiwetel Ejiofor) tells Jess (Julia Roberts) that she looks like she’s a million years old.  She really does.  You can physically see the weight and pain she has worn for 13 years after her daughter was murdered.   Julia Roberts looks old, tired, and even...dare I say it... average.  Now, that’s good acting by a beautiful actress!

·         Julia’s heart-felt cries at her daughter’s crime scene were extremely believable and compelling.  I could hear soft whimpers and sobs in the audience during that entire emotional unraveling.

·         I love movie titles that make you think, although I think even more could have been done with this one.

·         Did you notice the piano outside the house with drinks on it?  What a fun idea for a night-time party….hard on the piano, though, unless you live in clear skies Los Angles, where the movie takes place.

·         There is some subtle humor that helps cut the tension every now and then.

·         I just taught my college students the word “predilection” the very day I saw this movie in the theater, so I was pleased to hear Jess use it in a sentence.  (Hint:  It means a preference or partiality for something.)

·         Cool camera views over Dodger Stadium. 

·         Good for Chiwetel Ejiofor for having two movies out in theaters at the same time!  (Hint:  The other one is The Martian.)

      SPOILER ALERT:  I love the double twist at the end.  Creepy though, yet satisfying.
      I don't know if it was intentional or not, but the movie poster looks like a woman's view from her burka. There is a Muslim element in the film with the crime scene taking place just outside a mosque and some discussion about the post-9/11 fear towards Islam.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Writer and director Billy Ray thought mixing up the original story would give it a sense of urgency.  Wrong.  The movie lunges from present day back to the past, sometimes making it confusing to keep the timeline straight.  It’s often difficult to find clues to help you quickly ascertain which of the two decades you are seeing, as the background and even clothing are the same.  The result is a messy mix with bad transitions that don’t flow and a confused audience.

·         It’s a bit slow-moving.

Funny lines:  

·         “They teach you some version of ‘Yes, Sir!’ at the Bureau, don’t they?”  - Martin Morales (Alfred Molina)

·         “You really are an idiot….medically.” – Jess

·         “Harvard law doesn’t date community college.  Stop hitting on my new hire.” – Martin Morales

Tips for Parents:

·         This is not a family entertainment film, especially for young children.  The theme is very dark.

·         Some profanity, death, unpleasant images, and violence.

The Perfect Guy is perfectly cliche

Movie:   Perfect Guy, The

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes

Grade:   C-

In a Nutshell:   What is supposed to be a suspenseful revenge thriller is more of a clichéd stalker flick  that you've already seen before.

Sanaa Lathan is beautiful.  So is Morris Chestnut and Michael Ealy.  It’s a troubled trio where the villain goes from hunky date to pyscho, killer in a split second. 

Uplifting Theme:

·         “Life is like a coin.  You can spend it on anything you want, but you can only spend it once.”  - her boss’ grandfather

·          Don't date psychos.

Things I liked:

·         Sanaa has super cute, sexy dresses in a lot of her scenes.  PARENT ALERT:  They all show LOTS of cleavage.

·          I love to see a strong woman kick bad-guy butt.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Call me old-fashioned or a religious freak, but see all the trouble you can avoid if you just don't sleep with people before you're married?
-     There is quite a bit of product placement from companies, which is distracting and doesn't do anything for the story.  I'm not talking about subtle things.  For example, the camera zooms in twice so you can see the Cadillac emblem.

·         Sanaa Lathan’s character plays a successful, smart lobbyist, yet time after time, she makes dumb decisions.  I hate it when a director can’t decide if the protagonist female is a strong woman or a helpless damsel in distress.  Pick one.

·         SPOILER ALERT:  This movie felt an awful lot like this year’s No Good Deed and ends the same way.  You can read my movie review of No Good Deed to see which movie you'd rather watch.

·         Unimaginative dialogue.

          

Tips for guys you can learn from this movie:

1.       Bring your girlfriend’s mother some flowers.  You'll score major points.

2.       Honor your parents’ rules when you’re in their house.  There is a moment when she tries to slip into her new boyfriend's bed in the guest room at her parents’ house, and he says “Take your hussie self back in the hallway and get back into your own bed.”  She acts frustrated, but then you see a pleased look on her face.  Girls really do want a guy who shows respect.

3.       Tell her you love her.

4.        Be persistent.  She asks her mother, “How did you know Daddy was the one?”  Her mother says, “I guess it was his persistence.  He said I was the love of his life and he wouldn’t take for no for an answer.”
5.  By the way, check out my newest book!  It’s all about how women think and how to improve your relationships with them!

   

Stupid lines:

·         “We’ve been dating for years.” – Leah Vaughn

“It’s been a wonderful 2 years.  I don’t want to lose you.” – Dave

My note:  Ummm…..so then, why don’t you marry her already?   And girls, why on earth do you think he's ever going to want to buy the cow when he get the milk for free?

·         “Give me 3 reasons why I shouldn’t buy you a drink.” – Pick=up line in a bar.  So guys, do lines like that really work on girls?

Tips for Parents:

·         Lots of suggestive dancing, sexy kissing, bathroom stall sex, and bedroom scenes with sounds…

·         Violence, terrible deaths, and profanity.

·         A cop tells the heroine to get a shotgun, which could be the start of a conversation about the 2^nd Amendment, as well as how your daughters should protect themselves.