The Post shows that the power of the press is still relevant in a day of fake news

Movie Title:      The Post

Grade:  B+

Rating: PG-13,

In a Nutshell: Spielberg, Hanks, Streep.  Powerhouse combination that reminds us why they’re the masters of their trade. 

Surprisingly, this is the first time all three have worked together on a film. 

Oscar bait?  Yeah, probably.  It has already received several nominations by the Golden Globes and National Board of Review.  Is an Academy Award next?  Probably not.  We’ll see.

                                        

Tips for parents: 

• Children and teens will be bored out of their minds.
• Some profanity.
• As more and more traditional newspapers die a slow death due to the internet, kids might think the film is irrelevant, but there is much to be learned about the Constitution as the Pentagon Papers are introduced to this younger generation.  As talk of “fake news” has become a part of everyday conversation, director Steven Spielberg raced to finish this film with unprecedented speed.  Clearly, he thought the content was extremely relevant.  Spielberg thought it was ironic that the pendulum has swung in journalism from ’71 to ’17.

Uplifting theme: 

• Women in  business.  The film is dedicated to a woman, Nora Ephron, who helped  uncover the Watergate scandal in 1972.
• Freedom of the press vs. government security
• “The Founding Fathers gave the free press the protection it must have to fulfill its essential role in our democracy.  The press was to serve the governed, not the governors.”  Justice Black’s opinion
• Power, politics, truth

                                            

Things I liked:

• I loved how the last scene bleeds into the Watergate scandal.
• Nixon’s actual voice is used when he’s talking from the Oval office.
• Interested in this topic?  You’ll want to see the movie All The President's Men.  In fact, the last scene of this movie is almost shot for shot the same as the first scene in All The President's Men.
• I always get a kick out of Bradley Whitford in everything.
• Usually the comic relief, it was interesting to see David Cross as a serious journalist.

Things I didn’t like:

• The first half of the movie moves very slowly.
• It's a bit heavy-handed.
• It can get confusing with lots of names to try to keep straight.

Funny lines:

• “It must be precious cargo.” – Flight attendant

“Yeah.  It’s just government secrets.” – Bob Odenkirk (Howard Simons)

Interesting lines:

• “The only way to protect the right to publish is to publish.” – Ben Bradlee   (Tom Hanks)
• “I always wanted to be part of a small rebellion.” – Bob Odenkirk
• “Whatever happens tomorrow, we are not a little paper anymore.” – Ben Bradlee 
• “You know what my husband used to say about the newspaper?  He called it the first rough draft of history.” -  Kay Graham  (Meryl Streep)

Other good movies about the freedom and power of the press:

             

                                        @trinaboice

Phantom Thread isn't the movie you think it's going to be

Movie Title:      Phantom Thread

Grade:  A-

Rating: R, 130 minutes

In a Nutshell:  With gorgeous shots and images, this stylish film by Focus Features showcases glamour, fashion, romance, and a fantastic Daniel Day-Lewis.  

On June 20, 2017, Daniel Day-Lewis said that this is his last film, which would be a terrible loss to all of us.  He’s absolutely fantastic.  As an added bonus, both Vicky Krieps and Lesley Manville are equal to his performance.

As of today, this interesting film has been nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including “Best Picture.”  It has already won the National Board of Review" award for best original screenplay.

                                       

Tips for parents: 

• Alma wears some sheer fabric that reveals her chest.
• Quite a few F-bombs, but no other profanity.
• Most children and teens will be bored out of their minds.
• Pre-marital relations

Uplifting theme: 

• “It’s comforting to think the dead are watching over the living.  I don’t find that spooky at all.” -  Reynolds (Daniel Day-Lewis)
• The give and take required in a relationship.
• We are most tender and vulnerable when we're sick.  In fact, director Paul Thomas Anderson got the idea for this film when he was sick in bed. His wife, comedienne Maya Rudolph, was taking care of him and he realized she hadn't looked at him with such love in a long time.

                                        

Things I liked:

• The musical score was noticeably beautiful.  Johnny Greenwood’s work really enhances the movie.
• Incredible attention to detail. 
• It’s very subtle.
• You think the movie is going in one direction, but then it surprisingly changes with one major choice by a character.
• There are several interesting scenes where Woodcock illustrates that the dresses are not simply garments, but a lifestyle and that the wearer must earn the privilege of being seen in them.
• It’s fascinating to watch how Reynolds’ sister and Alma handle his eccentricities in two entirely different ways.
• The title refers to several things in the film.  There is a “phantom” in Reynolds' life who serves as one of his muses.  Reynolds sews secret messages and items into the clothing.  And finally, the seamstresses who work for him all day and night get no glory, although they do most of the actual work.
• Critics have mixed feelings about director Paul Thomas Anderson, but they all generally agree that he did a great job on this film, creating a meticulous movie with a surprising twist.
• The dresses are beautiful.  Supposedly, Reynolds' character was inspired by fashion designer Balenciaga.  
• Daniel Day-Lewis was the one who suggested his character's name.  It made director Paul Thomas Anderson laugh so hard that he used it.  Together, they wrote the script.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s slow moving.
• It leaves you with an odd taste in your mouth…so to speak.

Interesting lines:

• Whatever you do, do it carefully.” – Alma (Vicky Krieps)
• “There is an air of quiet death about this house and I do not like the way it smells.” – Mr. Woodcock
• "The tea is going out.  The interruption is staying right here with me." - Mr. Woodcock

                                          @trinaboice

Liam Neeson kicks more butt. This time, on a train.

Movie Title:     
     The COMMUTER

Grade:   B

Rating:  PG-13, 105 minutes

In a Nutshell:   I readily admit it.  I like Liam Neeson.  He basically plays the same character in every movie, but I still like him and enjoy watching him kick butt on planes, trains, automobiles, and any other form of transportation.  He always plays an endearing “Every Man” you can get behind and root for.

No, this isn’t the greatest movie ever made, but it’s still an entertaining thriller.   The fast momentum makes for a fun ride.

Tips for parents: 

• Bloody violence
• Dead bodies
• A man gets hit and killed by a bus (part of that scene is shown in the trailer)

Uplifting theme: 

• There is an interesting moral dilemma that most of us face; what would you do or not do for money…a lot of money?
•  There IS such a thing as being noble.
• Sacrifice for others, friendship

                       

Things I liked:

• Jaume Collet-Serra always does a great job with details.  This is his 4^th movie with Liam Neeson.  
• There’s something about Vera Farmiga that makes it hard to take your eyes off of her.
• One of the greatest Liam Neeson fight scenes ever. I love the tight quarters and how that ups the drama.  For an aging guy, he can still make an exciting action scene.
• The book choices several people make provide symbolism.

 Things I didn’t like:

• A lot of things happen that are ridiculous, so just don’t think too hard about it and you’ll still enjoy the ride.
• Some of the dialogue is predictable and silly.

Interesting lines:

• “You want proof you’re a good man?  Look at your family.” – Liam’s best friend
• “My job is to answer one basic question.” – Joanna

“What’s that?” – Liam

“What kind of person are you?” = Joanna

“Me?  You should probably ask my wife.” - Liam

Other fun Liam Neeson action movies:

                                                             

                                          @trinaboice 

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75th Golden Globe Awards showcased glamorous winners and gracious losers

The 75th annual Golden Globe awards showcased glamorous winners and gracious losers, many of whom were dressed in black to symbolize their protest against sexual harassment.  

Here are the big winners of the evening.  Do you agree or disagree with the prize winners?  Do you think we'll see repeats at the Academy Awards?

Cecil B. DeMille award

Oprah Winfrey

MOVIES

Best motion picture, drama

"Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"

Best motion picture, musical or comedy

"Lady Bird"  

Best actress in a motion picture, drama

Frances McDormand, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri"

Best actor in a motion picture, drama

Gary Oldman, "Darkest Hour"

Best actor in a motion picture, musical or comedy

James Franco, "The Disaster Artist"

Best actress in a motion picture, musical or comedy

Saoirse Ronan, "Lady Bird"

Best supporting actor, any motion picture

Sam Rockwell, "Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri" 

Best supporting actress, any motion picture

Allison Janney, "I, Tonya" 

Best director

Guillermo del Toro, "The Shape of Water"

Best original score

Alexandre Desplat, "The Shape of Water"

Best original song

"This Is Me" (from "The Greatest Showman")

Best screenplay

Martin McDonagh, "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" 

Best foreign language film

"In the Fade"

TELEVISION

Best television series, drama

"The Handmaid's Tale"

Best television series, musical or comedy

"The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

Best limited series or motion picture made for television

"Big Little Lies"

Best actress in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television   

Nicole Kidman, "Big Little Lies"

Best actor in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television

Ewan McGregor, "Fargo"

Best actress in a television series, drama

Elisabeth Moss, "The Handmaid's Tale"

Best actor in a television series, drama

Sterling K. Brown, "This Is Us"

Best actress in a television series, musical or comedy

Rachel Brosnahan, "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

Best actor in a television series, musical or comedy

Aziz Ansari, "Master of None"

Best supporting actor in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television

Alexander Skarsgård, "Big Little Lies"

Best supporting actress in a series, limited series or motion picture made for television

Laura Dern, "Big Little Lies"

Same Kind of Different As Me will help you see the homeless differently

Movie Title:   
Same Kind of Different As Me

Grade:  B+

Rating:  PG-13, 119 minutes

In a Nutshell:   Based on a true story, this movie will make you want to do more for the homeless to let them know they’re not alone or invisible.

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including racist slurs.
• Discussion of the Klu Klux Klan and racism.
• After watching the film, you should talk to your kids about the homeless and maybe even plan a special service project to help the homeless in your city!

                             

Uplifting theme: 

• “While the journey of the homeless may begin in a hopeless place, it didn’t have to end there.” – Ron Hall (Greg Kinnear)
• “God is in the recycling business of turning trash into treasure.” – Denver (Djimon Hounsou)
• “Sometimes you just gotta bless the hell out of people.” – Denver
• “It’s kind of incredible what a little love can do.” – Chef Jim (Thomas Francis Murphy)

                                       

Things I liked:

• Without the lead actors, it may have felt like just another sappy Christian movie, but the superb performances by Renee Zellweger, Greg Kinnear, Djimon Hounsou, and Jon Voight  elevate it to so much more. 
• I liked Debbie’s sweet, soft voice.  What an angel she was.
• I really liked the idea of “catch and release” friendship.  How do you treat your true friends?
• The scene with the yellow roses was very sweet.  Wouldn’t we all like to have such an impact on others?
• I always love seeing pictures and video clips of the real people at the end of a movie about them.

                                   

Things I didn’t like:

• I’m still not used to Renee Zelwegger’s new face.
• One of the first times we see Denver, he flies into a rage, but we’re never told why.
• I’ve never seen people clap and give a standing ovation for a eulogy at a funeral.  Have you?  It seemed odd and a bit inappropriate to me.
• It's pretty predictable.

Funny lines:

• “You wanna be my friend?” – Denver

“Uh huh…” – Ron

“I’m gonna have to think about that.” - Denver

Interesting lines:

• “I’ve done things I’m not proud of.” – Clara (Ann Mahoney)

“We all have.” – Debbie

• “I just don’t know how much a million dollars is worth anymore.” – Ron
• “When you’re as precious to God, you’re important to Satan.” – Denver 

I hear the book is different from the movie a bit, so if you’d like to dig in deeper, you can buy one with this link! 
                                               

  

                                          @trinaboice 

Lady Bird is a funny, truthful coming-of-age ,story

Movie Title:      Lady Bird

Grade:   A

Rating: R, 1 hour 34 minutes

In a Nutshell:  No, this movie has nothing to do with Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.  This coming-of-age story is a charming movie with a lot of humor and creative storytelling.  

Writer and director Greta Gerwig captures soul extremely well.  It's her first solo directorial debut. She named the main character, Christine, after her own mother and Christine’s mother is a nurse, just like Greta’s real mother. The movie is not really a young love movie, but a love story between Christine and her mother.

Tips for parents: 

• Talk of premarital relations.  There is a scene of Christine losing her virginity.
• Spoken and written profanity, including F-bombs.
• “Your mom’s hard on you.” – Danny O’Neill (Lucas Hedges)

“Yeah, she loves me a lot.” – Lady Bird

* Point out to your daughter that Kyle just honks the horn and expects Christine to go out to his car.  Super tacky.

* Pornography

* Christine makes some really bad choices, lies, and attempts to steal something from a store.

Uplifting theme: 

• Life
• Love
• Family
• Choices and accountability
• Friendship, loyalty

Things I liked:

• I’m such a fan of Saoirse Ronan.  She’s fantastic in everything she does.  She’s originally from Ireland, but her American accent in this movie is really great.  Like always, her Golden Globe nominations is well deserved.
• Laurie Metcalf is always a delight.  The scenes with her and Saoirse together are really great. She also deserves her Golden Globe nomination!
• The dialogue feels real, but funnier than real life.
• I thought it was cute when they were crying while listening to a John Steinbeck audio book in the car during their road trip in the beginning of the movie. Every parent will be able to relate to the growing pains of their relationship.
• Some of the scene transitions were awesome and extremely clever. 
• All of the acting is really great.  The entire cast is excellent.
• You really feel invested in the characters and grow with them during their character arcs.
• Stephen Sondheim wrote the songs in the musical that the students perform in the movie.
• For a short time, Lady Bird broke the record held by Toy Story 2 on Rotten Tomatoes for the best-reviewed movie of all time.
• It feels fresh.  Thank you.  Even though I love superhero movies, it's nice to have something else at the movie theater!

                               

Things I didn’t like:

• I don't have to see people have sex in a movie to know that they did.  I'd much rather NOT.  People complain that society is falling apart, but they don't seem to see the connection between that and all the garbage that's in movies.  We don't have to see everything. Come on, people.  What do you think....do movies reflect society or influence it or both? 

Interesting lines:

• “I wish I could live through something.” – Christine

“Aren’t you?” – Marion McPherson (Laurie Metcalf)

• “Just because something looks ugly doesn’t mean it’s morally wrong.” – Lady Bird

Funny lines:

• “Lady Bird!” – Christine
• “ Is that your given name?” – Father Leviatch (Stephen Henderson)

“Yeah.” – Christine

“Why is it in quotes?” – Father Leviatch

“I gave it to myself.  It was given to me by me.” - Christine

• “Just go to city college, then to jail, then back to city college...”    Marion        (What parent hasn’t had this conversation with their teenager?  Ha ha)
• “What I’d really like is to be on Math Olympiad.” – Lady Bird
• “But, math isn’t something you’re terribly strong in.” – Sister Sarah Joan (Lois Smith)
• “That we know of yet.” – Christine
• “Hey, I’m like Keith Richards.  I’m just happy to be anywhere.” – Larry McPherson (Tracy Letts)
• “I want to read it in bed.” – Lady Bird, when she wanted her mom to buy a magazine.

“That’s something that rich people do.  We’re not rich people.” – Marion

• “Six inches for the Holy Spirit!” – Sister Sarah Joan at the dance, telling Christine and Danny to spread farther apart.
• "You're giving me an eating disorder!" - Christine to her mom.  Then she sighs, "I wish I could get an eating disorder."

                                          @trinaboice