Krampus spreads creepy Christmas cheer

Movie:    Krampus

Rating:   PG-13

Grade:   B

In a Nutshell:    Described as a comedy horror, “Silent Night, Deadly Night” is what this movie offers to those who are interested in a more ominous Christmas story than the traditional offerings this time of year.   Krampus is “the shadow of St. Nicolas, a much darker spirit – not to give, but to take.” 

This is what happens when “belief is forgotten and the Christmas spirit dies”, so wear your best Santa hat to the theater.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “Don’t give up on miracles and each other.” - Omi

·         “A shepherd’s gotta protect his flock.” – Howard

·         “It’s not what you do, it’s what you believe.” – Omi

·         “Be good.” - Omi

Things I liked:

·         Krampus is actually a real story from German folklore.  The grandma, Omi, speaks German in the movie to add some authenticity to the tale.  There are subtitles for most of the things she says.

·         The talented cast includes Toni Collette, Adam Scott, David Koechner, and Conchata Ferrell.

·         I liked the Universal Studios and Legendary Pictures logos covered in ice at the very beginning of the movie to let you know it wasn’t going to be your average warm and fuzzy Christmas film.  I always appreciate little details like that.

      If you like images like these, then this movie is for you.  If not, you might want to skip it.  (They were taken at Universal Studios to advertise the new Krampus movie and featured during Halloween when I was there.)

      

    

·         One of the scariest images is watching Christmas shoppers fight and trample each other on Black Friday at the beginning of the movie.   Ha ha   It’s truly frightening how some people treat each other in the pursuit of materialism.

·         SPOILER ALERT:  The teenage daughter played by Stefania LaVie Owen had such a potty-mouth and crappy attitude that I was relieved when she was knocked off first.

·         There are a few jump-out scares that most people will get a kick out of.  I sat all the way through the ending credits, thinking that there would be a jump-out scare to reward loyal audiences, but nope.  The credits did show, however, cute Christmas pictures from the cast and crew of the film.

Things I didn’t like:

·         Aunt Dorothy (played by Conchata Ferrell) had absolutely no redeeming qualities.  It would be a true nightmare to spend Christmas with someone like that.

·         As a mother of 3 Eagle Scouts, I was mad when Howard made fun of Eagle Scouts!

·         The characters all start bickering within minutes of getting together and that’s long before Krampus shows up!  Of course, that’s part of the storyline, but it’s unpleasant to watch.

·         Some of the timing seems off, making for rough transitions.

·         I don’t like watching and hearing babies cry in movies, but this one is pretty cute.

·         Don’t think too hard, because some things simply don’t make sense in this movie.

·         Creepy Advent calendar.

·         The expressions on everyone’s faces at the end of the movie were kind of weird and I wasn’t sure what director Michael Dougherty was trying to say.

Funny lines:  

·         “Maybe they should have to take a test before they’re allowed to breed.” – Sarah

·         “I also believe in dessert before dinner.” – Omi (Grandma)

·         “Where’s the nog?  I need to get merry.” – Aunt Dorothy  

·         “It looks like Martha Stewart threw up in here.” – Aunt Dorothy as she looks at all of Sarah’s Christmas decorations

·         “I never liked kids, even when I was one.” – Aunt Dorothy

Interesting lines:

·         “Why do we have to put up with all their crap just because we share DNA?” – Max (played by the adorable Emjay Anthony)

“Because that’s what family is.” – Tommy

·         “Hot chocolate makes everything better.” – Omi    (True)

Tips for Parents:

·         Quite a bit of profanity, including an F-bomb.

·         There are creepy versions of snowmen, elves, and Santa Clause that might frighten young children.  Kids aren’t going to like Jack-in-the-Box and maybe even gingerbread cookies anymore.
      People, including kids die.
      While the ultimate message is good, it's not a happy, care-free Christmas movie for the entire family.

Tips for surviving a Krampus visit:

·         Keep the fire hot.

·         Get a back-up generator

·         Stock up on firearms and ammo

·         Know where your fire extinguisher is

·         Start believing in Santa Clause again 

Victor Frankenstein features spit and stitches

Movie:    Victor Frankenstein

Rating:    PG-13, 1 hour 49 minutes

Grade:   C-

In a Nutshell:    “You know this story….” Says the narrator (Igor),  except that this version isn’t as good as others we’ve seen before.  

The twist is that it’s told through the eyes of Igor, played by Daniel Radcliffe.   He and James MacAvoy give good performances and have a certain…forgive me..spark when they’re together.

It’s supposed to be a “re-imagining”, but overall, it’s an unnecessary remake.   I find it odd that Director Paul McGuigan said that he thought Mary Kelly’s original Frankenstein story was “dull as dishwater”, so why would he want to direct a movie that didn’t inspire him?  Ironically, his own film falls in the dull category.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “The greatest creation is your own life.” – Igor

Things I liked:

·         I liked learning a backstory about Igor.

·         Good for Daniel Radcliffe for trying to reinvent himself and move on from Harry Potter.

·         There is some light humor.

·         Those who love steam-punk will appreciate all the gears and gadgets and turn-of-the-century machinery backdrops.

Things I didn’t like:

·         James McAvoy has been criticized for over-acting in this film.   I wonder what the spit count is.  He screams most of his lines with saliva splattering everywhere.

·         Frankenstein's famous monster only gets 7 minutes of screen time and it's not worth waiting for.

·         Yawn.  I kept looking at my watch.  I don’t wear a watch.  Yawn.
      The story didn't flow well.  It felt...forgive me again...poorly stitched together.
      Too bad this movie didn't come out in time for Halloween.

Interesting lines:  

·         “That man is in allegiance with Satan and must be stopped.”  - Roderick Turpin (Andrew Scott)

·         “I will turn the tide of human existence tonight.” = Frankenstein

·         “You and I are on the threshold of immortality.” – Finnegan (Freddie Fox)

·         “There’s no Satan, no God, only humanity, only me.” – Frankenstein

·         “We’re weak.  We’re fragile and we’re destined to die.” – Frankenstein
       "Life is a temporary condition.  Why should death be any different?" - Frankenstein

Tips for Parents:

·         As you can imagine, there are body parts and tissue sewn together, so you see blood and guts and icky stuff.  Some kids may think that’s really cool, while others may be frightened. 

·         There are some creepy moments which might scare younger audiences.

·         Some profanity and violence.

The Good Dinosaur is good, not great

Movie:    The Good Dinosaur

Rating:    PG

Grade:   B

In a Nutshell:    This is Pixar’s second release this year after the huge hit “Inside Out”.   It’s not their best film, but it's still very sweet. Don’t get me wrong, though…there are some great things about it.  

It’s pretty tough to top Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo.    What it DOES top is animation genius when it comes to the impressive landscapes and backgrounds that almost look like cinematography.  Truly impressive.  I sat next to my son who is an animation artist for Blizzard Entertainment and we just kept saying “Wow!” with every new scene.

This film asks the question: “What would happen if the meteor that was supposed to hit planet Earth and destroy the dinosaurs, didn’t?”   The result is a movie that feels like an odd western, a coming-of-age movie, as well as a spiritual journey that the kids will love.

Uplifting Theme:

·         “You have to earn your mark by doing something big or something bigger than yourself.” – Poppa

·         “Sometimes you gotta get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side.” – Poppa

·         “You can’t get rid of fear.  It’s like Mother Nature, but you can get through it and find out what you’re made of.” - Poppa

Things I liked:

·         The beach scene at night is very touching and will break your heart.  The circle imagery at the end made me drop a tear or two.

·         Sanjay Patell created a film short before the feature film begins, which is sweet and interesting.

·         The cast includes the voice talents of Academy Award winners Frances McDormand (Momma) and Anna Paquin (Ramsey). 

·         What’s a Pixar movie without the voice of John Ratzenberger?  He voices the character of Earl.

·         Magical fireflies!

·         The story is touching and simple.
      I love the moment when Arlo is "born" and clings to his dinosaur shell with big eyes.  So cute.
      The body movements and facial expressions of all the creatures are absolutely fantastic.
      The dinosaur with the "protectors" made me laugh out loud and the groundhogs made the kids in the audience squeal with laughter.

Things I didn’t like:

·         While the landscape animation is unbelievably gorgeous, the design of the dinosaurs seems too simple in comparison.  In fact, the two elements don’t seem to go well together at all.  Fortunately for Pixar, kids won’t care.

·         This movie was supposed to come out in 2014, but there were so many delays and job losses from this production that it made its late 2015 release.  Somehow, you can feel the unevenness in the final product.

·         Don’t overthink this movie too much.  I mean, we’re supposed to believe that these dinosaurs created devices and tools and built homes, all without fingers.

·         It’s somewhat jolting to see the human in the film acting like an animal, almost like a pet dog.  He is pretty doggone cute though.

·         The “driving the herd” scenes made me think of the adorable movie "City Slickers".   

·         I got tired of hearing so many country hick accents and was surprised that Pixar didn’t create more diversity.

Funny lines:  

·         “Nash, get out of your sister’s bubble.” – Poppa

·         “If you’re pulling my leg, I’m going to eat yours.” - T-Rex


      Sweet line:
      *  "I'm not like you!"  - Arlo
          "You're me and more." - Poppa    His father is very loving and encouraging.

Tips for Parents:

·         This is a charming movie, perfect for family entertainment.

·         There is some adult humor that parents can appreciate.
·         There’s a disgusting, large insect scene that will surprise you.
      No bad language or inappropriate behavior.
      There's a strange hallucinogenic moment you might need to explain to your kids.

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 Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 finally arrives!

Movie:   The Hunger Games Mockingjay Part 2

Rating:  PG-13, 2 hours 16 minutes

Grade:   A-

In a Nutshell:    As Finnick (Sam Claflin) says, “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 76^th Hunger Games!”

After 4 years and almost 9 hours of movie viewing, the concluding film in this popular action series is finally here!   This is a very sad and serious movie, but fans will feel an overall satisfaction with this last installment.  Jennifer Lawrence is fantastic, shining as always.  As Haymitch says, “I’ll say this for you Katniss, you don’t disappoint.”  She doesn’t. 

One thing that does is the reminder that Phillip Seymour Hoffman died while filming this final movie.  I always thought he was an excellent actor.  He will be missed. The rest of the cast is great too, offering a fond farewell.  Three cheers for Suzanne Collins for bringing us a thrilling book series that makes us think.

Be sure to watch Mockingjay Part 1, because this film picks up exactly where the last one left off.  

Uplifting Theme: 

·         Peeta explains, “There was no real life, because we didn’t have a choice.”  Free will has always been an important theme in all of these Hunger Game movies.

·         Do what’s right.

·         Revenge, justice, war, freedom, politics, revolution, loyalty, love

·         Which is worse: a clever, calculating, ruthless dictator you know or one you thought you knew?

Things I liked:

·         I absolutely love the last line of the movie.

·         While the book doesn’t mention it, the movie provides a touching moment when Effie and Haymitch kiss.  Viewers will have to decide if it was meant to be a romantic kiss or one that sweetly demonstrates their close bond over the years.  In fact, it was one of the better kisses in the movie.  Some of the other ones lacked some serious chemistry.

·         ADORABLE little blonde boy at the end.

·         I thought the idea and execution of the “pods” was super cool.

·         That black death water stuff was awesome.

·         SPOILER ALERT: President Snow’s subtle smile was perfect when he found out that Katniss had survived an attempt on her life.  He relishes the game.  Donald Sutherland does a great job ‘til the very end.

·         Pollux’s backpack looks like one of those roly poly bugs.  He sure is a sweet, brave character and well played by Elden Henson

·         It’s always good to see Julianne Moore, who plays President Alma Coin.

·         SPOILER ALERT:  Peeta brings Katniss a Primrose flower. So sweet.

·         I liked the “real or not real” conversations Peeta and Katniss have.
*  Jennifer Lawrence's nephew plays her son at the end of the movie.  He's a huge X-Men fan, although he tells her she's not a "real" X-Man.

Things I didn’t like:

·         The third part of the book series was unnecessarily broken into 2 movies.   Of course it’s all about making money.  The result is that these last two movies have a lot of slow moments in order to stretch out the source material.
      There wasn't a big, epic battle scene, but instead, a few minor skirmishes.

·         Very little humor. Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Effie (Elizabeth Banks) are much more subdued in this movie, whereas in former films, we could count on them for some comic relief.

·         I wish we could have seen more of Stanley Tucci as Caesar Flickerman.  Thankfully, they gave more screen time to Elizabeth Banks than was originally written for her in the book.

·         Weird Tigress character.  Then again, she represents the extravagance of the Capitol.

Interesting lines:

·         “What’s going on in your head? – Gale (the handsome Liam Hemsworth)

“I don’t know. – Katniss

“It’s like kissing someone who’s drunk…it doesn’t count.”  - Gale

·         “It’s war Katniss.  Sometimes killing isn’t personal.  I would have thought out of all people, you’d know that.” – Gale

“I know it’s always personal.” – Katniss

·         “What about you, Mockingjay?  Feeling safe?” – Johanna  (Jena Malone)

“Til I got shot.” -  Katniss

·         Are you still trying to protect me?  Real or not real?” – Peeta (Josh Hutcherson)

“Real.  Because that’s what you and I do: keep each other alive.” - Katniss

Tips for Parents:

·         Blood, LOTS of violence with a high body count, and a lot of fire and explosions.

·         SPOILER ALERT: Several good characters die, which is sad, but especially traumatic are the deaths of children in one particular scene.

·         SPOILER ALERT:  There is a scary scene when Katniss and her comrades go underground and these creepy creatures attack them.  They're kind of like mutant, white zombies with no eyes and razor sharp teeth.  Super creepy.  I kinda wanted a closer look at them, but they were moving really fast.

My All American hits football, faith, and family

Movie:     My All American

Rating:    PG, 1 hour 58 minutes

Grade:   B+

In a Nutshell:    This tale of gridiron glory is a true story that will inspire you and cause you to shed some tears, as long as you can get past some of the melodramatic  manipulation. 

Critics argue that the film is too squeaky clean in this predictable feel-good sports movie.  And that’s a problem because…?  Don’t we have enough cynicism and ugly in the world?  

Uplifting Theme:

·          “What makes a winner is knowing he can always try a little harder.” – Michael Steinmark (Michael Reilly Burke)

·         Persistence, tenacity, humility, hard work, brotherhood.

·         “Everything is bigger and better in Texas!” – Freddie

·         “We don’t care what people write about us.  We do not care what others say we can or cannot do.  Only those of us right here can tell that story.” – Coach Royal

Things I liked:

·         I always like watching Aaron Eckhart because he has the same eyes as one of my sons.  Coach Royal is impressively supportive.  He says to Freddie, “Whatever it is – you will meet the challenge and I will be here for you.”  Wouldn’t the world be different if we treated each other like that?

·         Finn Wittrock does a great job as Freddie Steinmark.

·         Sarah Bolger makes a cute blonde and a very sweet, devoted girlfriend to Freddie.  She says to him, “Whatever you are going through, I am going through.”  Did you know she was from Ireland?  You might recognize her from The Spiderwick Chronicles .

·         I love how they show the current Texas football players paying tribute to Freddie.  I especially love how you get to see pictures and film footage of the real people during the closing credits.  Hook 'em Longhorns!

·         Impressive hits and flips.

·         Good 60’s music that underscores the images and history of the era, including mentions of Vietnam, John F. Kennedy, and footage of Richard Nixon attending one of the games.

·         There is a LOT of football.  Even if you don’t understand the game, you’ll still appreciate the true story and inspiring message.

·         Touching moment of roommates in prayer.

·         Freddie's faith truly carries him through his challenges.  Religious people should support this film and celebrate the positivity.
      My sister taught for a year at the University of Arkansas and gave me one of those Razorback hats you see the fans wearing in the film.  Ha ha 

Things I didn’t like:

·         It's predictable and formulaic. 

      SPOILER ALERT:  The treatment of cancer is a Pollyanna one.

      There is a LOT of football.

      Some of the extras in the cast are pretty bad.

Funny lines:  

·          “You don’t have to like sports to like Freddie, just a pulse.” – Debbie  (Regan Goins)

·         “You run like you have a school of minnows in your pants.” – Coach Royal

·         “I fell in love faster than a hiccup.” – Coach Royal

·         “Yeah, I might be wrong, but I’m not confused.” – Coach Royal

Interesting lines:

·         “Gentlemen, football doesn’t build character.  It eliminates the weak.” – Coach Darrell Royal

·         “Freddie Steinmark was not an All-American.  No, he was MY All-American.” – Coach Darrell Royal

·         “The greatest disgrace is to quit or turn yeller.” – Lakewood Coach

·         “I hate to see you play at 90%.” – Bobby Mitchell (Rett Terrell)

Tips for Parents:

·         Some profanity, blood, and you see a guy in a jockstrap.

·         I love how supportive Freddie’s parents are.

·         Discussion of cancer and death.

·         Young children may get bored.

To learn more about the true Freddie Steinmark story:

Great football movies:

·         Remember the titans, blind side, Friday night lights