Flatliners is dead on arrival

Movie Title:  Flatliners

Grade:  D+

Rating: PG-13, 108 minutes

In a Nutshell: I really liked the original Flatliners movie with 1990 Kevin Bacon, so I was interested to see how this remake would compare.   

I was pleased to see Keifer Sutherland appear in this movie, since he was in the original, although his role is much different. 
Speaking of the original, it’s better.

Uplifting theme: 

• I liked the phrase “dialogue of human knowledge” that Kiefer Sutherland’s character talked about.
• Life, death, and somewhere in between.
• Take responsibility for your actions.  The message at the end is explained by one of the characters when she says, "It's not enough to apologize.  We have to face up to what we've done and then forgive ourselves."
• Restitution for wrongs committed in the past.

Things I liked:

• I liked the idea of exploring near death experiences, but the film goes into a jump-scare horror genre, rather than taking a deeper philosophical approach.
• SPOILER:  Ellen Page is fun to watch in anything, so I was surprised that she actually dies half-way through the movie, leaving us with characters that aren’t as interesting.

Things I didn’t like:

·   It tries to be a thriller-horror movie, as well as a medical thriller, but the mixture is very messy and makes the flow of the movie die.

• Stupid sound effects.
• It never explains certain aspects of the plot, like how the med students are able to be physically touched by their hallucinations.  

Tips for parents: 

• Deadly car crash.
• Creepy jumps and scares.
• Med students volunteer to die.  Make sure your kids know that is extremely dangerous and stupid!
• Pre-marital sex.
• A girl flips the bird.
• Some profanity.

Be sure to check out the original Flatliners 

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

The Foreigner features a very dramatic Jackie Chan

Movie Title:  The Foreigner

Grade: B+

Rating: R, 1 hour 54 minutes

In a Nutshell: Americans love movies.  And Jackie Chan.  We love watching him perform incredible stunts and fight sequences, mixed with humor and fun.  This isn't that kind of movie.

I was surprised at how much of a political thriller this movie was and how good of a dramatic actor Jackie Chan is.  It’s impressive how he can create such a relatable “every man” character while still having almost superhuman fighting skills.

The movie is based on The Foreigner: previously published as The Chinaman

Uplifting theme: 

• Revenge.
• Family.
• “Never push a good man too far.”

Things I liked:

• If you loved the first Rambo movie Rambo: First Blood where he hides and kills people in sneaky ways, you’ll get a kick out of some of the things Jackie Chan’s character does in this flick.  It also has a Liam Neeson Taken movie feel to it, as Jackie Chan's character is completely driven by the love he has for his daughter.
• Pierce Brosnan does an excellent job playing a complex character.  His Irish accent sounds pretty authentic too.

Things I didn’t like:

• I expected more humor, since it’s a Jackie Chan movie, but this movie was very much a drama.
• The mixture of Jackie Chan action and political thriller created an uneven film.  Surprisingly, he’s not in as much of the movie as you would think he would be.
• This has nothing to do with the 2003 Steven Seagal movie called The Foreigner.  It seems like they should have selected a different name for the movie.

Tips for parents: 

• Bloody car bomb and lots of explosions.  LOTS of bombs.
• Lots of death and dead bodies.
• Lots of violence.  Um….it’s a Jackie Chan movie!
• Profanity, including some F-bombs.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Geostorm is a disaster movie in every way

Movie Title:  Geostorm

Grade:  C+

Rating: PG-13, 1 hour 49 minutes

In a Nutshell:  I’m embarrassed to admit that I love disaster movies.  This predictable end-of-the-world drama follows the cookie-cutter formula, resulting in a movie that self destructs.  After being delayed many times, this movie is the difinally hits the Big Screen as the directorial debut of Dean Devlin.

Uplifting theme: 

• Those who are interested in global warming will appreciate the premise of the film, which shows the world in chaos because of natural disasters.  The narrator at the beginning (Hannah Lawson played by Talitha Bateman) announces, “Everyone was warned, but no one listened.”
• Talitha states at the end of the movie, “No single nation could solve this.”  There’s a theme of togetherness and international unity.  “One planet.  One people.”  Wouldn’t it be amazing if we all really could work together in peace?
• Family is most important.

Things I liked:

• The space station was called “The Dutch Boy” named after the old story of the Dutch boy who saved the town by putting his finger in the dike to stop the leak.
• It gives new meaning to the world wide “net”.
• Cool gadgets and technology.  I especially liked the “holoframe” cell phone things.
• Talented cast includes Gerard Butler, Jim Sturgess, Abbie Cornish, Andy Garcia, Richard Schiff, Ed Harris.  Too bad the material isn’t as good as they are.  My problem with casting is that the two brothers and their roles are not very believable.  
• When you start to get bored, you can entertain yourself by watching Gerard Butler's changing color and size of facial hair, due to the many re-shoots.

Things I didn’t like:

• A lot of the humor fell flat.

·       Some good special effects, but not much we haven’t already seen before.  Almost every scene was green screen.

·       A lot of things simply don’t make sense and are laughable.

·       It could have been fun if the movie took itself less seriously.  One of my favorite disaster movies of all time is Independence Day                          It's a perfect example of drama, comedy, special effects, and heart.

*    Politicians are evil and stupid.

Tips for parents: 

• Profanity, including some that a little girl says.  I hate that.
• Natural disasters and massive destruction.
• People die.

Want to learn more about global warming? Check out the book Climate Change: The Facts 2017

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Gone on vacation

I'm in Europe right now, having an amazing vacation in several countries, so I won't be posting any movie reviews until I get back in September!

Of course, movies are always on my mind.  In fact, I just sat on the bench in Amsterdam as seen in the movie "The Fault in Our Stars."  Quite a few other tourists had the same idea when we got there.
So many fun things to see an experience, so little time!

If you live in any of the following countries, I'd love to hear any travel tips you have for me:
The Netherlands
Sweden
Germany
Finland
Russia
Estonia
Denmark
Scotland
Wales
England

More Movie Review Mom posts to come!

Leap is inspiring, gorgeous, and will make you dream bigger

Movie Title:  LEAP

Grade:  A-

Rating:  PG, 89 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This gorgeous family-friendly film paints Paris with an incredibly charming stroke, created by the L’Atelier Animation Studio in France.  You’re easily transported back to 19^th Century France.

I love titles that have double meanings.  While the orphan Felicie’s dream was to produce the incredible leap she had seen a ballerina make once, the film also encourages us all to take a leap of faith and hard work to make our dreams come true.

Uplifting theme: 

• Passion
• Dream big and take action.
• You are unique.  Don’t let anyone tell you that you’re nothing.
• Persistence, hard work, tenacity

Things I liked:

• Catchy theme song.  All of the music was infectiously good and included a lot of lovely songs unfamiliar to Americans, as well as a few faves like “Suitcase” by Sia, and “Confident” by Demi Lovato.  Carly Rae Jepsen voices Odette, and also sings and wrote several of the songs.
• The scene where Victor tells Felicie about his first day in Paris was hilarious.  Excellent animation stops and sequences.
• Felicie’s training sequence was really cute and as inspirational as any sports movie training montage.
• Elle Fanning voices Felicie, whose dream it is to dance in the Nutcracker Ballet.  Elle Fanning actually performed in The Nutcracker 3D (2010 movie).
• Maddie Ziegler voices Camille.  She’s a dancer in real life, having appeared on Dance Moms in 2011.
• Victor was voiced by Dane DeHaan in the international version of the film.  Nat Wollf was used in the American release.
• It’s well balanced in comedy, magic, and drama.
• The ballet battle between Felicie and Camille before the big evening performance was adorable and hilarious.
• It feels like a European animation, because, it is.  Originally, it was entitled “Ballerina”, which is the version I first saw.
• It was choreographed by Aurelie Dupont and Jeremie Belingard.  The dancing animation in the beginning felt a little off, but by the end it was perfect.
• The film appears to have a deeper origin.  Director and writer Eric Summer also comes from Brittany where the story begins.

Things I didn’t like:

• Some of the animation looked rushed and out of sync, particularly in the beginning.  

• The underdog plot isn’t unique, but it’s still very sweet.
• Most of the characters are thin archetypes.
• Some critics don't like the fact that pop music is played, insisting it should all be classical ballet music like Tchaikovsky, but that didn't bother me at all.  I actually liked it.
• Other critics complain that the filmmakers didn't do their research for historical accuracy.  For example, were there motorcycles in France in the 1800's as this movie supposes?  It turns out that yes, there were in the later half of the 1800's, just about the same time the Statue of Liberty was being built.  

Funny lines:

• “Thank you Mother Superior.  And may I just say that you’re looking very superior today?” – Victor
• “Who is that?”  Felicie (Elle Fanning)

“Rudy.” – Dora (Elana Dunkelman)

“From the top boys’ class, holder of the best cheekbones at the Opera award.  I love him.  He’s so blonde and shiny.” – Nora (Shoshana Sperling)

• “How is that pick-up line working for you?” – Felicie
• “I am loving your apron!” – Victor
• “Paris!  City of romance.  City of Dreams! City of Romance!  City of Pigeons!” –   Victor

Interesting lines:

• It’s when you’re tired you start to progress.” – Odette (Carly Rae Jepsen)
• “Tired is for losers.” – Regine (Julie Khaner)
• “There’s a difference between being ready and being ready to do it well.  That’s why we train every day.” – Odette

Tips for parents: 

• This is an enjoyable film for all ages.  It’s funny, sweet, and inspiring.
• Several fart jokes.
• Your little ballerina daughter will be very inspired and want to see the Nutcracker Ballet.
• I really like how the movie features two children with dreams, who don’t just fantasize about what they want to do, but are willing to work hard to achieve it.
• No profanity.
• Some bullying.
• Some animated moments of peril.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Kidnap showcases every parent's fear

Movie Title:  Kidnap

Grade:  C

Rating:   R

In a Nutshell:  Having your child kidnapped is every parent’s fear.  You don’t mess with a mother and her son.  (I have 4 sons.)

Uplifting theme: 

• “I will never let you go.” – (Karla McCoy) Halle Berry   That's the fierce attitude of protection every parent of a young child needs to have.  
•  Think smart. 

Things I liked:

• The opening music tells you that you’re in for an intense ride that rips your heart out.
• Halle Berry is as beautiful as always.  How is it that she doesn’t age, but I do?
• What a miracle it was to watch the little boy grow up in the opening sequences. My babies grew up way too fast.
• Lots of interesting drone views from above and other different camera angles.
• I was impressed that she spoke nicely about her ex-husband’s new girlfriend for their son's sake.  Wow, I don't think I would be that composed.
• She does a lot of things right, but she also makes some dumb mistakes.
• I can’t blame her for not wanting to wait for the police to take care of matters.  Good for her for taking action.
• It’s somewhat suspenseful as you wonder what the scumbag abductors are going to do next and what you would do as a parent in that situation.

Things I didn’t like:

• It's just not that good of a movie.  Halle Berry is fierce, but the script lets her down.
• The custody battle that begins in the movie is left unresolved.
• SPOILER: That was pretty bold and dumb of the kidnappers since they didn’t know she wouldn’t have a cell phone on her. For all they knew, she could have easily called the cops or anyone for help within seconds.
• Lots of driving around, watching Halle Berry look worried and upset.
• There should have been some kind of informational graphic at the end, telling audiences about how many children are kidnapped each year, and providing a web site for more information on how to keep your kids safe. 

Tough lines yelled by an angry mother:

• “You took the wrong kid!” - Karla 

Funny lines:

• “Hey God, I know I never pray to you unless somebody is sick or dying or in an airplane…” - Karla 

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including an F-bomb.
• Body count.
• Lots of crashes and destruction.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Atomic Blonde showcases a hot and icy Charlize Theron

Movie Title:
  Atomic Blonde

Grade:  B

Rating:  R, 115 minutes

In a Nutshell: 
Payback goes atomic.  Based on the 2012 graphic novel Atomic Blonde: The Coldest City , this stylish spy flick takes place in 1989 when the Berlin wall fell.

Charlize Theron is gorgeous, stylish, and cold as ice.  She is why you see this movie.  Her character and John Wick would be the ultimate power couple in the spy world.  In fact, one of the directors of John Wick also worked on this film.

Uplifting theme: 

• Umm....not sure.  Don't trust anyone?

Things I liked:

• Charlize Theron is stunning.  With flawless skin and a body with practically no body fat, she looks amazing in this movie.  Her clothes, boots and shoes are smoking hot.  She did some solid stunt training to prepare for the movie and it shows.  I couldn't take my eyes off of her.
• James McAvoy is also fantastic, as always.  He was so fun to watch in the movie Split and may earn an Oscar nomination for his impressive work on his role in that film.  Well, at least he should.
• Amazing stunts.  The action scenes are intense and impressive.
• Sofia Boutella and Charlize Theron make-out.  This movie is steamy, along with the brutal storm. Sofia also stars as the seductive mummy in this summer's The Mummy (2017). Good for Sofia for having two movies in theaters at the same time!
• I love a twists and turns.  This movie has several.

Things I didn’t like:

• SPOILER: The storytelling could use some work.  When you see Charlize being interrogated in the beginning, the film then loses some of its tension, because you already know she survives the whole ordeal.
• There are some subtitles you need to read quickly.
• Everyone smokes a LOT of cigarettes.  Yuck.
• Everything looked real, except for one scene where the fire looked totally fake on a green screen.
• Sometimes you can’t understand what people are saying because of their thick accents.
• The music choices are fun 80’s hits, but don’t always fit what's happening on the screen.  The movie Baby Driver nailed that concept!

Funny lines:

• “Don’t shoot!  I’ve got your shoe.” – David Percival (James McAvoy)
• “My G-d, I think I F-en love you.” – David

“That’s too bad.” – Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron)

• “If I had known he was going to call the police, I would have worn a different outfit.” - Lorraine

Interesting lines:

• “I chose this life and some day it’s going to get me killed, but not today.” – Lorraine
• “Women are always getting in the way of progress, aren’t they?” – David
• “The world is run on secrets.” – David
• “It’s a double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.” – Lorraine, David

Tips for parents: 

• This is a true rated R movie that children should not see. Even the trailer is super violent.
• Charlize is naked in a bath tub full of ice and then she walks around naked in her bathroom.  She looks great.  If I looked like that, I might be tempted to walk around naked too.
• Cultural slurs and crude language, including a zillion F-bombs.
• Lots of violent, brutal fighting.  Some bloody, gory deaths.
• Lots of destruction and car crashes.
• Topless girls in bed during a threesome.
• Talk of pornography.
• Smoking, drugs, alcohol, sex, dangerous and bad behavior.

@trinaboice

Movie Review Mom