Proud Mary showcases Taraji P. Henson

Movie Title:      Proud Mary

Grade:   C

Rating: R, 1 hour 29 minutes

In a Nutshell: Who doesn’t love Taraji P. Henson?  I thought she was great in Hidden Figures, and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  She is equally competent on TV, such as in Empire Season 1 and Person of Interest: Season 1.  

I expected great things from her in this film and wasn’t disappointed.  She’s much more talented than this script and is the only reason worth seeing this movie.

                                                         

Tips for parents: 

• Violence, murder
• Several people beat up a young boy.
• F-bombs and other profanity.
• Bloody deaths.

Uplifting theme: 

• Family
• Second chances, redemption

 Things I liked:

• Danny Glover still has it, although he's so lovable that it's hard to take him seriously as a hard-core hit-man boss.
•  I was waiting for that famous Tina Turner moment when the Proud Mary song would play while Taraji kicked butt.  You have to wait a long time, but it's fun when it finally happens.

Things I didn’t like:

• The blonde wig doesn’t quite work for Taraji like it did for Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde, but we get the point.
•  Cliched Russians.
• Not a single cop to be found, despite all of the violence and shooting in the neighborhood.
• That last shoot 'em up scene was ridiculous.
• No advance screenings for the media or critics to preview the film.  Haven't the producers heard of marketing?

                                                 

                                         @trinaboice

The Cloverfield Paradox is a confusing one

Movie Title:   
The Cloverfield Paradox

Grade:  D

Rating: Not rated officially, but it should be R.

In a Nutshell:   To call Cloverfield a trilogy is a bit of a stretch.  The three films are loosely related with a few connected Easter eggs, each one depending on the former films to garner fans and box office success. 

The fan base is small, as evidenced by the very limited theater release.  The biggest surprise is that the first time the trailer for the movie was ever shown was at Super Bowl LII (2018), which was the very same night the movie was shown on Netflix.

                                  

Tips for parents: 

• F-bombs and other profanity.
• Lots of violence.
• Gruesome, gory, gross deaths.
• Disgusting worms.
• Creepy, but helpful, dismembered hand.

Uplifting theme: 

• Teamwork, friendship, loyalty
• Sacrifice
• Humanity, family

                                        

Things I liked:

• I actually liked the first two installments in this franchise. I like that the three are different from each other and make you try to think.
• Chris O'Dowd has the best lines in the movie.
• The lovely Elizabeth Debicki has quite an entrance.
• This will be a fun movie to make fun of at a teenage late-night party.
• Some of the acting was good.

Things I didn’t like:

• J.J. Abrams is great at NOT telling you what’s going on.  Your brain will explode if you spend too much time trying to figure out any of this. It’s occasionally entertaining and mostly confusing, meant mostly for Cloverfield fans.
• David Oyelowo is too good for this silly script.
• You’d think that everyone on the space station would be able to speak the same language.  Tam (played by Ziyi Zhang) kept speaking Mandarin with no subtitles.  People spoke to her in English and seemed to understand what she was saying, which is just another odd element in the movie.  I’ve actually been trying to learn Mandarin, but subtitles would have been super helpful since I’m terrible at Mandarin.  
• Rumor has it that the next chapter in the Cloverfield story.  Next?  Yeah, you heard me.  Do we really want more of this?  There is talk of an entire Cloverfield universe.  (sigh)  
• Apparently, the Cold War is still going strong in the future.
• Multiverse nonsense.  There are way too many theories, dimensions, and timelines going on here for the average person to keep up with or enjoy.
• Some really dumb lines like, "We're going to survive!  We have to!"
• Cat fight in space.   ha ha
• The original title was “The God Particle.”  Then, it was advertised as "Cloverfield 3."  No wonder we're confused...so are the writers.   

Interesting lines:
* "If you're asking if I'd be willing to kill 3 people to save 8 billion, wouldn't you?" -  Jensen   (Elizabeth Debicki)


You can see my movie review for 10 Cloverfield Lane here.  

                                       

                         

                                            @trinaboice

Fifty Shades Freed ends the trilogy of trash

Movie Title:   
   Fifty Shades Freed

Grade:   F

Rating:  R.   Why isn’t this rated X?

In a Nutshell:   Why is this trilogy of trash on the big screen?  Why isn’t this sold as the pornography it is?  

I realize there are women who eat this franchise up, but it’s a pathetic money grab and poor excuse for a romantic Valentine’s movie.

Now that this movie is done, we are all fifty shades FREED and hopefully never have to talk about this garbage ever again!

Tips for parents: 

• No.  Just no.

Uplifting theme: 

• This is pure garbage with no redeeming quality whatsoever.

Things I liked:

·       Absolutely nothing.

Things I didn’t like:

• Pretty much everything.  
• The dialogue is ridiculous and often laughable.
• The premise is ridiculous.
• Ridiculous treatment of women.
• Christian Grey is ridiculous.

        

                                         @trinaboice

12 Strong tells the true story of the horse soldiers who were the first to fight back after 911

Movie Title:   
  12 Strong

Grade:   B

Rating: R,
  2 hours 10 minutes

In a Nutshell:  This declassified true story has good intentions and a solid cast, but doesn’t give us the depth that other war movies have provided in recent years.

Hoorah to our American soldiers who bravely fight in impossible circumstances.  I'm a proud mother of an officer in the US Army, so this kind of movie really tugs at my heart.

The inspiring stories after 911 seem to be endless.  A horse soldier statue was erected at the new World Trade Center in honor of the heroes in this story.  The film is based on the book 12 Strong: The Declassified True Story of the Horse Soldiers.

Tips for parents: 

• Tons of profanity and trash talk from tough soldiers.
• Lots of shooting and violent deaths.
• Blood and gore.
• Lots of subtitles.

                                         

Uplifting theme: 

• “The greatest weapon in the history of the world is this (points at heart).”  - General Dostum   (Navid Negahban)
• “How do we love our family and leave them to go to war?” – Hal Spencer (Michael Shannon) 
• War, brotherhood
• Friendship
• Communication, culture

                                                                 

Things I liked:

• Because it's a Jerry Bruckheimer production, you are assured some great action sequences.  
• The capable cast includes the always hunky Chris Hemsworth, compelling Michael Shannon, and likable Michael Pena.
• Pictures of the real soldiers about whom this movie was made are shown at the end of the movie.
• I get a kick out of Rob Riggle in everything he does.
• Great sound effects that make you feel like you're in the middle of it all.
• The absurdity and horror of horses facing tanks is actually made believable in the movie.

Things I didn’t like:

• Sometimes it’s hard to understand what everyone is saying.
• Sometimes it’s hard to see what’s happening too, especially in the evening scenes.
• A surprising amount of standing around talking.  There is hardly any action during the first hour of the movie.  Lots of action in the second half.
• If you don't know the true story, you'll feel the suspense and danger.  If you already know who does and doesn't survive the ordeal, the tension lessons tremendously.  The good news for this movie is that most people don't know the story at all and will enjoy the ride.
• It's definitely a man's movie, so some women will feel pummeled and exhausted by the end.
• Some of the battles feel repetitive.

Interesting lines:

• That’s not intel; it’s motivation.” – Sam Diller (Michael Pena)
• “Stop being a soldier and start using this (points to heart) and you can be a warrior.” –General Dostum

Funny lines:

• “What is that?  $10?  $9.50?”   (American soldier says to an Afghan street vendor who holds up his hand and has a finger cut half off.)

911 War movie that did it better:
Black Hawk Down

                                              @trinaboice

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