For a film about a complex (and still ongoing) war, this sure tries to simplify things down to moral victories… “12 Strong” tells the declassified true story of a group of U.S. Special Forces soldiers who were the first to attack al-Qaeda following the September 11th attacks. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael… Continue reading ’12 Strong’ a Well-Intentioned but All-Too-Familiar War Film
Aaron Sorkin could write directions for baking a fruitcake and it would still be more interesting and invigorating than most people’s screenplays. “Molly’s Game” marks Aaron Sorkin’s directorial debut from a script of his own hand. Like most all his work, it is based off a memoir and in this case he chronicles the story… Continue reading ‘Molly’s Game’ is Great Chastain but Only OK Sorkin
Say what you will about the “Pitch Perfect” series but there is something commendable about milking three successful films out of the concept of a college a cappella group. “Pitch Perfect 3” is the third and final film of the trilogy that stars Anna Kendrick, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Hana Mae… Continue reading ‘Pitch Perfect 3’ is Dumb, Silly and Aca-Awkward, for Better or Worse
Michael Shannon is a national treasure and we are not worthy of him. “The Shape of Water” stars Sally Hawkins as a mute custodian worker living in 1962 Baltimore. When the secret government facility she works at brings in an aquatic creature from the Amazon, she befriends it and seeks to break it out. Michael… Continue reading Beautiful, Engaging and Mesmerizing, ‘The Shape of Water’ May be 2017’s Best Film
How can anyone not love Sam Rockwell? “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” stars Frances McDormand as a grieving mother of a recently murdered daughter. After no arrests are made by the police after several months, she takes out ads on three billboards in order to draw public attention to the case. Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell,… Continue reading ‘Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ is a Pitch Black-if Not Quite Pitch Perfect-Dark Comedy
I wasn’t sure who it was that killed Johnny Depp in this film, but I imagined it had something to do with all the “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequels… “Murder on the Orient Express” is based on the 1934 novel of the same name, which was previously adapted into the 1974 film. The film follows… Continue reading ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ Remake a Mystery without Much Intrigue
Between Jordan Peele with “Get Out,” Aaron Sorkin with “Molly’s Game” and Greta Gerwig here, 2017 has been a great year for directorial debuts. “Lady Bird” stars Saoirse Ronan as a high school senior living in 2002 Sacramento. In her final year before going off to college, she deals with boys, popularity and her turbulent… Continue reading ‘Lady Bird’ a Warm, Honest Dramedy
For what it’s worth, this is the best of both the “Thor” trilogy and the recent Marvel entries. “Thor: Ragnarok” is the 17th installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features the God of Thunder Thor (Chris Hemsworth) needing to team up with his half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and a scavenger… Continue reading ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ is Solid Marvel Entertainment
I ran into this issue last year with “Almost Christmas:” early November is too soon to release Christmas movies. “A Bad Moms Christmas” is the sequel to last July’s surprise hit “Bad Moms” and features Jon Lucas and Scott Moore returning to write and direct. The film follows Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn… Continue reading ‘A Bad Moms Christmas’ is Like Getting Socks as a Gift: You Didn’t Ask for It and Some Will be More Forgiving than Others
What an absolute baffling train wreck of a dumpster fire… “Suburbicon” follows a mild-mannered father living in a 1959 suburb with his wife and son. After a home invasion leaves his wife dead, things begin to get crazy in the town. Or something like that, the plot of this film is a mess. Julianne Moore… Continue reading ‘Suburbicon’ is a Misfire of Hilarious Proportions
The Reel Deal 