“Mamma Mia” Review
Sophie is back and trying to carry on her mother’s tradition with restoring the Hotel Donna to it’s former glory for if nothing else to remember her mother’s legacy. The film follows the same structure as the original with Sophie (played by Amanda Seyfried) it opens with her sending three letters one to Bill, one to Harry and one to her long lost grandmother, though she decides at the last minute to rip the last one up and not send it.
At the same time of Sophie trying to reopen the hotel, the director, cleverly decides to cut to a new scene paralleling a Young Donna (played by Lily James) who is in the exact same situation as Sophie currently is. The choice of the director to seamlessly splice the film together reflecting the “like mother, like daughter” saying is crystal clear as the audience doesn’t have to know much about what happened in the first MammaMia film to know what is going on in the second.
Furthermore, the casting of James as Young Donna is exceptionally done as one can tell that Ms. James, studied the mannerisms and vocalizations of Meryl Streep, who played Donna in a way that is really believable. Her singing of the iconic Abba songs is remarkably done not only by her but by the entire young cast of individuals including her best friends, Rosie (played by Alexa Davies) and Young Tanya (played by Jessica Keenan Wynn).
Looking at the music, I was particularly impressed how the director’s choice in music used as he kept with the “Abba” music theme however tried not to duplicate the songs that were used. Only a few including the title song, ‘MammaMia’ and “I have a dream” were repeat songs, but were done in a new way that helped move the movie along.
A few surprises including the addition of music legend Cher who played Sophie’s grandmother, Ruby who finally decides to come around after Sophie’s boyfriend Sky {played by Dominic Cooper) invites her to the opening of the hotel. Of course, no appearance of singer Cher is complete without a song herself as she rekindles her spark with old flare, Fernando (Andy Garcia) in the iconic song, Fernando.
The film also brings back stars including Sophie’s three dads, Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) and Harry (Colin Firth) as well as Julie Walters as Rosie and Christine Baranski as Tanya. Of course, even though the film is set five years after the original, it wouldn’t be complete without a cameo song from Meryl Streep at the end.
The only issue I had is with the introduction of Sam, Bill and Harry. As far as continuity goes, the director reversed the order with Young Donna meeting Harry first as opposed to Sam. Not a big deal, but those who know the first one may notice the different.
Overall at nearly a two hour run time, MammaMia: Here We Go Again is a film that will have true Abba fans toe topping along the way, though one might question if it really is as good as the original, the film will captivate audiences enough to make one wonder. The film came out in theaters July 20th and is currently playing in a theater near you.
“Sicario” Review
Benicio Del Toro is back in the drug trafficking sequel as the cortels seek to protect the Mexico border from terrorists. Now it’s up to Alejandro (Del Toro) to team up with FBI Agent Matt Grover (Josh Brolin) to fight the opposition at the border while protecting a refuge girl who falls victim to abduction from the cortels.
The film stars Del Toro in a role that is prevee to him as he is very much has a knack for getting into sticky situations, but does so in a way that he manages to pull himself out by the bootstraps and survive to live another day. One break out star is Isabela Moner who plays the girl whom Del Toro takes responsibility in protecting and overall she is definitely one to watch. Coming off her first feature length film with Transformers: Age of Extinction in this Mexican based film, one sees Moner in a slightly new light, that of one who just wants to survive and get back to her family. Moner enhanced the dynamic of the the flare as she definitely knew how to get down and dirty in a sense as she physically did take some emotional as well as physical abuse and had the audience rooting for her survival as the film moved on to its climax.
In addition, the use of language and the director’s inclusion in Spanish dialect showed the culture that one is dealing with and for a California- west coast audience, one could sympathize with.
Overall at 2 hour and 2 minute run time Sicario: Day of the Soldado captivates audiences with action and suspense that is known to Del Toro’s style as well as adding an essential element of protection as a young girl, Isabel, who is kidnapped from the border now must rely on the protection of Alejandro in order to get back to her family. It is refreshing to see a good, clean film though it is timely to the issues going on at the border, it reminds one that anything is possible and as far as sequels go, it’s a movie that one doesn’t necessarily need to see the first one in order to enjoy the second.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado came out in theaters June 29, 2018 and is currently playing in a theater near you.
“Hearts Beat Loud” Review
It’s the summer before Sam is set to go to college and it’s her father, Frank’s last time to rekindle what they had a long time ago, through music.
The dramedy father daughter relationship captures the heart of what could potentially be a tough moment in any parent’s life, when a child leaves home for the first time. The director uses the words of songs to convey what both Sam and Frank are going through from their own relationship with each other as well as with Sam and her lesbian lover and Frank who still mourns the death of his wife. He does it in such a way that even those ultraconservative viewers should leave the theater saying at least, ‘that was sweet’.
Kiersey Clemens, who plays Sam, in what is her most dramatic role yet. Coming from other movies including Neighbors 2, Hearts Beats Loudly not only showcases her talent as an actress but also her musical ability. When she first sings, her voice carries the movie and we as an audience know that it’s only the beginning.
The chemistry between the actors, which was a small cast of names including Ted Danson, Toni Collette, Blythe Danner and Nick Offerman who plays Frank. All actors together provide a tight chemistry where even the slight disagreement in the beginning when Sam is trying to study in preparation of medical school, it definitely gave a sense that this relationship was rocked a little by something which we find out later is what drives them to want to write music.
Ultimately at 1 hour 37 minute run time, Hearts Beat Loud is a feel good movie for anyone who remembers what it’s like to either have a father or be a father and it’s a great movie to go to with your dad if you are able to. The film came out in theaters June 8, one week before father’s day and is currently playing in a theater near you. See it before it leaves theaters or wait to rent it on your nearest streaming device. You won’t be sorry.
“Incredibles 2” Review
The Incredibles are back, though one might wonder if they ever left as the much anticipated sequel picks up exactly where the first film left off. This alone had one wondering why wait so long but i’ll get into that later. First let’s talk about the good.
Incredibles 2 features the same voice talents of Craig T. Nelson as Bob Parr (a.k.a Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter as Helen Parr (a.k.a. Elastagirl) and Samuel L. Jackson as Lucius Best (a.k.a Frozone) and rightfully so. The film couldn’t exist without the voices and given the 14 year time-lapse the film doesn’t disappoint. It still has the same hype as the previous one while not relying on old jokes to drive the film. In addition, the “Incredible” children, Violet (voiced by Sarah Vowell) , Dash (voiced by Huck Milner) and Jack Jack (voiced by Eli Fucile) play a crucial part as this is the first time that we see just what the younger supers can do. There is the same sibling rivalry between Violet and Dash as to who will be taking care of Jack Jack, who obviously is still a baby, but also adds tremendously to the comical timing as we learned in the original film that he does have powers. The question is just how many?
No spoilers, but that is the first “problem” I saw is the family’s knowledge of Jack Jack’s powers. If we look back at the first film, there is a scene at the end with Cyndrone where Helen is thrown up in the air when Cyndrone is trying to take baby Jack Jack and he uses his first power, but yet in the sequel, the powers come as a surprise. Maybe I’m just reading to much into it, but I thought I’d point it out just for decision. That being said, it didn’t take away from the film and in fact, the discovery of just how many powers Jack Jack does have, drives the film as the family must know figure out how to help Jack Jack control his powers.
The importance of family shines though this film as it did in the first one as well as the idea of role reversal with Helen Parr now being the one to save the day and Bob Parr to take care of the kids. The film shows a great message of the importance of each role and the idea of it doesn’t matter who does it, each job is equally important.
Brad Bird, who returns as both the writer and director, excelled in taking the same story and enhancing it for a new audience. Aside from the previous comment, with Jack Jack, everything else about the film was spot on with regards to continuity. In addition, we saw growth with most of the Parr family as we saw Violet as she quickly enters her crazy adolescent phase with that of attempting to talk to Tony to that of embracing her responsibility with her little brother, Jack Jack.
As always the music score added to that feel of superhero vibes with the same iconic theme song that we remember from the beginning. The audience also is introduced to Elastagirl, Mr. Incredible and Frozone’s unique themes as Winston Deavor (played by Bob Odenkirk) tries to reinstate supers in their former glory.
Overall, at 2 hour run time, Incredibles 2 is a fun movie for all ages. Kids will love the superheroes trying to save the day amidst the fact that it’s illegal, while adults will love the subliminal messages including the biggest about the importance of balancing family life with that of work.
Incredibles 2 came out in theaters June 15. 2018 and is currently playing in a theater near you.
‘Action Point’ Review
D.C.: What this place needs is an excitement enema. We’re going to make this place fast and loose. Every ride, every attraction, no rules, no speed limits, just pure fun!
Action Point Employee: That sounds kind of dangerous.
It was an entirely different game back in the 70’s and Action Point Amusement park was the place to be. That was until D.C’s daughter came to visit around the same time that another mega amusement park challenges out of control park in Calico Park. Now it’s up to D.C to come up with something ‘great’.
The Paramount film stars Jackass’ Johnny Knoxville in the same basic role as a man who has little care other than just to have a good time without any consequences and for the most part the film follows the same structure as its predecessors. There’s one exception though, that of Knoxville realizing that he must ‘grow up’ as he rekindles the memories of his teenage daughter to his grand daughter. There is a slight sophistication around this film that I found admiring. Honestly, I have not been drawn to the other films of the same statute but this one, I feel has a slightly better storyline as the audiences saw a different type of movie, not typical for the Knoxville type.
Still hilarious, I did find myself laughing after every single joke, while also going “ouch” when he made a fool out of other’s injuries.
Additionally the film stars Eleanor Worthington-Cox, who made her debut as the eight year old Aurora in the Disney film Maleficient. This time, we see her as a teen awkwardly coming to spend the summer with her father who is so busy with his amusement park, he doesn’t realize his daughter is fading out of his life. In this film, it’s refreshing to see Cox as more of a prevalent character who can handle some dumb comedy while trying to adapt to her adolescent companions. The chemistry between Knoxville and Cox meshed well as we now are looking at Knoxville in an all new light, that of the role of father.
Subsequently Action Point is loosely based on a real life amusement park found in Vernon, New Jersey, The director, Tim Kirkby, in collaboration with Knoxville, paid great attention to detail though they changed the location of their amusement park to being placed Calico City, California. The rides that were shown could have been the actual park that is still in existence to this day, but under a different name. Similarly, the park is still the danger type as it was known for when it originally opened back in 1976 when it was accused of injuring park guests. That was more than likely the appeal to Knoxville to base his next movie on the nature of the park. It fits in with his other movies in that way.
Of course in true Jackass tradition, the language and fowl behavior was still prevalent to the film which would not be suitable for children. The message of fatherhood was there which for that reason would make a great movie for the upcoming father’s day weekend.
Action Point is much more enjoyable then the previous films. The storyline is stronger and doesn’t rely on rude humor to have a good time. Those that go to this movie expecting that solely might walk away somewhat disappointed, but I for one was relieved and encouraged to keep an eye on other movies that Knoxville will be making from now on. The film came out in theaters June 1st and is currently playing in a theater near you.
“Kings” Review
“They’re on West Adams there are boys fighting the police and neighborhood boys are running there.”
In 1991, this was the norm in the midst of the Los Angeles Riots where african american teens and young adults took to the streets in the wake of the Rodney King verdict where the police responsible got away scot free. The latest drama starring Halle Berry and Daniel Craig follows one foster mother in the wake of this in South Central Los Angeles as she attempts to keep her children safe and out of the clutches of the LAPD.
Altogether, the film is exceptionally cast as Halle Berry, similar to her other roles including The Call where she plays a telephone operator on the phone with a young girl who has just been abducted. Honestly one can see how Berry got chosen as she captures the same drama and suspense of a woman who just wants to keep as many kids safe as possible.
In addition the chemistry between she and Daniel Craig is a great match as two individuals that go from disliking each other to one of needing the other to survive for the young boys they are trying to protect. Craig is seen trying to step out of the shadows of his 007 spy espionage that he is known for. In this role, he is a character that does some dramatic growing from a next door white neighbor who just seems to be annoyed with living in the low life area of South Central to one that actually develops compassion for the kids that used to annoy him. Ultimately there is just one part that found it distracting to the story line and that is the sex scene, though it is in Berry’s mind, as a director, I couldn’t quite grasp why it was included, unless it just tied to the fact of wanting to see Craig and Berry together in the end. For me as a viewer, I could have done without it, as it didn’t really do anything for the initial storyline.
There was one breakout actor to point out and that was the young man who played Berry’s son, Jesse, (Lamar Johnson). As a relatively unknown actor, Johnson’s mannerism throughout the movie was right on point. One knew that something was going to happen as he was watching everything from being the one to help with the other kids to his first encounter with Nicole, the young girl who he rescues similar to his mom, from the store owner who accuses her of shoplifting. His strong, yet silent acting built up to the climax at the end with him and one of his friends over the girl and showed just how the riots affected even the youngest of children as he shifted his attention from himself to his foster brothers and sisters all throughout the movie. It’ll be interesting to watch Johnson grow in other films that he might be involved in.
Because of the films deep roots in Los Angeles, the director did her research and carefully used both archived footage interchangeably with her own actors which ultimately helped to draw the audience into the emotion of the Angelenos affected by the events. The film wouldn’t have captured the same emotion without it, though the footage is somewhat hard to experience, it does show why the riots resulted from it.
Kings came out in theaters April 27 and is rated R for graphic language, violence and brief nudity. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
“I Feel Pretty” REVIEW
“I’ve always wondered what it feels like to be just undeniably pretty.” Renee Barrett
Amy Schumer is defining the idea of what pretty is in her latest comedy about a woman who just wants to be looked at for who she is and is doing an exceptional job at it. Starring as Renee, a woman who works as an off strip online advertising coördinator in the shadows of a high-class fashion empire, she dreams of being in the forefront of the fashion world rather than hidden in a building in Chinatown, but her self-esteem keeps her from reaching for it. Meanwhile her friends, love her for who she is, though Renee is blinded by the one thing that all women struggle with, body image issues. While in a spin class, she hysterically falls off the bike and bumps her head, causing her to think that she suddenly changed on the outside.
With a new persona, Renee now has a new confidence which helps her land her dream job as receptionist for LeClaire, though it is her attitude that Avery LeClaire (Michelle Williams) falls in love with and gives her the job, not her appearance like she thinks.
Overall, the movie does an exceptional job, hilarious as Schumer drops one joke after the other as she awkwardly navigates through the world of fashion unaware that people are looking at her not for her looks but for her talents. It also portrays Schumer as confident enough in her own body to do anything, which is definitely something that today’s women and girls need in the face of society.
Set in the Chinatown section of NYC, those who know the city will feel comforted in seeing it accurately portrayed, though the story itself could have taken place in any part of the United States, even California, as when I watched it, I kept wondering if it was LA or New York. Even that thought doesn’t take away from the movie.
The directors, Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein as well did an exceptional job in helming this film. Similar to Never Been Kissed where Josie struggles with the same body image issues as to goes undercover for her job in order to accurately portray teenagers in high school. The duo has a knack for bringing a piece of work that touches the audience and makes them think about what we are doing to kids that gives them these perceptions.
Despite the looming title, which I feel does not do ample justice, I Feel Pretty is a film that is meant to give new meaning to the word pretty. It allows women to be comfortable in their own body and has a sense of innocence similar to what one feels as a child, before the body image takes over. Rated PG 13, I Feel Pretty is moderately safe for perhaps mid teenage girls to see with parent supervision. There is a brief nudity scene but nothing terribly revealing. What the film does do is give girls the confident to be who they want to be regardless of what they look like. It shows the message that “I am beautiful”.
I Feel Pretty came out in theaters April 20, 2018 and is currently playing in a theater near you.
“Rampage”: REVIEW
Scientist #1: It’s weird you like hanging out with animals more than people.
Davis Okoye: Yeah, well, animals get me.
Rampage stars Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Davis Okoye, a scientist who develops more of a relationship with the animals then with people. The opening scene shows how his relationship with George, the silverback gorilla will ultimately be the number one key that drives the film. That and the witty humor in the humanistic characteristics that are given to George. There are some scenes and lined that are definitely more for an adult audience, despite the PG 13 rating.
Starring as Johnson’s partner is James Bond’s Naomie Harris as Dr. Kate Caldwell who quickly takes on the same co partner role that she is most familiar in the latest 007 films. She quickly captures more of a serious, yet flirtatious role as one can definitely see that there is something there, though Johnson is to distracted by his ape and saving the world to get it. That being said, one see why Harris was chosen. She fits with Johnson perfectly to round out the adventure and ultimately save the ape.
Based loosely on the 1986 video game about a series of monster set out to destroy cities, the WB blockbuster is bringing life and story to why. In short, the film pays homage to the classic monsters in a new way. Sort of like a Dr. Dolittle meets King Kong, Godzilla and the werewolf, the film captures elements of the films all in one. Just one word of warning, if you go into the movie expecting more video game references, one might be disappointed.
That being said, Rampage came out in theaters April 13th and is already giving last week’s box office winner, A Quiet Place, a run for its spot as its Friday totals were exactly one million away with 11.5 million in box office revenue. It’s currently playing in a theater near you.
Viewer discretion is strongly advised as it may not be suitable for young children.
“Chappaquiddick” Review
“To tell the truth, even if it’s my version” (Senator Ted Kennedy (1969)
This line haunts Senator Ted Kennedy in the days following the tragic car accident in which his car went over the infamous bridge off the Island of Chappaquiddick. In the car, he had one passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne a former campaign secretary of his late brother, President Robert Kennedy, who he was convincing to rejoin the Kennedy family as his campaign secretary for the upcoming presidential campaign. But that is all cut short when she drowns in the car, causing a series of complications involving the Kennedy family scandal.
The film, directed by John Curran, paints a picture of the grief and conflict that young Senator Ted Kennedy, must have gone through as he must both analyze and cope with the tragedy that almost destroyed his political campaign and Curran for sure, did his homework, with the research and details that went into the film. He captured the information that the public didn’t necessarily know about the incident as well as what was in the mainstream media as the actors portrayed how the Kennedy family might have reacted to the trouble that the youngest Kennedy son found himself in that one day in 1969.
Ultimately, all the actors that were cast as well did an exceptional job, especiallyBruce Dern (from various westerns including The Hateful Eight and Django Unchained). Though Dern doesn’t have many speaking lines, it is the way he portrayed the late Joe Kennedy, Ted’s father that is exceptional. The fact that he was playing someone who had suffered from a stroke and thus couldn’t speak, it is so realistic with the emphasis of how to communicate nonverbally. One could see his expression that is conveyed both when he finds out about the scandal from his son that progresses to the end with his final line , “Be Great” as Ted Kennedy is about to make his final speech.
The other actor that did a great job is the one who played the role of Ted Kennedy, Jason Clarke (Everest, Zero Dark Thirty). Clark had so much emotion both during the moments leading up to the tragic accident as well as following, especially as we see how it affected him. His line after, “I’m not going to be president” set up the conflict which was building up to the famous speech at the end in which he ultimately considers resigning as senator.
His performance also had a humanistic touch where, the same as he was trying to touch the voters, the audience watching could sympathize with him as though it was really just a misfortunate accident. The interviews afterward with the voters, which looked as though were real footage from the actual speech, were a nice touch because it also showed that, despite the tragedy, people still loved him and wanted him to stay as senator.
One thing that might have made it a little stronger and I was disappointed, there was no flashbacks of the actual events. Building up to the speech, I kept expecting the director to show the actual speech from Ted Kennedy, either as a split screen, or photos at the end with the text explaining the outcome of the real Ted Kennedy, but there was nothing. Because of that, it made me wonder just how accurate the validity of the story was. It also left me with a question: was there items that were left out strategically to make Ted Kennedy look like the victim?
Ultimately Chappaquiddick is an hour and forty five minutes based on the “True” story of Ted Kennedy and what happened on July 18, 1969 with campaign strategist Mary Jo Kopechne. It came out in theaters April 8, 2018 and is currently playing in a theater near you. See it and make your decision as to whether it is true or not.