Jumanji: welcome to the Jungle REVIEW 8/10

Jumanji : welcome to the jungle stars Jack Black who steals the show and Karen Gillan who is easy on the eyes (tall red head who played Amy Pond the British TV series Doctor Who). 

The moral of the story is a quote from Dr. Bravestone "It’s a lot easier to be brave when you’ve got lives to spare. It’s a lot harder when you only have one life."  Franklin Finbar responds "We always only have one life, man." 

This is more of a comedy that the first Jumanji which starred the amazing Robin Williams and Bonnie Hunt.  Don't try and compare the two movies they are really different genre.  I liked them both.  The original was more of a dark drama.

Its a fun movie with a little romance and lots of action and laughs.  The acting is excellent and has a good message -- working together and seeing real person behind the masks we all wear.  Not unlike Breakfast club.  Not wasting time of our lives, but making it count by being good friends and courageous, hard working among other things. A house divided cannot stand. (Luke 11:17)
Enjoy

My Man Godfrey (1936) REVIEW 10/10

An excellent screwball comedy with a sane & socially conscious message. There was a part in the middle when I couldn’t stop laughing. 

Godfrey himself states the theme and I quote “The only difference between a man and a derelict is a job." 

Watch this one even if you don’t like old movies.  At least you can say you tried to understand and it’s a classic – none of your friends will know who William Powell or Carole Lombard are, but you will know and that is enough.    

Godfrey shows us that connection and unity can only occur when both parties want it.  A nation or a family is only as good as its people.  Tolerance can only apply to non-moral issues.  Old timers knew this.  ‘Tolerance for sin’ is never okay and can be defined as the virtue of a people with no convictions.  We need to stay focused on good and evil not what people like or want or feel.  Godfrey shows them all relationships personal and professional must all based on trust & integrity.  Any nation or state where more people are leaving than staying has major problems and they won’t fix themselves. Godfrey teaches us evil wins when good men do nothing or whatever they feel like.

William Powell is the focus character -- Godfrey.  A hobo-turned-butler, bringing common sense to a dysfunctional rich family.  Carole Lombard as Irene is a spoiled socialite who only pretends to enjoy her wealth but relates better to ordinary folks.  Godfrey's humility rubs off on Irene and ultimately frees her from her illusion of happiness to something true & meaningful. `My Man Godfrey' has no mercy on the aristocracy of the 1930's, skewing it as socially incompetent and morally bankrupt. `All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people.' How terribly true.  That’s not politically correct, but its true. Back then poverty due to a lack of jobs was rampant.  In many ways our society today is even crazier & empty inside than in this movie and we can’t see it.  It’s the old saying you can't see the forest for the trees.  The solution is not removing God from the public sector and giving everyone a trophy for just showing up.  Nor is it forcing a bakery out of business because he won’t bake a cake. Tolerance goes both ways -- it’s a thin pancake that doesn’t have two sides.  Destruction of property and violent protests due to a speaker being invited to your university who doesn’t agree with popular beliefs until the invitation is canceled is not tolerance – it’s downright hateful and brutish – many social causes of 2018 the minorities have become the bully’s & the haters. Godfrey would work hard & peacefully and like a gentleman to secure change without complaining.  Freedom has made us weak and pitiful creatures.  Victory has defeated America.  With men like Godfrey we can turn it around.

We are shown a homeless forgotten man (Godfrey) who comes in contact with a couple of rich girls out on a scavenger hunt. Little do they know he will change their lives forever.

Enjoy.

Beyond the Blackboard (2011) TV movie REVIEW

Beyond the Blackboard (2011) TV movie -  family drama

Starring Emily VanCamp, Steve Talley, Timothy Busfield

This is a true story of a young first time teacher who gets more than she bargained for.  This one is a winner.  VanCamp especially, but entire cast gets to the heart.  You feel like they are your kids and feel what the teacher feels.  It’s like you are right there with them doing life.  It’s not only and eye opener, but exemplifies what a pioneer spirit can do.  You will feel this one inside and be glad you watched it.  It really is a family movie.  Hallmark does it again.  Not sappy, just pure human emotion and caring in action. 

Elevator Girl (2010) - movie Review

Elevator Girl (2010) Romance starring Lacey Chabert & Ryan Merriman

A Perfect Romance flick for a Valentine’s Day Weekend

Two strangers have an instant connection when stuck in an elevator together. Despite being complete opposites they feel a strong connection.  He is a workaholic and she is a free spirit.  During their first disagreement they both have very wise counsel for each other, but can’t see their own issues. 

I loved the role played Patty McCormack as Rosemary.  The movie kept my attention and I was actually moved emotionally several times.  Stop over analyzing things and enjoy the movie.  Let yourself get into the characters don’t criticize them.  Everyone is different.  One of the main reasons we go to movies and read stories and go to concerts etc. is to experience different things from different perspectives.  Let yourself get into the characters drop your façade and let yourself get into their skin with no preconceived ideas.  I know its hard, just do it.  Enjoy the movie – I did. (if you like this one checkout Return to Me)   Mark

Leap! movie Review

Set in late 19th century this one is a winner.  Critics will say its been done before so what.  This is a really good movie.  Its fresh and new for a new generation.  Many of this era will never see the older films so go and see this.  The characters are enduring especially Felicie voice by Elle Fanning.  If you're like me you'll fall in love with this character quickly.  I also liked the Mérante the choreographer of the ballet.  The movie never drags and is engaging for all ages.  Enjoy. I recommend it for all ages who are young at heart. 

The Greatest Showman (2017) REVIEW

The Greatest Showman (2017) - REVIEW

Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya

This one surprised me.  I didn’t even realize it was a musical when I sat down at the theater. The acting is a pleasure to behold.  The story is told via song romance and drama coming together so well some may say it was epic.  There are multiple layers and relationships within the film as well as flashbacks revealed in such a way you feel the emotion & find yourself drifting into the film.  It’s a ride you want to take with its twists and turns.

"Without promotion, something terrible happens...nothing!" – P. T. Barnum

Directed by Michael Gracey, this film is pure entertainment with music by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.  It shows us unity in diversity.   Cary Grant, who had a rough childhood, relays the following: "The Saturday matinee was in full swing when I arrived backstage; and there I suddenly found my inarticulate self in a dazzling land of smiling, jostling people wearing and not wearing all sorts of costumes and doing all sorts of clever things. And that’s when I knew! What other life could there be but that of an actor? They happily traveled and toured. They were classless, cheerful, and carefree. They gaily laughed, lived, and loved." 

A wonderful scene "A Million Dreams" the young and poor Barnum befriends a well-bred little girl named Charity, and they dream of creating their own destiny. Michelle Williams is exhilarating how she tosses herself into thin air, knowing Jackman will catch her. She shows a strength of her own in the film that must be watched to be appreciated. 

The real standout is "Rewrite the Stars," the love song between Efron and Zendaya, taking place in the empty circus tent, when she flies on the trapeze far above him, and he tries to climb up the ropes to meet her. You can feel the sparks.

Ordinary folks have always confounded the critics who can’t understand why some things are popular.  Barnum, with a knowing smile, explains to a skeptic, "People come to my show for the pleasure of being hoodwinked." 

Black Panther (2018) movie REVIEW

Black Panther – REVIEW (SPOILER ALERT)   Sci-Fi, Action  (Marvel Superhero)  2hr 14 min

This film was action packed and I enjoyed it. It spoke to me that we should not remain neutral as a people when its within our power to help those under oppression and the defenseless like orphans and widows and the poor.  If we remain neutral too long (as displayed in this film) the enemy may eventually come for us also and by then it may be too late. 

Its very well acted and you find yourself having emotional reactions to different characters.  The film shows how our choices effect the future.  One of my favorite scenes was when Black Panther (thought dead) returns to face Killmonger -- General Okoye must choose quickly whom she will follow.  I thought it very sad Killmonger didn’t at least attempt to be healed in the end and possibly join the Black Panther.  They would have been awesome together.  Maybe his hurt ran too deep or he thought he would be betraying his father.  No son or daughter should have to carry such burdens and why each generation must make their own way and leave the past in the past, but always learning from it and remembering lest we repeat the mistakes made throughout history.  Those that live by the sword will die by the sword.  The king doesn’t wield the axe of justice for nothing.  Those with honor and integrity shall be glad, but those who seek to steal, kill and destroy should be afraid, very afraid.

It's a Wonderful Life - REVIEW 10/10

It’s a wonderful life (1946) Family Drama

Frank Capra’s first film after serving in WWII the movie is a celebration of the lives and dreams of ordinary folks who do most of the living and dying in America.  Capra found the idea in a story by Philip Van Doren Stern.

Thank goodness he did.  It’s in my top 5 movie list.  If you’ve never seen the movie find a quiet evening and get some snacks and a blanket and enjoy.  I’m not exactly sure what magic makes some movies watchable multiple times while others once is good enough even if they are really good.  Whatever the answer this one has the magic. 

I can practically quote the movie.  All George Bailey wants to do is leave home and see the world and build things and experience things other than small town life.  It seems one thing after another keeps him from being able to do that because he cares so much for others.  Something that I believe is still alive in modern America.  Some movies I wish I could see for the first time again, this is one of those.  This movie strangely contains the most romantic kiss scene ever in my humble opinion – who knew?  I could go on for pages why this movie is so great, just watch it. 

I’ll close with a quote from one of my favorite scenes: 

Ma Bailey: Did you know that Mary Hatch is back from school?
George: Uh-huh.
Ma Bailey': Came back three days ago.
George: Hmmmm...
Ma Bailey: Nice girl, Mary.
George: Mmm Hmmmm....
Ma Bailey: Kind that will help you find the answers, George.
George: Hmmm...
Ma Bailey: Oh, stop that grunting.
George: Hmmm...
Ma Bailey: Can you give me one good reason why you shouldn't call on Mary?
George: Sure –– Sam Wainwright.
Ma Bailey: Hmmm?
George: Yes. Sam's crazy about Mary.
Ma Bailey: Well, she's not crazy about him.
George: Well, how do you know? Did she discuss it with you?
Ma Bailey: No.
George: Well then, how do you know?
Ma Bailey: Well, I've got eyes, haven't I? Why, she lights up like a firefly whenever you're around.

It Could Happen to You (1994) - REVIEW -- must see for all ROMCOM lovers

It Could Happen to You (1994) - Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda, Rosie Perez

Bridget Fonda is a breath of fresh air in this ROMCOM. 

Doing this review in the year 2018 looking back its fun to notice the drastic changes in culture such as no cell phones, the use of polaroid cameras, a cop who was everyone’s’ friend, & protesters throwing red paint on ladies wearing furs.  One thing similar – friends come out of no where when you win big money.  The main character Charles was a man of his word like my father -- I liked that.  Sadly, so many think men like that are suckers or losers when the opposite is true.   Charles wife loves the high life and will seemingly do anything to get it.  Charles loves Queens and his job on the force and playing ball with neighborhood kids.  The red dress scene is a favorite of mine.  Her hair in that scene actually caught my attention. I loved when Charles returns to the boat at the end of that scene and his wife didn’t even know he got left behind.  The movie deals with how money affects people – those who never have enough and those who notice those around them and are cheerful givers.  Or in other words they use money and love people vs loving money and using people.  Charles wife actually makes the following comment to him “your niceness and decency make me sick”.  On the other side Yvonne and Charles were both givers by nature.  In a flustered moment Yvonne, the waitress said to Charles “You’ll have to excuse me sometimes, nobody ever loved me before.”  

The ending needs to be seen I won’t spoil it.  I thoroughly enjoyed this film and if you like ROMCOMs you will too. I promise.  

The Spectacular Now - 2013 REVIEW

The Spectacular Now (2013) 

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Starring Miles Teller as Sutter; Shailene Woodley as Aimee; Brie Larson as Cassidy

A moving film about two average high school seniors before Ipad’s and smart phones changed our society. Sex must come up in a film like this or reality is lost, but the director had class and doesn’t insist on showing her chest.  Sutter and Aimee are smart, but make honest mistakes.  The movie does a great job of developing the characters and how we all have masks we must shed and fears we must eventually face.  It’s a serious movie with some laughs, but so real you find yourself relating your own life to what’s happening on screen.  In one easily overlooked scene Sutter (the boy) while being counseled by a caring teacher asks the teacher point blank “are you happy?”  The teacher doesn’t respond. 

Aimee is smart and very focused.  She embraces the popular class clown as her first boyfriend. Sutter has a harder time dealing with reality causing issues that tug at your heart.  Both main characters are likeable and genuine bringing home an overall idea that the ‘spectacular now’ is great, but its nothing without sharing those memories with the same people tomorrow and doing life together in true love and friendship and owning the responsibilities that go along with that.  Thus creating a healthy environment for others to flourish as well as yourself. 

The ending reminds us all we must all make choices and learn and then make better choices and keep moving forward.  Our thoughts result in actions that result in habits that become our character that lead us to our destiny and the legacy we leave behind.  We cannot live others lives but we do influence them for good or bad.  

In other words ‘Be excellent to one another’ NOW!