Emotions, a spirit, a killer operating system and a lovey garden

I have been slacking in the review responsibilities of late, so here are some quick reviews of what I seen lately...

Inside Out - "Take her to the moon for me, Joy."

Cute little movie about a little girls emotional development through a rough time in her childhood. It focuses on the power struggle between joy and sadness. How sometimes not everything is joyous and that its OK to be sad. Not one of PIXAR's best, but a fun movie that was made more for the adults than the kids. The cast was great, but Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith really brought the emotional soul of the film. My favorite moments of the movie were with Bing Bong, Riley's imaginary friend and the end credit interstitial about the other character's emotional groups, hilarious. I did very much enjoy the short before the movie LAVA. Very sweet song and story. Go see it, just don't have too high expectations.

Insidious: Chapter 3 - "Time spent in conversation is never wasted"

This is a prequel to the other Insidious movies. It kind of tells the story of why the black bride haunts Elise, but not really and how she meets Tucker and Specs. There is also the tale of a girl haunted in her home, by a man who can't breathe and collects other spirits as pets. This chapter was quite boring. There was nothing really scary and did not have any real back story to the new spirits. Lin Shay as Elise was really the only memorable character. This was very much a miss to an other wise fun and scary series. See it if you must, but you won't really miss anything if you don't.

Terminator Genisys -"That's a meaningless gesture. Why hold onto someone you must let go?"

This is really a remake of the first movie with some new ideas thrown in. Same story but with new time lines to follow or change. Some of the changes are interesting while some do not really make sense, logically. I think it did a good job re-establishing a new timeline with today's technology and the new problems that arise from it. I liked the new take on the movie and not just an all out remake, they added new stuff that is taking the story in a new direction. The actors were great, I would have liked Jai to be naked a bit more(LOL), but otherwise everyone was spot on. Go see it! It was fun and i look forward to seeing how it plays out.

A Little Chaos - "Yes, I know a dream of them, but I cannot remember them all"

Love story between King Louie XIV's head landscape architect and a landscape designer (Sabine) while they create the gardens of Versailles. He is part of the court while she is just a commoner and a widow. A relationship also develops between the king and Sabine that helps her connect with people and her with the court. There is a scene with Sabine and the ladies of the court that is just simply heart-wrenching and beautiful. The movie shot is beautiful and makes me want to see more movies directed by Alan Rickman. Everyone in the movie was superb and could watch them all just read the yellow pages on screen. Go rent this from Apple TV or On Demand, you will not regret it.

"RUUUUUNNNNNNNNNN"

Jurassic World

June 11, 1993, Midnight, Hillsborough 8, Tampa, Florida with my friend Frank was where I saw Jurassic Park for the first time. I was infatuated with seeing midnight movies for the longest time, that I think stemmed from seeing this movie. It was everything and I think I saw the movie about five or ten more times in the theater, and then again when it came out in 3D a few years ago. I was also very excited about the subsequent sequels, but I won't dwell on those as this movie acts like they did not exist. Which I think would have been a bit more interesting if it did.

As the story goes, Jurassic World has been in operation a few years after the original events occurred, and has become a full functioning theme park that looked pretty packed, but is in a need of a new attraction? So they decided to create a hybrid dino that was bigger and badder than anything in nature, big mistake. There is also a story line about a field test with a ex-navy soldier, the ever dreamy Chris Pratt, and his gaggle of velociraptors. Also the park Manager's Nephews are coming to visit their Aunt while their parents work out things, but it was not to clear and I think it was a ploy to get us to care about them a bit more. They story/plot was very similar to the original story, but told at a different time, and with different people, and with a little less heart and magic.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the movie, and it kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat. It seemed rushed and that we should just care about the people we are introduced to without any substance. I wanted to know more about Claire(Manager) and Owen(EX-Navy) relationship as it seemed there was more than just one bad date. Why were the nephew's parents having trouble in their marriage? Owen's field test with the raptor's that could have been a movie in itself. Then there was the inGen aspect of the movie with the military contractor, CEO and the devious scientist Henry. I think there was just too many story lines to contend with our attention and it just muddled the story.

It was a gorgeous movie. The island felt like a real place that I would totally want to visit. The dinosaurs looked wonderful, and lets face it that is the real reason we go and see these movies. I was happy to see some new friends and a big old friend reprise her role from the original movie.

Now the original Cast was just perfect, this Cast was good, but did I really care what was going to happen to them through the course of the movie[?], maybe a little, but I could have cared more. I wanted to see more of the two control room workers(Lauren Lapkus and Jake Johnson), they are hilarious actors and they need more screen time. Chris Pratt is a full fledged Movie Star. He was radiant on the screen and played the hero to a 'T'. Bryce Dallas Howard was good and I was very impressed that she could run through the jungle in Stilettos. The kids were alright, a little annoying at first, but leveled out once the action started. 

Go see the movie. It was fun and a great summer popcorn flick. It is full of Easter eggs to the first movie, and I am sure with multiple viewing even more will come to the surface. If you have the chance see it in IMAX 3D, you won't be disappointed.

Carroll and Sir Wes, I recommend having some delicious short ribs and Belizean Beans and rice. Oh and don't forget the Imperial beer.

 

"dreamers need to stick together"

Tomorrowland

There has been a lot of talk about this movie, that has nothing to do with this movie. People saying that people do not want original stories, they just want sequels or remakes. If this is true then this movie is coming out at the right time.

This story is about a place when all the dreamers, scientists, thinkers, builders and doers created so that they are not burdened by the restrictions that come with trying to create something in the real world. But something happens that disables this wonderland and a true believer is needed to get it back on track. That is all you need to know, as I think this movie works better going in just knowing the very basics.

I really enjoyed this movie, but I did think it was missing that something extra. It had great visuals, and story and I thought the message it was telling was relevant, I just thought it was missing something, but I just can't put my finger on it. I was engaged through out, and thought that the story moved along at a great pace. It was a beautiful movie, the Eiffel tower scene is ah-mazing. I loved the whole retro future look of tomorrowland , and especially the audio-animatronics.

The acting was pretty good, and I particularly enjoyed Raffey Cassidy who played Athena. She is brilliant in it and she added a lot of fun to this movie. George Clooney was pretty good, I just thought his disappointment and gruffness could have been a bit more. There always seemed to be a smirk lurking behind his eyes.

Go see it and tell me what you think! And Carol you should recreate the menu from the Lunching Pad, and don't forget the frozen drinks, just make sure they have some kick.

Playing Catch Up

I have seen a few movies and been a little bit busy so here are a few quick reviews

Mad Max: Fury Road was a visual spectacle that was made to be seen on the silver screen. The movie is really about Furiousa(Charlize) and her journey and Mad Max(Tom Hardy) just happens to be along for the ride. Just like all the other movies it's a post apocalyptic world where we have off the wall tyrants, war boys, milk ladies and baby makers. Great car chases with amazing vehicles, I mean who has a vehicle made mostly of amplifiers and a guitarist on bungies? This was truly a fun movie to just go see and get lost in it. There is not a complicated story and it is full of action and spectacle. Go see it!

Pitch Perfect 2 was pretty much the same movie on a larger scale. The Bella's were beat down and needed to find their sound again as a team. It was cute and I laughed quite a few times. I also loved that Phat Amy and  Bumper had a love story, but there was nothing new brought to the table with this story. Too many side stories and it seems like they tried to hard to capture the magic of the first one.

I had high hopes for the Poltergeist remake. The original one is held high in my mind as one of the great horror films of all times. It has heart, a great story and truly terrifying. The new movie has none of that. It started off not so bad with the introduction of the family, but soon veered into a very bland and not a very scary movie. I liked how they updated the family unit and all of the acting was pretty good. One of the most scary scenes in the original movie was the clown, and what was so scary about it, was that it was one of the kids toys. In this new movie the boy finds a box of clowns in his room. Predictable, and why make all the clowns look like they are evil right off the bat?. And don't even get me started on the tree, or the lack of the pool(!) and how can you have a Poltergeist movie with out Tangina(!!) or have the girl named Carol-Ann???  Please!

"...you're starting to annoy me now because this is your insecurity talking, this is not your intellect"

Ex Machina

From first time director Alex Garland who has brought us such great stores as 28 Days and Sunshine, we have a story about a programmer, Caleb, that works for a large Internet search engine company that wins a week with the reclusive head of the company, Nathan,  in his secluded mountain retreat. He gets there and it is revealed that Nathan has created an Artificial Intelligence and he wants Caleb to do a Turing test on it, to determine it it has true intelligence or if it is just mimicking human behavior. We then meet Eva the AI, and the testing testing begins. Caleb is fascinated and in awe of Eva. We also learn that Nathan likes to get wasted almost every night, workout and Kyoko(the maid/chef that doesn't speak) and he like to do dance routines. As the test progresses we soon learn that not what it seems and have do decide who is testing who. I really can't say more or it will spoil things.

 It stars Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander and Sonoya Mizuno. Acting was really good and the especially Oscar and Domhnall interaction is awkward, tense, and very compelling. The real treat though is Alicia, when she is on the screen it is mesmerizing.Her movements and tone really draw you into to he character.

I liked the moves very straightforwardness, and it's zen like simplicity. While the story plot is very thin, I was glued to the screen the entire time, even after I had figured somethings out near the end. The movie is playing on a lot of different themes and issues regarding human interaction, Artificial Intelligence, deceit, manipulation and love/attraction. I would go see if you have a chance and I hear it's a completely different movie on a second view.

And Carroll if you are watching this at home sushi and a bold red would be fitting.

"Whoa ho ho! You kiss your mother with that mouth?"

Avengers: Age of Ultron

 Director -  Joss Whedon

Stars -  Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlet Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Paul Betanny, Elizabeth Olson, Aaron Taylor- Johnson, James Spade

Story -  Tony Stark creates an Artificial Intelligence to keep the peace, but basically fucks everything up and creates Ultron, who has Stark's ego and wants to fix the human race. He uses the Internet so that he can be everywhere making it crazy impossible to kill. The Avengers fight between each other and then realize they need to work as a team if they are to defeat Ultron.

There are also two new quasi- villains; The Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. They were created by HYDRA after their parents were killed with a bomb created by Mr. Stark. Surprised? So they team up with Ultron to get their revenge, but soon learn what Ultron's real motives and things go from there...

What Did I think - It was alright. It was a fun popcorn movie that had lots of action and great special affects. Basic story, with not much thought. The story tied into the infinity stone story-line that is weaved into most of the new Marvel movies and it was very fast paced. I did like Scarlet Witch(Weird and Amazing) and Quicksilver(Dreamy). Wish the interaction between Hulk and Black Widow was more developed. BOO, you know that my lullaby works just as good on you!

It was fun, but didn't bring anything new. And Nikki, I agree with Tony, too many Joss quips. Too many times did I want to roll my eyes.

Snacks & Bevvies - Pepperoni Pizza and Whiskey Lemonade

"There is no, on the side."

Woman in Gold

Director - Simon Curtis

Stars - Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Bruhl, Tatiana Maslany

Story -  This is the story of Maria Altmann and her fight to get back her families precious art that was stolen by the Nazi's and the Austrian government. The story flashes back between the 90's and the 40's to tell the story of Maria's escape from the Nazi's and her battle with the Austrian government. 

The Woman in Gold refers to the portrait of her aunt, Adele Bloch-Bauer, by Gustav Klimt, See Below..

What Did I think - Excellent!

Such a well told story. The back and forth between time periods really drove the plot and linked the past with the present. It was a great way to show the parallels between the characters and the times.

The acting was top notch. Helen, of course, was magnificent. Ryan, I think, has given his greatest performance to date. Their chemistry was great and lots of fun interactions between the two.

I need to mention Tatiana Maslany who played the young Maria. She was fantastic and brought such passion to the role. I have never seen her in anything before, but look forward to seeing her again.

Go see this movie. It is based on a true story and you will not be disappointed. Mazel!!

Snack & Bevies - Chocolate Donuts, and eat them before the chocolate melts

"Once a Stiff, always a Stiff."

Insurgent

Director -  Robert Schwentke

Stars -  Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Jai Courtney, Mekhi Phiefer, Miles Teller

Story -  Second installment of the Divergent Series. 

Tris and her peeps are on the run and need to regroup with her faction to take down Jeanine and her evil plan to control everything, or bring the peace as she likes to say.. The Faction-less are looking for Four,it's a secret why, and the leader of the Faction-less wants to also create an army to take down Erudite and kill Jeanine, just like Tris.

Jeanine also finds the "magic box" that will send a message to the people for what the next steps are for peace. The only way to open the box is for a Divergent to make it through all of the faction sims. I will give you three guesses who that is.

Tris is very tormented and must reconcile her feelings so that she can pass the last sim. She does and the big twist is revealed.

What Did I think - Meh! Much like the first movie, a lot was changed from the book. Not a horrible movie, not the best. Lots of action and some really great special effects. The fight scene on the train was especially good. Looked Ah-mazing in IMAX 3D. The only thing that bothered me was the last 3rd of the movie Tris's hair looked fake, like they did re-shoots and stuck a wig on her and not even a good one.

Acting was good. Everyone in it has proven themselves as actors, but I think the script could have used a bit more character development.

Snack & Bevies -Smart Water and Zebra Popcorntopia Popcorn

"You needn't call me that. Madam will do"

Cinderella

 Director - Kenneth Branagh

Stars - Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter

Story - Really? You should know by now. They changed a few things but nothing earth shattering or even interesting. Basically the same story we have seen hundreds of times with Cinderella. The movie is beautiful and lush. It was touching and funny in all the right places.

I did miss the songs, as I really like the Disney songs as well as some of the Roger and Hammerstein ones. It would have been nice even if they just interjected one or two of the songs. 

The acting was on point, especially Cate as Lady Tremaine. I just wish the story would have been told from her point of view or even the ugly step sister view. This story is so well known that it would have been a great to see it from the other side. 

Lily and Richard were perfect in their roles as Cinderella and Prince Charming. Helena was great too, but wish she would have been it a bit more, and sang Bibbity Bobbity Boo, instead of just saying it a few times. The Sisters were cute and awful at the same time.

Go see it, it looks great on the big screen and the Frozen Fever short was very cute.

Snack & Bevies - Laduree Macarons and Champagne(Veuve of course)