“Just Mercy” is a moving and emotional plea to end the death penalty and create a fairer justice system. That sounds like it could be a boring and high-handed attempt to push you to believe one way or another. But in reality, it is a powerful view of Southern poverty and bigotry and how it overwhelms the justice bureaucracy. Read more
Author: JMcNaughton
Movie Trends in 2019
As opposed to a ‘2019 Best of’ (or even a ‘2019 Worst of’) listing – these are some thoughts about the ongoing trends in movies. Some of these are positive, but there are quite a few that are not! Read more
1917 Movie Review
“1917” is visually lush look back to World War I into the trenches of death and destruction. It takes you on a non-stop journey following two officers going out over the “No Man’s Land” of the front to bring an important message to a squad ready for attack. Read more
Cats Movie Review
“Cats” is, well – it is something that was captured with film cameras. That… and a whole ton of CGI special effects that make the people in the movie resemble a cat. Read more
The Two Popes Movie Review
“The Two Popes” is a movie that relies on the fact that there is never more than one Pope, but when there are two of them — well, that is a story worth telling. For such an unusual event to occur in the Catholic church leadership, there is an unusual set of circumstances that cause that to happen. Read more
Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker Movie Review
“Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” is episode number Nine of the overall Star Wars movie series, the ones which have concentrated on the “Skywalker Saga”. Since George Lucas began this effort in 1977, there has been a mixed bag of results. Read more
Richard Jewell Movie Review
“Richard Jewell” takes on the story of the bombing at the 1996 Olympics where a lowly security guard becomes an overnight hero. Then just as quickly, his fame is turned on its head and he is turned into a loathsome monster, a self-interested bomber who wants glory and recognition. Read more
Jumanji: The Next Level Movie Review
“Jumanji: The Next Level” is a direct sequel to “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle”. If you remember, that movie was an enjoyable romp with a few good actors doing a decent performance in an over-the-top goofy situation. That one performed well enough to require a sequel, and it turns up the energy level to 11. Read more
Waves Movie Review
Waves” is a movie that is broken – not in the way that you might think. It is broken into two different pieces, with a different focus for each part. Read more
Queen & Slim Movie Review
“Queen & Slim” shows that the way criminal justice is approached and doled out in this country is as different as Black and White. The perceptions of crime and injustice become the realities of our lives. Based on social status, and skin tones, these differences are the fuel that power the journey that is this movie. Read more