Mary Queen of Scots Movie Review

December 6, 2018 (updated December 7, 2018)

In ‘Mary Queen of Scots,’ filmmaker Josie Rourke shows us a dramatic and intense time in history, cleverly focusing on and examining the life of the ever charming, ever bewitching and sharp, Mary Stuart (Ronan), who wants only what is rightfully hers. The film is written by Beau Willimon and based on the book, ‘Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart’ by John Guy. The world Rourke creates with cinematographer John Mathieson (X-Men: First Class, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, The Phantom of the Opera) is flush with color, showing beautiful landscapes however the piece is dark and lonely because though the spotlight is on Mary Stuart, there’s another woman who’s casting a pall over the entire situation. That woman is Queen Elizabeth I (Robbie), the Queen of England. Mary’s very existence threatens her in many ways.

Mary was the Queen of France at only sixteen years of age. Now widowed at the age of eighteen, she wants to be the Queen of Scotland, her homeland. After her husband’s death, she returns to her country of origin to reclaim the throne. This is where she is met with great opposition… and a jealous rival. Feisty and strong-willed, Mary pleads with her cousin to meet her face to face, so they can rule ‘side by side.’ She begs that they not allow men to get in the way of what could be an amicable and peaceful kinship. She wants and asks for unity. Of course, men twist her thoughts and encourage Elizabeth to believe that Mary is more foe than friend. Hungry for power, the men helping Elizabeth govern want to rule over both Scotland and England. Elizabeth is unable to bear a child and they fear what may happen when Mary weds and has a child. This child would then be the next in line to take over and lord over all the land.

This chapter in the tale is tedious. There are a lot of characters to get to know but once you learn everyone’s names and where they fit in the plot, the pacing never slows. You settle in rather nicely, in fact, and the two hours goes by comfortably. Ronan plays a bullheaded and determined Mary who wants to be with a man ‘fully,’ but not if she’s owned by him. Shocking for the day, she is her own woman. You’ll be surprised to learn that who Mary does eventually pick to marry is actually gay. How she handles the situation when she finds out is what endears you to her even more. You’ll find yourself wanting her to succeed and get what she’s due and you’ll need for Elizabeth to see her point of view and share her vision. The script is decent except for the few times when men and their games of war slip in. It wasn’t really needed but the reasons for it are understood.

At times, I was both fascinated and confused by the story. It’s well-done, powerful and intriguing but at times a lot to take in. That said, do not miss a thing! No going up to get popcorn or taking bathroom breaks or anything because every second of screen time is filled with something you’ll regret having missed. The ending when the two women’s eyes fall upon one another for the first time is remarkable. Their conversation is the perfect way to close this film. It’s definitely a watch on the big screen if possible.

Social Media:

Official Website: http://focusfeatures.com/mary-queen-of-scots

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryQueenMovie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryqueenmovie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryqueenmovie/

Aquaman Advance Movie Screening

December 6, 2018

Movie Screening Summary

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king.

The film also stars Amber Heard (“Justice League,” “Magic Mike XXL”) as Mera, a fierce warrior and Aquaman’s ally throughout his journey; Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe (“Platoon,” “Spider-Man 2”) as Vulko, council to the Atlantean throne; Patrick Wilson (“The Conjuring” films, “Watchmen”) as Orm/Ocean Master, the present King of Atlantis; Dolph Lundgren (“The Expendables” films) as Nereus, King of the Atlantean tribe Xebel; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (Netflix’s “The Get Down”) as the vengeful Black Manta; and Oscar winner Nicole Kidman (“The Hours,” “Lion”) as Arthur’s mom, Atlanna; as well as Ludi Lin (“Power Rangers”) as Captain Murk, Atlantean Commando; and Temuera Morrison (“Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” “Green Lantern”) as Arthur’s dad, Tom Curry.

Wan directs from a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick (“The Conjuring 2”) and Will Beall (“Gangster Squad,” TV’s “Training Day”), story by Geoff Johns & James Wan and Will Beall, based on characters from DC, Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger. The film is produced by Peter Safran and Rob Cowan, with Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns and Walter Hamada serving as executive producers.

Wan’s team behind the scenes includes such frequent collaborators as Oscar-nominated director of photography Don Burgess (“The Conjuring 2,” “Forrest Gump”), his five-time editor Kirk Morri (“The Conjuring” films, “Furious 7,” the “Insidious” films), and production designer Bill Brzeski (“Furious 7”). They are joined by costume designer Kym Barrett (“The Matrix” trilogy, “The Amazing Spider-Man”) and composer Rupert Gregson-Williams (“Wonder Woman”).

www.Facebook.com/AquamanMovie
www.Twitter.com/AquamanMovie
www.Instagram.com/AquamanMovie
www.AquamanMovie.com

See more advance movie screenings from tmc

Advance Movie Screening For AQUAMAN

Find your chance to receive special advance movie screening passes below.

Phoenix, Arizona

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date: Monday December 17
Location: Harkins Arizona Mills IMAX
Movie Screening Time: 7:00pm
[button link=”http://www.wbtickets.com/AquamanTMCioPHX” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Get Passes[/button]

Tucson, Arizona

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date:Monday December 17
Location:Century El Con 20 and XD
Movie Screening Time: 7:00pm
[button link=”http://www.wbtickets.com/AquamanTMCioTuc” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Get Passes[/button]

Las Vegas, Nevada

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date: Monday December 17
Location: Regal Red Rock IMAX
Movie Screening Time: 7:00pm
[button link=”http://www.wbtickets.com/AquamanTMCioLV” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Get Passes[/button]

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Advance Movie Screening Details

Movie Screening Date: Monday December 17
Location: Regal Winrock IMAX
Movie Screening Time: 7:00pm
[button link=”http://www.wbtickets.com/AquamanTMCioABQ” type=”big” newwindow=”yes”] Get Passes[/button]



Advance Movie Screening Information

To redeem a pass, simply click the Get Passes button. You will taken to our movie screening partner site (where you can sign up for a free account). Once you’ve done so, you’ll be able to print out your pass and bring it with you to your screening or event.

Admittance into a screening or event is not guaranteed with your pass. Events and advance screenings are filled on a ” first come, first served ” basis. To ensure that you stand a good chance of being admitted, we recommend that you show up 30 minutes to one hour early.

The number of admissions that are permissible for each pass are printed clearly on the ticket that you print out. You are allowed to bring as many guests as is indicated on your pass. For example, if your pass is for ” Admit Two, ” you can bring yourself and one guest. If you have an ” Admit One ” pass, you can bring only yourself.

If you have any other questions or comments, please contact us.

Roma Movie Review

December 6, 2018 (updated December 6, 2018)

“ROMA” is a fantastic voyage back into the memory of Writer and Director Alfonso Cuarón. It is a lovingly filmed remembrance of his childhood, growing up in Mexico City. His family had a live-in housemaid who becomes an essential member of the family. He pays honor to her, and also to his own mother – both were strong women faced with difficult circumstances. But he has done so by creating this movie, which is an artistic bonanza of talent and beauty. Alfonso Cuarón has already won an Oscar, actually two (2014 “Gravity” – Academy Award for Best Director and Best Film Editing). So he did not have to prove anything. But Cuarón was busy with “ROMA”, working as Writer, Director, Co-Producer, Co-Editor, and Cinematographer.

Beginning back in 1970 and going through 1971, “ROMA” follows a middle-class family in a section of Mexico City named Roma. The mother Sofia (Marina de Tavira) and the father Antonio (Fernando Grediaga) have several young children. To help them with this unruly brood, they employ a young woman named Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio). She comes from a poor family out where the indigenous native Spanish live. But Cleo has been around with the family for many, many years, and she deeply cares for all of them. Also living with them is Teresa (Verónica García), who is Sofia’s elderly mother.

Antonio leaves on a ‘business trip’ to Canada, but the tears from Sofia show that there is a much more ominous reason. They have had marital problems, and he is leaving the family. Cleo steps up to be more supportive, and Sofia needs that support. But Cleo has a boyfriend problem. She has met Fermin (Jorge Antonio Guerrero) who is a very blunt and tough-talking guy. He has big plans for his future, and she woos Cleo with his martial arts skills. But Cleo becomes pregnant, and soon Fermin disappears. She makes a trip out her native village one day, to try and contact him and let him know her situation. But he rebuffs her, and says he has better things to do.

There are exams in the hospital for Cleo, where an earthquake rumbles the entire area. There is a New Year’s outing to Sofia’s relative’s house. It is fun time, until there is a forest fire near the house, and everyone runs out to help stop the fire. There is even help from a man in bear costume who sings a Mexican folk song. There is Cleo and Teresa who go out one day to purchase a crib for Cleo’s soon-to-be-born infant. However, there are street protests and some students are injured and killed. Some of the pursuers chase some people into the store, and Cleo sees that one of the thugs is Fermin.

Cleo is about to give birth during the street riots. The hospital is complete chaos. Cleo finds out that her baby is stillborn, and never had a chance to live. Sofia decides to take all of the kids and also Cleo out on a vacation to the ocean. She lets the kids know that their father Antonio will not be back home to live with them. Cleo is sad about her lost baby, but it is even more difficult for Sofia right now. The kids play in the ocean, but get caught in a strong current. Cleo, even with no ability to swim, goes into the water to make sure they are safe. Cleo becomes even more important in the lives of this family who live in Roma…

This movie is filmed in black and white, and it is almost 100% Spanish language. Many parts are very languid and easy-going. There is a simple story structure and it does not have a whole lot of details in the plot or the delivery. But each scene is constructed in such an artistic way that the movie is beautiful to watch. The sound design is very precise and detailed. A scene of Cleo in the ocean is overwhelming when the waves come in higher and higher. You can hear the roar of the ocean bringing more and more danger to her character. There are some scenes where small details in the background just seem to be astonishing. Such a man shot out from a cannon at a small village fair. Or the scene where the family is eating ice cream, but the main action is in the back where there is huge wedding reception. Or the look out of a window at small store, and seeing hundreds of people fleeing and fighting in the streets. The attention to every detail is very impressive.

Alfonso Cuarón has used “ROMA” to make a statement about the two special women who had raised him as a child. He is taking the memories of his childhood and giving them new life on the Big Screen. But soon, it will be also on the Not-So-Big Screen. After a limited release in theaters, he will also get it released to streaming service Netflix. Some people are not too happy with that. But it will give many more people the chance to see this movie. Perhaps that will gain him the following and the goodwill to spark another Oscar. This time for Best Picture.

Opens December 6th – in Phoenix area, exclusively at Harkins Camelview

A Star Is Born IMAX announcement!

December 3, 2018

BRADLEY COOPER’S “A STAR IS BORN” RECEIVES SPECIAL

ONE-WEEK IMAX^® ENGAGEMENT

The director’s critically acclaimed and hugely successful debut will screen for one week beginning December 7 at select IMAX theatres across North America, followed by

special, behind-the-scenes footage featuring Cooper and co-star Lady Gaga

Burbank, CA – December 3, 2018 – Beginning on December 7 and for just one week, Warner Bros. Pictures’, Live Nation Productions’ and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures’ “A Star Is Born” will receive a national engagement in select IMAX^® theatres throughout the U.S. and Canada. In addition to experiencing the film for the first time in IMAX, audiences will be treated to “The Road to Stardom,” an exclusive look at the making of “A Star Is Born,” featuring director/star/writer/producer Bradley Cooper and star Lady Gaga, both of whom also wrote and produced many of the film’s songs, as well as performed them live for the movie.

Jeff Goldstein, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, said, “Securing premium IMAX screens in this competitive holiday window, ten weeks into release, speaks to the quality of the film Bradley Cooper has delivered and the passion audiences have for this story. We are thrilled to be able to give moviegoers a chance to see ‘A Star Is Born’ again, or for the first time, in such an experiential format as IMAX.”

About “A Star Is Born”

In “A Star Is Born,” Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga fuse their considerable talents to depict the raw and passionate tale of Jack and Ally, two artistic souls coming together, on stage and in life. Theirs is a complex journey through the beauty and the heartbreak of a relationship struggling to survive.

In this new take on the iconic love story, four-time Oscar nominee Cooper (“American Sniper,” “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”), makes his directorial debut, and also stars alongside multiple award-winning, Oscar-nominated music superstar Gaga in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Cooper portrays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally. She has given up on her dream to become a successful singer until she meets Jack, who immediately sees her natural talent.

The film also stars Andrew Dice Clay (“Blue Jasmine”), with Dave Chappelle (“Chi-Raq”) and Sam Elliott, whose nearly 50-year career includes standout performances in such films as “Mask,” “Tombstone” and, most recently, “The Hero.”

In addition to playing Ally, Gaga—who earned an Oscar nod for the song “Til It Happens to You” from the film “The Hunting Ground”—performs original songs in the film with Cooper, which they wrote with a handful of artists, including Lukas Nelson, Jason Isbell and Mark Ronson. The music is original and all vocals for the movie were recorded live during filming.

“A Star Is Born” was produced by Bill Gerber, Jon Peters, Bradley Cooper, Todd Phillips and Lynette Howell Taylor. Ravi Mehta, Basil Iwanyk, Niija Kuykendall, Sue Kroll, Michael Rapino and Heather Parry served as executive producers. The screenplay was written by Oscar-winner Eric Roth (“Forrest Gump”) and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters.

Cooper’s behind-the-scenes team included Oscar-nominated director of photography Matthew Libatique (“Black Swan”), production designer Karen Murphy (“The Light Between Oceans”), three-time Oscar-nominated editor Jay Cassidy (“American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook,” “Into the Wild”), and costume designer Erin Benach (“Loving”).

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in association with Live Nation Productions, in association with Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures, a Jon Peters/Bill Gerber/Joint Effort Production, “A Star Is Born.” The film is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is rated R for language throughout, some sexuality/nudity and substance abuse.

www.astarisbornmovie.com

The Favourite Movie Review

November 30, 2018 (updated November 30, 2018)

I recommend you drop everything and see this on the big screen immediately! There’s a reason why so many films come out toward the end of the year. Often that logic is based upon the fact that they’ve saved the best for the last. That would be the case here. ‘The Favourite’ is a significant contribution to the films of 2018. It even far surpassed my expectations in fact. It’s masterfully crafted and incredibly well written. The three lead actresses are exceptionally strong in this, the latest work from the skilled raconteur of ‘The Lobster’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer,’ Yorgos Lanthimos.

‘The Favourite’ does have an altogether different spirit from either of his previous films. If you do have a strong opinion of his earlier work, you shouldn’t necessarily base your decision on whether or not to see this on your opinion of them. One reason to sit down and give this a watch that stands out above the others is that those films didn’t have this exceptional trio of women in their cast. These same actresses will now be giving the Academy a difficult choice over who to choose for an award and for which award. Not a bad pickle to be in but one they’ll be in to be sure.

The script by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara was more comical than I had expected it to be which was quite a pleasant surprise. Getting to know the women and fully coming to realize the rivalry between them for the favor of the Queen was as delicious as waiting for a steak to cook that had been marinating all day. The performances undeniably complement the script. That said, some accents can make it hard to understand exactly what they’re saying at times, but this doesn’t distract from your overall enjoyment of the film. You won’t miss the sharp intellect written into the dialogue and the keen wit it took to come up with the story in the first place.

The film is set in England, early in the 18th century. Olivia Colman plays ailing Queen Anne who finds more than just a friendship in Lady Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz. With the position she has put herself, Lady Sarah is essentially running the country. The Queen fully trusts her and makes no decision without her input. Enter young Abigail (Stone) who’s fallen on hard times. She hopes, since they are cousins, Lady Sarah will give her a position in the palace. Jealous of the beautiful young woman, yet enamored with her charms, Sarah gives her work and a place to stay and proceeds to get to know her. With more than kitchen work on her mind, Abigail uses her position with Sarah to get to know the Queen more. Soon, she finds herself in the catbird seat where she accidentally learns more about Sarah and Anne’s relationship than she had bargained for. Being in the right place at the right time, Abigail sees that they’re lovers, as well. She then decides to use this knowledge to her full advantage.

As Abigail moves her piece on the chessboard of life, Sarah starts to get suspicious. The music, politics, relationships, and discourse build from there. The story is impressively structured, and it’ll keep you riveted throughout, enough that I feel confident you’ll walk away possibly considering ‘The Favourite’ one of your favorites for 2018. The ending is pure Lanthimos. When Sarah questions Abigail about whether she thinks she has won, you’re eventually shown what winning would be if she does. A life of being at the queen’s beck and call to rub her ‘leg’ at a moments notice doesn’t sound fun. Is this the life she was looking forward to?

What Men Want Red Band Trailer

November 26, 2018 (updated November 26, 2018)

Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson) is a successful sports agent who’s constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When Ali is passed up for a well-deserved promotion, she questions what else she needs to do to succeed in a man’s world… until she gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts! With her newfound power, Ali looks to outsmart her colleagues as she races to sign the next basketball superstar, but the lengths she has to go to will put her relationship with her best friends and a potential new love interest (Aldis Hodge) to the test.

WHAT MEN WANT is the latest comedy from director Adam Shankman (HAIRSPRAY) and producers Will Packer and James Lopez (GIRLS TRIP), co-starring Tracy Morgan, Richard Roundtree, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Josh Brener, Tamala Jones, Phoebe Robinson, Max Greenfield, Jason Jones, Brian Bosworth, Chris Witaske and Erykah Badu.

Directed by:

Adam Shankman

Starring:

Taraji P. Henson, Aldis Hodge, Richard Roundtree, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Tracy Morgan

Social Media:

| Facebook | Twitter | Instagram



In Theaters February 8th, 2019

http://www.fandango.com

Blast from the Past (November 2018)

November 25, 2018

Yeah, the Box Office is rockin’ today with a whole lot of movies. But there are some from prior years that you may (or may not) remember. These older movies came out 5, 10, 15, 20 years ago, maybe even longer back. Some were instant classics, while others were not. So let’s jump into the DeLorean and travel backwards in time to revisit a few of these forgotten gems…

November 2013 (5 years ago) — Frozen – Disney Animation is a powerful juggernaut, so just “Let It Go”…

It does not matter if you like it or not, Disney will always come out with a new animated movie and 99% of the time it will be top of the line. That goes here, of course, for Frozen. It’s a movie that many girls from age five to twenty-five can quote by heart. The whole thing, all the parts, including Olaf the Snowman…

November 2008 (10 years ago) — Twilight – All the moody Kristen Stewart that anyone can stand, plus twinkley vampires!

Back when romantic vampires were all the rage, Twilight got all the tween-age girls hearts a-flutter. Actually, probably even more of their middle-aged moms’ hearts were sent racing with the idea of a totally dedicated vampire lover…

November 2003 (15 years ago) — Elf – Will Ferrell plays an oversized imp from the North Pole, and the world breaks out in Christmas songs

This movie is slowly making its way into becoming a Christmas Classic. Ferrell plays the Buddy the Elf with a lot of goofy compassion that he really brings it up a notch. Along with his real curmudgeon father, James Caan, Buddy brings the Spirit of the Season to New York City. “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

November 1998 (20 years ago) — Enemy of the State – Will Smith gets mixed up with some serious spy stuff, and he takes a toll on the bad guys

Will Smith plays a lawyer who gets on the wrong side of the NSA, and it takes Gene Hackman to get him out alive. Hackman is a super under-cover dude who lives off-the-grid, and Smith works with him to push back on the NSA bad guys. The action gets intense and the bad guys get more than they bargained for…

November 1993 (25 years ago) — Mrs. Doubtfire – Robin Williams plays a gender-swapped nanny, the dude does look like a lady…

Robin Williams created a wonderful character, by creating this older British nanny named ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’. He took this role, the alter ego to a divorced father of three, and made it into one of the most memorable in his career. Prevented from seeing his kids, Daniel Hilard creates the loving and all-knowing nanny, and gender-swaps his way back in to be with his kids. Comedy ensues, and lessons are learned.

November 1988 (30 years ago) — Scrooged – Bill Murray takes “A Christmas Carol” into entirely new dimensions…

Charles Dickens was never this cynical, so he left it up to Bill Murray to do that for him. Based on “A Christmas Carol”, this movie takes a wide swatch of satire and covers the TV networks. It takes a look at how bad the programs can be, and how little the network big-wigs care. Murrays’ character Frank Cross, meets the Ghosts, and has a change of heart. “Yule Love It!”…

Moroni for President Movie Review

November 22, 2018

‘Moroni for President’ is about diversity and a shift in thinking as much as it is about someone throwing their hat into the ring to be considered president of the Navajo Nation. Being that I live in Arizona and have lived near a reservation I took great interest in seeing if a young man can challenge his elders and be the change that he, himself, seeks in the community. At the beginning of this gorgeously shot film, we learn some facts about the Navajo’s themselves. The Navajo Nation is the largest Native American Nation in the United States as it spans across Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. Like the U.S., they have a presidential election every four years. Because of their size, the Navajo president is the most influential and powerful tribal leader in the country.

Here we meet several candidates as well as get to know Moroni Benally, the subject of the film. In 2014, the president is Ben Shelly. When we are introduced to him, he tells us of how much complaining and bellyaching he hears. He explains that people blame him for everything, even everyday problems that he can’t control. You can see it pains him that people don’t see what he does accomplish. This may be the case but he wants to run again.

Joe Shirley Jr., who has held the position before, wants to try again, as well. If he’s successful, he would be elected into a third term, something not allowed for a U.S. president. Ben Shelly was Joe Shirley’s Vice President. Learning all of this, you can see appreciate where Moroni is coming from. It’s past time for some change. He feels leaders past and present, who walk around in jeans, wear cowboy hats and boots, are bound by the old way of thinking and of doing things. They certainly don’t like to be questioned. Moroni doesn’t dress like, as he refers to them, the ‘old guard’ and sees they aren’t always truthful. They’ve continued to try and sell the Navajo people the ‘American Dream’ when it’s not possible to achieve. Not only would he like to bring a fresh perspective on things by getting youth involved but by challenging the United States.

This being the case, something fascinating and disheartening you hear is that their tribe isn’t allowed to build buildings because the land they live on isn’t theirs. They’re only allowed to use it. Moroni wants everyone to wake up to the fact that there will be no reaching the ‘good life’ that the elders have always sold them on unless they’re allowed to control their own resources. The question now is, can they confront the United States government and arrive at a better agreement than what’s currently in place? He tells young people who’ll listen that they should at least try. Their future is in their hands. Do they want to live in shacks or something better? Can they truly be a sovereign nation? Moroni believes they can.

Not only is this about his candidacy for president but something perhaps even bigger for Moroni. He’s an ex-Mormon who struggled terribly with the fact that he’s gay. In fact, he felt it was a cancer in his body. He confesses to those of us watching this documentary that he pleaded with God to be healed. It took him until the age of twenty-seven until he came to terms with who he was and accept it. In that time, he learned how to work a crowd, in fact, many older ladies who supported his candidacy fell in love with him instantly. He jokingly ruminates on how much money he could save his community by not having a first lady.

Moroni’s an extremely likable person, which is one of the things you’ll most enjoy. This documentary unfolds in a way that reveals so much more than just a bid for a chance to lead. Sadly, Moroni isn’t elected but he does accomplish something very important. The film gives many heartbreaking, staggering statistics that I’d like to see addressed in another documentary, but this ends on a light note about what he did for the Navajo Nation as a whole. He may not be able to speak the language as well as some, he may not have been elected their president, that honor went to Russell Begaye, but Moroni sheds light on the LGBTQ community and welcomes them, giving them a safe place, to finally come out and be counted. It was wonderful to see that they, no matter who they loved, were supported… as was Moroni himself. Again, the cinematography is breathtaking. The filmmakers take full advantage of the grounds Moroni walks and shows you an exceptionally beautiful area of the country. You’re going to admire Moroni but watch this also for the glorious and breathtaking landscapes.

Creed II Movie Review

November 21, 2018 (updated November 21, 2018)

“Creed II” picks up after the movie called “Creed”, which picks up after the movie “Rocky Balboa”, which picks up after… well you probably get the picture. This is another in the long line of “Rocky” movies and sequels. But this is a strong brand, when first created by Sylvester Stallone several decades ago. Now the mantle, or rather the Championship Belt, has been picked up by Michael B. Jordan. Jordan carries it aloft with a lot of respect and with dignity, and that helps to make this movie special.

Adonis “Donnie” Creed (Michael B. Jordan) is the massively talented boxer who is the son of Apollo Creed. Creed the Older was the first major opponent of young and rising boxer named Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), but that was decades ago. Rocky had many major fights (read that, “Rocky” had multiple sequels). Then at one point – there was a huge bout between Apollo Creed and Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). Drago was a Soviet boxer, and his cruel tactics in the ring ended the life of Apollo Creed. But then Rocky fought Drago and beat him at his own game.

Now quite a few years later, “Donnie” Creed has become a new major fighter, and he has Rocky as a ring-side trainer and mentor. Creed has a new girlfriend named Bianca (Tessa Thompson) who has become quite a singer-songwriter star on her own. After the events of the “Creed” movie, Donnie and Bianca have made a new life, and Creed is best in the world.. They are married and have new child, and Creed is the world Champion. Nothing can go wrong…

Except that Ivan Drago has been training his giant bear of a son named Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu). Ivan gets word to Creed that there needs to be a rematch. He wants a new match up of Drago versus Creed, but this time it will be the son against the son. And perhaps nobody will be killed this time out. But with this fight, Rocky refuses to help, because he knows that Viktor will have nothing to lose. Creed might possibly lose the title, but the fight goes on, and Creed does not lose the title. But he also does not win the fight. Drago beat up on Creed so badly that Donnie needs a lot of rehab. But Vicktor is not an experienced fighter, and with a couple of cheap shots, he was disqualified.

So before you can say “will there be family drama”, and “Rocky is out as trainer and is now back in”, and before you can see training montages that are in the desert and in swimming pools, Adonis “Donnie” Creed will train and strain and grunt and groan until he is in perfect shape. Now he is ready to take on Viktor Drago again, so that both the trainers can be Rocky versus Ivan. Just like before. But much older…

If you understand that some things need to be predictable, like the rising and setting of the sun, then you know that there will be a final major fight. And in that fight, there will be a number of slow-motion shots of punches to the face (of either boxer). Also at some key moment, there will be stirring first notes of the “Rocky” theme music. And that will lead into the blaring notes of the song playing as the underdog fighter gets up off the ring floor and delivers some major knockout blows.

Just because some parts are predictable does not mean they are not enjoyable to watch. It is especially fun when it is done with such good actors. Such as Michael B. Jordan, who is jacked up and beefed up to play Creed. He does a very believable job in the training and fight scenes. Tessa Thompson is very gracious performer in this movie. She acts like Beyonce-like star, and she pulls it off. Heck, even Sylvester Stallone mumbles less than he normally does in this movie…

To mix some sports metaphors: “Creed II” does not land in the gutter, and it does not score a grand slam. But it does reach the finish line without a fatal spinout. Great actors keep the aging “Rocky” series from fumbling in the end zone.

Ralph Breaks the Internet Movie Review

November 21, 2018 (updated November 21, 2018)

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” proves that Disney Animation can make a sequel based on its legacy of great movies, and does not “Wreck-It”. “Ralph” is a follow-up edition to “Wreck-It Ralph”, which introduced some arcade video game characters. It had a smart story line and large group of quirky, yet lovable, characters. This new update to the continuing “Ralph” story takes two main characters beyond the walls of Litwak’s Arcade. They venture out into the Internet, which Ralph promptly breaks… The online community is not ready for the big, lovable doofus of Ralph, so he takes the Internet by storm.

In the first movie (“Wreck-It Ralph”), Ralph (John C. Reilly) has a job in an arcade game called “Fix-It Felix Jr.” Felix (Jack McBrayer) has met his true love Sergeant Calhoun (Jane Lynch). Ralph’s best friend is Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), who is go-kart racer from “Sugar Rush”. Vanellope has a ‘glitch’, which gives her unusual functions. She is tired of her life in the Sugar Rush game, and she would like to see much more of the world. Ralph is very content with the state of things, while Vanellope needs to expand her horizons.

After a part breaks on the Sugar Rush game, Mr. Litwak (Ed O’Neill) is forced to unplug this game. All the characters rush out and now are homelessa. Litwak has just installed a router that connects to the Internet, so Ralph and Vanellope find their way into it. They have heard that a new part can be purchased on-line for the Sugar Rush game. They intend to go to that website and bid for that part. But when they bid way too much, they need to find a way to get money to pay for it. Ralph finds a site called BuzzTube, and it is run by an algorithm named Yesss (Taraji P. Henson). She explains that Ralph can become an Internet sensation by creating viral videos. That could get the money they need.

Vanellope and Ralph also find an online video game called ‘Slaughter Race’. It is dirty and grungy and there are no rules. Vanellope thinks it is the perfect world for her racing future. The best racer in that game is named Shank (Gal Gadot), and she has the best car and best skills. She and her crew raise havoc with all the online gamers, because she always wins. Vanellope has met her match with Shank, and she wants to stay in Slaughter Race forever to race her heart out.

When Vanellope goes to a Disney website and meets with all the other Disney Princesses. She likes them all, and they accept her as another real Princess – but she does not feel at home there. Ralph just wants to buy that part to fix Sugar Rush, and then get home to his game. But Ralph begins to worry that his best friend Vanellope will not be coming with him.

Ralph lets his worry and his doubt take over, and he does something really dumb. He wants to convince Vanellope that she should come back to the arcade with him. But Ralph’s plan backfires, in a really big way. The Internet is threatened by the bone-headed move that Ralph makes, and Vanellope is in real danger. Shank tries to help Vanellope, and also later on the Disney Princesses come to her rescue. Ralph finally learns a big lesson that friendship is stronger than distance. Vanellope can still be his best friend, even if they are in two different places. The Internet is saved, and Sugar Rush gets repaired…

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” takes the characters from the first movie and gives them a new and expanded universe to explore. Getting the two main game characters (Ralph and Vanellope) into the Internet-at-large is a terrific concept. Ralph is a ‘fish out of water’ type, while Vanellope embraces all that the new horizons can offer to her. Because this is a Disney movie, all of the properties they own (Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, Disney Princesses, Winnie-the-Pooh, and others) all make a brief appearance.

John C. Reilly does the voice of Ralph, and he proves himself to be a work horse, not a show horse. He is a steady and reliable character voice for the big lug, and it fits him perfectly. Gal Gadot does the voice of Shank, the attractive and super-cool driver in the ‘Slaughter Race’ online game. She is strong and capable, and she becomes a new friend to Vanellope. Taraji P. Henson plays Yesss, and her character is quite quirky. She searches for the next huge viral video, and she encourages Ralph to become a video star.

But then we come to the weakest part of this movie. Sarah Silverman does the voice of Vanellope. But her character’s voice is such a whiney, nasally and annoying voice that it can grate on your nerves. In the first movie, this character was introduced about midway into the stroy. So Vanellope’s voice gets a LOT more screen time in this movie. Vanellope is supposed to be cute and precocious character. But she leans heavy into being more annoying than sweet. However, her character and Ralph are the main two roles, so you get much, much more of the least enjoyable voice in the bunch.

Mary Queen of Scots Movie Review

Aquaman Advance Movie Screening

Movie Screening Summary