Reviews – Page 82 – tmc.io 🍿 watch movies with friends

Ben is Back Movie Review

December 14, 2018 (updated December 14, 2018) Published by JMcNaughton

“Ben is Back” is a family’s personal trip into the nightmare of addition, and how it destroys that family. The screenplay is written by Peter Hedges, and he is also the movie’s director. Plus, on top of that, he directs his own son, Lucas (who plays the aforementioned Ben). This is heavy lift, and the topic is dark and moody. But the acting and direction is very realistic, so it makes for an unsettling experience. The movie takes place right at Christmas time, but it is not filled with joyous Christmas spirit.

Holly Burns (Julia Roberts) has two children with her first husband, who is now out of the picture. Her children are Ben (Lucas Hedges) and Ivy (Kathryn Newton). Nice Christmas pairing, Holly and Ivy – right? However, with her new husband African-American Neal (Courtney B. Vance), he is bringing his two much younger children into the family. But the family unit has been fractured. Ben has a severe addition to drugs and he fell into a group of very unsavory characters. Ben got his girlfriend hooked, and she died of an overdose. So now Ben has been shipped away to a rehab center far away.

Except on this Christmas Eve day, Ben is back – meaning he left the rehab center to come home for Christmas. Holly is pleased, but she is also very wary about what Ben might be up to – or what trouble he might cause. Neal’s two younger kids love seeing the older brother whom they love. But Neal has many misgivings, seeing what happened with Ben in the recent past. Also, his sister Ivy is pissed off, because she feels that Ben has come back to ruin it for everyone, like he has done in the past.

Holly sets up some stringent rules for Ben. She takes him to the mall to get new clothes, and they even get to a recovery meeting. Ben does seem to be making progress fighting off the addition urges, but Holly is still suspicious at anything that is out of the ordinary. Ban has made some enemies in the town, so there might be some blowback to his return. The family goes to church that night and all is merry and bright. Except when they get home and find that their home has been ransacked and their little family dog has been dog-napped.

Holly heads out with Ben to try and find out what is going on. The two of them are stuck together in a desperate search of the ghosts in Ben’s past. They must confront the demons of his addictive nature, and the scummy people who had dealt with in the bad old days. Ben is pushed to do things that his old nature would do in a heartbeat. But he has made it to 70 plus days of recovery, and he does not want to endanger his future. Holly sees that her son is in his element dealing with the seedy side of life. Can he fight off the evil addiction devils that are pursuing him? Can Holly make a leap of faith that Ben is really turned around in his life?

“Ben is Back” is a movie that keeps people aware of the destructive nature of addiction. The family unit is portrayed wonderfully by Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges playing as the hopeful mother (but wary) and her son who has strayed off the path one too often. Roberts puts in a moving performance, and the depth of her despair is tangible. Lucas likewise has many powerful scenes, and he is very believable. Kathryn Newton does another job as the younger sister of Ben who suspicious of his motives for coming back.

Peter Hedges has done decent job in creating this movie, and in being able to direct is own son as the character Ben. The movie hold together really well, but in the second half there are some areas where the plot slows down and turn into more of a by-the-book whodunit. The special relationship is broken when Holly and Ben go two different ways, and resulting scenes are not as strong.

However, there could be some Award nominations on the horizon for Julia Roberts and for Hedges, perhaps for both of them (Peter and Lucas).

In the Phoenix area, opens exclusively at Harkins Camvelview at Fashion Square.

Once Upon a Deadpool

December 12, 2018 Published by Shari K. Green

With the title and the time of its release, did expect to get something relating to Christmas in the film. This did not happen unless you count a Santa hanging on the wall as Christmas. That said, I guess to fans of the film, and of the genre, it’ll be seen as a Christmas gift. But if you want to see it, you better hurry! It’s only playing in theatres starting today December 12th until Christmas Eve. You have twelve days to see this present from Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) to You.

What you’re getting is a bedtime story being read to actor Fred Savage. Savage awakens, essentially on the set of the film ‘The Princess Bride.’ In that film, he’s a child who spends his time in bed listening to the tale of an adventure that’s being read to him by his grandfather. This time he’s tied up in that same bed, or a reasonable facsimile, being forced to lay there and hear a Deadpool narrative delivered to him by Deadpool himself. The story is a PG-13 version of ‘Deadpool’ and ‘Deadpool 2,’ concentrating more on ‘Deadpool 2’ where he, creates his own team of rogue mutants to save a young mutant from himself and from Cable (Josh Brolin) who has come from the future to end his terror before it can begin. The film expands on the Deadpool character and introduces several cherished Marvel superheroes and villains who every comic fan will remember.

In ‘Once Upon a Deadpool,’ the Fred Savage scenes more than makeup for what Fox had to do to keep it feature length after gutting and removing what made it Rated R in the first place. The F-bombs and the extreme violence are replaced with acceptable words and with story time explanations as to what is missing. At this time, Deadpool reveals to Savage that he’s unable to cuss and why. That in a PG-13 film, you’re only allowed one F-word, 2 shits and one glass of wine. As he discloses more of the rules and continues on with the story, there’s some hysterical back and forth, as I’m sure you had no doubt there would be. You’re essentially seeing ‘Deadpool 2’ with interjections of hilarity.

So why do this? Reynolds would only agree to it if one dollar from every ticket sold went to the charity, ‘Fuck Cancer,’ or to keep it family friendly, ‘Fudge Cancer.’ When you’re choosing a movie to see, keep that in mind. But why restructure a successful film and retell it as a PG-13? The simple answer is, so you can take your children to see one of your favorite superheroes! The character is foul-mouthed, and the violence is over the top in this franchise but with this version, Fox proves that it doesn’t need to be. However, I wouldn’t worry that they’ll change Deadpool if a third film is made. It took a lot of convincing to get Reynolds to agree to this in the first place.

*Stay through to the very end because, after the credits roll, there’s a loving tribute to Stan Lee.

Roma Movie Review

December 7, 2018 (updated December 7, 2018) Published by Shari K. Green

‘Roma’ is sensational. It’s also Mexico’s official submission for the category of ‘Best Foreign Language Film’ at the Academy Awards® for 2019. It’s also the kind of film that sneaks up and grabs you when you least expect it. It’s an unforgettable and breathtaking tale of love from the director, Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Gravity), to his family’s domestic assistant, Libo, that the main character was based on. Working as his own cinematographer, Cuarón captured the beautiful imagery of his past that no one else could have had access to. He forces your imagination back in time to experience what he recalls and to walk through the life of someone he dearly cared for during some of her most blessed and most tragic moments.

Shot in black and white with perfect set and costume designs of the time period, you can’t help but feel as if you’ve stepped back in time with him.

Right away and throughout the movie, Cuarón uses long sequences to get you into the proper frame of mind to watch this ‘love letter’ to the woman who raised him. Cleo is this woman. She’s a very young woman who’s missing out on partying, creating her own dreams and having fun. Instead, she does everything around her employer’s house. What’s made most clear is that she takes care of the children as any mother would, quite honestly, disregarding her own personal experiences for theirs. She’s always scrubbing the floors, picking up dog waste, washing the dishes and doing the laundry as well as seeing to it that the children are woken up, fed and put to bed. She takes the responsibilities involving the children most serious. When they’re in her charge she handles them with love and showers them with attention. She does eventually find time to squeeze in a date or two during at which time she gets pregnant. When this happens, Cuarón shows genuine affection for her and the plight she next finds herself in, just as his family did back then. This leads to one of the most heartbreaking scenes and a strong message to women who feel that they’re alone in moments of crisis. Outside of this, something I found extremely provocative was Pepe throwing hints out of the possible existence of reincarnation. I liked that Cuarón threw it in but this was not the film to explore those thoughts.

‘Roma’ may move too slow for some but if you let go and let the director take you through these occurrences, truly live in the moments you’re witnessing on screen, you’ll be diverted from reality for a while and appreciate the efforts he took to pull you into his memories. Little things in the background of our daily lives are shown here from great perspective, especially when you consider it’s a child’s point of view. He took the time to show them, I hope you give him that time and watch with patience. This film is an artist painting a masterpiece to its most perfect. At times he concentrates on the mundane but while you watch you realize you’re watching life. It’s happening right before you and you can’t turn away. What makes it more special is his way of giving you so much in the most unconventional way he could have found.

Anyway, see this in a large theatre with spectacular sound to get the most out of it. Yalitza Aparicio’s performance of Cleo will move you more when you can feel what she’s going through as well as see it play out. I realize it’s being released on Netflix but do try and catch its theatrical run. I can’t say enough about it. ‘Roma’ is a beautiful film in every possible way and Cuarón was brave to have shot it the way he did with no score. When you think about it, do we have music following us everywhere we go? No. And neither does Cleo. That said, I hope Cuarón gets everything he deserves during Oscar season.

*In Phoenix, you can find ‘Roma’ at HarkinsCamelview Fashion Square on 12/7 and it will be released globally on Netflix on 12/14 and expanded Theatrically.

Swimming With Men Movie Review

December 7, 2018 (updated December 7, 2018) Published by Shari K. Green

‘Swimming with Men,’ is a British comedy from, Oliver Parker, the director of ‘Johnny English Reborn,’ ‘The Importance of BeingEarnest’ and ‘An Ideal Husband.’ Putting it in the category of comedy fits to a degree but not fully in that the movie struggles at times focusing on who their natural audience member will be. It often gives off a heavy vibe rather than a light one and isn’t terribly funny. To its detriment, the story doesn’t set the viewer on the right path to begin with. Your expectations of the film are set toward one direction when the film runs off in another. It winds its way down several paths to find its eventual ending. Working for it is the fact that what that ending turns out to be, is not what you necessarily saw coming. You could compare ‘Swimming with Men’ to movies like, ‘The Full Monty’ but that said, it doesn’t quite meet those heights.

The film’s protagonist is Eric Scott, Rob Brydon from ‘The Trip’ movies, who becomes his own antagonist by inventing troubles that are not there. This will only frustrate you as the story goes on. When we’re introduced to Eric, we see that he’s in the midst of a mid-life crisis. He’s bored with his mundane accounting position at work, his son is giving him a hard time and then there’s his wife, Heather (Jane Horrocks). Without any real reason, he imagines she’s out to get him. What’s peculiar is that instead of attempting to tread water with Heather, who’s more than willing to float along with Eric, he’s running away from her. He’d prefer to spend time at the gym. This is where he meets a gaggle of men who are in similar situations in their lives. They, too, feel that they’re the odd men out and are misplaced in their current stations in life.

The men invite Eric to join their exclusive swim club where men who end up, ‘At the bottom of the pool’ literally and figuratively, meet toforget the world outside of the water. Here they can escape the callousjudgments, petty rivalries, disappointments, and pressures of life on dry land.

Eric is needed to create a particular maneuver they’d like to form so, as it turns out, they come into his life at the right time as much as he does theirs. Where the comedy comes in is getting to know each of them. That being the case, even they don’t necessarily set the tone for the comedy genre. I’d put this in the drama department myself. Don’t get me wrong; there are some laughs. These men getting to know Eric, especially scenes like when they give him ‘Fight Club’ type rules of their swim club, are comical. The men take their love of the sport of synchronized swimming very seriously. They’re told about a men’s league where they can start swimming, professionally. The sport isn’t recognized officially by the Olympics, but they get a chance to represent their country in the Men’s World Championship. Some members of the group aren’t interested but Eric sees it as a way to feel a part of something and soon the rest do, too. Quite surprisingly, especially to them, they end up doing quite well at the competition.

In a touching scene, Ted (Carter) gives Eric a message that awakens him from his stupor and there’s a lively scene right before the credits that show he has truly changed inside. Though the movie might not always reach the goal of amusing you as you had hoped, there’s something you learn at the end of the film that makes everything you’ve seen worth the time you’ve put in. The one real disappointment is that if the filmmakers had nailed down the exact genre they wanted to be, ‘Swimming with Men’ would have been all the better for it. As it turns out, it’s a likable watch for a matinee or to catch while flipping through your cable box.

*Opening Dec. 7th in Phx area at Harkins Shea 14 and inSedona at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre
**Also opening Dec. 12th at the Flagstaff 16

Mary Queen of Scots Movie Review

December 6, 2018 (updated December 7, 2018) Published by Shari K. Green

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/

Roma Movie Review

December 6, 2018 (updated December 6, 2018) Published by JMcNaughton

“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

The Favourite Movie Review

November 30, 2018 (updated November 30, 2018) Published by Shari K. Green

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?

Moroni for President Movie Review

November 22, 2018 Published by Shari K. Green

‘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) Published by JMcNaughton

“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) Published by JMcNaughton

“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.

Category: Reviews

Ben is Back Movie Review

Once Upon a Deadpool

Roma Movie Review

Swimming With Men Movie Review

Mary Queen of Scots Movie Review

Roma Movie Review

The Favourite Movie Review

Moroni for President Movie Review

Creed II Movie Review

Ralph Breaks the Internet Movie Review

Leaderboard 🏆

Recent Reviews

Latest Photos