I'm always looking for original things to write about, and this is one I have never tackled before. Reviewing a new EP from Claudia Sala, who is Italian. She has a new pop album that is half sung Italian and half English. I learned through this, that it really makes no difference with the language barrier, good is good. We enjoy Opera every day with no real understanding of the words. I'm willing to give it a go if you are.
Claudia Sala is from Palermo, Italy and was a performer at Festa Italiana in Akron this week, where she brought her new EP E- Ora (It's Time) with her. It is a 6 song set that is a breath of Spring air, and has spawned a single, Don't Set Limits, sung in English. It is a beautiful ballad that cuts right to the heart of a challenging love. Sala sings it beautifully, with great vulnerability and a wonderful Italian accent, that is superb with the English lyrics. While many lose their accents singing English, lucky for us, she does not.
To me, the strongest performance on this EP, is the lead and title cut, E-Ora, sung in Italian. It is clear that Sala sings with more confidence in Italian which is understandable. It is a delicious, jazz infused Italian pop song that you like from the very first listen. It's just her with a small combo, and Claudia sings this with the voice of an angel that is as smooth as a glass of fine wine, being lovingly poured into tall long stemmed glass in candlelight. This magnificent song is the perfect lead in to the rest of this very well done project that showcases who she is, and what her music is all about. E-Ora is incredibly alluring and gentle to your senses, even though I literally understand two words.
Talking with Claudia, she tells me her deep influences are surprisingly
American. Her old soul music taste range from Joni Mitchell, to Judy
Collins, to Joan Baez, and even today's Country music. And all of it
shows here. Incidentally, all three of the above, very strong singers.
Claudia is immensely talented as a singer with a tone from heaven. She never struggles to find a note, and sings with undeniable passion and feeling. She understands what singers from all over the globe seem to never really understand, that louder is not better. Better is better. And when you know where the notes are, find them easily, and simply sing them from the heart with the incredible gift you've been given, it really works. No shouting here, just perfect pitch with an ease that is to be envied.
She is not interested in impressing us how long she can shout a note, or hold one. There are no real soaring high notes, and hard to listen to crescendo song endings. The strength of this album is it's simplicity. It is not overdone, overproduced and she certainly does not over sing it. The producers were very savvy in letting her gift be the star and not have overdone production get in her way. Claudia is confident that you will be drawn in by her easy to listen to vocals, that do not require bells and whistles to make it better. It just is better.
Is this album good? You bet it is. Very well done. Bellissimo!
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Now In Theaters
A Simple Favor
This is good. This is real good. This is a small movie with a big story, and should not be missed, but sadly, it will be.
This is a twisted story of two women, and a man that you have not seen before. It's a thriller, it's a thinking persons flick. Two women, one very prim, one very not. One man, who is wishy washy. Murder, money, love, sex, this adult movie targeted movie has it all. You are thinking the whole time who is setting who up for the huge 4 million dollar insurance pay out.
This has a great cast lead by Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. They are both terrific as our leads, and the entire supporting cast is great, as is the writing, the editing, and the incredible music soundtrack that is used sparingly, but highly effective. This is skillfully directed, and has the feel of a movie that virtually everyone that will see it, will like it. Problem is, these kind of movies many times get lost in the animation and superhero shuffle.
But if you can go see this. Very, very good.
1Crazy, Rich Asians
It has been a long time since a true romantic comedy has really been a factor at the box office, but this one is. This is terrific.
This is the story of a crazy rich Asian family and the "normal" woman who is about to marry into it. This is rally creative, and is wonderfully written as it walks the fine line between comedy and parody. This feels very good, and is set in the same manner as rom-coms were years ago. This is not vile, or raunchy at any point. It has a story to tell, and does it well. Incredible use of music, wonderfully filmed in Singapore and just flat out entertaining.
This is a breath of fresh air that virtually anyone can enjoy. Plus, this is right on time and should enjoy strong success right through the early fall, as word of mouth will be big on this.
Crazy, Rich Asians. Really well done!
Alpha
Well, this is a bit different, this is Alpha. If you've ever wondered why man and dog get along so well, and how that came to be. This movie gives one possible answer. Should be noted, this is not a true family movie, as this is a bit intense at times. But this is good most of the time.
This takes place 20,000 years ago, where human tribes in Europe are trying survive the conditions, and the general tough life that is the era. As a tribe goes out on the annual hunting mission, one of the young hunters is lost and left for seemingly dead. But Keda does survive and through his fathers previous teachings he attempts to survive and get back to his tribe. He is attacked by wild dogs, one of which he badly wounds, and then nurses back to health and names him, Alpha. And the friendship develops and the long journey begins, together back home.
Full disclosure, this is subtitled, but it's not a problem, as this is not dialogue heavy. Wonderfully filmed, and easy to watch. A tidy 90 minutes is sufficient here as well. This is good, and interesting and a movie that may not be on your radar, but is a good afternoon at the flicks. And "Chuck The Dog" is outstanding as Alpha. He alone is worth a ticket.
The Meg
Well it's about time we get a movie like this in the summer theaters. The Meg, is what you would think it would be. It's campy, it's parody, and it's pretty darn entertaining. We need flicks like this to balance out the dark cloud at the movies this summer.
The Meg is about a group of underwater explorers that unearth a gigantic, prehistoric shark like we have never seen. And this thing becomes a big problem. Yes, this is shark movie parody, and yes this is fun and funny at times. Yes, people get eaten, but this is notbloody, or with excessive gore. This is just a a hoot at times, and right on time. But this is also handled so well, that all you see is entertainment on the screen. This does have some moments of SUSpense, but this is not INtense.
I laughed, I cheered, and I enjoyed this glorified Shark Week type of movie. And you will too more than likely. Regardless of what the national critics may say, this is just fun.
Mission Impossible: Fallout
For some reason we just don't get tired of this Tom Cruise series based on the old TV show of the same name. And this is pretty good.
Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team at the IMF are this time trying to save the world from nuclear attack. This has a great cast, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Henry Cavill, Alec Baldwin, Angela Bassett, Rebecca Ferguson, and Michelle Monaghan. There is plenty of action to go around, and there are some amazing chase scenes that are memorable. This is filmed wonderfully, and set in a beautiful European backdrop for the most part.
This is fun, exciting and has great pace. It may be a bit too long, but what action movie isn't? For some reason this franchise is aging well. Why? Great cast, and an original premise spawned decades ago, that is holding up against the test of time.
Well Done.
Equalizer 2
I would ask you this. Pay no real attentoin to the stuffy national critics on this one, they are begin unkind and having ridiculous expectations here. If you go, you will like his flick. Denzel is back as the complicated Robert McCall.
This is a summer action flick, with a brain. McCall s still called by his troubled past to help those who can't help themselves, and this does lose a bit of focus at times and winds off course a bit. So what? Refreshing that we have a movie that is adult, and McCall is taking on real people, that live in our world today. And being even more fair, he is fighting to help the ONE person and not save the universe from some creature that can fly and has rays flying out of his eyes.
This has been update nicely, and looks great. Antione Fuqua is a great director and his mark is all over this. Denzel is terrific, and so is the supporting cast. Yes, this is plenty violent, but his business is messy. This is handled very well, and is not gratuitous. Not all movies are made to win Oscars, and this won't, but you'll like it. An we need movies that are more human based for grown ups to see.
Equalizer 2 - Nothing wrong here. Hoping for more.
This is good. This is real good. This is a small movie with a big story, and should not be missed, but sadly, it will be.
This is a twisted story of two women, and a man that you have not seen before. It's a thriller, it's a thinking persons flick. Two women, one very prim, one very not. One man, who is wishy washy. Murder, money, love, sex, this adult movie targeted movie has it all. You are thinking the whole time who is setting who up for the huge 4 million dollar insurance pay out.
This has a great cast lead by Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. They are both terrific as our leads, and the entire supporting cast is great, as is the writing, the editing, and the incredible music soundtrack that is used sparingly, but highly effective. This is skillfully directed, and has the feel of a movie that virtually everyone that will see it, will like it. Problem is, these kind of movies many times get lost in the animation and superhero shuffle.
But if you can go see this. Very, very good.
1Crazy, Rich Asians
It has been a long time since a true romantic comedy has really been a factor at the box office, but this one is. This is terrific.
This is the story of a crazy rich Asian family and the "normal" woman who is about to marry into it. This is rally creative, and is wonderfully written as it walks the fine line between comedy and parody. This feels very good, and is set in the same manner as rom-coms were years ago. This is not vile, or raunchy at any point. It has a story to tell, and does it well. Incredible use of music, wonderfully filmed in Singapore and just flat out entertaining.
This is a breath of fresh air that virtually anyone can enjoy. Plus, this is right on time and should enjoy strong success right through the early fall, as word of mouth will be big on this.
Crazy, Rich Asians. Really well done!
Alpha
Well, this is a bit different, this is Alpha. If you've ever wondered why man and dog get along so well, and how that came to be. This movie gives one possible answer. Should be noted, this is not a true family movie, as this is a bit intense at times. But this is good most of the time.
This takes place 20,000 years ago, where human tribes in Europe are trying survive the conditions, and the general tough life that is the era. As a tribe goes out on the annual hunting mission, one of the young hunters is lost and left for seemingly dead. But Keda does survive and through his fathers previous teachings he attempts to survive and get back to his tribe. He is attacked by wild dogs, one of which he badly wounds, and then nurses back to health and names him, Alpha. And the friendship develops and the long journey begins, together back home.
Full disclosure, this is subtitled, but it's not a problem, as this is not dialogue heavy. Wonderfully filmed, and easy to watch. A tidy 90 minutes is sufficient here as well. This is good, and interesting and a movie that may not be on your radar, but is a good afternoon at the flicks. And "Chuck The Dog" is outstanding as Alpha. He alone is worth a ticket.
The Meg
Well it's about time we get a movie like this in the summer theaters. The Meg, is what you would think it would be. It's campy, it's parody, and it's pretty darn entertaining. We need flicks like this to balance out the dark cloud at the movies this summer.
The Meg is about a group of underwater explorers that unearth a gigantic, prehistoric shark like we have never seen. And this thing becomes a big problem. Yes, this is shark movie parody, and yes this is fun and funny at times. Yes, people get eaten, but this is notbloody, or with excessive gore. This is just a a hoot at times, and right on time. But this is also handled so well, that all you see is entertainment on the screen. This does have some moments of SUSpense, but this is not INtense.
I laughed, I cheered, and I enjoyed this glorified Shark Week type of movie. And you will too more than likely. Regardless of what the national critics may say, this is just fun.
Mission Impossible: Fallout
For some reason we just don't get tired of this Tom Cruise series based on the old TV show of the same name. And this is pretty good.
Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his team at the IMF are this time trying to save the world from nuclear attack. This has a great cast, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Henry Cavill, Alec Baldwin, Angela Bassett, Rebecca Ferguson, and Michelle Monaghan. There is plenty of action to go around, and there are some amazing chase scenes that are memorable. This is filmed wonderfully, and set in a beautiful European backdrop for the most part.
This is fun, exciting and has great pace. It may be a bit too long, but what action movie isn't? For some reason this franchise is aging well. Why? Great cast, and an original premise spawned decades ago, that is holding up against the test of time.
Well Done.
Equalizer 2
I would ask you this. Pay no real attentoin to the stuffy national critics on this one, they are begin unkind and having ridiculous expectations here. If you go, you will like his flick. Denzel is back as the complicated Robert McCall.
This is a summer action flick, with a brain. McCall s still called by his troubled past to help those who can't help themselves, and this does lose a bit of focus at times and winds off course a bit. So what? Refreshing that we have a movie that is adult, and McCall is taking on real people, that live in our world today. And being even more fair, he is fighting to help the ONE person and not save the universe from some creature that can fly and has rays flying out of his eyes.
This has been update nicely, and looks great. Antione Fuqua is a great director and his mark is all over this. Denzel is terrific, and so is the supporting cast. Yes, this is plenty violent, but his business is messy. This is handled very well, and is not gratuitous. Not all movies are made to win Oscars, and this won't, but you'll like it. An we need movies that are more human based for grown ups to see.
Equalizer 2 - Nothing wrong here. Hoping for more.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
New In Theaters Now
The past few weeks have been either feast or famine at the movies. There have been huge jsut blockbusters and there have been some movies that have simply come and gone without a whimper.
We seldom review the gigantic blockbusters at length. They have a built in audience and seemingly they love everyone every frame before even seeing it.
But lets get you caught up on what's out there right now.
Skyscaper
The Rock just keeps making movies that people want to see. This is one of them. This is nothing except summer thrills and fun.
I can't even say this is a good movie. But what I can say this is an entertaining movie, especially in the summertime. The Rock is trying to save hisfamily from the worlds tallest building that is on fire, and under attack by terrible people. Can we love this guy any more?
This is filled with sweaty palmed moments and we are almost falling 3,000 feet many times. This movies along nicely and is compelling in it's action, as opposed to its underlying plot, which is adequate at best. But you won't care. This is summer fun action with a smile. And a good, fun action flick is right on time right now
Sacario 2
The original was a very good movie, and so is this one. This is one of those movies that has no good guys whatsoever. This deals with the drug cartels, how are awful. The secret part of the US Government , and they are awful. Corrupt police north and south of the US/Mexican border.
This is the second in what is turning out to be a series, as this is set up for more. This time the US kidnaps a cartel leaders daughter in the effort to start a civil war between the cartels in Mexico. The effort is being made because in our movie, he president has deemed the cartels as terrorists. And we must engage theme south of the border.
Needless to say, this goes wrong. Violent, harsh, not easy movie watching. But very good, and puts you on a slow burn that keep you watching. A hard R rating, and well deserved. The first one was good, this is very good.
Uncle Drew
This is the new basketball movie that stars Kyrie Irving, and a bunch of other ex-NBA stars, that is a sort of live action semi version of the 1990's classic, Space Jam. Being honest, this lookied real bad on first trailer view.
But, this is not going to win on award anywhere, but you will laugh. The full theater did at the screening I went to. This is pretty darn funny. I laughed a bunch. This movie is plain and simple escapism that shows you a good time for your money. My hope is that this is the only one they will make, as it could not hold up another.
All in all, this works. It's not perfect, it's just fun. Sometimes we need to just slow down, and let funny be funny, and not really worry about art. This movie is OK, and good for a few laughs, way better than I ever thought this would be.
Jurassic World:Fallen Kingdom
Well it is making hand over claw, but its a shame this is not a better movie. This 5th installment of the 25 year old series is a far cry from the masterpiece that was the original. In fairness, you do get all the dinosaurs you could possibly want as there is not a shortage of action sequences. Trouble is, that's about all e get.
This movie is the poster child for movies made for a attention shortened audience. It moves from one action scene to another leaving story holes and character development in the dust. This movie also feels kind of bad. There is not real awe, or joy in seeing this. It's dark, agenda laden, and just not the fun experience it should be.
This is not summer escapism. This is very intense at times and some of this may be a bit too much for the too young. Is this a bad day at the movies? No. But this franchise is a beacon for one that has run its course. But there will be more.
Jurassic World 2 - Getting tired.
Oceans 8
The trend continues this week, where there was far more thought put into who would be in this movie, than what they would say in it. Oceans 8 boasts a huge cast, and that is supposed to carry the day. And it did to the tune of a 41 million dollar opening weekend. too bad the budget was 150 million for this.
This is a disturbing trend right now in Hollywood. Big casts, and projects, and terrible scripts. This is not a bad day at the movies, but this should have been way better. There also may be some "Oceans" fatigue too, but this is simply falling short.
Anne Hathaway is really great here, as she did a lot with the little that was given to her, but she can't make this great. This will have to settle for average.
We seldom review the gigantic blockbusters at length. They have a built in audience and seemingly they love everyone every frame before even seeing it.
But lets get you caught up on what's out there right now.
Skyscaper
The Rock just keeps making movies that people want to see. This is one of them. This is nothing except summer thrills and fun.
I can't even say this is a good movie. But what I can say this is an entertaining movie, especially in the summertime. The Rock is trying to save hisfamily from the worlds tallest building that is on fire, and under attack by terrible people. Can we love this guy any more?
This is filled with sweaty palmed moments and we are almost falling 3,000 feet many times. This movies along nicely and is compelling in it's action, as opposed to its underlying plot, which is adequate at best. But you won't care. This is summer fun action with a smile. And a good, fun action flick is right on time right now
Sacario 2
The original was a very good movie, and so is this one. This is one of those movies that has no good guys whatsoever. This deals with the drug cartels, how are awful. The secret part of the US Government , and they are awful. Corrupt police north and south of the US/Mexican border.
This is the second in what is turning out to be a series, as this is set up for more. This time the US kidnaps a cartel leaders daughter in the effort to start a civil war between the cartels in Mexico. The effort is being made because in our movie, he president has deemed the cartels as terrorists. And we must engage theme south of the border.
Needless to say, this goes wrong. Violent, harsh, not easy movie watching. But very good, and puts you on a slow burn that keep you watching. A hard R rating, and well deserved. The first one was good, this is very good.
Uncle Drew
This is the new basketball movie that stars Kyrie Irving, and a bunch of other ex-NBA stars, that is a sort of live action semi version of the 1990's classic, Space Jam. Being honest, this lookied real bad on first trailer view.
But, this is not going to win on award anywhere, but you will laugh. The full theater did at the screening I went to. This is pretty darn funny. I laughed a bunch. This movie is plain and simple escapism that shows you a good time for your money. My hope is that this is the only one they will make, as it could not hold up another.
All in all, this works. It's not perfect, it's just fun. Sometimes we need to just slow down, and let funny be funny, and not really worry about art. This movie is OK, and good for a few laughs, way better than I ever thought this would be.
Jurassic World:Fallen Kingdom
Well it is making hand over claw, but its a shame this is not a better movie. This 5th installment of the 25 year old series is a far cry from the masterpiece that was the original. In fairness, you do get all the dinosaurs you could possibly want as there is not a shortage of action sequences. Trouble is, that's about all e get.
This movie is the poster child for movies made for a attention shortened audience. It moves from one action scene to another leaving story holes and character development in the dust. This movie also feels kind of bad. There is not real awe, or joy in seeing this. It's dark, agenda laden, and just not the fun experience it should be.
This is not summer escapism. This is very intense at times and some of this may be a bit too much for the too young. Is this a bad day at the movies? No. But this franchise is a beacon for one that has run its course. But there will be more.
Jurassic World 2 - Getting tired.
Oceans 8
The trend continues this week, where there was far more thought put into who would be in this movie, than what they would say in it. Oceans 8 boasts a huge cast, and that is supposed to carry the day. And it did to the tune of a 41 million dollar opening weekend. too bad the budget was 150 million for this.
This is a disturbing trend right now in Hollywood. Big casts, and projects, and terrible scripts. This is not a bad day at the movies, but this should have been way better. There also may be some "Oceans" fatigue too, but this is simply falling short.
Anne Hathaway is really great here, as she did a lot with the little that was given to her, but she can't make this great. This will have to settle for average.
Friday, May 11, 2018
New In Theaters
There are a few new movies out, and lets see whats new for you!
Life Of The Party
Melissa McCarthy stars in a new comedy that really needed not to be made. McCarthy again picks a movie where she is used wrong, and quite frankly, she has outgrown this kind of sophomoric drivel.
She plays a woman whose daughter is attending college, and after her husband decides to divorce her, she decides to go back to college and finish up her senior year that she didn't 20 some years ago. You can see where this is going. Plenty of drinking, parties, recreational drug usage, and of course hooking up with college boys.
This just isn't funny. Way too much needless dialogue that McCarthy is making up, and it just doesn't work. Yeah, there's a sight gag or two that works, but it's not enough. This is not funny, original or anything mildly entertaining.
Life Of The Party. McCarthy needs three things. A new agent. To stop making these kind of movies, and to stick to ensemble pieces where she is generally very good. This is horrible.
Breaking In
Here comes a movie that checks in at a very tidy 88 minutes, and it's a good thing. Gabrielle Union stars, and produced this flick, and this to misses the mark. This is the story of a woman, trying to save her kids who have been taken and locked inside a fortress of a house by a gang of horrible guys who want to rob this home of it's supposed cash fortune inside.
Union is appealing enough, but this really smacks of a Lifetime movie, and not the big screen. This script has tons of holes in it, and most of this does not add up. Plus, you generally know the entire time the eventual outcome of this, another outcome would have been socially unacceptable. And for a simple movie, this really drags at times. Even though 88 minutes is very short, an hour (Lol) would have been sufficient.
This movie has been made in one way, dozens of times before, and there is nothing original here, or compelling. This is a rental, at best in 90 days.
Breaking In. Broken.
Life Of The Party
Melissa McCarthy stars in a new comedy that really needed not to be made. McCarthy again picks a movie where she is used wrong, and quite frankly, she has outgrown this kind of sophomoric drivel.
She plays a woman whose daughter is attending college, and after her husband decides to divorce her, she decides to go back to college and finish up her senior year that she didn't 20 some years ago. You can see where this is going. Plenty of drinking, parties, recreational drug usage, and of course hooking up with college boys.
This just isn't funny. Way too much needless dialogue that McCarthy is making up, and it just doesn't work. Yeah, there's a sight gag or two that works, but it's not enough. This is not funny, original or anything mildly entertaining.
Life Of The Party. McCarthy needs three things. A new agent. To stop making these kind of movies, and to stick to ensemble pieces where she is generally very good. This is horrible.
Breaking In
Here comes a movie that checks in at a very tidy 88 minutes, and it's a good thing. Gabrielle Union stars, and produced this flick, and this to misses the mark. This is the story of a woman, trying to save her kids who have been taken and locked inside a fortress of a house by a gang of horrible guys who want to rob this home of it's supposed cash fortune inside.
Union is appealing enough, but this really smacks of a Lifetime movie, and not the big screen. This script has tons of holes in it, and most of this does not add up. Plus, you generally know the entire time the eventual outcome of this, another outcome would have been socially unacceptable. And for a simple movie, this really drags at times. Even though 88 minutes is very short, an hour (Lol) would have been sufficient.
This movie has been made in one way, dozens of times before, and there is nothing original here, or compelling. This is a rental, at best in 90 days.
Breaking In. Broken.
Friday, April 13, 2018
New Movies
Rampage
The Rock can do little wrong these days, and Rampage is proof positive. Rampage is a monster movie, plain and simple. This is the story of a affable, intelligent Albino Gorilla named George, and his handler, (The Rock). After an accident, George is exposed to a secret agent gas that causes genetic editing. Meaning George is growing out of control, and is becoming more violet, agitated and a threat to everyone.
Also exposed were a wolf, and alligator, and now they are all gigantic monsters all converging on Chicago. The only hope is a cure, and that is what our team of human heroes are trying to deliver. The national critics are going to hammer this, but the public is going to eat this up and make it a huge hit.
This is a throwback to the monster movie era, with a modern twist of today's humor, and the charm of Dwayne Johnson. This is simply mindless entertainment at its core. This movie says nothing, has no agenda, and just gives you about 2 hours of flat out entertainment.
Rampage. Not a literary movie, but just fun. Go have fun.
Truth Or Dare
Leave it to Hollywood to take a slightly naughty 7th grade game and turn it into an ugly, semi-violent mess, but here we go again. What's next? Spin The Bottle? Truth is, this is not very daring at all, as this really smacks of the whole Final Destination franchise. There is nothing here that's very original.
A group of about to graduate college students from California takes a Spring Break trip to Mexico. There they end up cursed with this whole Truth Or Dare spirit that takes the game literally. Don't tell the truth, you die. Don't do the dare, you die. Try to leave the game, you die. So you are basically up a creek if you are exposed. This is not very compelling, and not overly violent, and not really very racy, as I was expecting. In fact, it's really not much of anything except too long, and too tired as a premise.
This is still more evidence that Hollywood is out of fresh ideas, and is grasping at straws. This just lies there and takes you no where you have not been 100 times before.
Truth Or Dare. Yawn!
Beirut
Here comes one of the years best movies. Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike star in this absolutely riveting movie about the incredible challenge that was and is Beirut. This is a government thriller with a plot that you don't know, and can't figure out. Amazing writing, directing, sets, and performances bring this to life brilliantly.
This takes place between 1972 and 1982, and the beginning of the civil war there, and there are numerous factions involved as a highly placed U.S. official is kidnapped, Now how do we get him back? Who has him? And at what price? Hamm and Pike are terrific, and are cast perfectly in this gritty, hard to watch sometimes authentic piece. In this time frame of early spring, it can be tough to find slick, well done movies that are not special effect fests, or spring break type of flicks. This is neither, and no matter what happens between now and Christmas, this will be one of the years best movies.
Beirut. Great writing, great performances and totally worth seeing.
The Rock can do little wrong these days, and Rampage is proof positive. Rampage is a monster movie, plain and simple. This is the story of a affable, intelligent Albino Gorilla named George, and his handler, (The Rock). After an accident, George is exposed to a secret agent gas that causes genetic editing. Meaning George is growing out of control, and is becoming more violet, agitated and a threat to everyone.
Also exposed were a wolf, and alligator, and now they are all gigantic monsters all converging on Chicago. The only hope is a cure, and that is what our team of human heroes are trying to deliver. The national critics are going to hammer this, but the public is going to eat this up and make it a huge hit.
This is a throwback to the monster movie era, with a modern twist of today's humor, and the charm of Dwayne Johnson. This is simply mindless entertainment at its core. This movie says nothing, has no agenda, and just gives you about 2 hours of flat out entertainment.
Rampage. Not a literary movie, but just fun. Go have fun.
Truth Or Dare
Leave it to Hollywood to take a slightly naughty 7th grade game and turn it into an ugly, semi-violent mess, but here we go again. What's next? Spin The Bottle? Truth is, this is not very daring at all, as this really smacks of the whole Final Destination franchise. There is nothing here that's very original.
A group of about to graduate college students from California takes a Spring Break trip to Mexico. There they end up cursed with this whole Truth Or Dare spirit that takes the game literally. Don't tell the truth, you die. Don't do the dare, you die. Try to leave the game, you die. So you are basically up a creek if you are exposed. This is not very compelling, and not overly violent, and not really very racy, as I was expecting. In fact, it's really not much of anything except too long, and too tired as a premise.
This is still more evidence that Hollywood is out of fresh ideas, and is grasping at straws. This just lies there and takes you no where you have not been 100 times before.
Truth Or Dare. Yawn!
Beirut
Here comes one of the years best movies. Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike star in this absolutely riveting movie about the incredible challenge that was and is Beirut. This is a government thriller with a plot that you don't know, and can't figure out. Amazing writing, directing, sets, and performances bring this to life brilliantly.
This takes place between 1972 and 1982, and the beginning of the civil war there, and there are numerous factions involved as a highly placed U.S. official is kidnapped, Now how do we get him back? Who has him? And at what price? Hamm and Pike are terrific, and are cast perfectly in this gritty, hard to watch sometimes authentic piece. In this time frame of early spring, it can be tough to find slick, well done movies that are not special effect fests, or spring break type of flicks. This is neither, and no matter what happens between now and Christmas, this will be one of the years best movies.
Beirut. Great writing, great performances and totally worth seeing.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
New in Theaters this week
Blockers
Well, there seems to be no end to these kinds of movies, the raunchy comedy that through it all, tries to grow a heart and say something. Well, as raunchy and at times as distasteful as some of this is, there are some laughs. And even though this is an exaggerated look at parents letting their teens grow up sexually, there is enough truth to make this fun.
John Cena and Leslie Manna are pretty darn funny as panicked parents who are trying to get in the way of a "sex pact" that their daughters have made to lose their virginity on prom night. Without question, some of this goes way too far, and there are things we don't need to see, but I laughed at times, and felt the parents fear for most of this.
What I wish is, that the makers of these movies would remember is that there is a limit. Not every scene has to be 7th grade locker room funny. A bit of imagination, a small rewrite, and a sharper editing blade would be in order and movies like this could be a bit more attractive to more peeps. Until then, we have to watch Cena chug beer through his kiester. Just sayin'
Blockers. Yes, funny a times. An acquired taste.
A Quiet Place
There are many things about this movie that make it very original and others that don't. But for me, the good far outweighs the bad. This is a 90-minute intense thriller that doesn't sell out to special effects and uses just good old fashioned ways to scare you.
Set in today's world, some sort of event has happened and Earth is now inhabited by these awful creatures that are barbaric and hunt humans, but can only do so when they hear them. They cannot see, but sound of any kind now is the enemy of all of mankind. So this family lives in silence and communicates through sign language to survive. But they soon learn that is easier said than done, as about every imaginable thing makes sound on earth. Can they survive?
This movie has very little dialogue, and that is very interesting. The silence to me still, became a bit fatiguing, but at only 90 minutes (good decision) this works. And this is going to continue to work for a few weeks, as word of mouth will be great on this, and it's quite good.
A Quiet Place. Very good, intense.
The Miracle Season
There are some movies that have a nice story to tell, but lack the budget and commitment to make it great. And that is the case here. This is not a terrible movie by any stretch, but could have been a whole lot better.
This is the true story of the 2011 Iowa City, Iowa West High School women's volleyball team, and their struggles on and off the court after the death of their star player and inspiration, Caroline Found. This is also a story worth telling, but this could have used a rewrite two. Much of this is cliche', and looks rushed, and pushed through. Also, Oscar winners Helen Hunt and William Hurt, seem to be taking this to simply find work and that's hard to watch too.
But, this even though this isn't near perfect at all, families will like this and that is generally fine with me. We need all kinds of movies for all kind of fans. Found's legacy does shine through and that is great, even if the movie writing and making is not.
The Miracle Season. Problems, yes. But fine for family day.
Midnight Sun
Here comes a little movie that on the surface looks like a silly Nicolas Sparks story, and in some aspects, it is. And it is another movie that chronicles a young woman housebound by a terrible illness, and yearning for love, and it is. But after seeing this, I liked it far more than the above mentioned. Even though the national critics are hammering it. Is this perfect? Heck no, but please quit showing your pompousness.
This is the story of Katy, who has a disease called XP. She cannot go in the sun at all, as it would be life ending. So, she goes out at night, and lives a life in reverse, which is no life at all. She falls in love with Charlie and risks it all to live a life of love, as best she can. Yes, this is predictable, and melodramatic, and a bit far fetched at times. But so what? Can't we make a movie that is easy to digest, and have a good cry, or a few awww moments without critics being too far above it?
This flick shows a few new faces, and does its best to be an escape from the rest of the nonsense that can be out there this time of year. Granted, it's not fighting robots, or superheros saving the world, but there is room for this. This is for young people who want a love story for spring break. Period. And that's fine with me.
Midnight Sun. It's fine. They can't all win Oscars, and this won't. But at 90 minutes, this is a fair rainy afternoon flick.
Love, Simon
This is a very well written movie that takes on a highly topical, and potentially difficult issue of growing up in high school in the 21st century. This movie is a slick romcom, that features the life of Simon, a 17 year old young man who realizes he is gay. Now, how does he handle this? And how will his life, and his friends life change as a result of his "coming out?"
This movie chronicles his journey, and in many ways is deadly accurate showcasing the landmines that teens have today. The social pressures, and social media, constant communication and the anxiety of it all. Although, my gut feeling too is there are also scenes here that may be a bit too generous to the good, in their depiction of the travels Simon would have to take.
But overall, this is very well done, and moves along nicely. I found this to be for the most part a charming flick, with a strong cast, and solid characters created. This movie may fly a bit below the radar, but is certianly worth a ticket.
Love, Simon. Well done indeed.
Pacific Rim: Uprising
There is the obvious question here. Why? Do we really need more of this series? Well the answer is probably yes, for some. Here we go again, gigantic robots defending the world against alien forces and this time - even ourselves. Put a ton of great effects together with a bunch of noise and a large screen and you seemingly have the right formula.
The big problem with this is, Transformers. I'm not going to sit here and say those are way better movies, but they were here first and that means PR looks like a poor mans rip off. And if it is. This is about 2 hours of animated robots fighting with a touch of a story mixed in. Honestly, if you are about 12, this is really cool. Good for your kids, grand kids and the dudes in general. This is not recommended for a first date (kidding).
Pacific Rim:Uprising. Can we just stop...Please?
Unsane
Wow! There are some movies that take us to places that we have never been, and this is one of them. This is the story of a young, troubled woman that seeks professional counseling to deal with some of her everyday problems. And when she admits during a session she has had thoughts of suicide in the past, her life takes a horrible turn.
Actually, beyond horrible. This movie will scare the heck out of anyone who may seek counseling, and that is an honest observation, even though this is a fictional movie. This also morphs into a "stalker" movie, as if the original premise isn't disturbing enough. This movie is well written, compelling and thought provoking all at the same time. Although there a remnants that are similar to other "mental ward" movies, this is another level and stands on its own just fine.
In the end, this is a bit unsettling and tough to watch at times, as it dares to look deeply at problems that everyday people can possibly face, and the willingness to share these problems with those who are charged with trying to help sort them out. I am sure the healthcare companies are not thrilled with this.
Unsane. Good, well done, creepy.
I Can Only Imagine
This movie for some reason is wearing the "Christian" movie label, and I can't really understand that. Granted there are elements that are, but they are very subtle. This is the true and brave story told of the origins of the biggest Christian hit song ever, I Can Only Imagine and its writer Bart Millard, and band, Mercy Me.
This is a powerful flick with a great performance from J. Micheal Finley as Millard. This is the first time I can remember a movie being made about a song as well. Finley is terrific as Millard and is a fresh face on screen that was central to its success. The music is done very well and some of the filming of this is great, especially in pivotal scenes when it really matters. There is an underlying Christian element throughout, but it's not preachy, or judgmental. The writing here was a challenge, and they pulled it off walking a fine line.
In short, this is a nice little movie that is destined for some big success. This will attract people to the theaters that seldom go, and that's a good thing. Its good for anyone, including the whole family. Is this perfect? Well, no. But it's a great example that Hollywood can make movies for everyone can can make it work.
I Can Only Imagine. Good, solid movie.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
BOOK REVIEW - A Storyteller's Guide to a Grace-Filled Life
I don't normally review books. But some are worth talking about more extensively than simply the office coffee room. Like this one - A wonderful new feel good book by Tony Agnesi.
Full disclosure, I know Tony well as we share commonalities. We've played a lot of golf, like good food, people, bourbon and a good cigar. We are both passionate about many renaissance-men like activities. But as we do share similar interests, we are very different in some ways as well. That is what is celebrated in this new little book. It's OK to be different from one another and still be a caring soul to those who are not quite the same, or even opposite, as you.
Tony is a wonderful storyteller in life and in this book. This is a series of Tony's true story essays over the years referencing his life, health, his marriage, family, and his strong faith. When you read it, you are reminded that it takes great courage to document your life for all to see. And as a man of great Catholic faith, Tony melds various passages and biblical quotes that fit the narrative of that particular short chapter at its end. It is a nice idea that really works.
Truth be told, I am not Catholic, and do not posses the biblical knowledge at my finger tips as Tony does, but it makes this book no less valuable. To me, that is the real measure of spirituality, as I feel it is a life long search, no matter how you get there. Books like this speak to many, without alienating any. It's just honest, and makes you feel good without ever demanding you feel a certain way, or his way, about the matter at hand.
You can pick this book up and read any part of it at any time in its 190 easy to read pages. And after Tony shares his personal point of view about a given story he's sharing, he gently asks you only consider to reflect on a similar story in your own life, in your own way. And you do. This book does make you think about your own life, many things you may not have thought of in a long time.
The message of this book is one of happiness. And you would be hard pressed not to feel better about many things after reading this, even if you don't agree with some, or much of it. You've been many of the places Tony has. It's refreshing to see someone tell compelling stories and be willing to share much that is private for us to page through and relate to. After reading this book, you may feel the need to write more about your own life, that's how it moved me.
And even though Tony approaches much of this from a spiritual or what some would call a religious view, he skillfully uses his words to start a conversation, and not end one.
And man, do we need more of that in our world today.
Available about anywhere books are sold.
Full disclosure, I know Tony well as we share commonalities. We've played a lot of golf, like good food, people, bourbon and a good cigar. We are both passionate about many renaissance-men like activities. But as we do share similar interests, we are very different in some ways as well. That is what is celebrated in this new little book. It's OK to be different from one another and still be a caring soul to those who are not quite the same, or even opposite, as you.
Tony is a wonderful storyteller in life and in this book. This is a series of Tony's true story essays over the years referencing his life, health, his marriage, family, and his strong faith. When you read it, you are reminded that it takes great courage to document your life for all to see. And as a man of great Catholic faith, Tony melds various passages and biblical quotes that fit the narrative of that particular short chapter at its end. It is a nice idea that really works.
Truth be told, I am not Catholic, and do not posses the biblical knowledge at my finger tips as Tony does, but it makes this book no less valuable. To me, that is the real measure of spirituality, as I feel it is a life long search, no matter how you get there. Books like this speak to many, without alienating any. It's just honest, and makes you feel good without ever demanding you feel a certain way, or his way, about the matter at hand.
You can pick this book up and read any part of it at any time in its 190 easy to read pages. And after Tony shares his personal point of view about a given story he's sharing, he gently asks you only consider to reflect on a similar story in your own life, in your own way. And you do. This book does make you think about your own life, many things you may not have thought of in a long time.
The message of this book is one of happiness. And you would be hard pressed not to feel better about many things after reading this, even if you don't agree with some, or much of it. You've been many of the places Tony has. It's refreshing to see someone tell compelling stories and be willing to share much that is private for us to page through and relate to. After reading this book, you may feel the need to write more about your own life, that's how it moved me.
And even though Tony approaches much of this from a spiritual or what some would call a religious view, he skillfully uses his words to start a conversation, and not end one.
And man, do we need more of that in our world today.
Available about anywhere books are sold.
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