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The Polar Express (2004)
Uneven
I gave this a "6" because there were more parts of this movie that I liked than there were that I didn't like. However, sadly there was a lot that I didn't like.
It is not an overly-long movie, at less than an hour and 40 minutes - however, it seemed much longer than it was mainly because of the self-indulgent action sequences that distracted from the story itself. Everything in the movie is supposed to be magic, of course. But the train barreling down roller-coaster-like tracks making wild turns was distracting in its impossibility. Plus I couldn't help thinking that despite the "G" rating, such frantic heart-pounding action sequences must have been frightening to many small children who watched. I would suggest that adults watch this with their small children so that they can cuddle them if the action sequences become too intense.
This would have been a terrific movie if 20 or 30 minutes of extraneous frenetic action had been left on the cutting room floor.
The Iron Petticoat (1956)
Good for passing some time - if you have nothing better to do
Let me start by saying that I'm a big Katharine Hepburn fan and that I find Bob Hope amusing in many of his films - but this was a disappointment on both counts. Hepburn obviously wanted to act and Hope obviously wanted to crack one-liners but neither was given much opportunity to do what they were itching to do and so the film ended up being "neither fish nor fowl." The script itself seemed to be caught up in this same dilemma.
The Russian "Keystone Kops" could have been funny but the script was so confused (and confusing) that even their antics couldn't motivate me to laugh. Granted, you weren't supposed to actually believe the plot, but .....
Give it a try if you have nothing else to do of an afternoon, but don't expect either "The Philadelphia Story" or "Road to Morocco."
The Chosen (2017)
Wonderful - and full of wonder!
Authentic to the Bible and yet humanizing Jesus, His family, and His companions in ways that draw the viewer in to episode after episode of INTERESTING folks. Even the totally fictional depictions of the Roman soldiers and the fleshing out of Gospel figures given only a line or two (Simon's wife and mother-in-law, for example) is inspired. I really appreciate that an Evangelical minister, a Catholic priest, and a Jewish rabbi are all advisors on these shows - and the verisimilitude is evident.
Can't wait for season 2!
Knives Out (2019)
A mix of Agatha Christie and Clue
I enjoyed this movie. I like the stars and, amazingly, each one of this character-heavy cast was allowed his/her moment to shine without confusing the basic premise. The ending was satisfying (the bad guy?/gal?) was caught and justice was served. The fun was getting to that point. Daniel Craig was a bemused ringmaster in this circus of quirky characters and holds the whole together with a deft hand.
I have given the movie only a 7 rating because there were, in my opinion, two significant plot inconsistencies which I won't go in to so as not to betray any spoilers. Since the movie was played as a mixture of Agatha Christie and Clue, and therefore not to be taken too seriously, I was willing to overlook these minor issues and just enjoy it.
The Wilde Wedding (2017)
Too many cast members
I read some of the previous reviews of this movie but - being a fan of the three stars - my husband and I decided to watch it last evening anyway. It was a shame that the basic premise (former movie star Eve/Glenn getting married for 4th time to writer Harold/Patrick while 1st husband Laurence/John is present as a friend of his ex-wife). Nice little premise that moves predictably through the script.
However, at least two of Eve's and Laurence's 3 adult son's plus their significant others and children and one of Harold's 2 adult daughters could have been eliminated from the picture all together as contributing nothing to the main plot but just adding to the movie's (and this viewer's) confusion.
Someone needed to take a red pen to this script before it began filming so that the focus would be where it belonged - on exploring the complicated relationship of Eve/Harold/Laurence and let these powerful stars shine instead of being relegated to bemused bystanders within their own storyline.
Wiener-Dog (2016)
I disliked everyone in this movie
My husband and I decided to watch a cute "dog movie" this evening. However, "Wiener Dog" was not a "cute" movie, nor was it a "dog movie" per se. It might just have been the most depressing movie I have ever seen. Nobody in this movie was likeable (except, perhaps, the boy in the first segment). Don't watch this movie unless you want to find yourself in the company of a bunch of dysfunctional, unlikable, selfish people - all of whom just happen to own a "wiener dog."
A Dog's Journey (2019)
A Wonderful Sequel to "A Dog's Purpose"
Audiences need more movies like this one!
My husband and I went to a 4 PM weekday show as we needed to "kill" a few hours before meeting our daughter. We knew it was the same writer (W. Bruce Cameron) as two other movies we loved ("A Dog's Purpose" and "A Dog's Way Home") but we didn't know it was a sequel to "A Dog's Purpose." If you haven't seen "A Dog's Purpose" I'd strongly suggest you do so before seeing "A Dog's Journey." You'll enjoy the continuing saga of Bailey and his people much more if you do.
Prepare to cry.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
I love Hugh but Keala stood out
I really wanted to see The Greatest Showman because of Hugh Jackman. He is more than a "triple threat" since he is at home in not only musicals, but also drama, comedy, and fantasy. He displayed all of these attributes in The Greatest Showman, but was shortchanged in a movie that sacrificed depth for glitz.
I felt breathless by the end of the movie, not because I was overwhelmed with the film but because the book of the movie tried too hard to juggle multiple story lines and cover too great a period of time - while mounting lavish production numbers.
I was underwhelmed by the plotline involving Zac Efron and Zendaya - although I guess they were inserted to provide teenagers and twenty-somethings with a romantic pair with which they could relate. Much more interesting was the relationship of Barnum and his wife - and the threat posed to it by Jenny Lind.
This movie should have focused on the most interesting characters, the Barnum family and P.T.'s performers - especially the Bearded Lady, played to perfection by Keala Settle.
Well worth the time investment to see this movie, but the script needed a good editor.
The Seventh Stream (2001)
Leave your 21st century skepticism behind
In order to fully enjoy this movie, you will need to abandon 21st century skepticism. If you have a healthy imagination - and a love of fairy tales and things hidden from the modern mind - then you will appreciate "The Seventh Stream." The cast is solid and the story enchanting. Relax and enjoy the magic.
Remember (2015)
Why wasn't Christopher Plummer nominated for an Academy Award for this film?
Both Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau are excellent actors (ML in the past tense since he passed away in the summer of 2017). It is amazing when men - particularly men of their age - can deliver such riveting performances. The story is spellbinding and the ending is very much a surprise. But it is the acting of the two gentlemen Plummer and Landau that should recommend this film to anyone who enjoys solid acting and complete immersion in their characters.
A shout out also to Dean Norris for his 15 minutes or so of screen time. Very well acted.
Anyone who has a smattering of knowledge of the Nazi concentration camps should appreciate this movie. And even those who don't should appreciate it for its excellent acting.
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
Dan Stevens and Christopher Plummer head wonderful cast
When Dan Stevens asked that Matthew, his "Downton Abbey" character, be "killed off" so he could pursue other acting opportunities, I thought his career would go directly downhill. Matthew Crawley was a pleasant young man - but really didn't give Stevens much meat to chew so I figured his career would go the unsuccessful way of many other actors of limited talent who left successful TV parts. However, he was right to leave. He is much more talented than Matthew Crawley allowed him to be. His versatility is showcased to perfection as Charles Dickens in THE MAN WHO INVENTED Christmas.
It doesn't hurt that his Dickens is surrounded by a charming group of eccentrics, some of whom exist in his 19th century reality and others of whom exist only in his fertile imagination. I particularly liked Anna Murphy's Tara, the Irish housemaid who presents Dickens with inspiration for several key elements in his "A Christmas Carol." Ms. Murphy's career should advance as she has a quite likable screen persona and an ability to stand out in any scene.
Christopher Plummer is wonderful in every part in which he plays. What woman wouldn't want to heal the heart of his Captain Von Trappe (THE SOUND OF MUSIC)? Who wouldn't want to hear his Chang declaim Shakespeare in its original Klingon(STAR TREK VI)? And who couldn't be caught up in the soul of Hal in his Academy Award winning BEGINNERS? I saw him in his stage presentation of BARRYMORE and was mesmerized. His Scrooge is equally mesmerizing.
The script is tight, the acting is solid, the sets, costumes, and staging are perfectly 1843. This movie should become a true Christmas classic - just as "A Christmas Carol" itself is a classic. In short - I loved it!
Fences (2016)
Great - over-long - movie
Denzel Washington and Viola Davis - WOW! These two consummate actors carried this over-long movie so that the viewer ALMOST forgets how long it really is.
Almost forgets, but can't quite forget. Two hours and 19 minutes of stage time is no problem. However, two hours and 19 minutes of movie time had better have explosions or engaging CGI imagery or, at the very least, beautiful scenery and many set changes. "Fences" has wonderful acting, not only from Washington and Davis, but it plays like - well, like a play on a proscenium stage.
I'm sure the director (Washington both directed and starred) made the artistic choice to remain as close to the stage play as possible. However, some judicious editing to tighten the play (particularly the dialogue) would have been best.
Plan your evening accordingly. Make lots of popcorn, pause the DVD playback for trips to the bathroom and/or refrigerator, and be aware that you need to listen to what's being said and prepare to feel for these people - because you will feel for them if you are paying attention.
Allied (2016)
Best love-making scene in recent movie memory!
My husband and I watched "Allied" not being sure what to expect. We had recently watched WWII film "Anthropoid" but "Allied"'s premise seemed more of a love story than a war story.
It turned out to be both. It had a dash of "The Dirty Dozen" (picture a carefully executed plot to assassinate Nazi officials in their lair), "Casablanca" ("Allied" is even set partially in this Moroccan city as was the classic Bogart/Bergman film), and "Sophie's Choice" (a difficult ultimatum given to a main character). Despite the obligatory homosexual plot device (Max's sister is a lesbian - totally inorganic to the film, but Hollywood must have a contract clause written in every film released that it is required to have a sympathetic homosexual character), this film feels true to the contemporaneous WWII films which it attempts to emulate.
I would not give it a "10" because it does feel forced in certain spots, but I would recommend it for what my husband calls the "best love-making scene in recent movie memory" (in a car in a desert sand storm, no less) - VERY sexy!
Anthropoid (2016)
I was resistant to see this movie but am so glad that I did
My husband is fascinated with World War II and Reichsprotector Reinhard Heydrich in particular. One of his favorite movies, and one which he has written about professionally, is 1943's "Hitler's Madman" in which John Carradine's Heydrich was a scenery-chewing monster.
My husband Greg has often wondered why the movie industry has never presented a film depiction of what really occurred when Heydrich was assassinated. His wish was fulfilled when "Anthropoid" was released. Greg's favorite 2016 Christmas present from me was a DVD of the film. This evening I agreed to watch it with him and was very pleasantly surprised.
It was difficult to watch. For one thing, I was aware the whole time that much of the movie was real and that, no matter how much I wanted these people to "live happily ever after," that they were all doomed from the very beginning. The strength of the script, the directorial vision, and the acting expertise made me believe the truth of the story and characters and to love the heroes and to hate the villains.
Although an overview knowledge of the assassination of Heydrich might be an asset in appreciating this movie, do not hesitate to watch it if you know nothing about the event or its repercussions.
My only criticism is that the name of the movie, although historically accurate as the code name of the assassination mission, is confusing to an audience. When I first heard that my husband wanted to see the movie "Anthropoid," I thought it was a science fiction movie!
The Book Thief (2013)
Excellent film based on excellent book
A friend told me "The Book Thief" was her favorite book. So naturally, respecting her opinion (she is a college English professor, after all) I had to find out what makes this so wonderful.
First of all, the film is a beautiful experience. You may find it difficult to imagine that you could relate to, and sympathize with, a group of average patriotic German citizens during the Nazi years. The events in Germany between 1938 and 1945 as seen through the eyes of a young girl (the book thief of the title) remind the reader/viewer, however, that these are just ordinary people going about their ordinary lives with the horror of the Holocaust and the other excesses of Nazi Germany as a background. The people seem to be too busy surviving, for the most part, to object to the political and social evils surrounding them. They were also terrified that drawing attention to themselves - any attention - would result in their "disappearing" as a number of the characters in the story "disappear." A young girl learns to read with the inspiration and help of her adoptive father, her best friend, the Burgomeister's wife, and a Jewish fugitive hiding in the basement.
The acting is superb! Sophie Nelisse is breathtaking as the central character, Liesl. Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson are wonderful as Liesl's adoptive parents. Also notable are Nico Liersch as Rudy, Ben Schnetzer as Max, and Barbara Auer as Frau Hermann.
Read the book, watch the film - or better yet, do both!
We're the Millers (2013)
Funny, funny movie
I watched this movie on network TV and therefore experienced a lot of f-word bleeps and genitals blurred but it was still an enjoyable several hours.
Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston were hilarious as "the parents" and Will Poulter and Emma Roberts were spot-on as "the children." Nick Offerman, Kathryn Hahn, and Molly Quinn are perfect as the Fitzgeralds. Hollywood is always smart to get its casting just right and then let the actors run with the parts - and that happens in this movie.
The premise is clever and calculated to keep you laughing from start to finish. If you want a movie to enjoyably pass a few hours but don't want to have to think too critically about character motivation and plot logistics, then you can't go wrong with "We're the Millers."
The Accountant (2016)
Terse, engrossing, high body-count
How would you help your child prepare for adult life if she/he had Asperger's Syndrome? This movie takes the premise that the father of the protagonist uses his military expertise to guide his son to adulthood by training him in extreme forms of violence. No surprise that the son, a math genius brilliantly portrayed by Ben Affleck, becomes a killer as well as an accountant.
Plot twists galore, fine acting on the part of the entire cast, make this a fascinating movie which I highly recommend.
Ben Affleck should have received a Best Actor nomination.
The only reason I did not give this movie a "10" was because the editing could have been better at times. Even re-watching certain scenes (thank goodness for DVD!) did not clarify "What just happened?" or "Why did he do that?" Although many questions were answered by the end of the film, some of the "What just happened?" and "Why did he do that?" questions were still unresolved.
A Dog's Purpose (2017)
Wonderful adaptation of superb book
I love animals, especially dogs. Last summer, my husband and I listened to a WONDERFUL book on audio called "A Dog's Purpose." I fell in love with the book and the whole story of a dog that lives many lives, using what he/she learned in a previous life to help his/her people in the present incarnation. It was brilliant.
Then I learned that the book was being made into a movie and I became the most excited I have been to anticipate a movie premiere in many years.
You probably heard about the controversy, however, about a dog being mistreated on the film set and how the PETA outcry delayed the opening of the movie. I have learned a lot about PETA that I find appallingly eye-opening (particularly since our beloved dog Giselle is a wonderful pet rescued from a high-kill shelter). The video of a dog supposedly being mistreated in the shooting of this film was doctored but, because of it, the movie may not do as well as it truly deserves to.
If you enjoy dogs, good movies, and want a fun family film, I hope you'll consider "A Dog's Purpose." It's a great movie for everyone but I would probably not take a sensitive young child since some of the sequences are intense. It is rated PG for a reason. Be prepared to laugh and to cry. My husband went to the men's room after the movie and a big, macho man was in there standing with his head against the wall sobbing (presumably because of the movie). The movie retains the basic story and heart of the book while taking dramatic license for length. If you love dogs, you'll love this movie!