A new plaything -- a spork called Forky -- joins Woody, Buzz and their animated toy friends in a road trip adventure that teaches Woody and the newbie some lessons about what it takes to be a modern toy.
Friday, June 28, 2019
Movie #1731 ........................."Toy Story 4"
Movie #1731 "Toy Story 4" is the first movie I've seen this year that I would suggest to be nominated for best picture --- it is that good! The story goes along at a rapid pace, with Woody trying to keep up with Bonnie's new homemade "toy" forks, who gets into a bunch of trouble at a carnival and an antique store with creepy dummy dolls chase Woody and crew. It's a bit less of a focus on all the toys working together (like the others) to Woody working with Bo Peep and her friends (a new bunch that include the voices of keye and peele, who are hysterical!) The movie has tons of laughs, tons of heart, and I had tears in my eyes by the end of this film --- that rarely happens to me to tear up at an animated film ("up" was the other time). I highly recommend this film to everyone --- adults and kids. So much fun! 5 stars out of 5.
Movie #1730 ........................."Men in Black International"
Movie #1730 "Men in Black : International" should really be entitled "Men and women in black" because Tessa Thompson has now joined the franchise, and she is a very strong presence. Even though there was very little chemistry between pretty boy (and often very good actor) Chris Hemsworth and her, the film was more enjoyable to me because of a female presence like Tessa in the film. And Emma Thompson as the head honcho was welcomed, as well. There were car chases, and shoot outs galore, but they were entertaining because of the elaborate science fiction -like technology that surround them. And in this franchise, I am enamored with all the aliens that walk by and are treated like equals by the FBI who high five them, etc. And the bad guys are very funny but scary. (and super predictable) I liked the film a bit better than the other three people I attended the film with, but we all agreed that it was entertaining. I moderately recommend it --- but if you go in comparing it to the others, you might not agree --- Me? I couldn't remember the others, so I went into it judging it by itself. 3 stars out of 5.
In this spin-off, Earth's alien population continues to misbehave as the covert Men in Black forces try to police them. Meanwhile, a new group of London-based agents attempts to ferret out a mole within the organization.
Wednesday, June 19, 2019
Movie #1729 ........................."Rocketman'
Movie #1729 "Rocketman" was quite a fun watch. It's kind of like "All that Jazz" but not as deep? It's like that film because the music propels the action in the film. And when the musical numbers are rocking, that's when the film is at its best. Elton is narrating the film to a support group, and there isn't that much explained because he is looking for the answers. So the result is you get a very entertaining biopic on Elton's early life ---- until he crashes on drugs and then takes steps to come back. The rest is told in short blurbs at the end of the film. So don't expect much info on him --- we leave the theatre not really knowing any more about Elton than we knew if we read a wikipedia blurb on him. We don't know why he marries a woman, why he leaves that woman, why he chooses the clothes he wears, etc. Meanwhile, the hits just keep on coming! What a oeuvre he has he has, and the actor sings all the songs (unlike "Bohemian Rhapsody" where there was better characterization of him, the girl he loved, and the other group members.) So if you aren't ready to see a lot of musical numbers, don't go see this one because that's the main thrust -- that and the outlandish costumes he wore! I'd give this 4 because it was very entertaining.
"ROCKETMAN"
In the early 1970s, Elton John begins a rocket ride to fame. With his topnotch composing skills and over-the-top showmanship, he becomes one of the world's most beloved rock stars over the next four decades, as recounted in this tuneful biopic.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Movie #1728 ........................."Impact"
Movie #1728 "Impact" -- watched this the other day in the early morning when it played on TCM -- I had never seen it before, Brian Donlevy had the lead (which was not very often), and the story line was unique --- you can read the plot line below, and I read what it was about and wanted to see how it would end --- Then the bonus was Helen Walker as the wicked wife, and I always thought she was very good. Donlevy never smiles so his character was glum pretty much through the whole thing --- I didn't get that he was falling in love with this girl he met at the gas station. It peaked my interest that she had overalls on and looked like a guy and she was fixing his car, but it's a 1949 film, so I knew he would be taking the lug wrench away from her and show her how to do it. I kind of chuckled at that. And even though I could predict a lot of what was going to happen on the romance story line, I couldn't on how the story unfolds. I'd give it 3.5 for its interesting story line, but there was some underacting by the two main characters, and kind of preachy in places (eg. at the very end they went to a lawbook and read from it, defining the word "impact'" just for those who don't know how the title might tie in to the movie. Silly even though it comes from 1949. I'd give it 3.5 out of 4.
Movie #1727 ,........................"The Upside"
Movie #1727 "The Upside" is a remake of a hugely beloved french film shown many a time up at the lake (so it has become a favorite of others, as well), entitled "The Intouchables." This was not as good as that film, but how could it be? We like the original one so much, we didn't go to see this one in the theatre. In fact, we had planned never to see it, even though lots of people we knew in the general public were saying it was a stitch. Finally, we rented it on redbox, and we discovered it wasn't as bad as we thought , but not near as energy packed, character driven, or full of humor of the original (I' m sorry I will keep saying that --- but the french film is that good!). These two don't appear to have much chemistry --- there aren't the secondary characters that I enjoyed from the first one --- yes, Nicole Kidman is in it, but as good of an actress as she is, the original was quirky and more memorable, for sure. And over all, this one dragged.....in pacing. And for a comedy that can be deadly, and it does lesson the humor. There are so many more poignant, memorable moments that this one lacks, but I'll quit now and say, see "The Intouchables" --- yes, you need to read subtitles, but it is so much worth it. I give this one 3.8 out of 5. A nice try.
"THE UPSIDE" 2009 PG - 13 2 hours and 6 mins
"THE UPSIDE" 2009 PG - 13 2 hours and 6 mins
A recently paroled ex-convict, Dell, strikes up an unusual and unlikely friendship with a quadriplegic billionaire, Philip Lacasse. From worlds apart, Dell and Philip form an unlikely bond, bridging their differences and gaining invaluable wisdom in the process, giving each man a renewed sense of passion for all of life's possibilities.
Movie #`1726 .........................."Fossee/Verdon" FX tv
Movie #1726 "Fossee/Verdon" -- 8 episodes ( 1 hour+ each) covers the marital and work relationship of the two of the best in the dance world, and I really liked this miniseries and looked forward to it each week. I must say it could have been more clearly presented --- it took a way out, creative choice n editing this together --- sometimes it was way cool, and sometimes I just thought, huh? what was that about? it covers all the shows they worked together and goes to the death of Bob Fossee on the street in NYC just outside the theatre he was working in, in the arms of Gwen. Heartbreaking, just like their life together --- two people who love each other but can't live with each other. However, the biggest irony is that they had a volatile relationship at work, too! They would shout and argue , but they were they most listened to each other --- and she was his muse. Yes, people can say he held her back because she stuck with him through his whole life, through thick and thin and several partners, but if she were here she probably would say it was all worth it --- because together they reached "Magic" many times. The one innocent who was subjected to the most abuse was their daughter Nichole, who produced this miniseries. Neglect from him, hovering from her, looked to be a tough growing up period for her throughout the show. I think my favorite part occurred when Bob was in the editing room with the movie "Cabaret" and he was obviously stuck and gave a call too Gwen. She dropped everything and came in and looked at one of the numbers and just said one or two things and it changed the tide for him. Of course, the way he thanked her was to bed down another woman, but that's the way it was with them. Tough to watch many times, but neat to see his friends like Neil Simon and Paddy Chayefsky and see the background stories on such beloved shows as "Cabaret," "Damn Yankees," & "Chicago." I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars. Loved the idea but thought it could be a clearer story, but I get why it was done with such creativity!
"FOSSEE/VERDON" 8 episodes shown on FX each about 1 hour
"FOSSEE/VERDON" 8 episodes shown on FX each about 1 hour
An inside look at the romantic and creative partnership between influential choreographer/director, Bob Fosse, and Gwen Verdon, one of the greatest Broadway dancers of all time.
Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Movie #1725 ........................."Beetlejuice"
Movie #1725 "Beetlejuice" -- just saw the musical on Broadway a few weeks ago and really enjoyed it, but both Dave and I had to admit we never got through the whole movie --- neither of us really liked it so we never finished it. And you know what? We rented it the other day and watched it all the way through and still didn't like it all that much. In fact, halfway through, I picked up my computer to do something else while I was watching because I was a bit bored. The story is all over the place, and that takes getting used to, but not everything is answered as to what happens --- at least that's how we felt, so the film felt unfinished. The musical made their story clearer. The two leads were kind of blasé, and that's another thing they changed in the play -- they were played by two previous tony award winners so they were dynamic! In the play, I absolutely fell in love with the beetlejuice character and the girl fixated on death --- they are introduced from the first minute and you are with them throughout the play following their conflicts and their stories. The movie, as I said, was all over the place --- there could be more to the Winona Ryder character and Beetlejuice doesn't come into the movie until way past the half mark --- and he mumbles through the whole rest of the film ---- The guy was more a Jack Black kind of audacious character in the play and you didn't miss a word of his. You;'ll be happy to know that they kept the song "Deo" in the play (if you are a fan of the movie) and I think you will enjoy the wonderful sets and songs and energy that the musical of this play displays. The movie? I'd give it a 3.
A young couple who drowned return to their house as poltergeists but must enlist the help of a goofy ghost to put a scare in the rude new owners. Unfortunately, he's got a diabolical agenda of his own.
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