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Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts

Sunday, December 3, 2023

Date Night in Cedarburg

On Saturday Lisa and I went on a date to see "White Christmas" at the Rivoli, a historic theater in Cedarburg. This is the second year in a row we've gone to see WC at a theater, and it's a tradition we hope to maintain. 

To our surprise and delight, Cedarburg's downtown was picturesque, full of  Christmas music and holiday lights. It was a bit like walking through Bedford Falls itself!



We stopped into a historic home that was having an open house and saw a sink that wasn't far removed from what we lived with for a decade. 




Dining options were at a premium as the street was packed. We finally found open seats in the heated tent behind the Lime Cantina. 




The chips and salsa? 10 out of 10. 


Lisa loved the tortilla soup


Their elote sucked, as did their rice and beans, but my word! The mole on the enchiladas was marvelous, and (to me at least) carried more than a hint of cinnamon. 


Then it was time for the movie at the charming theater. We had to get their early to get seats as the owner warned us it was going to be a sellout, so we sat and chatted for about half an hour. 



It was a great date night with my lady! XO
 



Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Dinner with YaYa


This evening, after a long day at work and a trip down to East Troy pick up a Facebook Marketplace item, I went over to Yaya's apartment for dinner and a movie.

The place where we were going to get food was closed for the day, so I wound up at Papa Murphy's where I picked up a pizza for us to share. The place was packed, the preparation area was a mess, and the staff frazzled. As I waited there the cashier abruptly decided that no one from that point forward  would be allowed to order pizza, which kind of defeats the purpose of a pizza restaurant. He also ran outside to confront an angry customer who stormed out, which is pretty bold considering said cashier weighed all of a hundred pounds soaking wet. 

I do grow tired of so much drama and anger as life goes on. It seems to be growing more common too. Ugh. 

Anyhow, we cooked up the pizza at YaYa's apartment and I must say, for once I got the timing just right. It was great. 

Then we fired up Netflix and put on Big George Foreman, biographical film about the two-time heavyweight champion turned preacher and product pitchman. 

The  movie went through Foreman's life in a straight chronological order, and I'll admit that it had a pretty pedestrian script. At times you could have mistaken this for a good TV  movie of the week - back when such things actually still existed. 

That isn't to say that I didn't enjoy the movie. It was entertaining, even if you don't like boxing, and as I happen to love the sport I enjoyed it all the more.  Foreman's life has all the ups and downs and crazy twists you need to keep a story going, even when the folks doing the telling stumble-bumble a bit in the execution. 

I grade the film a B if you like boxing, a C+ if you don't. 

Anyway, it was a genuinely fun and relaxing evening with my oldest and I appreciate the invite. Boo to my grandkitty Atticus tho,  who acted put out by my presence lol

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Sound of Freedom

 



On a jam packed Fourth of July, Lisa and I took the time to stop and  go see Sound of Freedom at the theater. 

It's a movie that was filmed five years ago but only now been released, and only because Angel Studios (a faith and donor based studio) secured the rights. Hollywood has certainly rolled out worse films by the score over those five years, and the unspoken accusation as to why it was shelved is that the subject matter - child trafficking - hit too close to home for some people in power in Hollywood.  

It is a dark film, about a young Honduran brother and sister who fall prey to a woman - a literal beauty queen no less - that sells them into slavery. Months later, a Homeland Security agent recovers the boy during an unrelated arrest and learns of his missing sister. The news is the final straw for a career spent arresting child predators while largely ignoring the fate of the victims, and he embarks on a quest to recover the girl and reunite the family. 

 You are warned, going in, that the film is dark and troublesome, and I must admit that these warnings almost had me skip the film. Yet rest assured, there is nothing performative here and no child is shown being harmed; after all, if you cannot fill in the blanks as to the horrors the children experience, then you are new to humanity. 


You can’t say you “enjoyed” a movie like this, because I doubt anyone leaves the theater feeling “just swell.” But yes, it’s a solid film, you do care about the plight of the girl at the center of the search, and I guarantee that if you see a half dozen movies this year, this will NOT be the least entertaining or emotional of the bunch.

 

But if I judge this as a suspense/thriller alone, I rate the movie as average. Rare is the sense that the lead character is in any legitimate danger, even when there is a gun pressed to his head. The script reserves those moments of fear for the scenes that involve only the children. That drives home the anti-slavery message, but it does a disservice to the audience because it leaves you less invested in the main character, who of course has the most screen time.


I should mention that the movie, despite being led by Jim Caviezel, is a predominantly Latin American effort, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes, from the producer and screenwriter on down to costume design. I mention this because I can anticipate some critique that the film “unfairly” depicts most of the villains as Latin, a charge that can be dismissed because a) it’s based on a true story and b) they mention that both the US and Europe are heavily involved in this traffic.

 

Let me also stress: there is no political or religious ideology being pushed by the movie. No faith is identified by name, no political party vilified or praised. If the religious background of the releasing studio, or the political beliefs of the actors prevents you from seeing this, just know that you are making a mistake.


BTW, the inra-credit “special message” is powerful, and hit me right in the gut.


 While Sound of Freedom is in theaters, donors are buying tickets and making them available to others, free of charge. Lisa and I paid our way rather than take one of these tickets from someone that needed it. Here’s the link.


If the only way you’ll see this is if you don’t have to spend a dime, then so be it.

 

Just see it.  


Friday, May 5, 2023

A Disturbance in the Force



A few days ago I saw a Facebook post advertising a unique event: a showing of the documentary "A Disturbance in the Force" as both the closing film of the Milwaukee Film Festival AND a celebration of May the 4th. 

I don't go out very often lately, but this was worth the effort. My friend Tre and I arrived at the Oriental, tickets in hand, to find a line that stretched down the block and around the corner. 

 






Once inside, a first: I got to sit in the balcony at the historic theater. And it is quite the beauty. 

 By the way, this was allegedly the first sell-out of the theater since Covid.





The documentary traces the creation of the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special, and the impact it had on fandom. I found the film funny, informative, and well worth the watch. 

Afterwards there was a Q &A with the director, and then Tre and I headed over to Axe Mke to catch up over a drink. 

A nice way to spend an evening!

Saturday, December 25, 2021

The Tradition Continues

 What would a Christmas be without seeing my favorite movie,  It's a Wonderful Life




Friday, March 6, 2020

BIRDS OF PREY


I finally got to see this with LuLu the same day I saw IJ.

I'm kinda at a loss in how to review this. I don't think it was a triumph for the DCU, but it wasn't bad.

I just . . .I just have mixed feelings about it. Let's start with the negatives and end on good notes.

1. The Deadpool "break the 4th wall" schtick and the absurd piling on of obscenity and torture at the start felt like a desperate attempt to earn an R rating and be "cool ."

2. The titular "team" is about as weak and dull a collection of B level antiheroes as you could possibly assemble. 

3. Empowerment be damned: not a single male in the film was a decent human. LITERALLY not one. They were all either abusive, lazy, crooked, or predatory. 

4. Last but not least, Harley Quinn just isn't a strong enough character to warrant 2 hours of screentime devoted to her.

Whew. Ok, the good:

1. Robbie is a hell of an actress and raised the level of this film just by her presence.

2. Some of the action scenes were downright fantastic. 

3. Ewan McGregor 

4. Despite it's flaws, it was entertaining. 

Overall, I'd rank it a middling superhero movie but worth a watch.




Wednesday, March 4, 2020

IMPRACTICAL JOKERS THE MOVIE


As big fans of Impractical Jokers, Lisa and I were excited to take Smiley and Junie to see their movie Tuesday. 

(YaYa was at college, LuLu taking her ACT's)

The verdict? I had a blast with the family, but I'm glad I only paid $5 a seat, because the film isn't worth a full price admission. 

Parts of it were funny, to be sure. During Q's punishment I had tears and snot bubbles from laughing so hard, I kid you not.  But whenever they stuck to the horribly thin script, it all went kaput. Having seen them twice in person, I could've told you that they just can't act - except perhaps,  oddly, the once painfully shy Q - and relying on them to do so was silly.

They would have been better served by going the "Jackass" route and making their movie one long extended episode, and sticking with the tried and true.

If you are a fan of the show, you should go see the movie. Just be sure to do it on a discount day.


Wednesday, February 26, 2020

The Murder of Nicole Brown Simpson


THE MURDER OF NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON spins an alternate tale of her death, pinning it on convicted serial killer Glen Edward Rogers, who in fact has (falsely?) confessed to the crime.

It's a B movie start to finish, and you don't know who to feel worse for, Brown or poor Mena Suvari, who has fallen to Nic Cage level roles.

As a long time student of the murders I'm still happy I rented it from Redbox, but I'm not sure you'll feel the same. Rent it at your sole discretion. 



Saturday, February 22, 2020

My Friend Dahmer


MY FRIEND DAHMER was controversial here in Milwaukee because memories are long and feelings are still raw. Lisa and YaYa still went to it when it was theaters in 2017, but I hadn't watched it until now. 

It's based on the memories of one of Dahmer's high school classmates and was filmed in his actual childhood home. 

It is not always easy to watch, knowing what he is to become, and it is no masterpiece of storytelling. But it is a glimpse, potentially, of how he devolved into a killer, and it is sad and yet entertaining along the way.

If I were to assign it a letter grade, this movie earns a C, with a B for effort.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Jexi


If you're looking for a quality, intelligent comedy . . . JEXI ain't it.

If you just want to be entertained by a predictable but cute film about a social outcast whose phone's AI malfunctions and tries to improve his life by manipulating events . . .well, here ya go.

It's worth a rental, but by no means a purchase.



Monday, February 17, 2020

Delivery - a review


DELIVERY is a 2013 film that opens with an impressively done "episode" of a fictional reality show about a couple pregnant with their first child.

The rest of the film is "cut' footage from the rest of the season, where it quickly becomes obvious it isn't the Gerber baby in the wife's womb.

What follows isn't all that original or captivating BUT . . .again, I say BUT, the last two minutes of the movie were unexpected and redeemed the whole damn thing. 

Still an overall dud, but wowsers.








Saturday, February 15, 2020

DOCTOR SLEEP


Based on a Stephen King book (a darn good one), DOCTOR SLEEP is a sequel to The Shining, both the novel *and* the Kubrick adaptation that King despises.  To accomplish that merger, the last quarter of the movie diverges from the book. The changes work, and even improve the ending, but in so doing sacrifice some of the emotional resolutions I remember from the novel.

Anyhow, it's good. Real good. Ewan McGregor is top notch, and so is Rebecca Ferguson as the evil Rose the Hat. Be forewarned that a very disturbing murder from the book is even worse when acted out on screen, and is not for the faint of heart.

Get past that, and you're in for a treat.

Monday, February 10, 2020

Unplanned - a quick review


UNPLANNED is the story of a Planned Parenthood director who defects to the pro-life movement.

It is propaganda, to be sure, but treats the subject with more of an even hand then you would guess; there are abusive protesters, and violent ones,  genuinely caring PP employees, and determined pro-choice patients.

What it lacks is a strong lead and a deft screenwriter, as the legal drama should have been the throughline that tightened up this drama

I doubt UNPLANNED will change any minds. But it might start a debate or two.

#unplanned #movie

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Wonder Woman

For her birthday today I took LU to see Wonder Woman at the Avalon. The verdict? It was great, excellent even. It is easily the best DCEU movie and on par with the top Marvel films. I don't understand why Steve worked for the Brits - he should have reported to Pershing, who might have done something about the problem - but otherwise, all good. Go see it already!

Friday, March 24, 2017

LuLu's 1st Date

 I just drove LuLu to her first date, a showing of the Power Rangers movie. I've met the boy and like him, and I'm proud to see my little girl take a step toward adulthood.

Monday, March 3, 2014

 Divergent tickets go on sale tomorrow. *cough* Mom and Dad *cough* - YaYa

Monday, June 17, 2013

Jack Reacher


I rented "Jack Reacher" today, the first movie I've watched in five or six weeks. Based on the great books by Lee Child, I was initially put out by watching Tom Cruise in the title role. In the books Reacher is around 6'5 and built like a tank, and Cruise is what, 5'6"? In the end I was a convert. Cruise carried off the role, and while the movie was a bit long I enoyed it a lot. GREAT car chase btw.

Monday, February 4, 2013

A few reviews





Total Recall is a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie of the same name, and in my opinion its far inferior to the original. I won’t argue that Quaid’s angst was much more believable in Farrell’s hands up to the point where he visited ‘Rekall’, but from that point on it was your standard-issue shoot ‘em up.  The greatest gaffe, in my opinion (other than Jessica Biel’s stilted ‘acting’) was their complete abandonment of the “is it real, or is it recall?” idea that permeated the original right up to the finish. In this one, the ambiguity was all but ignored from the moment he sat in the chair. The way they played it, I’d say it was pretty darn obvious this was all just a little vacation in Quaid’s head (a few friends thought the opposite, so maybe I’m full of it.)

Grade: C-



DC Cupcakes was a reality show centered on the two sisters who run Georgetown Cupcakes in the nation’s capitol. It is mindless fluff, and worst of all the acting is so terrible you lose all pretense of this being a ‘reality show’.

Katherine is hot tho’.

Grade : C-



On the other hand, Mindy Kaling’s new sitcom The Mindy Project is smart, funny, and a pleasure to watch.  Tune in Tuesday’s on Fox.

Grade: A


Frankenweenie is a stop motion animation movie by Tim Burton.  When I saw this with the family I was worried the kids would rebel because it’s in black and white, but happily they loved it. It’s the story of a boy whose beloved dog dies and is brought back to life ala Frankenstein’s monster, but there’s nothing monstrous about this pooch.  Soon the secret is out, however, and the safety of the entire town is threatened.
I loved the movie. Sweet and funny, with plenty of nods to Mary Shelley’s novel and the film adaptations of it, this was a hoot.

Grade: A

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Ke$ha, Flowers in the Attic and other vital issues of the day


Whodathunk Ke$ha, the over the top, cheesy pop star who hit paydirt in 2010 with her album Animal, would emerge as more than just a one hit (album) wonder?  The tracks from Warrior are catchy, fun and just as important, doing well and getting airplay. I love this line from an Entertainment Weekly review of the disc: “When you need someone to rhyme ‘sabertoothed tiger’ with ‘warm Budweiser’, you know who to call”. All hail the corny pop diva!

Recently 106.9 FM changed its format to top 40/pop, so you’re bound to hear Ke$ha there. I like the new station enough to have added it to the pre-programmed buttons on our car stereo, but to my ears they play pure R&B too often, giving it an urban tint I could do without.

Speaking of radio, on the way to work last night I got crystal clear reception of a Chicago station playing tracks from a July 6th, 1973 Led Zeppelin concert in that city. Listening to them live just reminded me of how damn good they were. 

Ginger/Lump is going around lately singing the hook from Taylor Swift’s “We are Never Ever Getting Back Together"  and from Rhiannia, the line “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” J

The Discovery Channel has cancelled Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe after eight seasons.  Buggers.



 On the movie front Lisa and I8 watched the documentary The Tents, which chronicles the fashion world’s time in Bryant Park.  You would think an industry centered around excitement, glamour and keeping your attention could pull off a halfway decent documentary about its seminal event (Fashion Week ) - but you’d be wrong. Dull, dull, dull. Grade: C


On the other hand the dance community scored with First Position, a documentary about six young dancers who compete in the prestigious Youth America Grand Prix for a chance for scholarships and company positions. We both had a good time watching this film and recommend it. Grade: A



Flowers in the Attic is a movie I could have sworn was from the ‘70’s, but nope, it’s actually a late ‘80’s retelling of the VC Andrews story that girls in grade school adored. It’s cheesy, but it actually held my attention. So did Kristy Swanson, future Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who was awfully cute as the trapped teenage girl. Grade: B

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Mix and Match of This and That


Just for posterity: I passed my driver’s license exam at 11:50a.m on 05/07/93 at test site “MSWI” (Loomis Road) with a total of 9 points off.

AND

 on 12:57 PM on May 28, 2006 I purchased an XM Satellite Radio from Best Buy.

AND

on February 28th, 1980 S. Pat Meir, SSSF presented me with the “Sweet Smell of Success” (inc a grape smelly sticker) certificate announcing that I knew “all his ABC’s visually!” J

(on June 6th of that year she’d give me a similar certificate for general “good work in kindergarten”

 Not that the super-lame stuff is out of the way, let us proceed with the merely-lame. 




 Yesterday – or was it the day before? – we Redboxed “Snow White and the Huntsman”. Lisa and I both enjoyed the movie, and I for one thought the films were striking. However, it was mighty long and mighty dark, and one wonders what riches or enjoyment the Queen could take from an empire literally reduced to mud and ashes. Plus, while she is attractive enough, we both found it hard to believe Kristen Stewart was the ‘fairest one of all’, especially in a kingdom where Clarize Theron resides. Grade: B



Several weeks into the new fall season, I think our consensus is that Animal Practice, while amusing, is far from LOL and fails to live up to its potential. I don’t see it sticking around long-term without significant shifts in direction.



Matthew Perry’s new sitcom, “Go On”, on the other hand, is a keeper. It needs to develop and fine tune some things, and it remains to be seen how long the rather limited ‘group therapy’ angle can work, but it is a) well written b) well acted by all involved and c) actually, if only occasionally, LOL funny.

My reading has been severely curtailed recently, although I’m at a loss to explain why. My Nook e-reader deleted my library two months ago, and while I restored it from a backup the loss of my ‘shelves’ and whatnot were a crushing blow. Combine that with a switch of shifts at work and an uptick in my writing time and I find my desire to read is next to nil. I have to kick it back into gear to crack the long-desired century mark.



I did however; finish reading the Stephen King/Stewart O’Nan tale “A Face in the Crowd”. It’s a short story, so it doesn’t qualify for my reading list, but I thought it entertaining and admired the quick way it introduced you to the characters and got you into the action, something I’ve noticed seems to have been fined tuned by the late great Rod Serling. I rate the story an ‘A’.

I’m inordinately pleased to see, on a used book I purchased on Ebay, a sales sticker reading “Zayre”. There was a Zayre store on S. 27th when I was growing up. It occupied the former site of Treasure Island, aka the current location of Pic ‘n Save and as I recall there was a dry cleaning shop inside Zayre just as you were exiting the store. Anyway, my Mom worked at both Treasure Island and Zayre’s, and the sight of this sticker made me happy. Of note: the book , “West to Cambodia” by S.L. A. Marshall, retailed for $3.50, but it was on sale at Zayre for $2.80.



[I believe I read the book sometime in the early ’90’s, but may read it again]

Some songs that are among my faves lately (and that haven’t been mentioned before), I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz, As Long as You Love Me by Justin Beiber, Taylor Swift’s We are Never Getting Back Together and Fun.’s latest release, Some Nights.