Movies in Review: "Logan Lucky"

If I can be honest, I was totally skeptical about this film. I thought the trailer was a little goofy and it starred Channing Tatum. By now you should know I have a love hate relationship with Tatum's performances. Hardly any of the roles he gets cast for, do I think he should have been cast for...including this one. To me Tatum always feels like the odd man out. Like he doesn't quite fit the character he's playing ~shrugs. Having Tatum cast in a film is enough to weaken my enthusiasm, however this film had far more going for it. The movie stayed on my radar because it was directed by Steve Soderbergh, who also directed the Ocean 11 films (which are some of my favorite films), and it also starred Daniel Craig, and other notable actors. This was about the only wide released film critics raved about this weekend. However I wasn't as optimistic, but took my chances anyway.

I am so happy I went to see this movie. It was like watching Ocean's 11 reincarnated with hillbillies and convicts...lol. You know how great that Ocean's 11 franchise was, and I've always wished that franchise would return. Well I can finally say it has. I felt a little lost at the beginning of the film, as I wasn't really sure where the story was headed. However the movie moved at a really nice pace and is filled with a number of interesting and funny characters. There are plenty of comedic moments like Ocean's 11, but with its own new flavor. I only had one complaint, and that was the scene that involved the firetruck. Where'd the uniforms go (that's all I will say about that)?

If you like the Ocean's 11 films, then you will love Logan Lucky. A fun and entertaining movie to watch. I'd like to thank this film for giving Hilary Swank a job...Heeeeeeeyyyyyy Hilary. Where have you been girl???? Logan Lucky was great and I think you need to get on board and see it because there will definitely be a sequel...A

Movies in Review: "The Hitman's Bodyguard"

It's always a yes for me for most action comedy films, especially when they star Ryan Reynold's and Samuel Jackson. Did you see the trailer for this film...lol? Every time I watched the trailer I was cracking up. So I was quite surprised when I noticed critics bashing it. I don't read critic reviews, I just look at their scores, and the scores this film received were far below what it looked like it deserved. However we all know critics aren't regular movie-goers like you and myself. In my opinion they've lost touch on what audiences really enjoy. But no worries, that's why I'm here...lol. I admit the low scores dampened my excitement but it still wasn't enough to keep me from purchasing a ticket.

Not sure why critics dumped on this film so badly, because it had all the ingredients I love in a film like this. This film didn't fall short on comedy or action. It wasn't the best film I've seen, as some scenes were a bit over the top, but it served its purpose very well and was fun an entertaining to watch throughout. The back and forth between Reynold's and Jackson is enough in itself to see this film. They were absolutely hilarious and great together. Salma Hayek was the icing on the cake...lol. The action scenes were at times a little unbelievable, but still fun to watch. There wasn't a moment where I wasn't totally engaged in this film, and that counts for something.

Not the best written film you've seen, but do you usually watch action films for the writing??? The action was great and the comedic performances were on point. I laughed out loud and this film kept my interest until the credits rolled. This is a fun and entertaining film that I think you would enjoy, be it matinee, Redbox, or a date night out...B+

Movies in Review: "Crown Heights"

Crown Heights was brought to my attention by a friend of mine. Besides the trailer I watched on you tube, there wasn't really much marketing for this film, although it did premiere and was praised at the Sundance Film Festival. It's based on the true story of Colin Warner. You guys know I have a thing for true stories, but I also have a thing for Keith Stanfield, the actor who plays Warner. I am a huge fan of Stanfield's performances, and it was great to see him in a lead role. I had to be there to support. I had no doubts he would knock this role out of the box.

As expected, Stanfield was amazing. This man really takes on a role. I don't know Colin Warner personally, but it felt like I was watching Colin Warner. Stanfield's performance was as powerful as this film was. This movie will definitely jolt some emotion for the time that was taken away from Warner and the flaws of our justice system. A very well written and directed film. The line that was the most powerful to me hearing worth say "Please don't let this be a cell" as he's opening his eyes every morning...heartbreaking.

Warner's story represents so many people unjustly locked up in America's prison system, where you are guilty unless you have enough money to pay for a lawyer to "prove" your innocence. What a messed up world we live in right? To all the innocent incarcerated people in Warner's position I pray that the system changes sooner than later. I cannot say enough about this movie. It is a story that needed to be told and definitely a film you need to see...A!

Movies in Review: "Ingrid Goes West"

Many of you probably haven't heard of this film. There wasn't much promotion for it, although it was a hit at the Sundance film festival. I've seen the theatrical poster around, but it sparked no interest in me seeing the film. It wasn't until I finally watched the trailer and my level of interest peaked. Honestly I probably would have let this movie pass me by even after seeing the trailer because I'm not the biggest fan of Elizabeth Olsen. She's not the worst actress and I do have some respect for her work, but sometimes she really misses the mark and can be too dramatic ~shrugs. However O'shea Jackson Jr. was in this flick, and I've been waiting to catch him in something since his successful performance playing his father in Straight Outta Compton. I thought he showed a great deal of talent in that film, but then again, how hard is it to play the man who raised you...lol. I had little expectations for this movie, I was just hoping to see another great performance from O'shea.

You will definitely walk out of the theater thinking how crazy social media makes people. This movie is a comedic reality check. I absolutely loved this film. So much so, I would definitely watch it more than once. The cast was excellent, even Elizabeth Olsen, who was definitely one of my favorite characters in this film. Well, to be quite honest, I enjoyed all the performances equally as much. Everyone worked off each other so well. No one stole the show, but each shined as equally in each scene. I shuddered at the social media references and laughed heartedly throughout. Kudos to O'shea, because he was spot on. I would definitely love to see him in future roles. His talent was a pleasure to watch.

This movie was right up my alley. Great story and performances that were all quirky and off the beaten path. Movies like these are always a breath of fresh air. This movie feels like more of a chick flick, but there is definitely some enjoyment to be had for my male counterparts...A-

Movies in Review: "The Dark Tower"

I had high hopes for this film, mainly because of Idris Elba and Matthew McConaughey cast in the lead roles. I am a huge fan of both these actors. Although the trailer didn't really give me an idea of what the film was supposed to be about, and critics panned it, I was still willing to take my chances. This was the film I was looking most forward to seeing anyway. Critics have gotten their reviews wrong before in my opinion, and I was hoping this would be the case with this film.

The film wasn't bad, but still not great either. It took a minute for the movie to really get going. A little too much talking at the beginning, I guess trying to build the story up. I felt the film focused too much on the kid and could have used a little more focus on the story development of the Gunslinger, played by Elba. McConaughey was so evil as Walter. He really fit this role well. Walter had no soul...I kind of loved and hated him at the same time...lol. It took a bit too long for any action scenes, and there was really only maybe 1 major gun scene, but I felt the movie could have used another. However the gun scene in the film was definitely off the chain...Wow. I enjoyed that action scene and felt it was well directed and executed by Elba. It was the best scene in the movie, but unfortunately one of the only scenes like it, and it came at the end...womp womp.

In my opinion the gunslinger should have had more action scenes. This would have brought up the pace and made the movie more exciting, which it lacked. The performances were great, but the story definitely needed a little work. I didn't hate this movie, but I was definitely expecting more...C+

Movies in Review: "Kidnap"

Nothing about the trailer for this film screamed box office hit. However I can't lie and not say that I was more excited to see Halle Berry back on the big screen. Not that Berry is a top rated actress for me, but there are some films where she kills the performance, and this looked like one of them. As a mother Kidnap's story definitely captured my attention. I had very little expectations for this film, but went in still hoping for the best.

Just as I thought, Halle killed this performance. She was on 100. Her emotions could be felt throughout the film, which I enjoyed. The movie had a good pace going and a short running time, and enough thrills to keep your eyes on the screen. The action scenes and Berry's performance were decent enough to keep me entertained even when the story would get corny at times. There were some parts about the story that had me rolling my eye. There's nothing that would make me believe the kidnapping scene would have went down like that. What mother would have been turned in the position Halle's character was when they were in the park??? They could have done better with that scene. The car chasing was great and had my heart racing throughout. But I'm a mother, so my emotions were all in tune with Halle...lol.

Again, not a box office hit, but still not a bad film. There is enough excitement to keep your tuned into what's happening until the end. The story line was a bit corny at times, so the film loses major points in that areas for me. Not a film I think you need to pay for, but it's worth a matinee ore Redbox rental...C+