Movies in Review: "The Old Man and the Gun"

Honestly, I had no desire or interest to see this film. I know this is going to sound horrible, but the reason is because when there is a cast of old actors in a film, that's exactly what it feels like, a cast of OLD ACTORS (having very little life) ...I'm sorry, but ijs. Usually films starring senior actors hasn't received the best reviews, however this one did. I wasn't about to see the newest Halloween installment since I haven't watch the franchise since the first film, so I had time to catch up/watch other things. I decided to see this film mainly because I do respect the cast, and because the reviews were positive. I wasn't expecting much, but the movie was only 1.5hrs. With that running time I could my chances and not really regret the time I lost ~shrugs.

I must say, Redford really went out in style. As his last film before retirement, he really did his thing. He was so easy going and charming on screen, I found myself swooning over his demeanor and style. Geriatric or not, Redford is a hottie...ijs. I can't say I enjoyed the story all that much, but the performances were definitely great. I enjoyed the storyline between him and Sissy Spacek, and him and Casey Affleck the best. Affleck's storyline was a little week, but his screen-times with Redford were wonderful.

I can't say I loved this movie, but Redford and Spacek were exceptional. They were my favorite parts of the film. The rest of the movie kind of had me snoozing, which is bad for a film with such a short running time. Although this movie is based on a true story, the story is intriguing, but seeing it played out on film was a little weak...B-

Movies in Review: "The Oath"

Soooooooo...this movie has been out quite a while, but I had no idea, thinking it was released earlier this month. Anyways, I took my time to see it this weekend and now I'm going to take my time to write this review for GP (general purposes). I honestly had no intentions of seeing this film, as I wasn't the biggest fan of the cast. I can take or leave Tiffany Haddish, as her performances in films are a hit or miss for me (mostly miss). I also could take or leave her male lead Ike Barinholtz. The last few films I've seen him in, his performance was a bust for me. Like Haddish, his comedic deliveries can be a bit over the top and less comedic and just plain annoying. However, my mind changed when I saw it was a black comedy, one of my favorite film genres. I figured in this genre these two actors would have to tone their performances down ~fingers crossed. I wasn't expecting much from this film. I was just hoping to get at least some of the entertainment value I love in black comedies.

I definitely got the entertainment value. This movie was so off kilter for me, I was still trying to figure out if I loved it or hated it when I left the theater, and as I sit here writing, I still don't know. Haddish wasn't as annoying as her other performances. As a matter of fact, her performance in this film reminds me of the character she used to play in that failed sitcom The Last O.G., except that character was odd in the sitcom, but worked better in this film. She was cool, and for the most part enjoyable. Barinholtz stayed on the edge of getting on my nerves, but Haddish and the other characters made his performance easier to handle. The contrast between Barinholtz and Haddish's characters did work well together. The story was ok, and started out a bit slow at first, but picked up nicely in the end. Things got real crazy, very quickly. It was funny and odd all at the same time, if that makes sense. I was entertained and uncomfortable, which was a weird feeling...lol.

The Oath was definitely not what I expected. I enjoyed it, for the most part. I'm having a hard time though saying whether it was really good, or just decent. I'm stuck in the middle, it was definitely entertaining though...B-

Movies in Review: "Bad Times at the El Royale"

You ever watch a trailer and nothing that's happening in it makes any kind of sense, but you still find whatever is happening very intriguing? This is usually what a neo-noir thriller does for me, and I like it. I enjoy a film with a plot I can't figure out from the trailer, making me anticipate its release even more. I was definitely looking forward to seeing this movie the most. Not only did the plot look crazy, but the cast felt all over the place too. I had to see what bag of tricks this movie had under its sleeve. I can't say my expectations were high, I just needed to know what happened...lol.

This movie started out strange from the opening scene, but I liked it. The strangest character to me was Darlene Sweet the soul singer. Everyone else on-screen you can kind of figure out, but Sweet seemed out of place, at least at the beginning. The story keeps getting strange as more characters are getting introduced and the plot thickens. I like how we get a little backstory for each character, however some of the backstories felt a little unfinished. The lack of closure is enough to bother you a little, but not enough to completely ruin the film. This movie went nowhere I was expecting it to go, and I liked that part the best. I kept getting thrown off and surprised. So needless to say, this movie isn't short on thrills...lol.

This movie was definitely entertaining. If you are tired of the run of the mill thrillers and want something more, I suggest you check this one out. It's not perfect, and the ending was a little underwhelming, but it still packs a mean punch...B+

Movies in Review: "First Man"

Although a very historical event for America, the only reason I even went to see this film was because Ryan Gosling is in it. The trailer was cool but gave me enough to kind of make me want to pass on it. I have my own personal reasons for this statement. I'm not a fan of films that show American history events with a cast that only includes 1 race, and not to mention focused on men. To me it's just seems like another type of propaganda, and I'll pass on that. However, my feelings about how the film looked didn't overshadow my feelings for Gosling. I'd see him on-screen any day, no matter the film...ijs.

So, I was a little worried when I noticed this movie had a running time of almost 2.5hrs...smh. Needless to say, I had every right to be worried because I felt every bit of those 2+ hours. This movie was too long and drawn out for its own good. I definitely caught myself staring at the back of my eyelids more than once...ijs. The pace of the movie is really slow. However, I did enjoy how the story focused on the journey to get to the Apollo mission to the moon, and the families involved to make this mission happen. What we learn in class is that the mission to the moon was a success, but there were a number of failures that proceeded it. This was a very interesting part of the story for me. I also enjoyed the way the movie was filmed, especially the astronaut scenes. It feels like you are right there in the action. That scene when they were spinning almost had me puking. I'm pleased I wasn't watching it on a premium screen or the outcome might have been different...lol.

This movie is decent, filled an interesting backstory to the Apollo mission. There are great camera shots and compelling performances, however the slow pace might be too much for you to care. This movie is super slow. I felt like I was in that theater forever, and that's never a good thing. If you are interested in seeing this film, I recommend a nap first, and allot yourself some time...lol. It's a decent movie, but nothing I think you feel the need to go run and see...B+

Movies in Review: "A Star is Born"

This movie didn't need much to get me in the theaters to see it. All you had to say was Bradley Cooper and I am there. Then you add that this film is also Cooper's directorial debut, he stars in it and sings!? Chills when I watched the trailer. I'm sure when everyone watched the trailer all anyone saw was Lady Gaga, whose voice is absolutely amazing, but all I saw and heard was Cooper ~shrugs. I have been looking forward to this movie for months now, and it was the only thing I actually had any plans to see this weekend. This film has been remade a number of times, of which the previous films I have never seen. I was looking forward to what this one had to offer, and no one could tell me it wasn't going to be good.

Good? This is an understatement. This movie is phenomenal. Hats off to Bradley Cooper for putting his foot in this one, not only for his performance, but also co-writing and starring in this masterpiece. Cooper is a talented mofo and awe of his work. Kudos to Gaga because she definitely did her thing. She and Cooper had amazing chemistry. I was not ready for this movie to be as good as what it was. This movie did something to me I haven't had happen in years, and I kind love, and hate this movie for it. This movie is wonderfully cast, directed, and beautifully performed.

There aren't too many movies that are a pure delight to watch. This is a rare find, it hit all my senses. To say I loved this movie would be an understatement as chills run through my body as I write this review. Can I get an Oscar nod for Cooper's performance though...ijs...A+

Movies in Review: "Venom"

There is usually nothing that will keep me from seeing a superhero film. My anticipation for the release of any superhero film is definitely on a high. However, I can't say I felt this way about Venom. I can't say I had any real reason not to look forward to seeing this film. It stars my heartthrob Tom Hardy for goodness sakes. For some reason I still didn't feel the same way about this film as I've felt about others just like it. Needless to say, my expectations for this film were a little slighted, although for no reason at all, because I liked the trailer...I think.

Wow oh wow...my feelings for this film were completely wrong, and I'm happy I stepped into the theater to catch this one because it is everything. Tom Hardy was amazing as Venom. I don't think they could have picked another actor to bring him to life. The action in the film was great and there were very few dull moments. I knew nothing about the character Venom before seeing this film, but I walked out of the theater totally in love. Venom is definitely one of my top 5 superhero films released this year.

This movie is amazing, and full of entertainment. If you are a fan of superhero films, then you need to make sure this is at the top of your list to see. I left the theater more than pleased with a smile on my face. I wasn't ready for this movie, but I'm looking forward to the sequels...A-

Movies in Review: "Monsters and Men"

As of late there have been a number of films being released touching on the problem of police brutality that has been prevalent in America. I appreciate these stories being told, although personally I find them hard to watch at times. Monsters and Men is another one of these films. As I think I may have had my fill for a minute and probably would have passed on seeing this film, I was too intrigued with the cast to let it pass me by. The movie stars John David Washington, who has made his way to the top of my list for male actors. I also have an appreciation for the actor Anthony Ramos (Hamilton cast). The trailer was also intriguing as the story seemed to also provide the point of view from officers. I expected this movie to be more than decent, I was just hoping I could get myself to keep calm and sit through it.

Of course, the content had me sucking my teeth, because it's seriously just hard to watch. I enjoyed the performances however the film wasn't as powerful as I had expected it to be. It had powerful content that felt a little fluffed. I can't say I was a fan of how the story flowed with one story rolling into the other but having too subtle of a connection. I enjoyed the first 2 stories, but it was the third that dragged a little and could have ended more powerfully. This film has a long running time, and sort of dragged, especially at the end ~shrugs.

I enjoyed this movie overall, but the running time and slow pace had it loosing strength for me. I applaud the performances, but the direction was a little subpar and didn't match the weight of the content in the film. I think if you can see it, go see it. If you can't, waiting until it hits Netflix or cable TV is fine too...B+

Movies in Review: "Night School"

Am I the only one who watched the trailer for this movie and thought it was going to be a catastrophe? I know Haddish's star is on the rise, and I applaud her success, but ummmmmmm...I can't say I'm really a fan. She received the most praise from her role in Girl's Trip, a role I thought was just ok. She is funny at times, but most times she's just extra. I also feel the same way about Kevin Hart in comedic film roles. So needless to say, I wasn't really interested in seeing this movie. The only reason I did see it is because I do thing Haddish and Hart are very talented, and I do want to see them win...for some reason. I went into the theater knowing that I would at least get a few laughs, however my expectations for anything else were very low.

I think me having low expectations made my movie experience seeing this film better. Haddish wasn't as over-the-top in this role as she usually is. I actually enjoyed her character. She seemed genuine and funny, and she and Hart were great on-screen together. However, I was expecting Hart to be a bit more funny. I hate when his characters are extra, but for this role I did want a little bit more from him, but he was still entertaining. I got what I expected from this movie, but surprising, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

This movie is funny, but not roll over, laugh out loud funny. Just in case that's what you are expecting. It has its moments, and you will definitely find Haddish a bit more refined in this role, which I enjoyed. I think you will be happier catching this movie on Netflix, but if you need to see it now, matinee would be best...C-

Movies in Review: "Smallfoot"

I have been hyped about seeing this animated flick for a while now. Watching the trailer has been leaving me with a smile on my face for months now. With a talented voice-cast, I was really looking forward to seeing what this movie had to offer. My expectations for this film were set high, but there was nothing that had me thinking it would not be met...

This movie was cute and charming as expected, but that's about it. I laughed, and was entertained, but somehow still left the theater not completely satisfied with this one. I think it had a lot to do with that animation, which was a little too grey and dull. This movie definitely need more color and more interesting characters. I loved the characters Migo and Percy, but the other characters didn't add much to the movie ~shrugs. I was expecting Lebron James character to be and do more, but as big as his character was, he was a little forgettable. I wasn't a fan of Common voicing the Stonekeeper. All I kept seeing was Common every time the Stonekeeper spoke, it was kind of annoying...for me anyway. I did love the character Thorp (Stonekeeper's son), but his role was very small. He was definitely a character that needed more scenes as he has one of the most entertaining characters.

Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike this movie, but it wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be. It has some funny moments courtesy of the characters Percy and Migo, with everything else falling just a little short. It's funny because this movie has a few song performances that were clearly unmemorable because I totally forgot about them until now...smh...oh well. This movie isn't bad, and I think the kids will still enjoy it. However, if I had to choose between this and The Clocks in the Wall, I think I would choose the latter...C+

Movies in Review: "All About Nina"

In my search of movies to see this weekend, I came across this gem. More of an indie type of film, so many of you may not have heard about it or have even seen the trailer. Don't worry, neither have I. My research was the first time I had even heard of the film, which co-stars one of my favorite musicians (turned actor) Common. I watched the trailer, and I was totally with it. It looked like a comedy that had a little drama and romance mixed in. I like that. It looked entertaining enough, and Common was in it. Seemed like a win win for me ~shrugs.

Not that I had low expectations for this movie, but whatever expectations I walked in with I definitely walked out of the theater with them being met and exceeded. It stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead who I remember from that odd horror film 10 Cloverfield Lane, as well as some other notable roles. I enjoy the work I've seen from her and this role is no different. As a matter of fact, she kills in this role as a comedian hiding a dark secret with excessive drinking and other behaviors. What I love most about her in this film is her chemistry with Common. Common has definitely made a name for himself on the big screen, but I think this is definitely my favorite role I have seen him play so far. I loved him and Winstead together. They matched so perfectly on-screen it didn't feel like acting, but instead real. Common had me falling in love with him...lol.

This film has great performances and story to make this movie well worth seeing. I usually enjoy independent films more than wide released movies, and this one is no different. One of my top-rated movies of the year for me. If it's playing in a theater near you, you won't find yourself disappointed...A+