Gold – Review

Gold – Budget of $3.5 million – 2 hours and 1 minute

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In 1981, Reno, Nevada, Washoe Mining was doing well. Washoe, created by Kenny’s grandfather, and grown by Kenny’s father, is making great money. However, Kenny Sr died and 7 years later the business failed due to the recession. Kenny Jr and his employees are working out of a bar and Kenny is desperate to find a gold mine. One night, Kenny has a dream about Indonesia being rich in gold and finds Michael Acosta, a geologist, to help him find it. Michael informs him that working in Indonesia will not be easy or cheap. Kenny promises to come up with the capital if Michael can find the equipment, permits, and workers. The two start working together and keep a 6-man crew working 12-hour shifts every day. Just when the workers strike, Kenny gets malaria. In fear that he will die without anything, he gives Michael his last bit of money to bring the workers back. When Kenny gets better, Michael gives him the good news. They struck gold!!!! News of their gold find soon hits the US and everyone wants a piece of it. It’s not until Kenny is at the New York Stock Exchange and Washoe is trading publicly. But with untrustworthy bankers, bloodthirsty competitors, and an FBI investigation, you will only ask yourself one question: Did Kenny know?

This movie, inspired by the Bre-X mining scandal, is a decent mystery. It’s a gold fever set in the 80s. Kenny’s passion for the gold business is striking and keeps you watching. As much as Kenny tries to hold on to his family’s business, he is losing his grip on reality. Michael, on the other hand, keeps his cool and has a vast knowledge of Indonesia. With their separate styles, they love the art of gold mining and can’t wait to be successful. Even with a great premise, the movie lags in the middle and your mind will wander. They could have cut 15 to 30 minutes out of the film and still had a great storyline. Also, you see more of Matthew McConaughey in his underwear than necessary. The ending will leave more questions than answers about Micheal and Kenny. This is a decent way to kill 2 hours at matinee prices, otherwise wait for On Demand.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars

God, we work hard in this business. Sometimes for nothing – Kenny Sr

Did you know Kenny? Did you know? – Bobby

It was never about the money. It was about the gold – Kenny Jr

Is like a dunk raccoon with a hope diamond – Brian

To the raccoon – Kay

There are no rights or wrongs in this business, only hits and misses – Micheal

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Monster Trucks – Review

Monster Trucks – Budget of $125 million – 1 hour and 45 minutes

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Terravex, an oil drilling company that employs most of a small North Dakota town, has stopped drilling. They found small pockets of water directly above their oil. Their environmentalist tells them that the area must be surveyed for signs of life, but Reece wants the drilling to continue. Jim Dowd, Terrevex geologist, gives them the green light to drill saying that life could sustain itself that deep under the earth. As soon as the drill hits the water, there is a huge explosion and 3 creatures come out of it. The Terravex’s crew found 2 but one is still loose. They want to find the creature and its home, so they can destroy it before environmentalists can stop their drilling. Tripp, a high school student, works in a junkyard for spare parts. He hopes to get his hold truck running again, but while working he hears a noise. It’s the creature. He calls the police to help, but it is laughed off as a prank. “Creech”, as Tripp calls him, hides in his truck and becomes Tripp’s engine. He soon learns that the creature is smart, strong, and kind. He wants to keep him but knows Creech is in danger if he is found. Tripp is determined to bring Creech back home … until Creech disappears. Tripp must find out why Creech ran, save Creech, and return him before Terravex poisons Creech’s home.

This is a great movie for kids to learn about the environment and animal treatment while having fun. It has a good premise and good action sequences. The story, although it talks about the environment, is more about relationships. Tripp and Creech are both trying to find their foundations in life. So they bond with each other. Also, they are both looking for a true home, not one created out of comfort. Most of the graphics are nice but others are just too cartoonish. When Creech, in the truck, goes up a wall with Tripp in the cabin, the truck looks like it belongs in the cartoon network. In one scene in particular, you can see the wires on the trucks as they launch into the air. If you have kids, see it matinee with them. For everyone else, wait for TV.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars

Don’t you worry? I’m not going anywhere – Rick

You are going to need like 12 more of those things – Tripp

That kid knows something – Burke

Hey, you’re not dumb – Meredith

You enjoy that a little too much – Mr. Weathers

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A Dog’s Purpose – Review

A Dog’s Purpose – Budget of $22 million – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Note: This is only a review of the movie. Not the book or the controversy surrounding the movie.

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A puppy is born into a warm environment with its mother until it is taken into the pound and put down … only to be reborn. While in a puppy mill, the dog breaks free and is scooped up by two men. Since it’s a red retriever, they believe they can get a good price for it. Before they can sell it, they leave it in a hot car with the windows up. The dog prepares to start life again only to be rescued by Elizabeth and her son, Ethan. They take the dog home and name him Bailey (or Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey Bailey according to the dog). As Ethan grows he is faced with an alcoholic father, love, fire, and a heartbreaking injury. But with each phase in Ethan’s life, Bailey is right by his side. That is until Bailey gets sick and dies. But once again, Bailey is reborn … as Ellie, a female K-9 partnered with Carlos. But with each life, Bailey remembers who he was and still wonders about Ethan and his purpose. Bailey’s purpose cannot be explained with just 1 life but the sum of all of his lives.

Honestly, you know how this story will end just by watching the previews. It’s the journey that is fun. Although, most of the movie is about the dog’s life as Bailey, his times as Ellie, Dino, Waffles, and Buddy are interesting too. The costumes, technology, and decor were spot-on for each story’s time period. Even down to the classic 1950’s cars, Jheri Curl, and police uniforms. Based on the book, A Dog’s Purpose: A Novel for Humans, it has moments that pull at your heartstrings (especially for dog owners) and take you back to your childhood, but not for full price (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). This movie feels like an introspective Look Who’s Talking Now (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The message isn’t new, just told from a dog’s perspective. See it matinee or wait for Redbox.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars

This thing you two are doing is dirty pool – Tim

If he says no, we can run away and find a new family – Ethan

Such intelligent eyes – Hannah

So it’s not all perfect in Ethan’s land – Todd

You know what I’m thinking … pizza – Mia

Chips – Dino

I always hated shots, but this was the worst – Ellie

Would you give me a break – Carlos

I’m really stubborn – Ethan

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