12 Strong – Review

12 Strong – Budget of $35 million – 2 hours and 9 minutes

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After seeing the 9/11 attacks on TV, Capt. Nelson wants to rescind his retirement paperwork and go to Afghanistan with his men.  Lt. Bowers says no but when Cheif Warrant Officer Spencer learns the papers have not been filed, he rips them up and Nelson’s men will be the first strike against the Taliban.  Once they arrive in the war zone, Col.Mulholland gives the team of 12 men the code name Task Force Dagger.  Dagger must meet with General Abdul Rashid Dostum of the Northan Alliance and join forces.  They will use his intel and Dagger’s training & air strikes to release the Taliban’s stronghold on the area.  They have a few problems.  First, winter is near and the weather will hinder the air strikes.  Second, there is a turf war between the different factions of the Northern Alliance.  And last, the terrain is better accessible by horseback.  With little horse riding experience and only 6 horses, the Dagger splits off into 2 teams.  Alpha Team will meet up with Dostum while Bravo Team will stay at the base and relay messages to HQ until they get more horses.  This is a bloody and complicated battle that will have a lasting impact on both sides.

Based on Horse Soldiers by Doug Stanton, this movie gives you a small window into the first battle against the Taliban (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  It’s frustrating to see Task Force Dagger face language barriers and infighting within the Northern Alliance.  When Nelson learns that Dostum is in contact with the Taliban, he is in total shock.  They consistently have pissing matches over the walkie-talkies.  While this is the first blow of a major war, it left its mark on American and Taliban history.  This movie does not hold back on any battle scene.  You will see blood, guts, dismemberment, and the after-effects of a suicide bomber.  So if you suffer from PTSD or shell shock, this movie can be skipped.  On the other side, it does show that the Taliban’s beliefs are not widely held among the Afghan people but it is deadly forced upon them.  This is just one more war on their soil.  And that’s the truly sad part about this movie.  Also, there is no need to see it in IMAX.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

I told him I wanted back in and he said no – Nelson

You are cutting the head off your most venomous snake – Spencer

No, he is showing us off. He is saying here’s the Americans. They are with me – Diller

Those are killer’s eyes – Dostum

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Peter Rabbit – Review

Peter Rabbit – Budget of $50 million – 1 hour and 33 minutes

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Bea believes that humans were latecomers to the forest and should allow the animals to roam freely in their gardens.  Her neighbor Mr. McGregor firmly disagrees.  So when Peter’s dad saw the fence going up, he went into Mr. McGregor’s yard and was killed and turned into a pie.  That harsh lesson taught Peter to be careful and devise plans before entering McGregor’s garden.  However, one day while chasing Peter, Mr. McGregor has a heart attack and dies.  The animals in the woods go wild and take over Mr. McGregor’s yard and home.  In London, Tom McGregor got bad news.  His great uncle died.  But Tom is more concerned about a promotion than an uncle never knew.  However, when he is turned down for a promotion he deserved due to nepotism.  He goes ballistic and loses his job.  His former boss tells him to go to his Uncle’s home (he just inherited) and relax.  Tom comes to the McGregor Manor to find it overrun with animals.  He wants to be rid of all of them.  His new neighbor Bea attempts to sway him to allow the animals to roam free.  He agrees in front of her but goes after Peter and his friends.  Meanwhile, when Peter sees that Bea is falling for Tom, he decides to put an end to Tom and his deceitful ways.

Based on Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter, this is an imaginative and funny take on a classic children’s story (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  It quickly gets your attention with classic “Disney”-style singing birds who are consistently interrupted.  Providing a great running gag while allowing the film to separate themselves from other live action movies.  There are plenty of jokes for children and adults alike.  However, please be advised that the movie shows Daddy Rabbit getting caught and then a warm pie coming out of the oven.  If your children can handle this 5-second scene, then bring them.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

Why don’t you pick on someone your own size – Peter Rabbit

I am selling the home and use the proceeds to build a toy store across from Harrods so they can watch their imminent demise – Tom

I’m in the mood for rabbit pie – Mr. McGregor

I thought I heard explosives – Bea

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