In The Theater
#Deadpool2 – Movie Review
Deadpool 2 – Budget of $110 million – 1 hour and 59 minutes
With the power of Deadpool, Wade’s mercenary work has gone international. He travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, and more to kill worse bad guys. But in a moment, Wade losses everything and wants to commit suicide. After a failed attempt, Colossus picks up Wade’s pieces and brings him back to Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. Wade ignores Colossus’s invitation to the X-Men until Colossus repeats words Wade heard in a premonition. Deadpool becomes an X-Men trainee. The first job is the Essex orphanage for Mutants. A mutant called Firefist (real name Russell) is having a standoff with the staff. As Deadpool talks to the kid, he realizes the child is being abused. Deadpool decides to settle the dispute with bullets. After being overpowered, Deadpool and Firefist are fitted with collars which impair their abilities. Firefist sees him and Deadpool as a team but Deadpool wants to be left alone to die. Firefist holds out hope until a man blast through the prison with a metal arm. Cable had come back from the future with one goal. Kill the kid to save the world. During a battle between Cable and Deadpool, Firefist hears Deadpool say he doesn’t care about him. Heartbroken, Firefist becomes friends with the biggest guy in the yard. Not for protection but to exact revenge on the staff that abused him. Once Deadpool knows the Firefist in trouble, he will do anything to save him. But Deadpool knows he can’t stop Cable on his own. It’s time to get X-Force together and make the chimichanga.
While it’s hard to believe Deadpool could be topped, this one does it with more wit, battles, and visual effects. Like it’s predecessor, Deadpool knows this is a movie. Deadpool goes into detail that this movie is a “family” movie. And of course, most family movies start with a murder. Don’t they? This movie pokes fun at itself, Marvel movies, the DC universe, and Frozen (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It even takes a swipe at Logan for riding its coattails and creates an HFS opera. The visual effects are creative, daring, and awe-inspiring. While the dialog is unlike any other. Deadpool continues to be in a class by itself with this sequel. While paying homage to Stan Lee, it steals a classic scene from Basic Instinct and provides an ending no one will see coming (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It’s going to be impossible to top this. Oh and stay past the 1st end credits, not the second. Deadpool will be doing what we have all wanted to see him do.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Give him a chance – Negasonic Teenage Warhead
I’m gonna need a bus to get all you kids out – Domino
Is your hand small again – Alice
I should go back to the car – Dopinder
They both have handles – Weasel
I have something in my jail wallet – Firefist
You’re welcome, Canada – Deadpool
#BreakingInMovie, #LifeOfTheParty, and more – Movie Reviews
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Breaking In – Review
Breaking In – Budget of $6 million – 1 hour and 28 minutes
After her estranged father is killed in a hit and run, Shaun goes to his vacation home in Wisconson to settle his estate by selling his home. She has not spoken to him in years but she knows he is not perfect. Her two children, Jasmine and Glover travel with her but her husband will be joining the next day. As the three walk around, they see a few things out of place. A broken picture, cut wires, malfunctioning alarm system but ignore it because no one has been in the home for months. Also, they notice the vacation home is now a fortress with a sophisticated alarm system, retractable window shades, and cameras everywhere. While Glover is playing with a drone he is grabbed. When Jasmine goes to find him, she is grabbed. While Shaun attempts to order pizza in the driveway, she is attacked but fights back. After the fight, she sees her children locked inside the fortress at the mercy of strangers. She must find out what they want to save her children.
This movie shocks from beginning to end. You will see Shaun risk life and limb, like most mothers, to save her children. However, she doesn’t make typical movie mistakes. Like wearing heels in the forest or calling for her kids in the dark. She is smart and uses her knowledge of the house to her advantage. The irony is the house meant to keep them safe is the same house that becomes a prison. So how far would you go for your children?
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I am your mother. Is there a difference? – Shaun
So what does that make you, slightly paranoid – Glover
I’m your big sister. It’s my job to worry about you. Not your job to worry about me – Jasmine
Fear, I can manage. Desperation is a whole other thing – Eddie
Life of the Party – Review
Life of the Party – Budget of $30 million – 1 hour and 45 minutes
Deanna has dropped her daughter Maddie off at the sorority house for Maddie’s senior year. The school would have been Deanna’s alma mater but she left her last year. When she got pregnant, she and her husband Dan decided only one of them could afford to go, him. While she regrets not finishing, she is proud to see her daughter go the distance. As Deanna and Dan pull off, Dan says he wants a divorce, marrying a real estate agent, and selling the house. In tears, Deanna goes to her parents’ house and looks through old photos. She sees a photo of her in the archaeology club and gets an idea. Deanna goes to Maddie’s sorority house to tell her about he divorce and enrolling in school. At first a little nervous, Maddie sees this is a good thing for her mom and cheers her on. Now Deanna has to navigate through the complicated world of college and divorce while maintaining a relationship with her daughter and getting her degree.
This is a love letter to mom’s who wondered if they could finish. You will get the answer to your question. However, it’s not without some well-earned bumps in the road. While Deanna is trying to move forward, she is being dragged down by her ex and Mean Girls. However, what makes this movie different is the relationship between Deanna and Maddie. In most movies, Maddie would not accept her mom until the end. But in this movie, Maddie takes a deep breath and accept her mother going to her school within 2 minutes. This mature look at college women is a great contrast to the girls in Deanna’s class.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
You are like my sexual Dumbledore – Jack
Wow, that’s a lot of text – Deanna
Mom, what are you doing – Maddie
Overboard – Review
Overboard – Budget of $12 million – 1 hours and 52 minutes
Widowed, mother of three Kate is working two jobs while in nursing school. She tries to balance motherhood between studying, delivering pizzas, and cleaning carpets. One day she is called to clean a yacht’s carpeting after a hard night of partying. When she starts to clean, she bumps into Leonardo. Leonardo is a playboy and heir to a construction fortune. When Kate refuses to get him some fruit, he fires her; then throws her and her equipment off the yacht. Kate is fired from her carpet cleaning job and her mom can no longer watch her kids. Kate feels her dream of nursing going down the drain. Then she reads a news article saying that Leonardo washed ashore and has amnesia. Kate’s best friend Theresa comes up with a plan to trick Leonardo into thinking Kate is his wife so he can do all the heavy lifting while she studies. Theresa sees it as payback for getting her fired. With apprehension, Kate decides to do it. Now Leonardo believes he is a married, sterile, recovering alcoholic, poor, construction worker. However, his sister Magdalena wants Leonardo to stay gone. She hopes to convince his father that Leonardo has died so she can inherit the company. It’s only a matter of time before Leonardo learns the truth about Kate, Magdalena, and himself.
With a nod to the remake, this version has a role reversal (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Even with the reversal, it’s still as funny and heartwarming as its predecessor. Leonardo and Kate come off as convincing adversaries and a couple. This movie had genuine laughs about everyday life. And it was great to see that even with Leonardo loss of memory, he did not lose his taste in food, style, and music. Now be warned, there are some subtitles. But hearing the jokes in Spanish actually makes the comedic timing better. So sit back and enjoy for an easy going, not vulgar laugh.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I am not being selfless. I am thinking of myself less – Leonardo
#InfinityWars, #IFeelPretty, and more – Movie Reviews
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Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity Wars – Review
Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity Wars – Budget of $300 – 400 million – 2 hours and 29 minutes
Centuries ago, Thanos loved his land of Titan but he feared that the growing population would use up all the finite resources, causing devastation. His solution was to eliminate half the population to save everyone else. While some would call this genocide, Thanos called it mercy. Now, Thanos prophecy came true and Titan is rubble. So Thanos wants to save the galaxy from suffering the same fate Titan did. To do this, the must find the 6 infinity stones and insert them into his glove. And with a snap of his finger, he can show mercy to the galaxy and remove half the population. However, the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Black Panther & Wakanda, Spiderman, and Dr. Strange will do everything to stop him.
So there will be NO spoilers what so ever in this review. With that said, this movie is the ultimate culmination of the 18 films before it (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Each character, you have grown to love, keeps their personalities while delving into new areas and interactions they never have before. You will see the perfect mash-up of personalities in new and old territories. You will laugh, cry, be amazed, and shocked like never before. The end will leave you … well … dumbfounded and oddly satisfied while wanting more. See this movie before someone spoils it for you. And if you have seen it, keep the ending quiet. This should go without saying but stay past the end credits for a sneak peek into the future.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
We have a Spider-Man and an Ant-Man? – Iron Patriot/War Machine
Who? – Dr. Strange
Thanos is coming. He’s coming – Hulk
I told you, you would pay for that – Thor
I should have stayed on the bus – Spider-Man
I’m gonna get a Bowflex. And I’m gonna commit – Star-Lord
Now you have tears – Gamora
Get up. This is no place to die – Black Panther
He did it again – Mantis
For an hour – Drax
Can I have the arm – Rocket
Why was she up there the whole time – Okoye
Go save the wizard – Iron Man
I am Groot – Groot
I Feel Pretty – Review
I Feel Pretty – Budget of $32 million – 1 hour and 50 minutes
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Renee works for the small IT department for LeClaire Magazine. She is tired of sitting in a small basement office in Chinatown. She wants to work in the Manhatten office with all the other employees. She considers applying for the receptionist job. But she is hindered by her insecurities when she notices that everyone in the Manhattan looks like a model. To get her spirits up, she decides to start working out again and falls, bumping her head twice. When she wakes up, she is overcome with self-confidence. Even though she looks the same to everyone else, her confidence shines through. She starts going after the job, man, and life she wants.
Renee’s confidence is contagious. It’s easy to see that attitude is everything. However, this movie does warn the viewer of confidence becoming cockiness. As Renee starts to succeed, she starts to hurt her friends and boyfriend. And while we laugh at Renee’s renewed openness, you (and Renee) learn that every woman has self-esteem issues. With the great concept of this movie, the jokes are uninspired and Michelle William’s voice is worse than nails on a chalkboard. If you want to kill 2 hours with a few laughs and a self-esteem boost, see this movie at the matinee price. Otherwise, wait for On Demand.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
I’d rather you not hear the splash – Mason
Right after your jailhouse pink eye clears up – Ethan
Good for her – Grant
They’re the same – Renee
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Traffik – Review
Traffik – Budget of $4 million – 1 hour and 36 minutes
Brea is an investigative journalist that just got scooped for her big story. She is furious that her year-long investigation of real-estate corruption was turned into a fluff piece. She gives her boss a piece of her mind and leaves. Knowing she may not have a job, Brea still goes out to her birthday dinner with her boyfriend John, his friend Darren, and her friend (Darren’s girlfriend) Malia. She tries to put on a brave face but she eventually cracks and tells them the truth. After Darren spills the beans, John tells Brea that he is taking her away for a weekend so she can leave all her stress behind. On their way up the mountain, John and Brea stop for gas. John is harassed by bikers while Brea talks to Cara. Brea can tell something is wrong with Cara but doesn’t have the nerve to ask. Brea goes to meet John only to see he is in a fight with bikers. Deputy Sally sees the fight and tells the bikers to back off. John and Brea leave only to be chased by the bikers later. They lose the bikers and head to the vacation home. They have a lovely time until Darren comes unannounced with Malia. John is furious and in the middle of an argument, John hears ringing from Brea’s purse. Brea knows its not her phone and suspects it’s Cara. After unlocking the phone, she finds evidence of a sex trafficking ring. When Cara comes looking for her phone, the two couples will be in a life and death situation.
When making a movie about a $150 billion dollar business with millions of victim, you would expect a stronger storyline about sex trafficking. Accept 60% of the movie is about John and Brea’s relationship, 10% about John and Darren’s relationship, and 10% about Darren and Malia’s relationship. That only leaves 20% of the movie for trafficking victims. You are so far removed from the problem, it doesn’t feel real. You would expect faces of real victims to run with the credits, but you get nothing but highway. For such a serious topic with plenty of real-life stories, you would just expect more. This is a movie for Lifetime, not the big screen.
I give it 1.5 out of 5 stars
Let them come – Brea
#RampageMovie and #SherlockGnomes – Movie Reviews
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Rampage – Review
Rampage – Budget of $120 million – 1 hour and 47 minutes
The spacecraft Athena-1 has exploded and the only surviving entity is 3 canisters of research. One lands in the Everglades, the second in Wyoming, and the third in San Diego. Each container has a genetic mutating pathogen called CRISPR. While this project was scrapped by the government out of fear it could become a weapon of mass destruction, Energyne has quietly continued the research. David Okoye is a former US soldier and primatologist with the San Diego Zoo. After saving a rare albino gorilla from poachers, David has bonded with George and taught him American Sign Language. David prefers animals over people any day of the week. So when George’s snaps, jumps into a bear enclosure, kills a bear, and grows in height and size, David knows something is wrong with his friend. Normally, when animals become overly aggressive and dangerous, they are put down. David won’t let the happen to George and he has one week to do it. Just when he goes searching, Kate finds him. Kate tells him she works with Energyne and knows this is their pathogen. George will continue to get bigger, stronger, and more aggressive. Soon, nothing will be able to stop him. However, Kate gives David some hope. Energyne has a cure, but they will have to get through the CEOs Claire and Brett to get it. The CEOs don’t want to cure George, they want to kill and study George.
Based on the Rampage video game, this movie is exactly what you expect (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Crazy plotlines, man vs monsters, and crazy CGI graphics. While it does mention poaching and animal cruelty, it doesn’t allow those topics to drown out the major point of the film; animals attacking the Chicago. This movie does have a Jurassic Park feel with brutal attacks by animals. But it’s just nothing new. We have seen these storylines played out in other films, just based in a different state or country. Also, George and Harvey are the funniest characters in the entire movie. And one of them isn’t even real. So if you like action and crazy deaths, see this movie matinee. Otherwise, wait for Redbox.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
We’re friends, right? – David
Us assholes gotta look out for each other – Harvey
Sherlock Gnomes – Review
Sherlock Gnomes – Budget of $59 million – 1 hour and 28 minutes
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Sherlock Gnomes has finally put an end to his long-standing rivalry with Professor Moriarty. However, Watson can tell that Sherlock is bored now that Moriarty is gone. So when he hears that Gnomes are missing one garden at a time, Sherlock is quickly on the case. Gnomeo and Juliet’s owners are now in love and moved to London to be closer to their families. With the change of garden location, Lady Bluebury and Lord Redbrick believe its time to retire. They want their children Gnomeo and Juliet to rule of the garden. While Gnomeo uses this as a time to relax, Juliet is busy on the job. She puts so much focus into the garden, that Gnomeo feels neglected. So to win Juliet back, Gnomeo decides to find the Cupid’s Arrow Flower (The flower they were fighting for in the 1st movie). But during the mission, Juliet has to save Gnomeo when he is almost caught. During their rescue/fight, they learn that all of their friends are now missing. Watson and Sherlock are on the case to help find their friends. However, the couple is still fighting. So Juliet goes off with Sherlock and Watson goes with Gnomeo. This pairing will help them discover themselves but can they still save their friends.
As the sequel to Gnomeo and Juliet and based on Sherlock Holmes, this movie holds all the magic of both genres (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It opens with the Gnomes arguing over which “classic” book/movie to do over. It provides plenty of laughs for adults and kids alike while giving you a strong mystery with multiple suspects. Of course, adults will believe they have it figured out within the first 5 minutes. Well, you are right and wrong. While some of your favorite Gnomes are back, a few more were added to spice up this movie. However, they are all garden gnomes you have seen before. So, seeing them come to life is a lot of fun. This will quickly become a favorite with a great story, computer-animated and drawn graphics, and catchy songs.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Watson, look at what you did to the globe – Sherlock Gnomes
I am not your punching bag – Watson
Oh, that’s super cheesy – Juliet
I call it a ‘Gnomeo’ – Gnomeo
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#Acrimony, #BlockersMovie, and more – Movie Reviews
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Tyler Perry’s Acrimony – Review
Tyler Perry’s Acrimony – Budget of $20 million – 2 hours and 0 minutes
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While sitting in a courtroom, Melinda is staring daggers at Diana, her ex’s new fiance. After harassing them for months, the judge decides to strengthen their current restraining order and ordering her to go to anger management counseling. The judge hopes this will bring new light to Melinda’s circumstance and calm the rage inside of her. As she sits in the counselor’s office, she recounts meeting, loving, and hating her ex Robert. Through an affair, a car crash, and lost potential, she has stood by his side. She was there for every step up and every downfall. She feels she has sacrificed her body, money, and mind for this relationship. So when Robert reaps the rewards after years of struggle, she believes she is due. However, one decision leaves Melinda out in the cold and Diana by his side.
Acrimony is told in 6 chapters (Acrimoney, Sunder, Revail, Bewail, Deranged, and Inexorable). So, get ready to talk to the screen because you are furious with every decision Melinda makes in each chapter. She states that her rage is slow and when she erupts, she is 100% dangerous. She makes this evident at the very beginning of their relationship, but Robert stays. Robert has a wandering eye with empty pockets and his hand out. However, he makes this know at the beginning of the relationship, but Melinda stays. Unlike most relationship movies, this is a movie where everyone is wrong. Even when they both try to get it right, it’s at the wrong time. This is one to watch and discuss.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
You can’t negotiate with crazy – Diana
Sorry, at least I didn’t break anything this time – Robert
That’s like asking if I’m entitled to feeling hungry – Melinda
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Blockers – Review
Blockers – Budget of $21 million – 1 hour and 42 minutes
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Lisa (single mom of Julie), Mitchell (helicopter, sports dad of Kayla), and Hunter (absentee father of Sam) met on their daughters’ first day of school. Their daughters became instant friends, so they tried to be friends too. Twelve years later, it’s the girls’ prom night. Even though Sam, Julie, and Kayla have remained friends, the parents have not. Hunter left after his scandalous divorce. Lisa has spent more time with her daughter before she heads to college; leaving Mitchell in the cold. Lisa put together a party before the prom that puts all 3 parents in the same space. They have some awkward conversations but remain pleasant. Just when Mitchell and Hunter are about to leave, Lisa sees the girls’ text on Julie’s computer. Hunter is able to decipher from the emojis that the girls have a sex pact. While Hunter doesn’t care, Lisa and Mitchell want to end this pact. Lisa and Mitchell head to the prom to intercept the girls but Hunter is trying to stop them. This will truly be an unforgettable prom night.
This movie is a mix of Superbad and Bad Moms (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). While each parent is trying to hold on to their “little” girl, they are doing it for different reasons. Julie has separation anxiety, Mitchell doesn’t want to give up his jock, and Hunter wants to mend his relationship. And each girl has a reason to lose her virginity. Julie is in love, Kayla just wants to do it, and Sam is questioning her sexuality. While the movie’s premise seems to be about losing your virginity on prom night, it’s more about the complicated relationships between parents and daughters in today’s society. However, it does not shove the sappiness or feminism down your throat. It provides a good amount of laughs and raunchy fun. Now be warned, some of the jokes fall flat, like dad jokes, but you will laugh. So go and have fun at a crazy matinee movie.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
It’s not really a dress, the middle’s missing – Mitchell
Let’s say the chef ate something – Kayla
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The Miracle Season – Review
The Miracle Season – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 39 minutes
Caroline “Line” Found is the captain and spirit of the West High School Women’s Championship Volleyball team. Even with her shy best friend and teammate is Kelley, Line can make friends with any and every one. Their coach Kathy knows that 1st-time champions are a dime a dozen, but 2nd-time champions are rare. Especially in a row. Kathy tells the team their championship was last year and no longer counts. They need to focus on this year. Even though they lose their first meet and her mother Evelyn is dying, Line keeps her team in great spirits. Without her father’s knowledge, Line buys a motorbike and hides it from him. After a team party, Line car battery dies and she takes her motorbike to visit her mom in the hospital. Within hours, police are at Mr. Found’s door telling him his youngest child has died. Before he can truly grieve, he loses his wife too. The team’s heart is broken and they can’t play. So they lose or forfeit games. Kathy looks towards Kelley to get the teams spirit up. After tryouts, Kelley is chosen as the captain, and they decide to not only play but go after the championship. To get the champions after their losing streak, they have to win 15 games. And they only have 15 left. They will need to Live Like Line in order to be two-time champs.
This is an instant tear jerker. With the constant threat of losing her mother, it’s powerful to see Line remain strong. But the strength permeated to everyone who knew her after she died. It inspired each one to “Live Like Line”. It’s easy to see how this could have been a story of dual loss but it becomes a story of inspiration. These young women and Mr. Line come together to honor Line by leaving the legacy she dreamed of before she passed. And while the credits roll, you will see the defining moments in the film through video of the real moments. As the fans where T-shirts and sing Sweet Caroline for their fallen player, Line and Evelyn will continue to live on in their hearts and yours (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Make sure your teen sees this film.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
That last announcement, well, is sucked – Kelley
#ReadyPlayerOne and #PacificRimUprising – Movie Reviews
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Ready Player One – Review
Ready Player One – Budget of $175 million – 2 hours and 0 minutes
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In Columbus, Ohio 2045, Wade Watts is like every other person in The Stacks. He is living his life in the OASIS (Ontologically Anthropocentric Sensory Immersive Simulation). The only things you can’t do in the OASIS is eat, sleep, and go to the bathroom. Otherwise, you can do anything, be anyone, go anywhere, and spend real money to level up. The downfall is that when people’s avatars die, they lose everything they ever earned in the OASIS. Whether its coin, weapons, armor, or anything else. So when they lose it in the game, they often lose their minds in the real world. Five years ago, the games creator James Halliday released a recorded announcement triggered by his death. He left an easter egg in the OASIS. Whoever finds the easter egg will get half of a trillion dollars and control over the OASIS. In order to get to the egg, you must find 3 hidden keys. The keys won’t just be lying around, you have to win games and solve clues to get them. And finding one key will give you a hint to the others. But after 5 years, no one has won the 1st race to lead to the first key. Even the IOI (Innovative Online Industries) with a war room, billions of dollars, and loyalty camps can’t win. When Wade, under his avatar Parzival, learn the truth about IOI and the loyalty camps, he will do anything to win and save the OASIS. The only problem is that he won’t “Clan Up”, even with his best friend Aech. Wade wants to be like Parzival and win the prise on his own. Can he alone save the OASIS?
Based on the book Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, this movie isn’t just about an Easter Egg (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The entire movie is one giant Easter Egg for gamers, movie lovers, and music lovers. Taking characters from video games like Zelda and Grand Theft Auto, along with characters from movies like Beetlejuice and Child’s Play, and music like Jump and Take on Me, this movie is a feast for the eyes and the ears. It gives a contemporary political view of the future of the VRE industry without condemning it. It is funny and very insightful. You will laugh out loud and consider what the future will hold for this technology. It’s easy to get lost in the OASIS when the world around you has fallen apart. The Lost Generation need to OASIS as their permanent escape but it’s affecting their real lives. So much that they are indebted to the game and put in camps where they work off their debt. They are forced deeper into debt and become slaves in and out of the game. This movie should be seen in Dolby for the full visual and audio experience.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I just had to make sure – James
She could be a ‘He’ – Aech
I don’t Clan up – Wade
That’s not possible – Ogden
Give me that – Nolan
And you just decided to use that now – Samantha
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Pacific Rim: Uprising – Review
Pacific Rim: Uprising – Budget of $176 million – 1 hour and 51 minutes
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Jake, the son of Stacker Pentecost, is nothing like his father. He steals and barters to survive while living in a half-demolished mansion. While trying to steal a power core from an old Jaeger, his plan is intercepted by Amara. Amara has used stole parts to create her own, much smaller, Jaeger. Jake follows her to her hideout and tries to steal her Jaeger. They argue but are caught by the Pan Pacific Defense Corps (PPDC). Mako Mori has stepped out of the Jaegers and became the PPDC General Secretary but she is annoyed by her brother Jake’s behavior. So she gives him an option: Jail or the PPDC as an instructor. Jake chooses the PPDC. He is happy to see that Amara was recruited as well and her Jaeger named Scrapper. The PPDC was impressed that she was able to build and pilot a Jaeger on her own. Well, if you can’t beat them, hire them. While Jack is happy with Amara, he is not pleased to see Nate. And the feeling between the two is 100% mutual. Nate was once his co-pilot, but when Jake was thrown out of the program, Nate could not find someone he could drift with as well as he could with Jake. Now, these ex-co-pilots have to instruct new recruits together. If that is not bad enough Shao Corporation is introducing new Jaegers that can be remotely piloted. While the government is happy with this idea, Mako, the recruits, and the other pilots are not. The PPCD decides to have a council in Sydney to discuss using Shao’s technology when Jaegers go rogue and start attacking the city. When the smoke clears, Jake will have a reason to join the fight but he and everyone are shocked to learn who is behind the attack and what they really want.
The sequel to the cult phenomenon Pacific Rising, this movie separates itself while incorporating and correcting the history (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). You will see old and new characters while the new plot carefully weaves itself with the old plot. While it is a strong story, you will need to see the first one to understand the second. And while the first one was dark and grainy, this movie is shot in daylight around tall buildings so you can see the immense size and detail of the machines. At some point, this movie looks more like an homage to Godzilla, than a sequel. However, it allows more that one actor to be funny and concentrates on more than one relationship. While it’s not great, it’s better than its predecessor. And it leaves the potential for a third movie. See this movie at the matinee and 3D is not necessary.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
And now I am stealing for you. Circle of life – Jake
Bigger’s not so bad – Amara
Oh and try not to steal anything while you’re here – Nate
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#MidnightSunMovie, #LOVESIMON, and more – Movie Reviews
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Midnight Sun – Review
Midnight Sun – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 31 minutes
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Katie has spent the day sleeping and the night awake. She has a rare disorder called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP). The UV light, even the smallest amount, can trigger a reaction that can kill her. When she was 5, little girls called her a vampire because she stayed inside with tinted windows. However, Morgan wasn’t afraid and become her best friend. There is one thing Katie looks forward too. That is Charlie. A boy in the neighborhood the goes past her house every day. She has the biggest crush on him but resolves to see him from afar. After graduation, Katie begs her father to let her go out one night and play her guitar at the train station. He melts at his daughter’s request and she is out the door. While at the train station, she catches Charlie’s ear. He introduces himself. She pretends not to know him, freaks out, and runs. Leaving her songbook behind. The next morning she begs Morgan to get her book. Morgan finds the book and Charlie. She sets up a plan for Katie to meet the crush of her life.
While it has the same premise as Everything, Everything, it is not the same movie. This illness is real and it can kill. Katie is not presented as resentful or hateful because of her disorder. On the contrary. She accepts her limitations and works within them. She dreams of being out in the daytime but settles to spend her time at night. This gives the viewer more compassion for her, her family, and her illness. This is a great drama/love story for teens at full price. Everyone else, matinee. And Patrick Schwarzenegger is a star in the making.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Stupid tree – Katie
You couldn’t last 2 hours – Morgan
It’s all my fault – Charlie
I can lift weights – Jack
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Love, Simon – Review
Love, Simon – Budget of $17 million – 1 hour and 50 minutes
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Simon has a normal life with a smart mother, strong father, and culinary enthusiasts sister. He spends the majority of his time with his friends Abby, Leah, and Nick. He has known Leah and Nick since they were all 5-years old. And while he only met Abby months ago, he feels like he has known her forever. With so much love and support around him, he still doesn’t feel comfortable telling anyone he is gay. One day, Leah calls him to check out a blog post. In the post, a kid calling himself Blue admits he is in the closet. Blue feels like he is on a Ferris Wheel going up and down keeping this secret inside. Simon makes an email account and writes Blue back. Simon calls himself Jacques. The two correspond for days. But when Simon leaves his emails open on a school computer, his classmate Martin screenshots them. Martin threatens to out Simon unless he helps him get with Abby. Now he is playing with his friends’ emotions and secrets, just to keep his secret and keep Blue in his life.
Based on the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, this extremely funny, romantic, and mysterious movie isn’t about ‘coming of age’ (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Simon isn’t a brat, spoiled, or coming from a bad situation. He is a great kid with a good home and a large secret. He isn’t coming of age or discovering himself. He knows who he is but he just hasn’t told anyone else. Simon discovers how much the people around him love him and that everyone has a secret. This movie will bring tears to your eyes as Simon finds his love story.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Well, maybe not that gay – Simon
I am figuratively dying – Abby
Are you her barista now – Leah
What’s the deal with Abby and Martin – Nick
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I Can Only Imagine – Review
I Can Only Imagine – Budget of $7 million – 1 hour and 50 minutes
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Can Only Imagine – Budget of $7 million – 1 hour and 50 minutes
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Bart Millard sits in a recording studio being asked about the inspiration for a song he wrote. With his bandmates Mercy Me, shipping out CDs to local radio stations, Bart recalls his past. It started as a young boy who loved music, especially Amy Grant (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). His father was an abusive alcoholic while is mother was fearfully complicit. One day, his mother drove him to Camp Glorieta and he meets Shannon. Bart was asked to journal during is camping experience and he wrote that camp was the best week of his life. However, when he gets back home, his mother is gone and his father’s drinking binges are worse. So to make his father happy he played football. Until he injured his feet and couldn’t play ever again. So as he was rehabilitating, the only club activity open was Glee Club. It’s there a teacher heard a voice, that will sell millions of records across the globe.
Based on the song I Can Only Imagine by Mercy Me, this is a funny movie about hope and forgiveness (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). As a kid, Bart hides his abuse from everyone around him. As an adult, that abusive past is holding him back from opening up to people off and on stage. Even the band’s manager Brick notices that he shuts himself off during the middle of a performance. Only forgiveness can bring this song to light. And that forgiveness comes had the hardest moment for himself and Arthur. It’s this forgiveness that really reaches the audience. This is an experience for the whole family to enjoy at the matinee.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Dreams don’t pay the bills – Arthur
I just don’t like being alone – Bart
It’s totally safe. Well, except for that one kid – Shannon
You can and you will. There will be no discussion about it – Mrs. Fincher
She’s the smart one – Brick
Can Only Imagine – Budget of $7 million – 1 hour and 50 minutes
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