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#HomecomingRevenge, #FreakyFriday, and more – TV Reviews
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Homecoming Revenge – Review
Homecoming Revenge – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Andrea feels a disconnect between herself and her husband because she can’t get pregnant. She tries to convince him that adoption is the answer but he has already moved on. After getting divorce papers, Andrea hits him in the head, killing him. As she calls the police with fake tears, she sees the 20th high school reunion flyer in her trash. She thinks back on the day Isabel stole homecoming queen, pushed her off the stage, and killed her future. She decides to find Isabel and ruin her life one object at a time.
It’s not hard to see where this is going within the first five minutes. So Isabel’s naivete comes off as sad and desperate. But seeing how Andrea gets others to join in and use simple phone calls to destroy Isabel’s whole life is interesting. The story offers nothing else to the viewer. Only watch if you are as desperate as Isabel.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
I just feel bad for her – Isabel
I thought we were friends – Andrea
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Disney’s Freaky Friday – Review
Disney’s Freaky Friday – Disney Channel – 1 hour and 37 minutes
Ellie is a grungy teen that is close to failing the 10th grade due to consistent truancy. She is tired of her mother Katherine constantly hovering and bossing her around. She would love to be an adult of for a day to have control over her entire life. Katherine has taken the daunting task of catering her own wedding. Her marriage is a day away and she is being featured in a magazine. If the article goes well, her business will go up. However, if it goes bad or doesn’t happen at all, she could lose the house. She wishes Ellie knew how good she had it as a carefree teen. Ellie wants to attend a scavenger hunt on the day of her mother’s wedding but her mother gives a resounding NO. As the two argue, they both grab hold of an hourglass and, in a flash, they switch bodies. Now, Katherine has to navigate Ellie’s high school life. While Ellie navigates Katherine’s career. However, switching back won’t be easy. During the first switch, the hourglass broke. Ellie remembers her late father gave one to her and Katherine. But Katherine sold it to an antique shop, which is now closed. They must find the hourglass to change back before Ellie (as her mom) marries her stepdad.
With so many version of this movie, this movie must add something new in order to draw old and new fans to the movie (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). This version adds 6 songs to the plot and nothing else. The overall plot, characters, and scenery are all the same. This version is for new fans only. Everyone else can skip it.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
I wish you’d change – Ellie
The answer is NO – Katherine
There you are. Every magician needs an assistant – Fletcher
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Garage Sale Mysteries: The Pandora’s Box Murders – Review
Garage Sale Mysteries: The Pandora’s Box Murders – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Dani and Jen are the main focus of an antique reality TV show. Although Dani is ready for her close up, Jen is a bit uncomfortable with the exaggerations. During a break from filming, Tamara comes into the store and asks for information on her mother-in-law Elizabeth’s Pandora’s box. Pandora boxes are notorious for destroying their contents if the puzzle is solved incorrectly. Tamara worries she could destroy something valuable. So she asks Jen to user her expertise to solve the puzzle. Jen agrees and starts filming. After the day is done, Jen looks for the box and it’s missing. When Jen finds the box, Tamara will be dead, Elizabeth’s cause of death will be questioned, and Jen will be looking down the barrel of a gun.
Based on the book series, this mystery is just as complex as the Pandora’s box (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). As Jen gets a step closer to finding Tamara’s killer, she learns more about the victim and the box. Both objects are clouding Jen’s judgment of the situation. This confusion is a new element to Jen’s character and makes for a compelling storyline about the murder. As always, it’s funny to see people to “stay out of it” and “leave it to the police”. Jen will never stop finding justice.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Cars can be replaced. Family can’t – Jason
I know all her lines – Dani
It’s my last chance at a smoking body – Tramell
My arrival cuts that short – Jen
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A Sister’s Secret – Review
A Sister’s Secret – Lifetime – 2 hours and 3 minutes
Identical twins, Callie and Elizabeth have been switching places since they were little. The only person who could ever tell them apart was their Aunt Rose. While Rose laughs at the girls switch, she warns them of the trouble it could cause in the future. Years later, Callie is married to Grady and they have two children. Yet she dreams of Elizabeth’s life. Elizabeth works for a high power investor and lives in the big city with an even bigger loft. She hates coming home to an empty apartment and wishes she could have a family like Callie. On their birthday, the two meet up and decide to switch. They will live each other’s lives for one week and switch back. Callie loves living the big city life but Elizabeth worries they will be discovered. Elizabeth asks to switch back early but Callie is furious and decides against it. Moments later, Callie is killed by a hit and run. Elizabeth gets the news and can’t muster up the courage to tell Grady about the switch. When Rose sees Elizabeth as Callie she pleads with her to tell Grady and the children the truth. But a Detective tells her to keep quiet. She believes the hit-and-run was not an accident and Callie’s killer may learn that he killed the wrong woman and go after her. This deadly switch will have an unlikely ending with several people dead.
Inspired by real events, the ending wrap-up gives a new definition to “Happily Ever After”. When viewers see the “grass is greener” set up, you want to believe you know how the story will go. Until Callie is hit by the car. That moment will leave you in complete shock. Also, as Elizabeth lives Callie’s life, she goes too far. Now protecting herself from murders becomes projecting herself from the wrath of Grady. This twist in the story is shocking and draws the viewer into the story. So watch when you can devote your time.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
She’s at it again, pretending to be me – Elizabeth
I’m trying – Callie
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A Summer To Remember – Review
A Summer To Remember – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Dr. Jessica is maxed out. Her best friend is 3 weeks away from giving birth, she is a single parent, and she is up for a promotion. While living with her daughter Ava, Jessica can’t seem to unplug. They both need this trip to Fiji. After a little time together, Jessica eloped with Greg (Ava’s father) and got married in Fiji. So, Fiji holds a special place in Jessica’s heart. They always believed they would come back after graduation and start a new life. But before Greg died, he made Jessica promise she would take Ava to Fiji one day. Now, Jessica is fulfilling that promise. After a few hours there, Ava and Jessica create a challenge for each other. Ava must put down her camera and Jessica must give up her phone. Jessica finally pays attention to the world around her and twice, love knocks at her door. Will she answer it for Will or Dr. Trevor?
While this is a typical Hallmark movie, it just feels like the overall plot is missing. This movie doesn’t feel like a movie. It feels more like a part of a series. The overall story felt incomplete and devoid of true emotions. Hallmark must understand that new scenery to an old storyline isn’t enough to keep a viewers’ interests. If you are determined to use the same plot, at least make it funny or add more drama to the storyline.
I give it 1 out of 5 stars
Will, the co-owner, works better – Will
You said it – Ava
He’s got it – Jessica
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#Incredibles2 – Movie Review
Incredibles 2 – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 58 minutes
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After saving the city from the Underminer, Mr. Incredible (Bob) and Elastigirl (Helen) are arrested because being a “super” is still illegal. After the Underminer gets away with the cash and property damage is done, the program to hide the “supers” is canceled. Rick gets enough cash to put the Parrs in a hotel for two weeks but that’s it. While discussing their plan for the future, Bob and Helen are approached by Lucius (Frozone). After the battle, an employee for DEVTECH has a job offer for them. Winston Deavor believes people turned against the “supers” because of public perception. If he can control how the “supers” are perceived in the media, they will get public sympathy and “supers” could be legalized. After cost/risk analysis, Winston decides Elastigirl is the most cost-effective to start the initiative. Although Bob hates being on the sideline, he becomes a stay-at-home dad while Helen goes to work. If she succeeds, he and the children can lead happy lives saving the world in the open. All seems to go well until Elastigirl saves a speeding train. A screen that states “Welcome Elastigirl, Screenslaver”. While Elastigirl is helping super-kind, Bob is dealing with his own issues at home. Violet is having dating drama, Dash is learning new math, and Jack-Jack has powers beyond imagination. Elastigirl’s and Bob’s drama’s come to a head when Screenslaver gets them both under a hypnotic trance. Screenslaver believes people become lazy when they depend on “supers” or screens and wants the “supers” to become illegal forever. Now, the kids must fight to save their family.
SEE THIS MOVIE NOW!!!!! This movie is a true sequel to the Incredibles because it picks up exactly where the other left off (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). While this movie was 14 years in the making, it was well worth every second. Its ability to mesh real-life scenarios into the superhero world is unparalleled. It’s hard not to get excited when seeing the masterfully animated action sequences. You forget you are watching an animation because it feels like a live-action action movie. Also, don’t forget that the family never saw Jack-Jack’s powers, so they don’t know what he can do until Helen leaves for work and Mr. Incredible becomes Mr. Mom. In addition to giving you a superhero storyline, you are met with the compassion, strength, and love of the Parr family. This movie doesn’t attempt to do better than the first, because it just is better. See this movie immediately in every possible format.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
You want out of the hole, put down the shovel – Rick
You weren’t much help – Mr. Incredible
It defines who I am – Dash
Don’t be mad because I know when to leave a party – Fro-Zone
What do I say? I don’t know – Elastigril
So mom is getting paid to break the law – Violet
Ba Ba, Ba, Ba – Jack-Jack
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#BlackPanther – Review Repost – In Stores Now
Black Panther – Budget of $200 million – 2 hours and 14 minutes
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After watching his father T’Chaka die at the U.N. conference, Prince T’Challa isn’t worried about becoming the king. He is saddened to do it without his father. However, his mother Ramonda tells T’Challa his father has been looking forward to the day his son would take the throne. However, before he can take the throne, other royals from other tribes are allowed to challenge him to a fight. Stripped of his Black Panther powers, T’Challa is challenged by a member of the Jabari tribe. In a battle of strength and wit, T’Challa wins. He is graced with the Black Panther power again starts his rule. His rule’s first threat is the theft of one of their vibranium relics by Ulysses Klaue. Decades ago with the help of T’Chaka’s brother N’Jobu, Klaue snuck into Wakanda. Klaue stole a large stash of vibranium and set off a bomb that killed many Wakandans. T’Challa and the Wakandans have been looking for him and feel this is their chance to make him pay for his crimes. T’Challa, Nakia (his ex), Okoye (his general), and Shuri (his sister and technical designer) go undercover to find the relic and Klaue before he can sell it to an American buyer. After a long fought battle on the streets of South Korea, they believe they have Klaue in their clutches. But he is aided in an escape by a masked man. T’Challa notices something special about this man, he is wearing the same royal ring T’Challa wears. This masked man will bring chaos to Wakanda with the hope of world domination. But it’s the masked man’s history that will leave T’Challa questioning everything he knows about his father, their history, and Wakanda’s place in the world.
Wow. Just Wow. The attention to detail in each costume, makeup, and scenes will leave you in awe. This complex storyline will leave you choosing sides like Professor X and Magneto. Both men want Wakanda to thrive but have different paths on how it should develop. One man believes the tradition of keeping Wakanda’s abilities a secret because the world can not handle it, should continue. He wants to help by defending other nations when needed but always in secret. The other man wants Wakanda to thrive by sharing its knowledge, those who don’t yield will be broken. This movie covers issues of colonization, self-help, and community/global involvement. While 3D is not needed to enjoy this film, Dolby is a must. With everything to love about this movie, the beginning felt extremely rushed. It when through Wakanda’s history and Erik’s motivation in 10 minutes. It was a lot to absorb. 10 more minutes to allow the viewers to delve into deeper should have been granted. This should go without saying but stay past the end credits. And don’t worry, Stan Lee makes the party along with Eric Killmonger’s mask. Also, if you miss the first 10 minutes of the movie, you will miss everything.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
This never gets old – Black Panther
Show him who you are – Ramonda
Naw, I’m just feeling it – Erik
For Wakanda, without question – Okoye
A father who has not prepared their child to go on without him has failed as a father – T’Chaka
This corset is tight. Let’s say with get this over with – Shuri
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#TombRaider, #WrinkleInTime, and more – Movie Reviews
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Tomb Raider – Review
Tomb Raider – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 58 minutes
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Lara sits in a large boardroom with her former guardian Anna and her father Richard’s attorney. Anna has urged Lara to sign the papers to confirm her father is dead so the company and properties can be passed over to her. Her father went missing 7 years ago but she hasn’t worked up the nerve to confirm his death, until now. Just as she puts the pen to paper, the attorney hands her a Japanese puzzle box from her father. She puts down the pen and starts to work on the puzzle and out pops a key with a note. She follows the clues to a private office. She finds a camcorder with the words ‘Play Me” posted to it. She is intrigued to find a message from her father. He tells her he is more than just a businessman. He worked to discover the legends of the world. His latest mission was to find Himiko: The Goddess of Death. However, he feels he is being watched by a group called Trinity. He warns her to burn all his work so no one will ever find it. Lara’s curiosity gets the better of her and she searches for the truth. And by the end of this adventure, Lara will gain an ally, get some trademark firepower, and come face to face with the person who shot her father.
Based on the Tomb Raider video games, this adventure story goes from 0 to 100 real quick (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It is better than you would expect and the best movie of this series. During a chase sequence, so many bad things are happening in succession that Lara says the one thing the audience is really thinking: ‘Really?!?!’ Now there is a lull for 15 minutes to a pivotal moment but it does pick up. The only downfall is the beginning has a lot faster pace than the end. As they creep through the tomb and find traps, the soliloquies tend to drag for each character. The end is only strengthened by the final fight scene. Stay past the 1st set of end credits. It does leave an opening for a part 2 and there is potential for a second.
I give it a 3 out of 5
Stop dancing and start fighting – Terry
You’ve been decorating – Anna
I’m sorry. I’m just not that kind of Croft – Lara
What you got in the other boot – Lu
You shouldn’t have come here. But I’m glad you did – bad guy
I love you – Richard
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Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time – Review
Disney’s A Wrinkle in Time – Budget of $100 million – 1 hour and 49 minutes
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Meg is the beloved oldest child of scientists Dr. Kate and Dr. Alex Murry. She soaked up every ounce of knowledge they placed in front of her. So when they adopt another child Charles Wallace, they let her know she will always be loved. So having her father disappear for 4 years has caused Meg to acted out. Her latest interaction with a bully has caused a rift in the household. During a conversation about her behavior with Kate, she hears Charles Wallace talking to a woman in the living room. Kate and Meg are stunned to see Mrs. Whatsit talking to Charles. Mrs. Whatsis lets them all know that Meg is important and Charles is remarkable. She expresses that the others will be there to help the children in their mission. Kate politely asks Mrs. Whatsit to leave. The next morning, Calvin is drawn to Meg. Charles says Calvin was summoned because he has the diplomacy they will need later. While walking with Calvin, Charles takes them to an abandoned house to meet Mrs. Who. She has gone beyond language and just quotes the words of others. They leave her and go home. The next day Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Who introduce the children to Mrs. Which. Mrs. Which tells Meg and Charles their father is still alive. They will have to wrinkle time to find him in another dimension. Meg will have to become a true warrior to save her father.
Based on A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet) by Madeleine L’Engle, this visual masterpiece has a great message for children and teens (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It praises acknowledging your faults while having a deeper understanding and compassion for others. As Meg’s lack-of-self makes her time wrinkle painful while Calvin and Charles love the experience. As she becomes stronger and finds a reason to fight, Meg finds the strength she never knew she had. While it’s not a new story, the imagery given to the author’s words makes it remarkable. The special effects can only be experienced on the big screen, but 3D is not necessary.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
You have pretty hair – Calvin
Don’t use dad like that. It’s not fair – Kate
Your home is warm. You do a good job keeping the darkness out – Mrs. Whatsit
I love you – Meg
Let’s beat em up – Alex
Is there such a thing as the wrong size – Mrs. Which
I don’t like visitation – Happy Medium
Outkast, American – Mrs. Who
We tired her out – Calvin
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Gringo – Review
Gringo – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 50 minutes
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Harold has the typical 9 to 5 job in Chicago. He was recommended by his friend Richard as an Operations Manager. While he works hard, he is $20,000 in debt because he supports his wife Bonnie’s business that doesn’t make a profit. Harold, Richard, and Elaine all go to Mexico on a business trip. Richard and Elaine leave Harold in the dark about most of the business dealings. For a while, to make a profit, they have worked with the Mexican cartel to sell their medical marijuana pills. Now they want to cut off the cartel. The cartel decides to steal the formula and the only one who can get behind the volt is Harold. They go to find Harold but he has run off. Not because of the cartel. But his world is crumbling around him. With one phone call, he learns he is losing his friend, his job, and his wife. With his debt, he decides to fake his kidnapping for the company travel insurance. The problem is Richard and Elaine let it lapse. But there is another insurance policy; life insurance. With Harold dead, Richard and Elaine will make millions. Harold has no idea his fake kidnapping will become a real life and death situation.
There is so much going on its hard to keep it straight. For a while it tries to be funny, then serious, then a gangster movie, and then a love story. This movie goes in so many directions it leaves the watcher dizzy and confused. This storyline that takes on too much at once. At least 2 angles could have been removed and the story would still make sense. Wait for Redbox so you can rewind and rewatch.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
You didn’t notice the guerilla – Bonnie
Do want to know what I had to eat on the flight home – Elaine
Eat your f’ing carrot – Harold
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Thoroughbreds – Review
Thoroughbreds – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 30 minutes
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Lily was paid by Amanda’s mom to tutor her and be friends. While they were friends in the past, Amanda calls Lily out for her ‘pay-to-play’ friendship. After seeing an interaction between Lily and her step-father Mark, Amanda can see the tension between them. Lily finally gets real and tells Amanda she hates her step-father. Lily has a solution: Kill Mark. Lily cuts Amanda off because she knows Amanda killed her family’s horse. Lily knows that killing Mark isn’t something Amanda says in just. But after Mark tells Lily she is being sent to boarding school for being expelled and fired, Lily wants him gone. So she calls Amanda to hear the plan to kill Mark and execute it.
So have you ever wonder what happens when a sociopath meets a psychopath? Well, wonder no more. These two girls quickly delve into darkness when Amanda tells Lily she can’t feel emotions. She can feel tired, hungry, and pain but she can’t feel sad, happy, or afraid. Lily, on the other hand, can feel everything to the point she is overwhelmed with emotions. But its a question of who is controlling who. While it’s an interesting movie, this feels like a long Criminal Minds episode (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Wait for VOD.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
It’s only weird if you make it weird – Amanda
Some things weighing on you – Tim
Don’t drink that – Lily
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The Hurricane Heist – Review
The Hurricane Heist – Budget of $35 million – 1 hour and 43 minutes
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ATF and Washington liaison Casey is ready to end her shift. She needs to drop off 3 truckloads of money to a US treasury in Alabama to be shredded. Once she gets there, she learns their generator is down due to the incoming hurricane. She can’t leave without witnessing the shredding. Since the phones are down, she goes into town to find Breeze. Breeze is an ex-marine, mechanic, and partier. Breeze has been warned by his meteorologist brother, Dr. Will that this hurricane is going to be bigger than any other hurricane before it. Even bigger than the one that killed their father in front of them. Breeze decides to stay in town and help Casey instead. Driving back, Casey and Breeze don’t know that the Treasury has been taken over and the thieves are using the hurricane as cover. They plan on stealing $600 million before it can be shredded. However, the power is out and Casey has the codes.
While Hurricane Heist was Twister meets Den of Thieves, it’s missing a twist and real punchlines (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It does offer special effects but nothing that hasn’t been seen before. This movie is just missing the action and firepower that comes from Fast and the Furious. There is no real connection between the characters besides football and the acting is subpar. This movie should have gone straight to DVD or VOD. Wait until it’s on cable.
I give it 1.5 out of 5 stars
I shot them all – Casey
Here, don’t forget to take your vitamins – Breeze
How did that happen – Will
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#PixarCoco and #ThreeBillboards – Review Repost – In Stores Now
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Disney Pixar Coco – Review
Disney Pixar Coco – Budget of $175 – 225 million – 1 hour and 49 minutes
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Miguel believes his life was cursed many years ago. His great great grandfather was a musician who left his family to pursue music and never returned. His great, great grandmother Mamá Imelda Rivera decided not to cry about her husband but built a career making shoes. She passed her knowledge down to her daughter Coco (Miguel’s great-grandmother) and it has been passed down the generations ever since. But what has not been passed down is music. The family has been forbidden to play, sing, or listen to any music. Miguel has a passion for music like Ernesto De La Cruz, the greatest musician in Mexican history.
When he runs to play Dia de Los Muertos Talent show, his grandmother Elena Rivera smashes his guitar. Looking at an old picture of Coco and her parents, Miguel notices that the guitar in the picture looks exactly like Ernesto’s guitar. Miguel surmises that Ernesto is his great, great grandfather and believe they guitar in Ernesto’s crypt is his birthright. Miguel decides to get the guitar and play it for the talent show. To tune it, Miguel plays one note, this alerts the townspeople to come to Ernesto’s crypt. They see the guitar but no Miguel. Miguel is only visible to the dead, not the living. His ancestors, who are crossing for the Day of the dead, come to Miguel’s aid to cross back to the land of the living. If he doesn’t get back before sunrise, Miguel will be stuck forever. Imelda will give her blessing with one condition, he doesn’t play music in life or death. Miguel agrees, gets the blessing, goes back to the living, strums Ernesto’s guitar, and then goes back to the land of the dead. Imelda is furious. She attempts to offer him the same blessing with the same conditions, Miguel refuses. Since a relative can only give the blessing, Miguel is going to find another ancestor to bless him without conditions. Miguel is determined to find Ernesto De La Cruz before sunrise.
This movie is a masterpiece, not just for a cartoon but for movies period. Coco was meant to be seen in 3D. With imagery that leaps off the screen, it’s hard not to be in awe of the world Pixar developed. They provided children and adults with the knowledge and history of the Day of the Dead. It’s a great way to have children and teens understand that passing on their family history is not only important but a necessity. It does throw in some Spanish, but you will understand everything being said. The storyline, while a bit predictable, added warmth and strength to each character. Even though Imelda was abandoned, she refused to cry. Instead, she started a business. The whole town is scared of Elena and she runs the family with an iron fist; she will feed them (no matter what) out of love. With Miguel’s journey, he will conclude on the importance of family, history, and forgiveness. See this movie today before someone gives away the ending. And don’t miss the short film “Olaf’s Frozen Adventure”. It is fun segway into the main movie. So make sure you get there early enough to catch it.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
If it wasn’t for my family – Miguel
Never name a street dog. They will follow you around forever. Now go get my shoe – Renee
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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri – Review
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri – Budget of $15 million – 1 hour and 55 minutes
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Driving along Drink Water Road, Mildred sees 3 rusted unused billboards and gets an idea. She puts a down payment on the boards and they read:
- Raped While Dying
- And Still No Arrest?
- How Come, Chief Willoughby?
It’s not long before the Chief William Willoughby gets the message and goes to Mildred to find out why she would post these billboards. She wants answers for her daughter Angela’s murder after 6 months of hearing nothing. The Chief tries to explain that the DNA didn’t match anyone with a criminal history and there were no eyewitnesses, so he can’t do anything about it. All his leads are exhausted and he can’t make headway in the case. As news of the billboards picks up, the town has more sympathy for William than Mildred. The deputy, dentist, he ex-husband, and priest all try to sway Mildred, but she won’t budge. However, with one gunshot, everything in this town will change with fiery fury. And the story will end the same as it began, with someone driving down the road, contemplating a plan.
This is just a damn good story that will make you cringe, scream, laugh, and drop your jaw. It has the perfect amount of humor and tragedy. It’s almost Shakespearean in its storytelling of human emotions and interactions. Just as you want to hate a character, they do something redeeming. Just as you want to love a character, they do something awful. You plead with them to stop and think before they do something regrettable. You hope for them as they lose everything. With everything happening in this movie, Mildred’s last words to her daughter will shatter your heart. This movie cannot be missed and every actor was astounding.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I guess – Red
Did I say something wrong – Pamela
You drilled a hole in a dentist – Denise
Thanks for coming here anyway father – Robbie
We’re all dying – Mildred
Your move – Chief Willoughby
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#CookingWithLove, #DisneyZOMBIES, and more – TV Reviews
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Cooking with Love – Review
Cooking with Love – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kelly is a shy assistant producer of The Little Gourmet. When the executive producer Amanda announces she plans to move on, she tells Kelly to step up if she wants the job. The network head John is eyeing Adam for the role but she believes Kelly has what it takes. So when the host of the show slips a disk, Adam is quick to offer a suggestion but Kelly counters with Chef Steven Harris. This name makes everyone nervous because he has recently got into trouble. However, when Kelly explains his meltdown went viral overnight, John knows clicks equals ratings. Kelly is ecstatic to have her plans in place. Those feelings are slowed down when Steven becomes the biggest pain in her side. He knows he needs the show to get good press, but he wants to do it his way. With Adam saying ‘yes’ and Kelly saying ‘no’, Kelly will have to compromise for her future and the show. Of course, it’s not long before love is in the air.
Watching Kelly and Steven one-up each other is highly entertaining. In the past, these scenes can come off as childish, this movie handles it wonderfully and in an adult manner. With the spark between the two characters, it’s their connection to the little gourmets that take center stage. As they talk to the children about their hopes, dreams, and fears, you get a sense of compassion from Steven and a strength from Kelly. That’s the glue that ties this movie together. So DVR and watch on a rainy day. Just have some food nearby.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I’m not wearing it – Steven
Steven, I hear you truly. Just have an open mind – Kelly
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Disney ZOMBIES – Review
Disney ZOMBIES – Disney Channel – 1 hour and 45 minutes
Fifty years ago, a bottle of lime soda caused the zombie apocalypse. To keep uninfected people safe, a large wall was created to keep the zombies out until science helped them. Now, zombies were a Z-band that sends a soothing pulse that removes their craving for brains. One of those zombies is Zed. Zed is excited about his 1st day at a human school. With other zombie kids by his side, they hope to be accepted and he wants to be on the football team. Addison is a human in the perfect town of Seabrook. She knows zombies will be attending her school but she is too focused on her freshman year in high school and trying out for the cheer squad. But Addison is hiding an imperfect. She has bright white hair. There is no cause and no fix. She knows her hair will make her an outcast. Her parents tell her to wear a wig all the time. After a misunderstanding, Addison and Zed end up in a zombie safe room together. This moment will change Seabrook and Zombieland one cheer at a time.
This movie is a great way to start a conversation about tolerance, bigotry, and acceptance. With conversation, many of our prejudices can be removed but we have to take a stand for the wrong we see. With bringing things down to a human/zombie level, kids of all ages can relate. This movie also provides a strong soundtrack and dance routines (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). You will be excited to learn both. With a strong premiere, a sequel is surely in the works.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Don’t get any ideas buster. The only thing more dangerous than my high kick is my low kick – Addison
Hey if you smell smoke, stop, drop, and roll – Eliza
I got your back. I just don’t want anyone to break your heart or devour it – Bree
I wasn’t doing anything especially not cheering – Zoe
Yea, for a human right? – Zed
Zombies distract people from wants really important. Like cheer, pep rally, me – Bucky
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Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Road Less Traveled – Review
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Road Less Traveled – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
As the POstables start their day, they find a camera with a partial address written in shaky handwriting. They develop the film inside and see several photos. First, people in 80s clothing. Next, a road sign overexposed on another image. Then, some photos in a store. But the image that caused concern was a note that said, “Find me, daddy. We in a grey car. I want to go home”. They worry the child may have have been kidnapped and start looking through a database for Missing and Exploited Children. However, after speaking with the hotel, they learned the 80s pictures were from a class reunion 3 weeks ago, not the 1980s. They worry this child is in danger and they go on a mission via road trip to find him with the pictures as clues.
This movie dives deeper into the characters than any of its predecessors. While searching for the young boy, the two pairs work on communication and trust. Oliver notices something on Shane’s phone. He tries to keep his thoughts aside but later asks her about it. She asks for his trust to keep that part of her life private. Rita knows Norman is holding something back, but can’t tell what. But when the POstables learn of Norman secret, they will all get a chance to steer it. However, when they solve the mystery, they learn secrets can cause more harm than good. But communication is the best way to help. This road trip of mystery is one of the best POstable movies yet.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
There are 100 things to do?! – Rita
Sometimes it’s the imperfections in life that make something perfect – Oliver
Do I have to? – Shane
Did I tell you I don’t know how to drive that thing? – Norman
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Very, Very, Valentine – Review
Very, Very, Valentine – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Helen has a successful flower shop with her friends and co-works Aunt Carol and Sarah. Her friend Henry works at the botanical gardens. Everyone who sees the two believes they should be a couple, but Helen is quick to say they are just friends. Henry gets tickets so a Masked Black & White Ball and ask Helen to be his plus one. At first, Helen says no but Aunt Carol asks her to start taking risks. So she goes to the ball and starts talking to a man she believes his Henry. When she realizes it isn’t him, she is embarrassed but makes an impression on the mystery man. Soon she meets up with Henry who has to leave her to take care of business. She spends the rest of the evening with her mystery man. They don’t exchange names but have great conversation. He has to leave and lives behind his boutonniere. She picks it up and tells Henry about her experience. Since this risks as lead to an intriguing man, she wants to find him. And hopes to find true love. Henry vows to help her.
This movie throws you in a lot of directions in Helen’s love story. First, you believe the college friends will start to date and fall in love. Then, when Helen hits it off with the mystery man, you believe they will fall in love. Next, when Henry acts as Cyrano for the mystery man, you don’t know who is truly in the relationship with Helen. But as the story unfolds with a buyout, you believe you know that last act. You don’t. This movie has an ending ala Friends finale (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Sit back and enjoy it.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Yes, he is very handsome. I can see why you mistook him for me – Henry
What’s life without a little risk Helen – Caroline
You look like Zorro – Helen
You are a wonderful surprise – Charles
Here, have a cookie. You need it more than I do – Sarah
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#BlackPanther – Movie Review
Black Panther – Budget of $200 million – 2 hours and 14 minutes
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After watching his father T’Chaka die at the U.N. conference, Prince T’Challa isn’t worried about becoming the king. He is saddened to do it without his father. However, his mother Ramonda tells T’Challa his father has been looking forward to the day his son would take the throne. However, before he can take the throne, other royals from other tribes are allowed to challenge him to a fight. Stripped of his Black Panther powers, T’Challa is challenged by a member of the Jabari tribe. In a battle of strength and wit, T’Challa wins. He is graced with the Black Panther power again starts his rule. His rule’s first threat is the theft of one of their vibranium relics by Ulysses Klaue. Decades ago with the help of T’Chaka’s brother N’Jobu, Klaue snuck into Wakanda. Klaue stole a large stash of vibranium and set off a bomb that killed many Wakandans. T’Challa and the Wakandans have been looking for him and feel this is their chance to make him pay for his crimes. T’Challa, Nakia (his ex), Okoye (his general), and Shuri (his sister and technical designer) go undercover to find the relic and Klaue before he can sell it to an American buyer. After a long fought battle on the streets of South Korea, they believe they have Klaue in their clutches. But he is aided in an escape by a masked man. T’Challa notices something special about this man, he is wearing the same royal ring T’Challa wears. This masked man will bring chaos to Wakanda with the hope of world domination. But it’s the masked man’s history that will leave T’Challa questioning everything he knows about his father, their history, and Wakanda’s place in the world.
Wow. Just Wow. The attention to detail in each costume, makeup, and scenes will leave you in awe. This complex storyline will leave you choosing sides like Professor X and Magneto. Both men want Wakanda to thrive but have different paths on how it should develop. One man believes the tradition of keeping Wakanda’s abilities a secret because the world can not handle it, should continue. He wants to help by defending other nations when needed but always in secret. The other man wants Wakanda to thrive by sharing its knowledge, those who don’t yield will be broken. This movie covers issues of colonization, self-help, and community/global involvement. While 3D is not needed to enjoy this film, Dolby is a must. With everything to love about this movie, the beginning felt extremely rushed. It when through Wakanda’s history and Erik’s motivation in 10 minutes. It was a lot to absorb. 10 more minutes to allow the viewers to delve into deeper should have been granted. This should go without saying but stay past the end credits. And don’t worry, Stan Lee makes the party along with Eric Killmonger’s mask. Also, if you miss the first 10 minutes of the movie, you will miss everything.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
This never gets old – Black Panther
Show him who you are – Ramonda
Naw, I’m just feeling it – Erik
For Wakanda, without question – Okoye
A father who has not prepared their child to go on without him has failed as a father – T’Chaka
This corset is tight. Let’s say with get this over with – Shuri
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