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#SorryToBotherYou and #Whitney – Movie Reviews
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Sorry to Bother You – Review
Sorry to Bother You – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 45 minutes
Cassius was caught lying during the middle of his interview, but his future boss sees the bright side to his fabrication. If he is willing to work so hard to keep up a lie, how hard would he work at his job? So Cassius is offered a job at Regalview. A telemarketing company that pays their workers next to nothing. At first, Cassius is having a difficult time until a co-worker tells him to use his “white guy voice”. Soon he is making sales and great money. He even convinces his fiance Detroit to come aboard. While Cassius is rising in the company, a co-work Squeeze tells him they plan to strike for better wages. And in order to make a change, everyone has to be involved. Cassius agrees and has fun with the workers strike at first. Nevertheless, Cassius starts having second thoughts when he is offered a promotion that can change his life forever. Cassius becomes a scab. Cassius has no idea how much of his soul he will sell for money.
So, one word to describe this movie: weird. At first, it starts as a satire for working versus selling out. But it changes directions and gives a sci-fi feel like A Cure for Wellness. While this movie is trying to make a strong point, it gets lost in all the weird imagery. Meanwhile, there is a company called Worry Free in the background at all times. You need to make sure you pay attention to every detail (like Worry Free) in this movie because it will come up later. If you don’t mind weird, see this movie matinee. Otherwise, wait for Redbox (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
You know when I kiss you it’s just for perspective sake – Detroit
Oh yeah. Then give it back then. – Sergio
You gotta mob up to get these pennies – Squeeze
Italians ain’t white – Sal
Thank you. I will accept that backhanded compliment – Mr. Lift
My success has nothing to do with you – Cassius
Whitney – Review
Whitney – Budget Unknown – 2 hours and 2 minutes
Whitney “Nippy” Houston was born in Newark and was a proud member of the church choir. As a child, she endured abuse, drugs, and divorce. Yet, when she stood in front of a TV audience in 1984 for the first time, she became one of the best female vocals of that time and any other time. With her mother guiding in her voice and her father guiding her finances, the world was shielded from the real Whitney Houston. Whitney was packaged to be American’s sweetheart but the pain of Nippy followed her. While you know how this story will end, this movie fills out the how and why.
Whitney is a tough look at her life, rise, and loves. Even though you will get insight into Whitney’s feelings, loves, and drug use, sadly is the typical story of Hollywood This insight will make you talk to the screen because everyone saw she was drowning and did nothing. But there is little to nothing new about Whitney in this movie. This movie should have been called Nippy. You could see the same information in the HBO special. For a Whitney fan, this is a must matinee. Otherwise, wait for cable.
I give it 1.5 out of 5 stars
I was a little conceited at the time – Bobby Brown
If something happens to her, don’t come home – Michael Houston
I just wanted to see if you could do it – Whitney
There were girls who tried to run after her but I would be there waiting for them – Cissy
#SkyscraperMovie and #SearchingMovie – Movie Review
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Skyscraper – Review
Skyscraper – Budget of $125 million – 1 hour and 42 minutes
Zhao has created The Pearl. The largest, self-sustaining structure in the world. It is 3200 feet tall, with 2 helix turbines for power, and an observation deck that will become the 8th wonder of the world. The lower levels are open but soon he hopes to open the residential section. In order to do that, he wants a third party opinion of the building’s security. Zhao’s security member Ben recommends Will Sawyer. Ben and Will were on the same hostage negotiation team when both men were injured 10 years ago. Now, Will has a wife Sarah and twins, Georgia and Henry, and a small business. While he is nervous about his presentation, Sarah reassures him that he is prepared. Will informs Zhao that the building is sound but he can not give a full review until he inspects the offsite facility. Zhao gives him a tablet with facial recognition. With the tablet, he will be the only person who can access the facility. Zhao instructs Ben and Will to visit the facility immediately for the final assessment. On the way, someone tries to steal Will’s tablet but fail. Will calls to check on his family and finds out that Henry got sick so they came home early. Then Will looks at the TV and sees The Pearl on fire below his family’s floor. He has to get to them but the terrorists need his tablet to get what they truly want. When the terrorist stop the fire suppression system, Will must do anything and everything to save his family.
This high action drama gives a 3-minute overview of Sara and Will love story and then jumps to the present day. Then the specs for The Pearl are given in a flash. These details are 100% important for the rest of the movie, so don’t be late. Once the movie is set up, every moment has action and cliffhangers. You will be shocked with every obstacle that stands in Will’s way. In one scene, each member of his family is stuck in a state of peril while be surrounded by fire. And Will has to get to each of them. But Sarah sets this movie apart. As a military sergeant with 3 tours of duty, she doesn’t hide in a corner with her kids and waits to be saved. She fights, shots, and thinks her way out of every situation. And when she sees Will is being fingered as a possible terrorist, she is there to set the record straight. See this movie in Dolby or IMAX to get the full effect of the height and visual effects. Unless you are scared of heights or get motion sick.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Light a man’s house on fire and see what he loves the most – Kores
Got any duct tape – Will
You need a shower – Sara
I’m a King – Georgia
It sucks – Henry
Welcome to Heaven – Zhao
Ready to meet the Wizard – Ben
Searching – Review
Searching – Budget Unknown – 1 hours and 42 minutes
David Kim sits at home and watches videos of his daughter Margot and his late wife Pam throughout the years. Later he calls Margot to find out when she is coming home and chastises her for not taking out the trash. Then he gets a call from his brother Peter to ask about Pam’s recipe. During the night, Margot attempts to call him twice and FaceTime him once. He misses all 3 calls. The next morning he attempts calling and texting all day long but to no avail. He finds some relief when he learns that Margot was invited on a camping trip with little to no cell reception with Isaac and friends. However, that relief is short-lived when Isaac calls and says Margot never went on the trip. Now David is faced with the horrific reality that Margot is missing. He files a missing person report and Det. Rosemary Vicks is assigned to the case. She says they can handle the groundwork but he can help by talking to all of Margot friends and looking at her online presence. David remembers Margot left her laptop at home and starts a search that will lead him to wonder: what is the definition of “friend” today, can anyone be trusted, and did he really know Margot?
This story is told through the everyday screens we use like Unfriended (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). However, Searching drives its viewer to have more emotional responses. You will laugh, be genuinely concerned, and fill a pit in your stomach throughout this entire movie. With so many screens in front of us, this movie proves we never really see each other. Searching uses old technology to show Margot growing up and losing her mother. And as you watch Margot grow up, the technology changes and gets better. Within the first 5 minutes, you have an emotional connection to Margot through pictures, videos, and calendar posts. So when she goes missing, you are worried for her safety. You see the hurt, confusion, and panic on her father’s face as he looks through her contacts and calls the people she “friended” on Facebook. You get pulled in and want to know what happened to her. And like life, there are a lot of close calls that lead to more unanswered questions. These unanswered questions provide the twist and turns that make this movie a thrilling mystery. You won’t see this coming. Searching is a great summer thriller that will gain a cult following.
4.5 out of 5 stars
You don’t always know your kids. And that’s not your fault – Det. Rosemary
Where is my daughter – David
I’m about to get in trouble, aren’t I – Margot
#AntManAndTheWasp – Movie Review
Ant-Man and the Wasp – Budget of $130 million – 1 hour and 58 minutes
After Scott survived the Quantum Realm, Dr. Hank Pym and Hope believe Janet (his wife and her mother respectively) could still be alive. If so, they hope to bring her back. Over the past 2 years, they have been working on the Quantum Tunnel. They will use the tunnel to go subatomic and bring Janet back from the Quantum Realm. Of course, they decide to test the machine just to work out any issues. On house arrest, Scott has a dream about Janet playing hide and seek with a little girl. While he is not supposed to contact Janet nor Hank while on house arrest, he can’t help but leave a message about his dream. When Hope and Hank hear about Scott’s dream, they know their machine works and Janet is alive. Now they are on a mission for one final artifact to ensure Janet’s safe return. Hope goes undercover with a black tech dealer named Sonny Burch. But men on Sonny’s payroll discovered Hope’s true identity. Now, Sonny wants Pym tech in exchange for the artifact. When Hope says no, he takes the artifact and her money. During the battle against Sonny’s men, Hope (as Wasp) gets help from Scott (as Ant-Man) to stop Sonny. Just when they believe they have the battle under control, they are stopped by Ghost. Ghost can walk through any object and has superhuman strength. And to make matters worse, she has stolen the lab with the Quantum Tunnel inside. The shrunken lab. Now Scott, Hope, and Hank must defeat Ghost, get the lab back, go to the Quantum Realm, and save Janet while stopping Sonny from stealing their tech. And they must do this without Scott losing his probation. Or he will get 20 years in jail, minimum.
This film proves Marvel has mastered special effects (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It is dizzying and funny to see Scott go from tiny to huge to normal to medium and back. Also, a lot of real-world items were used in the fight scenes to make them more lifelike. Unlike most Marvel movies, Ant-Man and the Wasp has a villain and an anti-villain. Sonny is just a bad guy doing things for profit. While Ghost’s story is more complex and has more heart. You understand why Ghost is willing to sacrifice Janet’s life to save themselves. With Avengers: Infinity War taking a darker turn, this movie provides the laughs and thrills to lighten the mood. But don’t worry, it makes the connection between itself as a separate movie, the first Ant-Man, and Infinity Wars. You get a recap scene voiced by Luis similar to the first movie. You get a new storyline to separate itself from the other movies. And you get a recap of what led to Scott’s house arrest. Because of the recap, it’s not necessary to see Ant-Man. But you should watch Captain American: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War before seeing this film. While this is a great Dolby or Imax film, 3D is not necessary. And say past the end credits for a shock and a question.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I still think about the night your mom and I had to leave you – Hank
Do you guys just put ‘quantum’ in front of everything – Scott
Did you guys get crushed by the building – Luis
It’s a pleasure doing business with you – Sonny
What do you want to be when you grow up – Hope
#HotelT3, #SicarioMovie, and more – Movie Reviews
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Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation – Review
Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation – Budget of $65 million – 1 hour and 37 minutes
Mavis realizes the more she and her father Dracula work together, the less time they spend together as a family. She wants to make sure Dennis knows his grandfather. So, Mavis books a cruise with several stops and the final stop being the Bermuda Triangle. At first, Dracula isn’t impressed because he believes a cruise boat is just a hotel on the water. But he changes his mind when he sees Captain Ericka. Dracula hasn’t told his family, but he has been feeling lonely and wishes he can feel the “zing” again. He hasn’t felt it since his wife died. So, having that “zing” come back the moment he sees Ericka puts a pep in his step. But Dracula doesn’t know that Ericka is the great-granddaughter of his arch nemesis Abraham Van Helsing. And she has one mission, to retrieve an item to destroy all of monster-kind, including Dracula.
This movie falls in-line with the Hotel Transylvania franchise (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It has enough kid humor to keep children entertained while providing the musical score parents will love. This movie features a DJ mix off you will never forget. While it does have several aspects you will love, it starts to get boring and predictable. Your mind will start to wander. However, it does provide a message of love and loss that children and adult will understand. See this movie matinee
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
She’s my right arm’s cousin – Frank
When will you Van Helsing learn to get go of that – Dracula
Yes, I’m human but don’t hold that against me – Ericka
Sicario: Day of the Soldado – Review
Sicario: Day of the Soldado – Budget of $35 – 45 million – 2 hours and 2 minutes
The U.S. Government want to add Mexican Drug Cartels to the terrorist list after several suicide bombers attacked on American soil with the cartels’ help. At first, they consider going after the head of the cartel. However, Graver knows this approach will only create more cartels. Graver decides to start a cartel war by going after the kingpin’s children. He will kidnap Isabel with the help of Alejandro. And during the kidnapping, they will make Isabel think they are saving her in order to gain her confidence. But when the mission changes Isabel and Alejandro are collateral damage that must be dealt with immediately. Will Graver hurt or help this situation?
The second act of Sicario, this movie is not a continuation of the first but still keeps the same momentum (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It has lots of action and twists to keep you entertained. But some moments are just dull and slow. It was bloody, violent, and with government cover-ups, however, it never fully captivated the audience. The stand-out moment was the US/Mexican shootout near the border. It provided more action in that one scene than most action movies have it their entirety. If you are a fan of the first, you will enjoy this one. To newcomers, you don’t need to see the first to watch the second. Also, there is a great potential for a part 3. But this won’t be the cult classic the first movie became.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
You believe that change is the goal. You have been doing this too long to believe that – Cynthia
Remember what happened to the price of cocaine after 9/11. Tight borders are good for business – Gravers
So you want to be Sicario. Sit down. Let’s talk about your future – Alejandro
Uncle Drew – Review
Uncle Drew – Budget of $17 – 19 million – 1 hour and 43 minutes
Uncle Drew was the biggest name in Rucker tournament. However, after a clash with his team members, none of the 5 players showed up. Now, the tournament has a $100,000 prize and creates legends. Dax is a Ruckers coach who has lost his players, girlfriend, and home. He needs this $100,000 to get his life back on track. As he sits on the sidelines, literally and figuratively, trying to figure out what to do, he sees an old man teaching a young man about the game. Dax, like most onlookers, laughs at the elderly man, until he starts to win. Dax quickly finds Drew and ask him to be on his team. Drew tells Dax it has to be his team and his rooster. Dax tries to counter but Drew breaks him down. Dax and Drew go on a road trip to find:
- Boots – on a psychiatric hold and in a wheelchair
- Big Fella – a Karate instructor
- Lights – blind
- Preacher – A preacher with a wife who WILL find him
While they all get closer, Drew and Dax are both keeping a secret. Dax isn’t opening up about his missed hoop dreams and lack of love. Drew isn’t opening up about his role in the team’s break up. In order for the team to become a family, everything must come out into the light.
While this movie is better than expected, it’s what you expect. It has some laughs, some heart, and some good basketball. The team not only play in the Rucker Tournament, they also play against high school girls. This movie also has a lot of messages. First about letting go of the past. Second, keep playing. Three, don’t let your pride get in your way. Even though it has all these messages, it doesn’t get preachy. So if you are looking for a decent laugh, see this movie matinee. If you love basketball, wait for Netflix or Vudu. Stick during the end credits for bloopers and behind the scenes shots.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
A bag of Dax makes more sense – Mookie
You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take – Uncle Drew
You’re Gladys Knight and they’re the Pips – Dax
#BeMyNeighbor and #GottiMovie – Movie Reviews
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Won’t You Be My Neighbor – Review
Won’t You Be My Neighbor – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 33 minutes
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Click on a vendor to purchase: Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, and Walmart (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Fred Rogers sat at home as saw what TV shows were available for children and came to one conclusion: adults were doing them a disservice. He knew that television could be so much more. So, he created his own show which used puppets when the film broke on live TV. But Mr. Rogers felt it wasn’t good enough. He wanted to use TV to give children advice and help them through hard times. Fred was passionate about this because he got every childhood disease known to man and was quarantine often for it. So he spent a lot of days alone with only his imagination. That’s when he created each of his puppets. Mr. Rogers became a producer, actor, composer, and puppeteer overnight. But it’s not what got him into the business that makes him special. It’s the events that brought him back. But with all good men, someone brings them down.
Remember to bring tissues and be prepared to sing. Seeing Mr. Rogers through the eyes of family, friends, staff, and his own words are amazing. He truly believed kids could understand and have compassion for tough topic. However, the studio had to be convinced. So, a studio head honcho and believer created a Mr. Rogers day. And with lines around the block, the world was in a great place. Mr. Rogers was a success because he did everything the opposite of normal kids’ television. His sets were inexpensive, he was often silent, he was calm, and talked about real topics. After watching this movie, you will begin to analyze what your children watch. Are they showing compassion or just another product to buy?
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
In today’s society, children are appreciated for what they will be, a future consumer. – Mr. Rogers
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Gotti – Review
Gotti – Budget of $10 million – 1 hour and 50 minutes
John A. Gotti sat in a prison room waiting to talk to his father John Gotti. John Junior wants to talk to his dad before he takes a plea for a 5 1/2 to 7-year sentence. John is awestruck when he hears the news from his son. Dying of cancer, John relives his history to his son. He talks about his start with how he became a “Made Man” with one hit. He tells his son how he picked is associates and handled conflicts. He relieves their greatest pain and heartbreaks. Also, the talks about the moment that gave him the most pride. As always, he his brutally honest with his son about the good, bad, and evil he has done. He does this to prove that no matter what was thrown at him, he never took a plea. He hopes his life, words, and wisdom will teach his son not to do the same.
This is the gritty drama you expect from a mobster movie. It is violent, bloody, and make your head spin with numerous members. John Gotti was as smart as he was ruthless. He could have easily been the CEO of a major corporation but he chose a life of crime. While this shows a lot about the Gottis, the Gambinos, and other crime syndicates, you don’t learn anything new. But you will see how the government made the Teflon Don a folk hero.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
They get their pound of flesh and I get my peace of mind – John Jr.
He’s crushed. You know this – Angelo
Never trust a man who hasn’t done time – Gotti
#Acrimony – Review Repost – In Stores Now!!!
Tyler Perry’s Acrimony – Budget of $20 million – 2 hours and 0 minutes
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Click on a vendor to purchase: Amazon, Best Buy, iTunes, Target, Vudu, and Walmart (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
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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#FallenKingdom – Movie Reviews
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom – Budget of $170 – 187 million – 2 hours and 8 minutes
Isla Nublar, 120 miles off of Costa Rica, is inhabited only by the dinosaurs left behind after Jurassic World was forced to close its doors because a genetically modified hybrid, the Andomus Rex, destroyed the park. Three years later a volcano is set to destroy the island and all life on that island. While some believe this is God fixing man’s mistake. Others believe that dinosaurs are animals that should be protected like all other endangered species. Claire is on the dinosaurs’ side. She runs the Dinosaur Protection Group and calls every member of Congress and the Senate to help. She is saddened when she sees a news state that the U.S. will do nothing to help. Just in moments of hearing the news, she gets a call from the Lockwood Estate. Lockwood worked with John Hammond to create the first Jurassic Park. Now elderly and ill, he looks after his granddaughter Maisie with the help of Iris and Eli. Eli Mills, head of the estate, tells Claire they have a new sanctuary for the dinosaurs. No cages, no fences, no humans. It if is fully sustainable and safe for the dinosaurs. He feels he has the manpower to save 11 species, including Blue. But Claire knows no one will ever get close enough. Only one man can get Blue. Owen. Owen is resistant to save the dinosaurs. He believes that park and all the animal should die. However, he is drawn to save Blue. So Claire, Owen, Zia (Dinosaur Protection Group’s paleoveterinarian), Franklin (Dinosaur Protection Group’s systems analyst and hacker), and Ken Wheatley (a mercenary sent to command the Isla Nublar mission) board a plane to the volcanic Isle Nublar. It doesn’t take long for Owen to find Blue, then shots ring out. Ken shots Blue with a tranquilizer dart. But she doesn’t go down and attacks one of his men. Then, Blue is shot with a bullet. Owen knows he and Blue have been crossed. Owen tries to attack Ken but is shot with a dart. Owen wakes up to find Zia taken as a medical hostage for Blue and Franklin and Claire in the path of a stampede. Now they understand Mills was lying about saving the animals but for what purpose? That purpose will lead Claire to a hard decision of letting life happen or destroying it. Welcome to Jurassic World.
This has all the scares to make you jump, the anticipation to make your heart beat faster, and the dumb decisions that will make you talk to the screen. There are new moments in this film. Like when Owen, Claire, and Franklin have to choose death by dinosaur or death by lava. However, 1993 Jurassic Park fans will get snippets of the original film (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). For example, the girl trying to pull down a door while a dinosaur charges toward her. Or hiding behind a log during a stampede. It’s those moments and consistent reminders of John Hammond that connect this movie to the original. It pays beautiful homage to its predecessor while maintaining its originality. Also, be ready for a new dinosaur that will send a chill down your spine. The sequel to Jurassic World will not disappoint finds with action, graphics, and comedic timing. However, the growth of the love story between Owen and Claire is nil. And it replays itself again in this film. If a third is made, which it will be, they should either be together or stay apart. But don’t drag this out for another film. While Dolby is great, 3D will have glitches with reflects in a glass. And stay past the end credits for a brief look at a true Jurassic World.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
They’re all going to die and no one cares – Claire
You should right fortune cookies – Owen
You call this a plane. My cousin has a drone that’s bigger than this – Franklin
This will be a nice centerpiece for my necklace – Ken
They need a mother – Dr. Wu
He blood is contaminated – Zia
