Cool Runnings (1993) Rated PG

 A Jamaican runner wants to go to the Olympics, and when he is disqualified as a sprinter he enlists help to start the first Jamaican bobsled team. Starring Leon, Doug E. Doug, and Rawle D. Lewis.

While I highly doubt that this film follows the true story of how the Jamaican bobsled team came about, it’s still inspiring. This is an easy going film that is great for the whole family to enjoy.  There are enjoyable characters with light-hearted humor. While it has lighthearted and fun times, the film doesn’t go deep into the trials that make an Olympic team. What it does give us is a fun, lighthearted story of coming together to make dreams come true. This film is worth the watch. 

Posted in 1993, Adventure, Based on a True Story, Comedy, Disney, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated PG, reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New This Week on DVD, April 16, 2024

 

Ā Comeback Kids: A Middle School Basketball Story (NR)

Amidst challenges both on and off the court, Coach Jay Spinks guides the Thomas G. Pullen middle school basketball team in their inspiring journey to defend their county title, revealing the transformative power of resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of a shared dream in Comeback Kids. Starring Quinn Cook, Jay Spinks, Kalen Cobb

Ā Cut, Color, Murder (TV-PG)

When a beauty pageant creator is found dead, a savvy hairdresser works with a detective and risks everything to clear the names of those she loves. Starring Julie Gonzalo, Ryan McPartlin, Eva Tamargo

Ā Devil’s Peak (NR)

In the Appalachian Mountains, 18-year-old Jacob McNeely is torn between appeasing his meth-dealing kingpin father and leaving the mountains forever with the girl he loves. When his father is killed in a drug deal gone wrong, Jacob is forced to take over the family business. But he soon realizes that he doesn’t want to be a part of the drug trade. He decides to leave the mountains and start a new life with the girl he loves. But his father’s enemies are not going to let him go that easily. They will stop at nothing to get revenge. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Hopper Penn, Brian d’Arcy James

Ā Double Down South (NR)

In a world of illegal, high-stakes gambling, Nick owns a run-down plantation house. He is enamored with the smart, tough and charming ace Diana’s intent to win big and is determined to stake her. Starring Lili Simmons, Kim Coates, Igby Rigney

Ā Exile (NR)

Just prior to his release from prison, Ted Evans receives a threat from the man whose family he killed in a DUI – ‘if you make contact with your family, I’ll kill them’. Believing that the danger is real, Ted exiles himself to a reclusive life to protect his family. However, Ted’s wife Sara knows the threat is merely a manifestation of her husband’s profound guilt. Determined to rebuild their family, Sara tracks Ted down to confront him with hard evidence that the threat is imagined. But she has no idea just how unhinged he has become – or how real the threat may be. Starring Adam Beach, Camille Sullivan, Garry Chalk

Ā Mister Sleep (NR)

A deranged killer known as Mr. Sleep takes retribution on a group of insomnia patients who he believes stole his memories. Starring Roger Dorsey, Kate Dailey, Bronsonn Taylor

Ā The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die (TV-MA)

In the wake of King Edward’s death, Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his comrades adventure across a fractured kingdom in the hopes of uniting England at last. Starring Alexander Dreymon, Mark Rowley, Arnas Fedaravicius

Ā The Star City Murders (NR)

A team of detectives are on the hunt to find a serial killer, whose calling card is unlike anything law enforcement has ever seen. The mystery unravels as the link to the murders could be one of their own. Starring Heath Centazzo, Michelle Lukes, Amy Motta

Ā Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan – The Final Season (NR)

Jack Ryan, a former marine, doesn’t have a happy or glamorous life. He suffered severe injuries during a rescue operation overseas. Although he looks fine, he deals with pain by day and nightmares at night as a result. Although Jack works in the Terror, Finance, and Arms Division of the United State Central Intelligence Agency, he’s a financial analyst. He spends most of his time at his desk studying the flow of money around the world to determine if terrorists are using financial systems to their benefit. After having a gut feeling about a series of financial transactions, Jack breaks the rules to discover the truth. When he’s proven right, his entire life becomes turned upside down after his boss forces him to leave his safe desk job and go into the field. Jack must face his fears and preconceived notions about the spy business to stop the terrorists. Starring John Krasinski, Wendell Pierce, Abbie Cornish

Ā Walden (NR)

Walden Dean is a stenographer, whose mind witnessed all types of injustices in the courtroom. After discovering he has a terminal illness, repressed anger deep within him surfaces — taking justice into his own hands in the most gruesome ways imaginable. Starring Emile Hirsch, Shane West, Kelli Garner

Posted in 2024, DVDS, films, Lists, movies, Tv Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

CSI: NY (CBS) Rated TV-14

The Forensic scientists and investigators of the New York City Police Department track down the suspects of mysterious and unusual deaths. Starring Gary Sinise, Carmine Giovinazzo, and Hill Harper.

Now, I know that this isn’t the best written show, but it is brilliant. The cast is wonderful, and the back stories to the characters make the show worthy. This series makes the job of crime scene investigator look fun and exciting. They have amazing technology, but they also have the brains to put the evidence together and find the perpetrator. This show brings its own characteristics to the CSI franchise. It’s dark and gritty with the right amount of humor to bring lightheartedness to a job that drains you. This show is worth the watch.

Posted in 2004, Action, CBS, Crime, Rated TV-14, reviews, Tv Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cookie’s Fortune (1999) Rated PG-13

 An old woman in a small town passes away, which causes conflict amongst her family. Starring Glenn Close, Julianne Moore, and Liv Tyler. 

This film is a wonderful combination of comedy and drama as a rich widow dies and her sister tries to take over the life she had. What makes this film work is the brilliant Robert Altman and the amazing cast. The actors are all brilliant in this crazy world they made. I really wasn’t expecting much when I sat down to watch and knew the craziness of the situation might not be good. While at times you question the sanity of any of the characters, the twist at the end brings justice where it belongs. This is a film worth the watch. 

Posted in 1999, Comedy, Drama, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated PG-13, reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas in Connecticut (1992) Rated NR

A host of a popular television cooking show is planning to do a live Christmas show – the catch is that she can’t cook. Starring Dyan Cannon, Kris Kristofferson, and Tony Curtis.

This film is a remake of the 1945 film Christmas in Connecticut.Ā It isn’t as good as the original. Each of the films’ premise is how media manipulates the truth. In the original, it’s the star behind the manipulation, but in this film, it’s the producer. Thus, there are more opportunities for the star to tell the truth. She never does, and the rehearsal goes off without the guest knowing that she’s faking it. Then, of course, when she does the show she goes crazy. Why? I don’t know. Its ending just falls apart. It doesn’t make sense, and I’m still wondering how the romance even happened other than you know that it will.Ā  This film misses all the points the original has that make it good. It’s not a comedy, and nothing funny happens. It doesn’t bring the warmth of family, friends, and the reason for the season. This film is not worth the watch.Ā 

Posted in 1992, Christmas Films, Comedy, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated NR, reviews, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) Rated NR

A widowed lawyer in 1930s Alabama defends a black man accused of rape. Based on the book by Harper Lee. Starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, and Frank Overton.

This is a classic film. It’s held up over time due to the faithful portrayal of the book. The cinematography is a brilliant black and white, and the actors are brilliant as well. Their performances are what make the film stand the test of time. It also showcases the reality of the prejudices of the time. As with the book, the film takes on the realities of prejudice through the eyes of a child. There are times when the pacing is a little on the slow side, but it does pick up as the film moves along. It’s a film that everyone should watch in their lifetime. It’s worth the watch.

Posted in 1962, Based on a Novel, Crime, Drama, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated NR, reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New This Week in Theaters, April 11, 2024

 

Civil War (2024) - IMDbĀ Civil War (R)
Opens on Friday, April 12
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny

In the near future, a group of war journalists attempt to survive while reporting the truth as the United States stands on the brink of civil war.

Arcadian (2024) - IMDbĀ Arcadian (R)
Opens on Friday, April 12
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, Maxwell Jenkins

A father and his twin sons must survive an attack on their remote farmhouse.

Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (2024 film) - WikipediaĀ Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead (R)
Opens on Friday, April 12
Starring: Simone Joy Jones, Patricia Williams, Jermaine Fowler

17 year old Tanya’s plans for a carefree summer are derailed when her stressed-to-the-limit mom takes off for a wellness retreat and puts Tanya and her three siblings in the charge of a crotchety (and racist) old babysitter. The babysitter’s sudden death leaves the kids short on cash and reluctant to pull mom prematurely out of her much-needed R&R, so Tanya is forced to get a job. Posing as an adult, she gets a gig as the executive assistant at a fashion company and overnight is thrust into the world of adulthood and parenting.

Sting (2024) - IMDbĀ Sting (R)
Opens on Friday, April 12
Starring: Ryan Corr, Alyla Browne, Penelope Mitchell

After raising an unnervingly talented spider in secret, 12-year-old Charlotte must face the truth about her pet and fight for her family’s survival.

The Long Game (2024) - IMDbĀ The Long Game (PG)
Opens on Friday, April 12
Starring: Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid, Cheech Marin

In a segregated Texas, five Mexican-American teenage caddies were prohibited from playing at the country club where they worked. Against all odds, they formed their own team, built a one-hole course in the fields, and won the 1957 Texas State championship. Based on a true story.

Posted in 2024, films, Lists, movies, New in Theater | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas at the Opry (2023) Rated NR

Country Artists perform holiday hits at the Grand Old Opry. Starring Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, and Breland.

This is one of the many concerts on TV during the holiday season. It’s traditional in every way. The artists sing their favorite holiday songs, and they talk about their favorite Christmas memories. It’s one of the better shows as the musicians sound beautiful and sharing their memories and favorite things about the holiday just makes them seem as normal as the rest of us. If you are one for holiday music and the joy of the season, this special is worth the watch.Ā 

Posted in 2023, Music, Rated NR, reviews, Tv Shows, TV Special | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Manhunt (Discovery) Rated TV-14

An in-depth look at the FBI’s tracking down of Ted Kaczynski, the Unabomber. Starring Sam Worthington, Jeremy Bobb, and Desmond Harrington.

This miniseries is intriguing and interesting as the FBI tries to figure out who the Unabomber is. This miniseries is more like a fictional take on a true story. I’m not sure how much of the story is true, but it is amazing how they finally figured out that Ted Kaczynski was the Unabomber. I did question some of the casting of characters: some are hits and some are misses. It is interesting to look at the start of criminal profiling and how they worked out who it might be, making the series worth the watch.

Posted in 2017, Biography, Crime, Discovery, Rated TV-14, reviews, Tv Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas at the Chateau (2019) Rated TV-PG

 Three sisters try to save their beloved home from the bank before Christmas. Starring Kinsey Leigh Redmond, Justen Jones, and Jeffrey Staab. 

This film has a lot of the basic Christmas movie themes. We have the big bad bank coming to take the family home that has been in the family for years. Then you have a You’ve Got Mail romance happening between the loan shark and the librarian sister, who’s working hard at trying to keep the family home. The storyline isn’t bad, but this film is terrible. It’s the worst I’ve seen in filmmaking in a long time. It might be a first film, and if it is – keep trying. The editing is bad; there were scenes cut into other scenes that hadn’t happened yet. I actually had to rewind the film multiple times to understand what I was seeing since it made no sense with the scene that was playing. In addition to a bad script, there are multiple times when the songs don’t match the tone of the scene. To top it off, there are bad camera angles and bad lighting. In fact, the poor lighting always took me for a loop – I was like, “Is my TV dying?” Then I realized that it only happened on one angle. Oops.

To bring it back to the bad writing, I’ll mention the father character. I could never understand anything about him. It’s crazy: he’s there and then not. It was like he died, but yet, there’s no mention of the death – and then he’s there. When we finally get to one of the last scenes, the father tries to lead his daughter to God. I loved it, but since there was no mention of God before in the film, it felt out of place. I loved the scene, but it was just another jarring point in the film.

The film is like a person learning how to drive a manual car.  It’s weird. There are more problems with the writing, especially with the loan manager. I could never figure out his character – is he sweet or a loan shark? He’s introduced as a sweet guy that loves his son, but as he goes to work, he doesn’t know anyone’s name and is fine with forcing people out of their businesses. No wonder the librarian can’t figure out his character. I will say, I did like the moral of the story – that none of us are perfect, but we still love each other just the way we are. Overall, however, this film is not worth the watch. 

Posted in 2019, Christmas Films, Comedy, Drama, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated TV-PG, reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment