The Swan (1956) Rated NR

Posted on April 14, 2016 by laurarachel4

the swanPrincess Beatrice must marry off her daughter to hold onto the crown. Based on the play, A hattyú by Ferenc Molnár. Starring Grace Kelly, Alec Guinness, Louis Jourdan, Agnes Moorehead.

Very typical romantic film from the 50’s with the beautiful Grace Kelly at the helm (before she became a real-life princess herself).  Jourdan plays the quintessential French man who falls for Kelly. We watch as she struggles to choose between love and duty. It is an enjoyable flick for a night in. It’s worth a watch.

 

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MTV Suspect (MTV) Rated TV-14

Posted on April 13, 2016 by laurarachel4

MTV SuspectNev and Io are truth seekers to friends and family who believe that someone they know is hiding something. Starring Yaniv Schulman, Io Tillett Wright.

I’ve always known Nev to be a  moral compass in his TV shows, and I love watching him.  Io, on the other hand, is prone to emotional outbursts throughout the show. She/He goes after a guy who has kept his son a secret from his significant other because the boyfriend doesn’t want kids. Now, it’s true, he shouldn’t have kept that information from the boyfriend, but what about the boyfriend who doesn’t want kids?  He makes the dad choose between him and the child.  That is no choice.  Children are permanent, not irrational boyfriends.  I found the whole situation upsetting.  The moral of the stories they present goes much to a much darker place than I am comfortable with.  It is sad to see how many people out there are not communicating with each other honestly or effectively, and relationships suffer and are severed because of it.  I don’t think this TV show has anything of real value to make it worth a watch.

 

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In the Heart of the Sea (2015) Rated PG-13

Posted on April 12, 2016 by laurarachel4

In the Heart of the SeaBased on the story of the  whaling ship Essex that was sunk by a whale, which in turn inspired the story Moby Dick. Starring  Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson, Michelle Fairley, Tom Holland.

This is a compelling story, obscured only by poor film editing.  There were several points in the film where it was easy to distinguish between the sets and the CGI, which I found distracting.  However, it didn’t detract from the amazing story of  these men who survived the sinking of their ship by a whale.  It also presents an interesting historical viewpoint of our reliance on whale oil before the invention of electricity.  Captivating and exciting, this film is worth a watch.

 

Posted in 2015, Action, Adventure, Biography, Drama, films, Historical, Movie reviews, movies, Rated PG-13, reviews, Thrillers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

New This Week on DVD, April 12, 2016

Posted on April 12, 2016 by laurarachel4

 About Scout (NR)

A rebellious Goth girl embarks on a road trip across Texas with a suicidal young man in an effort to find her little sister. Starring Nikki Reed, Ellen Burstyn, Jane Seymour, Danny Glover

 The Conduit (NR)

Wounded by a recent divorce and haunted by a tragic event in his childhood, Eddie returns to his hometown hoping to pick up the pieces of his broken life. Unable to cope, he attempts suicide and winds up in therapy, where desperate to fill the void in his heart he falls for Amy, a mysterious and young wild flower. But something dark and sinister lurks in Amy’s past, will her love save Eddie or will it devour his soul? Starring Maria Olsen, Rebekah Kennedy, Monica Engesser

 Flight 7500 (PG-13)

Flight 7500 departs Los Angeles International Airport bound for Tokyo. As the overnight flight makes its way over the Pacific Ocean during its ten-hour course, the passengers encounter what appears to be a supernatural force in the cabin. Starring Ryan Kwanten, Amy Smart, Leslie Bibb, Johnathon Schaech

 The Forest (PG-13)

A woman goes into Japan’s Suicide Forest to find her twin sister, and confronts supernatural terror. Starring Natalie Dormer, Eoin Macken, Stephanie Vogt, Taylor Kinney

 Heroes Reborn: The Complete Event Series (NR)

A year ago, a terrorist attack in Odessa, Texas, left the city decimated. Blamed for the tragic event, those with extraordinary abilities are in hiding or on the run from those with nefarious motives. Starring Jack Coleman, Zachary Levi, Robbie Kay, Kiki Sukezane, Ryan Guzman, Rya Kihlstedt, Gatlin Green, Henry Zebrowski, Judith Shekoni, Danika Yarosh

 Justice League vs. Teen Titans (PG-13)

Robin is sent to work with the Teen Titans after his volatile behavior botches up a Justice League mission. The Titans must then step up to face Trigon after he possesses the League and threatens to conquer the world. Starring Rosario Dawson, Christopher Gorham, Shemar Moore, Jerry O’Connell, Jason O’Mara, Jon Bernthal

 The Lady in the Car with Glasses and a Gun (UR)

The trials and tribulations of Dany Dorméus. Starring Freya Mavor, Benjamin Biolay, Elio Germano

 Standoff (R)

Carter, a troubled veteran, gets a chance at redemption by protecting a 12 year-old girl from an assassin after she witnesses a murder. Holding a shotgun with a single shell, he engages in physical and psychological warfare in a desperate fight for the girl’s life. Starring Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne, Joanna Douglas

 Grace and Frankie: The Complete First Season (TV-MA)

Finding out that their husbands are not just work partners, but have also been romantically involved for the last 20 years, two women with an already strained relationship try to cope with the circumstances together. Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, Sam Waterston

 Ken Burns’ Jackie Robinson (PG) *

Tells of the story of Jack Roosevelt Robinson, a sharecropper’s son who elevated an entire race and country when he broke major league baseball’s color barrier in 1947. The film illuminates Robinson’s place as a leader and icon of the civil rights movement whose exemplary life and aspirational message of equality continues to inspire generations of Americans.

*Synopsis by Amazon, all other synopsis’ by IMDB.

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The Nun’s Story (1959) Rated PG

Posted on April 11, 2016 by laurarachel4

nun's storySister Luke struggles with her faith through crisis, disappointments, and WWII.  Based on the novel by Kathryn Hulme. Starring Audrey Hepburn, Peter Finch, Edith Evans, Colleen Dewhurst.

This remarkable, heart-rending film reveals the inner struggle of a young nun as she tries to be worthy of her calling.  It is perhaps the strongest performance of Hepburn’s career, as she strives to be obedient to the Lord and to serve her order and others, while constantly fighting against her human desires and perceived failings, particularly her pride.

She joins the convent to serve as a missionary in the Congo, only to face many trials and temptations while there.  Ultimately, she is forced to leave and to serve elsewhere at the outset of WWII.  Again, her personal convictions stand in the way of her religious duties, and she must make a difficult decision.

Nearly flawless in writing and execution, this film will haunt you long after it is over.  It is definitely worth a watch.

(Editor’s note:  This is one of my all-time favorite movies.  It will leave you feeling raw and emotionally spent in the most wonderful way, as only a truly great film can do.)

 

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Join or Die with Craig Ferguson (History) Rated NR

Posted on April 10, 2016 by laurarachel4

join or die with craig

A talk show hosted by Craig Ferguson who comically debates Historical  topics. Starring Craig Ferguson, Shadoe Stevens

This show is a cross between a game show and talk show. It’s great that they have Craig Ferguson as the host, his sense of humor is great  and entertaining. As well as, Craig’s love of historical events and his love for America. He’s not a historical expert but he does know comic timing and he does make fun of history. This show is a fun watch and can tickle your funny bone. It’s worth a watch.

 

Posted in 2016, Comedy, History Channel, Rated NR, reviews, Talk Show, Tv Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Summer TV Shows 2016

Posted on April 9, 2016 by laurarachel4

Summer 2016

 

Preacher (AMC) Premieres May 22

After a supernatural event at his church a preacher enlists the help of a vampire to find God. Starring Dominic Cooper, Tom Brooke, W. Earl Brown, Ian Colletti, Joseph Gilgun, Lucy Griffiths, Jackie Earle Haley, Ruth Negga, Derek Wilson, Anatol Yusef

Based off the comics by Garth Ennis. The synopsis of this series makes me question whether this would be any good. AMC does make good shows, so I’ll give this a chance just because I  know that this show will bring deep characters and stories.

Greenleaf (OWN) Premieres June 21st

The unscrupulous world of the Greenleaf family and their sprawling Memphis mega church, dark secrets and lies. Starring Keith David, Lynn Whitfield, Merle Dandridge, Kim Hawthorne, Benjamin Patterson, Désirée Ross, Lamman Rucker, Tye White, Deborah Joy Winans, Oprah Winfrey

I think that there is a theme this summer on TV but seeing who is involved with this series makes me want to check it out.

BrainDead (CBS) Premieres June 13th

A young, fresh-faced Hill staffer gets her first job in Washington, D.C. to discover two things: The government has stopped working, and alien spawn have come to earth and eaten the brains of a growing number of Congressmen and Hill staffers. Starring Happy Anderson, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Tveit, Nikki M. James, Johnny Ray Gill, Danny Pino, Tony Shalhoub

Yeah, Summer blockbusters are coming to our TV’s.

 American Gothic (CBS) * Premieres June 22nd

American Gothic centers on a prominent Boston family that is attempting to redefine itself in the wake of a chilling discovery that links their recently deceased patriarch to a string of murders spanning decades — amid the mounting suspicion that one of them may have been his accomplice. Starring Gabriel Bateman, David S. Bookbinder, Justin Chatwin, Shawn Contois, London Hall, Emma Jacobson-Sive, Elliot Knight, Hashim Lafond, Stephanie Leonidas, Virginia Madsen, Juliet Rylance, Antony Starr

Chesapeake Shores (Hallmark) Premieres July 11th

Abby O’Brien Winters returns to Chesapeake Shores when she receives a panicked phone call from her younger sister Jess, who has renovated the charming Inn at Eagle Point. The Maryland town her father built has many sad memories and Abby, thanks to her demanding career, divorce and young daughters, has not had time to spare. Saving the inn from foreclosure means dealing not only with her fractured family but also with Trace Riley, the man she left ten years ago. Trace initially poses an obstacle but becomes an unexpected ally and a second chance at finding love. Starring Jesse Metcalfe, Meghan Ory, Diane Ladd,  Treat Williams, Laci J Mailey

Based on the book series by Sherryl Woods. Hallmark is renowned for fluff stories but they have done well with their tv series. I’ve enjoyed them. So, here’s hoping this series will be just as good.

 Feed the Beast (AMC) Premieres May 31st

Two friends open up a restaurant together. Starring David Patrick Kelly, Geoffrey Cantor, Demosthenes Chrysan, Adam Feingold, Tricia Paoluccio

Summer’s tend to be the time of year that reality shows take off. This year is no exception but there doesn’t seem to have any that I wanted to highlight. I will still do reviews on most of them. To add to the small amount of scripted shows, I believe that’s because  the main draw will be the Olympics. Which I am just as excited for.

*Synopsis by Deadline. All other Synopsis by IMDB.

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Hap and Leonard (Sundance) Rated TV-MA

Posted on April 8, 2016 by laurarachel4

Hap and LeonardStraight-laced Hap Collins spent time in prison in the 60’s rather than be drafted in the Vietnam War. Leonard Pine, a Vietnam vet, is Hap’s best friend. When Hap’s ex-wife shows up with a get rich plan, things turn bloody.  Based on the stories by  Joe R. Lansdale. Starring James Purefoy, Michael Kenneth Williams, Jimmi Simpson, Pollyanna McIntosh, Neil Sandilands.

I’ve checked out the TV shows on Sundance for a few years, and I must say Sundance excels at both film and TV shows. The cast is strong and the story is darkly humorous.  Like the 1980’s Texas backdrop, this show has an slow, easy pace, allowing the story to unfold comfortably without feeling rushed. It is worth a watch.

 

Posted in 2016, Based on a Novel, Crime, Drama, Rated TV-MA, reviews, Sundance, Tv Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

New This Week in Theaters, April 7, 2016

Posted on April 7, 2016 by laurarachel4

 Before I Wake (PG-13)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, Annabeth Gish

A young couple adopt an orphaned child whose dreams – and nightmares – manifest physically as he sleeps.

 The Boss (R)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage

A titan of industry is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.

 Mr. Right (R)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Sam Rockwell, Tim Roth

A girl falls for the “perfect” guy, who happens to have a very fatal flaw: he’s a hitman on the run from the crime cartels who employ him.

 Demolition (R)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Heather Lind

A successful investment banker struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash.

 One More Time (NR)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Christopher Walken, Amber Heard, Kelli Garner

A New York City crooner plots his comeback.

 Hardcore Henry (R)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett

A first-person action film from the eyes of Henry, who’s resurrected from death with no memory. He must discover his identity and save his wife from a warlord with a plan to bio-engineer soldiers.

 Louder Than Bombs (R)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Ryan, Ruby Jerins

The fractious family of a father and his two sons confront their different feelings and memories of their deceased wife and mother, a famed war photographer.

 April and the Extraordinary World (PG)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Marion Cotillard, Philippe Katerine, Jean Rochefort

1941. France asleep in the nineteenth century, governed by steam and Napoleon V, where scientists vanish mysteriously. Avril, a teenage girl, goes in search of her missing scientist parents.

 The Invitation (NR)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Logan Marshall-Green, Emayatzy Corinealdi, Michiel Huisman, Tammy Blanchard

While attending a dinner party at his former home, a man thinks his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their guests.

 Wedding Doll (NR)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Roy Assaf, Aryeh Cherner, Aviv Elkabeth, Aviva Ger

Hagit, a young woman with mild mental deficiency, works in a toilet-paper factory. She lives with her mother Sarah, a divorcée who gave up her life for her daughter. Hagit strives for independence and Sarah is torn between her desire to protect her, and her own will to live. When a relationship develops between her and the son of the factory owner, Hagit hides it from her mother. The announcement of the closing of the factory shakes Hagit and Sarah’s life and jeopardizes Hagit’s love story.

 The Dying of the Light (NR)
Opens on Friday, April 8
Starring: Bernie Anderson, Paul Bader, Jon Berberian, Dorman Bermingham

A documentary that explores the history and craft of motion-picture presentation through the lives and stories of the last generation of career projectionists.

Synopsis by IMDB.

 

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Criminal Activities (2015) Rated NR

Posted on April 7, 2016 by laurarachel4

Criminal ActivitiesFour men make an investment that gets them involved with the mob. Starring Michael Pitt, Dan Stevens, Christopher Abbott, John Travolta, Jackie Earle Haley, Edi Gathegi.

When all that makes a film good is the twist at the end, it’s not worth watching.  That said, the actors gave great performances.  You might not even recognize Dan Stevens of Downton Abbey playing one of the boys who gets involved with the mob.

The film just didn’t make sense until the mildly intriguing twist at the end.  It wasn’t interesting enough to be called a thriller.  Slow and boring, this film is not worth a watch.

 

Posted in 2015, Crime, Drama, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated NR, reviews, Thrillers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment