Game Time: Tackling the Past (2011) Rated NR

Game time Tackling the PastA football star comes home to his small town family to face the mistakes he has made in life. Starring Josh Braaten, Ryan McPartlin, Katie Carr

This film is a sugary sweet movie with good moral lessons in it. The script has some holes in it, but it was nice seeing Catherine Hicks in a meaty role as the football star’s mother.  She gives a solid performance, although I thought there were times when she overacted.  The film touches on the parable about a wayward son returning home and the family that welcomes him back with open arms. It also touches on how we imagine and perceive memories from family and people around us, which is not always what happened. Over all, the film is worth a watch.

 

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New This Week in Theaters, August 27, 2015

 We Are Your Friends (R)
Opens on Friday, August 28
Starring: Zac Efron, Emily Ratajkowski, Wes Bentley

Caught between a forbidden romance and the expectations of his friends, aspiring DJ Cole Carter attempts to find the path in life that leads to fame and fortune.

  Z for Zachariah (PG-13)
Opens on Friday, August 28
Starring: Margot Robbie, Chris Pine, Chiwetel Ejiofor

In the wake of a disaster that wipes out most of civilization, two men and a young woman find themselves in an emotionally charged love triangle as the last known survivors.

 The Second Mother (R)
Opens on Friday, August 28
Starring: Regina Case, Antonio Abujamra, Helena Albergaria

When the estranged daughter of a hard-working live-in housekeeper suddenly appears, the unspoken class barriers that exist within the home are thrown into disarray.

 War Room (PG)
Opens on Friday, August 28
Starring: T.C. Stallings, Priscilla Evans Shirer, Noel Baker

A seemingly perfect family look to fix their problems with the help of Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman.

  Unsullied (R)
Opens on Friday, August 28
Starring: Rusty Joiner, Murray Gray, James Gaudioso

Follows Reagan, a track star, who is kidnapped by a pair of sociopaths after her car breaks down on a deserted road.

 

 When Animals Dream (R)
Opens on Friday, August 28
Starring: Sonia Suhl, Lars Mikkelsen, Sonja Richter

16-year old Marie lives on a small island with her seriously ill mother and her father, who takes care of the family. But suddenly mysterious deaths happen and Marie can feel something strange happening to her body.

 Queen of Earth (NR)
Opens on Wednesday, August 26
Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Patrick Fugit, Katherine Waterston

Two women who grew up together discover they have drifted apart when they retreat to a lake house together.

 

 7 Chinese Brothers (NR)
Opens on Friday, August 28
Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Olympia Dukakis, Stephen Root

In this quirky comedy, after getting fired from his last job, Larry, played by Jason Schwartzman, along with his trusty sidekick french bulldog Arrow (Schwartzman’s real-life pet), goes through life as a misanthropic outcast looking for work and a purpose in life.

 No Escape (R)
Opens on Friday August 28
Stars: Lake Bell, Pierce Brosnan, Owen Wilson, Thanawut Kasro

In their new overseas home, an American family soon finds themselves caught in the middle of a coup, and they frantically look for a safe escape in an environment where foreigners are being immediately executed.

Synopsis by IMDB

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Kevin From Work (ABCFamily) Rated NR

Kevin From WorkA workplace comedy where a man announces to his crush he has feelings for her just as he takes a new job. Only, his new job falls through and he’s stuck working with his newly informed crush. Starring Noah Reid, Paige Spara, Jordan Hinson, Matt Murray, Punam Patel, Jason Rogel

I actually thought this was a very cute TV show. It is, in some ways, reminiscent of  The Office.  The humor isn’t very original or even funny necessarily, but the characters are charming and engaging. Kevin, played by Noah Reid, is the geeky nerd who has a crush on his beautiful co-worker Audrey, played by Paige Spara.  Reid does a great job of conveying the longing he has for her, and Audrey is also likable as one who now knows Kevin’s feelings but prefers to simply enjoy his friendship.  I am interested to see where their relationship goes, as they struggle with this thing called life.  This show is worth a watch.

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Garage Sale Mystery: The Wedding Dress (2015) Rated NR

Garage sale mystery wedding dressJennifer Shannon, owner of an antique store and lover of garage sales, is at it again. She finds a wedding dress with blood on it and knows there is a mystery here. Starring Lori Loughlin, Sarah Strange, Steve Bacic, Cheryl Ladd

I have to say that this wasn’t the best of the Garage Sale Mysteries series. Although the mystery itself was interesting, I was able to figure out who was involved before the main character did.  However, the personal side of the story, involving Shannon and her family, was developed more with this film.  I liked their inclusion in the last film, and continue to be impressed with the strong family values portrayed. The married couple seems to truly love each other and their children, and they are honest in their dealings with one of the daughters.  There is a playfulness about them all that is underscored with a real, familial love for each other.  The family’s side stories really don’t distract from the mystery element either; in fact, they enhance it.  There is even a twist at the end that had me holding my breath to see whether I guessed the right killer.  This film is worth a watch.

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Gourmet Detective: A Healthy Place to Die (2015) Rated NR

Gourmet detective healthy place to dieWhen the Gourmet Detective gets invited to a resort as a guest speaker, he winds up in the midst of another murder. Based on the fifth book in the Gourmet Detective series by Peter King. Starring Dylan Neal, Brooke Burns, Matthew Kevin Anderson

Yet another enjoyable film in the continuing saga of the Gourmet Detective, where he again finds himself embroiled in another murder.  Dylan Neal does not disappoint as Harry; neither does Brooke Burns as Maggie, his police detective counterpart.  It is fun to watch the chemistry between them grown with each film.  In this one, he is able to finagle Maggie into attending a conference with him, where there just happens to be another murder.  (Good thing he asked her along.)

I admit I got irked when Harry seemingly contaminated the crime scene (I am a stickler for details), and I didn’t appreciate how many liberties the filmmakers took with the story.  It felt like they just tacked the title on; there was little similarity to the book.  Even so, these films continue to provide clean, whodunit mysteries, which I do appreciate.  This movie is worth a watch.

 

 

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New This Week on DVD, August 25, 2015

 Aloha (PG-13)

A celebrated military contractor returns to the site of his greatest career triumphs and reconnects with a long-ago love while unexpectedly falling for the hard-charging Air Force watch-dog assigned to him. Starring Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Bill Murray, John Krasinski, Danny McBride, Alec Baldwin

 Citizenfour (R)

A documentarian and a reporter travel to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with Edward Snowden. Starring Edward Snowden, Glenn Greenwald, Jeremy Scahill

 Two Days, One Night (PG-13)

Sandra, a young Belgian mother, discovers that her workmates have opted for a significant pay bonus, in exchange for her dismissal. She has only one weekend to convince her colleagues to give up their bonuses so that she can keep her job. Starring Marion Cotillard, Fabrizio Rongione, Catherine Salée

 Iris (PG-13)

A documentary about fashion icon Iris Apfel from legendary documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles. Starring Carl Apfel, Iris Apfel

 

 Where Hope Grows (PG-13)

A baseball player, whose professional career was cut short due to his personal problems, is suddenly awakened and invigorated by a young man with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store. Starring Danica McKellar, Brooke Burns, William Zabka, Kerr Smith

 Big Game (PG-13)

A young teenager camping in the woods helps rescue the President of the United States when Air Force One is shot down near his campsite. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Onni Tommila, Ray Stevenson, Victor Garber

 Criminal Minds: Season 10 (UR)

The cases of the BAU, an elite group of profilers who analyze the nation’s most dangerous criminal minds in an effort to anticipate their next moves before they strike again.  Starring Shemar Moore, Matthew Gray Gubler, Thomas Gibson

 Elementary: The Third Season (UR)

A modern take on the cases of Sherlock Holmes, with the detective now living in New York City. Starring Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Aidan Quinn

 

 The Good Wife: The Sixth Season (UR)

Alicia has been a good wife to her husband, a former state’s attorney. After a very humiliating sex and corruption scandal, he is behind bars. She must now provide for her family and returns to work as a litigator in a law firm. Starring Julianna Margulies, Matt Czuchry, Christine Baranski

 Harry: Season 1 (NR)

HARRY is a single story, six-part crime drama series set in Auckland which follows the intense psychological journey of Detective Harry Anglesea. Starring Oscar Kightley, Sam Neill, Hunter Kamuhemu

 Lila & Eve (R)

Two distraught mothers, whose children were gunned down in a drive-by, team up to avenge their deaths after local authorities fail to take action. Starring Viola Davis, Jennifer Lopez, Aml Ameen

 The Mindy Project: Season Three (TV-14)

A young Ob/Gyn doctor balances her personal and professional life, surrounded by quirky co-workers in a small office. Starring Mindy Kaling, Chris Messina

 October Gale (R)

A doctor takes in a mysterious man who washes ashore at her remote cottage with a gunshot wound. Quickly they both learn the killer has arrived to finish the job, while a storm has cut them off from the mainland. Starring Patricia Clarkson, Scott Speedman, Tim Roth

 The Pardon (PG-13)

The true story of Toni Jo Henry, a woman tried for the crime of murder in 1942 in the state of Louisiana. Toni Jo, a product of childhood abuse and neglect, briefly discovers love and happiness that soon turns to despair when her husband Cowboy is sent to prison and she embarks on an ill-fated plan with an accomplice Arkie to free him. Because of her beauty, Toni Jo instantly becomes a notorious celebrity, drawing the unparalleled media attention of two highly publicized and sensational murder trials. Her story is a story of hope, a story of love and a story of redemption, as Toni Jo discovers the true strength within herself and, with the help of a priest, Father Richard is able to face her life with a calm and peace that defies explanation. Starring Jaime King, John Hawkes, Jason Lewis

 Portlandia: Season Five (NR)

A sketch-comedy series that parodies life in Portland, Oregon. Starring Carrie Brownstein, Fred Armisen

 

 Revenge: The Complete Fourth & Final Season (TV-PG)

An emotionally troubled young woman makes it her mission to exact revenge against the people who wronged her father. Starring Madeleine Stowe, Emily VanCamp, Gabriel Mann, Nick Wechsler

 Skin Trade (R)

After his family is killed by a Serbian gangster with international interests, NYC detective Nick goes to S.E. Asia and teams up with a Thai detective to get revenge and destroy the syndicates human trafficking network. Starring Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, Michael Jai White, Ron Perlman

 The Walking Dead: The Complete Fifth Season (TV-MA)

Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Grimes leads a group of survivors in a world overrun by zombies. Starring Andrew Lincoln, Steven Yeun, Chandler Riggs

 

 Welcome to New York (R)

Mr. Devereaux is a powerful man. A man who handles billions of dollars every day. A man who controls the economic fate of nations. A man driven by a frenzied and unbridled sexual hunger. A man who dreamed of saving the world and who cannot save himself. A terrified man. A lost man. Starring Gérard Depardieu, Jacqueline Bisset, Marie Mouté

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The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010) Rated PG

Chronicles of Narnia voyage of the dawn traderLucy and Edmund Pevensie, with their cousin Eustace, return to Narnia and embark on an epic journey with Prince Caspian upon The Dawn Treader.  Their quest is to rescue seven lords and save Narnia from the evil on Dark Island. Based on the fifth book of The Chronicles of Narnia by  C. S. Lewis. Starring Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Ben Barnes, Will Poulter

The second and third films in this The Chronicles of Narnia series are well done, but they just don’t seem to hold the magic that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe had. Voyage has some pacing issues, but the content is true to Lewis’ moral narratives.  In this film, the moral is that you are not hear by accident or chance; your life has purpose and meaning.   Although it is not as prominent in the film as in the book, the movie is still well-done and worth a watch.

 

 

Posted in 2010, Adventure, Based on a Novel, Family, Fantasy, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated PG, reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Always and Forever (2009) Rated NR

always and foreverTwo high school sweethearts who lost touch after graduation reconnect at their high school reunion. Starring Rena Sofer, Dean McDermott, Barbara Eden, David Lascher, Colton Haynes

This was not one of Hallmark’s best works.  The story was both cute and predictable-you know the couple will get together- but I couldn’t figure out what they loved about each other.  The actors lacked chemistry, and Grace (the female lead) seemed unable to identify men who suited her.

In my opinion, the only plus was Barbara Eden, who played Grace’s meddling mother.  She was great and reminded me of so many moms I know.  Even so, she didn’t seem to truly know or understand her daughter.  Instead of cheering on her daughter’s efforts to reconnect with her high school sweetheart, she impeded her, which I found disappointing.  Oh well, this one is a pass.

 

 

Posted in 2009, Comedy, Drama, films, Hallmark Movies, Movie reviews, movies, Rated NR, reviews, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss (1998) Rated R

billy's hollywood screen kissA gay fine arts photographer falls for a straight restaurant waiter. Starring Sean Hayes, Armando Valdes-Kennedy, Mr. Dan, Brad Rowe, Carmine Giovinazzo

This film is completely lacking in depth or purpose.  It is a simple story of unrequited love, imbued with heavy emphasis on sex and specifically homosexuality.  And yet, there is little to no character development.  Instead, the film includes bizarre montages that have no connection to the story; they are so out of place that I couldn’t help but wonder if the filmmakers were just trying to fill in the time.  The main character’s utter lack of substance and immaturity made it impossible for me to either relate to his romantic woes or sympathize with him.  He was a 20-something behaving like a preteen with his first crush.  A pointless film, this is a pass.

 

Posted in 1998, Comedy, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated R, reviews, Romance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cowboys & Aliens (2011) Rated PG-13

cowboys & aliens

Aliens attack Earth in the Wild West of 1843. A group of cowboys and Native Americans band together to fight them. Based on the graphic novel of the same name by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. Starring Daniel Craig, Abigail Spencer, Buck Taylor, Paul Dano, Adam Beach, Sam Rockwell

Why didn’t someone come up with this idea before?  We always have the aliens attacking in present day or the future; why not 150 years ago?  One aspect of the movie that I especially appreciated- and that most alien invasion movies lack- was the attention to character development.  True to the western genre, each character has a solid background, which informs his present position and decisions. Overall, the film doesn’t quite satisfy either as a western or as an alien film, but it is passable.  It is worth a watch.

 

Posted in 2011, Action, Based on a Novel, films, Movie reviews, movies, Rated PG-13, reviews, Sci-fi, Thrillers, Western | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment