Bumblebee

Year: 2018

Director: Travis Knight
Starring: Hailee Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Ortiz, and Pamela Adlon
Tagline: Every adventure has a beginning

Synopsis: His memories and voice gone, B-127 finds himself alone on earth until he makes friends with Charlie Watson.  Renamed "Bumblebee," he must deal with old enemies if he wants to keep his new home and friends safe.

Review

As a kid, I had a bunch of Transformers toys.  I had Jazz, Bumblebee, and, of course, Optimus Prime.  Naturally, when the Transformers movie came out in 2007 I went to see it.  And I hated it.  Completely.  I refused to see any of the subsequent films.  And then I saw a trailer for Bumblebee.  It immediately seemed like a different take on the robots in disguise.  When the positive reviews started pouring in, I got more and more intrigued.  So when I found out it was directed by the same fellow who directed Kubo and the Two Strings, I was sold on seeing it.

Forget all those other messes, Bumblebee is terrific!

Is it a perfect movie?  No.  In fact, if you were to break it down to its skeletal story, you've seen this movie before.  You know these characters.  Within 15 minutes, you could probably figure out every plot point and character arc for the rest of the film.  Did I care about any of that when I was watching it?  Not in the slightest.  I was absolutely content to go for this joyful ride through 1987 with a battered yellow Volkswagen beetle.

The film rests on one thing: the relationship between Charlie Watson (perfectly portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld) and Bumblebee.  The movie works because that relationship works.  And that's saying something.  Because Hailee was acting to nothing.  And Bumblebee is mute for the majority of the movie.  So, like WALL-E, Bumblebee's character and emotions have to be expressed through design and action.  And the filmmakers do a fantastic job making this strange array of metal parts into a character we care about.  He may be metal and wires, but Bumblebee has a very real heart.  And when he bonds with Charlie, the rest of the film falls into place.

Also good was John Cena.  He plays the typical military man who feels like he has to hunt down this dangerous alien invader.  But he also has some of the most humorous lines in the movie and manages to make his character stand out from the cliche.

There's plenty of action throughout the film.  It is mostly robots fighting other robots.  But there were also plenty of quiet moments throughout the film that allowed for character growth and bonding.

The music for Bumblebee was also quite good.  I loved the score.  The soundtrack was also enjoyable.  It served to ground the film in its 1987 setting.  I didn't know all the songs, but I knew enough, which made it fun.

The film is rated PG-13 for action and some swearing (I honestly don't remember much).  Most of the violence is between robots.  A couple of humans also get killed in a way that is quick and gore-free (but gross if you think about it).  It might be rather intense for younger viewers.

There are lots of movies to see this holiday season.  So far, Bumblebee is my favorite.  It's well-made, has just the right balance of action and heart, and it made me want to give a robot a hug (which hasn't happened since WALL-E).  Be sure to stick around for the mid-credits scenes.

*** Spoiler Section ***

During the end scene, when Bumblebee's Camaro pulls up alongside a semi, I couldn't help but smile.  And, sure enough, Optimus Prime is back for the mid-credits scene.

The first scene potentially sets up a sequel.  But the best part is when Bumblebee uses his radio to tell Optimus his new name.  Bumblebee has found his voice.

The second scene brings closure to Charlie's story.  She has finally finished fixing and restoring her father's car.  The scene says so much without a single word.

Quotable Quotes

• "Don't run!  Do not run! ... She ran." -- Agent Burns
• "They literally call themselves 'Decepticons.'  That doesn't set off any red flags?" -- Agent Burns
• "Wait.  You mean you could have been a Camaro this whole time?" -- Charlie

ISFS

Creed II

Year: 2018

Director: Steven Caple Jr.
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Dolph Lundgren, and Florian Munteanu

Synopsis: Adonis Creed fights Viktor Drago so he can prove ... something or other.

Review

This wasn't a movie I wanted to see.  But it was what was voted on by my team at work.  And I'm grateful to work for a generous company and team where we can take part of the work day and go to a movie at Christmas.

If you like Rocky movies or liked the first Creed, I'm sure you'll like this one.  I don't like those and I didn't like this.  But that's me.  I acknowledge that it was a good movie and a well-made movie.  But I was bored.  I'm sure it doesn't help that I can't stand boxing.

It's like every other Rocky movie.  You know exactly how it will all play out within the first few minutes.  There will be ups, there will be downs, there will be a training montage, and there will be a big fight at the finish.

There were a few good moments that I could appreciate.  And the denouement (the end of the film after the dramatic climax) was good and tied everything up satisfactorily.  And though it is a bit strange, the character I was most interested and invested in was Viktor Drago.

The film is rated PG-13 for ... well, all the things you'd expect after seeing the first Creed.

Like I said, if you like Rocky movies, by all means, go see Creed II.  I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Quotable Quotes

• "This guy's got nothing to lose.  And a guy with nothing to lose is dangerous." "I'm dangerous!" -- Rocky and Adonis
• "We're naming her 'Amara.'"  "Amara?  Why not go with an easier name, like 'Becky' or 'Cate'?"  "Cate Creed?  You do know she's going to be black, right?"  "Oh, yeah." -- Adonis and Rocky

ISFS

The Bells of Christmas

Sleigh bells.  Silver bells.  Jingle bells.  If the spirit of Christmas could be captured in a sound, it would be the sound of bells.  “Hark how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem to say ... Christmas is here.”  The bells of Christmas tinkle and ring, clamor and clang, chime and peal, signaling the season with their merriment and good cheer.  

Whether we’re “dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh” or “dancin’ and prancin’ in jingle bell square,” the bells of Christmas fill the air.  As we “shoppers rush home with [our] treasures,” still can be heard the ring-a-ling of silver bells.  And when we’re “caroling, caroling through the snow,” through it all those “Christmas bells are ringing.”  No Christmas song – no holiday commercial – would be complete without the ubiquitous jingle jangle of bells.  

But what is it we hear as these Christmas bells chime?  Does each bell remind us that Clarence – or some other angel – has gotten his wings?  Does the clear tone of a bell entreat us to believe in the magic of Christmas for one more year?  Do we hear a familiar instrument, played in every song and at every concert?  Do we hear our own doorbells, heralding the arrival of our latest package, another guest, or a treat-bearing neighbor?  Or do we hear little more than the clang of the Salvation Army worker outside our local grocer, signaling us to avoid eye contact as we scurry inside?  

The bells of Christmas are ringing, but do we hear their message?

In a social media post, Elder David A. Bednar explained: “Bells at Christmastime symbolize the announcement of the birth of Christ when angels in heaven praised God and declared, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’”

Millennia later, it can still be sung: “Ding dong merrily on high, in heav’n the bells are ringing.”  And on earth, down through the ages, the “belfries of all Christendom” still peal loud and clear: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep.”  He sent His Son to earth, assuring us that “the world [will revolve] from night to day,” for the Prince of Peace has come and will yet come again.  This is the message of the bells.

Christmas is always a busy time of year.  But as we hear the bells on Christmas Day, and all throughout the season, may we remember for whom they toll.  They toll for Christ.  May each tinkling, chiming, or pealing bell remind us of Him and the peace He brings, even amid the clatter and clanging of life.  May each street corner bell remind us not to empty our wallets, but to fill our hearts with love and generosity toward our fellow man.  May each doorbell remind us of the arrival of God’s gift of His Only Begotten Son and remind us that He too should be our welcome Guest.  As we let Christ in, “above all this bustle [we’ll] hear” the bells and their message of peace on earth, good will toward men. 

“Sleigh bells ring ... are [we] listening?”

Merry Christmas!

Ralph Breaks the Internet

Year: 2018

Director: Phil Johnston and Rich Moore
Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Gal Gadot, Taraji P. Henson, Alan Tudyk, and all of the Disney Princesses

Synopsis: After the Sugar Rush arcade game breaks, Ralph and Vanellope journey to the internet in order to find the part needed to fix it.

Review

I liked Wreck-It Ralph (the first movie).  It was fun, clever, and had a good story to tell.  I was initially worried they wouldn't be able to pull off a sequel.  I was wrong.  The sequel is as good as the original.  With the whole internet as fodder, Ralph Breaks the Internet is terrific.

Disney animation continues to be top notch.  The world that is the internet is incredibly creative and highly detailed.  It's mind blowing to think how much work they put into creating a tangible world to represent the insanity that is the world wide web.  And it works.  I may never look at pop-up ads quite the same way.  I'm also fond of the idea that there is a little avatar version of me wandering around the internet, doing my shopping or reading the news or whatever.

The film is also hilarious.  There are so many jokes, gags, and Easter eggs that the only way to get everything out of the movie is to watch it multiple times, preferably with a pause button.  There's one scene during the climax that had everyone in the audience (myself included) laughing out loud.

All the familiar characters are back from the first movie, including Fix-It Felix and Sgt. Calhoun.  Their part is small, but is still funny.  We are also treated to many new characters, such as Shank the Slaughter Race driver, Yesss the trending algorithm, KnowsMore the search engine, and J.P. Spamley the pop-up.

The best "new" characters, though, are the Disney Princesses (most voiced by their original voice actress).  I was initially worried that all of their scene had already been shown in trailers and other promotional videos.  But while most of their first scene was already known, they get a second scene later in the movie.  And it was the most epic and hilarious scene in the movie.  That's all I'll say here.

As clever and funny as Ralph Breaks the Internet is, it also has a heart.  At its core, the story is about the friendship between Ralph and Vanellope.  They may be video game characters in a digital world, but their friendship is real, complete with real struggles and growth.  It's interesting to see a real friendship within the world of the internet and social media.  Perhaps that's why the story works so well and is so timely.

The film is rated PG for some action and some mild rude humor (the same as in the first Wreck-It Ralph).

If you are looking for a hilarious, family-friendly movie, go see Ralph Breaks the Internet.  Be sure to stick around for the mid-credits and post-credits scenes.

*** Spoiler Section ***

One of the highlights of the movie is when Vanellope goes to the Oh My Disney fan site, which features all the fandoms under the Disney umbrella.  As Vanellope wanders, the cameos come blink-and-you'll-miss-them fast.  I recall seeing Baby Groot, Eeyore, C-3PO, Heihei, Grumpy, a Stan Lee avatar, Buzz Lightyear, Baymax, Iron Man, and Nick Wilde (from Zootopia).  It's fun and crazy to see all those characters in one place, however briefly.

At one point during that sequence, one of the Storm Troopers falls (or something) and does the Wilhelm Scream.  That made me so happy.

Speaking of screaming, clearly screaming goats are a thing.  This is the third movie this year to include a screaming goat.

The best scene was definitely when all the Disney Princesses team up to save Ralph.  I need to watch that scene again just to get everything that happens so quickly.  Seeing each princess do her part to help by using her unique talents is terrific in and of itself.  But when you throw in clips of each of their signature songs ... yeah, that's just epic Disney awesomeness.

Quotable Quotes

• "My Autofill is a touch aggressive today." -- KnowsMore
• "Are you guys OK?  Should I call the police?" -- Vanellope to the Disney Princesses
• "I don't even have a mom." "Neither do we!" -- Vanellope and most of the Disney Princesses
• "There's no law saying best friends have to have the same dreams." -- Shank
• "Did you like the movie, honey?"  "Yeah.  But there was a scene in the trailer that wasn't in the movie." -- Mom and Girl

ISFS

Green Book

Year: 2018

Director: Peter Farrelly
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali, and Linda Cardellini

Tagline: Based on a true friendship
Synopsis: An Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver for a black classical pianist who is going on tour in the 1960s deep south.

Review

Unless you are a film aficionado, you may not have heard of Green Book, which is too bad.  You'll probably hear more about it once awards season rolls around, because it is an excellent film worthy of recognition.

The title comes from The Negro Motorist Green Book, which included hotels and restaurants where blacks were allowed in the Jim Crow South.

The tagline for the film explains that this is a true story.  It is the story of how Tony "Lip" Vallelonga and Don Shirley forged a lifelong friendship.  It is quite the story, since you could hardly imagine two more different men from two more different backgrounds.  Yet as they spend time together, talk to each other, and listen to each other, they develop a mutual respect and friendship.  There is tremendous hope in such a story.

As the filmmakers have pointed out, the film isn't necessarily meant to be about race relations in the 1960s.  It's about the experiences of these two men.  It's about how (admittedly racist) Tony changes because of this road trip with Don, as he gets to know him and as he sees how he is treated.  Time after time, Don is welcomed as an esteemed guest, only to be told he cannot use the restroom, eat in the restaurant, or even be out after dark.

According to the articles I've read, the story is highly accurate, aside from some tweaks to the timeline.  Tony's son, Nick Vallelonga, was one of the screenwriters and producers.  Over the years, he recorded his father's and Dr. Shirley's stories so he could eventually tell them.  Don Shirley told Nick to tell the truth -- all of it.  His only stipulation was to wait until he had passed away.  (He and Tony died within months of each other in 2013.)

Although the film is a drama and addresses some weighty themes, it also has touches of humor.  Tony and Don have an excellent banter throughout.  And both Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali are fantastic in their roles.  (I barley recognized Aragorn.)

The film is rated PG-13 for mature themes and some violence and also for Tony's incessantly bad language.  He primarily likes the S word but he also says the F word at one point.

If you are looking for a well-told drama, I highly recommend Green Book.  It's an inspiring story of friendship that is especially timely in our increasingly divisive world.

*** Spoiler Section ***

When Tony and Don get pulled over for the second time by a police officer, my thought was, "Not again.  They did nothing!"  So when the officer informs them they have a flat tire, it was a wonderful, hopeful moment that reminds us that there are still plenty of good people in the world, then and now.  The officer directs traffic around them and even holds a light for Tony as he fixes the tire.

I also loved that, at the end, it is Don driving while Tony -- exhausted -- is asleep in the back.  It says so much about the friendship they've developed.

Quotable Quotes

• "Pick it up, Tony."  "Squirrels woulda eaten it anyway."  "Pick it up." -- Tony and Don regarding litter
• "He's a doctor of piano or something."  "You can do that?" -- Tony and Dolores
• "That's like clinging a cow bell at the end of Shostakovich's 7th." "That's good?" -- Don and Tony
• "If I'm not black enough and if I'm not white enough and if I'm not man enough!  Then tell me, Tony, what am I?!" -- Don

ISFS

Fantasic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Year: 2018

Director: David Yates
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Zoe Kravitz, Ezra Miller, and Claudia Kim

Tagline: Who Will Change the Future?
Synopsis: When the dark wizard Grindelwald escapes from custody, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt Scamander to help track him down.

Review

Seventeen years ago, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was released in theaters.  I'd never read any of the books.  But once I'd seen the movie, I was an immediate fan.  I have been ever since.  As such, I absolutely loved Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.  It was so much of what I love about the Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling.

That makes this one of the rare movies where I completely disagree with the critics.  I haven't read what they had to say, but I saw the score on Rotten Tomatoes and it made me sad.  Having seen the movie, I think I do understand their qualms.  Crimes of Grindelwald is very much a film for the fans.  It doesn't work as a standalone film.  Not at all.  If you didn't see the first Fantastic Beasts you'd be utterly lost.  If you didn't have a basic understanding of the world of Harry Potter, you wouldn't be as excited, as stunned, or as knowing.  Lacking that foundation, so much of the film would fly over your head like a snitch in a Quidditch game.

It might also be argued that the story isn't as tight as it could be.  There are numerous threads running through the film.  Some came from the previous film and others are new.  Almost none of them find any resolution by the time the credits roll.  In fact, we are left with far more questions than answers.  This is part of a 5-part story arc after all.

I've also heard some complaints that this one is less fun and darker than the first one.  The tone is certainly different here.  And the themes are indeed much darker.  Far more is at stake.  In the first, it seemed to be a few lives at stake (and sometimes more than a few).  But now it is the world that is at stake and war is being waged not simply for lives, but for minds and souls, which can prove far more heart-wrenching to the invested viewer.

Grindelwald is a clever fellow.  Persuasive too, as can be seen by the number of followers he gathers and even by who he is able to gather.  Most dangerously, he seems to be a patient villain, willing to bide his time and wait for the right moments for things rather than always trying to force his will.  It makes him interesting and all the more dangerous.  And he is a fitting villain for the time frame of the movie.  We are in the late 1920s.  Grindewald's speeches and tactics echo the rise of the Third Reich and Hitler.

While the film is certainly darker -- and perhaps not suitable for the youngest kiddos who might be frightened -- the film is not devoid of fun.  I laughed numerous times throughout the film.  Newt is still odd but in an endearing way.  Jacob is his lovable self, though he admittedly has less to do this time around.  There aren't as many beasts this time, but they are fascinating nonetheless.  And I personally quite like Jude Law's take on a young Albus Dumbledore.

The film is full of little moments for the fans.  There are items and names and locations that make us giddy with recognition.  I thought the story was well told for what it is.  And I really liked the characters, both old and new.  There's so much going on and it is all exciting.

In sum, if you are a Harry Potter fan, you will likely love Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.  And you'll likely be as puzzled as everyone else by certain things and thus on the edge of your seat until the next film comes out (November 2020).  J.K. Rowling certainly knows how to spin a great story.

Quotable Quotes

• "Do you get motion sickness?"  "I don't do well on boats."  "You'll be fine." -- Newt and Jacob
• "Don't say 'salamandar.'" -- Jacob to Newt
• "Accio Niffler!" -- Newt
• "Follow the feather." -- Newt
• "You never met a monster you couldn't love." -- Leta to Newt

*** Spoiler Section ***

Have you seen the film yet?  Because if you haven't, you shouldn't be down here.  Seriously, stop reading and go see the movie first.

OK, where to start.

I really wanted to take a closer look at that Lestrange family tree.  I'm still confused as to how Leta is related to Bellatrix (or rather to her husband).  I really liked Leta's character by the way.  I thought she was a good character for the film and had a fitting story arc.

Speaking of the Lestranges.  So is that Senegalese Yusuf fellow actually free of his Unbreakable Vow?  The person he was supposed to kill is long since dead.  Now what happens?  Since he lived, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

I'm still not sure I'm ready to believe that Nagini the maledictus in this movie is the same Nagini the snake that is the loyal and murderous pet of Lord Voldemort.  This Nagini seems decent and good.  Even when she had the opportunity to kill the cruel circus master who kept her in a cage, she didn't.  And she chose not to believe Grindelwald's lies and follow him.  Granted, she has three more movies to go.

And then there's Queenie.  I wasn't too surprised by her choice at the end.  When we first see her she is already feeling desperate and using unethical means to try and get what she wants.  But there's nothing malicious about her.  I can't believe she would follow Grindelwald once she saw the truth.  And where she is a legilimens, that's going to be interesting.  I think Grindelwald either has her under the Imperio curse or has cast some other sort of spell on her.  That or he is highly skilled in occlumency to keep her from knowing what he's really thinking.

I almost think the film should have been named the Lies of Grindelwald.  He is an expert at them.  And I fully believe his reveal to Credence at the end is simply another one.  How would Grindelwald even know who Credence really is?  Undoubtedly Dumbledore told Grindelwald in their chummy days the story/legend that Grindelwald then tells Credence.  And what better way to get Credence to do what he wants.  Whether as Graves or as Grindelwald, he has done nothing but lie to Credence and has never fully understood who Credence is.

From a logistic standpoint.  The timeline simply doesn't work.  If Credence is 19 (he was said to be 18 in the first movie), then he is far to young to be the son of Albus' parents.  Albus' mother would have been dead and his father would have been in Azkaban.  And with all the dirt Rita Skeeter later dug up on Albus, how would she have possibly missed this?  Also, when Dumbledore is being fully open with Harry, why would he confess about Ariana and skip over another sibling?  It doesn't add up.

I think it is a clever lie by Grindelwald and a clever hook/misdirect by J.K. Rowling.  We'll have to wait and see.

ISFS

The Grinch

Year: 2018

Director: Yarrow Cheney and Scott Mosier
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Pharrell Williams, Kenan Thompson, and Angela Lansbury

Tagline: It's never too early to be annoyed by Christmas
Synopsis: Unlike the neighboring Whos down in Whoville, the Grinch cannot stand Christmas.  So, with his loyal dog, Max, he plots to keep Christmas from coming.

Review

I grew up with the Chuck Jones How the Grinch Stole Christmas animated film.  For various reasons, I never saw the Jim Carrey version.  Going in to The Grinch, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.  Coming out of the film, I was pleased with having seen it, but at the same time, I was a little disappointed about some things. 

Let's start with some of the film's struggles.

The 1966 version of the story is 26 minutes.  The Grinch is 86 minutes.  That means an hour's worth of backstory, side story, and padding.  Yes, Fred the reindeer is cute and has a sweet little story line.  But he really isn't needed.  Sure, Cindy Lou Who is kind and has an endearing little story line.  But that isn't really needed either.  The power of the original film (and the book, for that matter) is in its succinctness.  While the padding is nice, and colorful, and at times fun ... ultimately it is still padding that detracts and waters down the core of the story.

Speaking of watered down, this Grinch is quite watered down from the original.  He's far more misunderstood and lonely than mean.  This Grinch doesn't seem to have "garlic in his soul."  On the one hand, that makes him more likable and relatable.  We don't mind spending an extra hour with him.  But it also diminishes the power of his final transformation.

When I heard that Benedict Cumberbatch had been cast as the Grinch, I was excited.  I was expecting something along the lines of Smaug from The Hobbit.  Sadly, that is not what we got.  It seemed Benedict didn't even want to compete with Boris Karloff's Grinch.

Also a let down was the narrator.  I have nothing against Pharrell Williams, but he does not have a suitably epic narrator voice.  Again, did they decide to not even try to compete with Boris Karloff?

Lastly, if you must do a new version of "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," do it justice and do the whole song in a manner the story and song deserve.

Now for what the film did right.

The world created in the film is gorgeous and fun.  It has an appropriately Seussical look and feel with lots of bright colors and curvy shapes.

It's nice to see that the Grinch and Max have a better relationship.  It's obvious that despite his faults, the Grinch truly cares for his loyal dog.

I'll admit, I was excited when I recognized Angela Lansbury's voice as the Mayor of Whoville.

The highlight of the film is the Grinch's heist scene.  He uses an array of clever gadgets and gizmos to help him clear out the entire town in one night.  That part is terrific.

I also have to give The Grinch major props for including real Christmas songs.  Yes, it has "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "The Christmas Song."  But I was pleased that "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" and "Silent Night" both featured prominently.  Thank you.  And if you were worried,  "Welcome Christmas" (aka the "Da Who Doray" song) is also present.

The film is rated PG for an incident where one of the young Whos loses his clothes in a mishap and has to cover himself with a very large cookie.  I don't recall anything else.

While I do think the Grinch's redemptive transformation is watered down in this version, The Grinch still has a good message about kindness and reaching out to others.  And those are certainly things we need more of in this world.

If you need a family film to get you in the Christmas spirit, The Grinch is a colorful, clever, and enjoyable option.  I don't think it will ever be a holiday staple*, but it's certainly worth seeing.  Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go hunt down the 1966 animated version and listen to the Thurl Ravencroft version of the song.

* My Christmas staples are Muppet Christmas Carol and Prep and Landing ... in case you were wondering.

*** Spoiler Section ***

Seriously, what is up with screaming goats?  First there was one in Small Foot, now there is one in The Grinch.  Are screaming goats a thing and I just haven't heard about them until now?  I'm so confused.

As cute as Fred the reindeer is, and as sweet as it is that he comes back to help at the end, I didn't like that part.  Yeah, they needed Fred to serve some purpose in the story and show kindness to the Grinch.  But in that climactic moment, Fred's help undermines the power of that scene in the original.  We lose this important part: "And then the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!"  It is the Grinch who rescues the falling sleigh with newfound strength from his newfound understanding.  Fred is sweet, but in this version, that triumphant/transformative moment is lost.

Quotable Quotes

• "This is the loudest snow I've ever heard in my life." -- The Grinch
• "Today we will do mean things, and we will do them with style." -- The Grinch
• "If I'm gonna be Santa, then I need to get into character." [Reads that Santa is always jolly.] "Well, that's never going to happen." -- The Grinch
• "I put on a tie." -- The Grinch

ISFS

First Man

Year: 2018

Director: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, and Ciaran Hinds

Tagline: One giant leap into the unknown
Synopsis: A look at the life of Neil Armstrong as he goes from test pilot to the first man on the Moon.

Review

From my elementary school days, I knew the name Neil Armstrong.  And I knew he was the first man to walk on the Moon.  I also knew he safely returned from the Moon.  So when I say that First Man kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next, it's a pretty high compliment to the filmmakers.

Watching this film is probably as close to being an astronaut as I'll ever get.  And I'm OK with that.  The filmmakers opted for many tight shots and perspective shots.  At times, you feel you are seeing what Neil and the other astronauts would have seen -- and only what they would have seen.  We first see the Moon, for example, only through a small window.  The visuals are amazing, but they can also feel claustrophobic and dizzying at times.  Being an astronaut involves a lot of spinning, it would seem.  If you get motion sick easily, be warned.

The visual highlights of the film are, rightly, the Apollo 11 launch and the Eagle landing on the Moon.  The filmmakers clearly pulled out all the stops to make those scenes as visual and visceral as possible.  As close as they could, they make it feel like you are there.  I'll never know what it was like to watch the actual Apollo mission on live television.  This will have to do.  And it delivers.

As the story unfolded, I realized how little I actually knew/remembered about the Gemini and Apollo space programs.  I only remember a little from my history classes.  I vaguely recalled that there were serious setbacks and that astronauts lost their lives.  But it wasn't as real to me.  First Man does a beautiful job putting some of those things in perspective.  While Neil is the focus of the film, we see him interact with friends in the program.  And, with him, we feel loss when tragedies happen.  The cost of the space program has never been more real to me.

There's a powerful scene just before the Apollo 11 launch that has the head of the manned space program reading through a prepared contingency statement ... just in case Neil and Buzz don't make it back from the Moon.  I've always taken it for granted that they went to the Moon and came back.  It's sobering to realize it wasn't that certain.

Although there is much about NASA, the other astronauts, and the space race to the Moon in First Man, ultimately, those take a backseat to the personal story of Neil Armstrong.  This is less a story about how we got to the Moon, and more a story about Neil's physical and emotional journey during those years.  As one critic I read noted, Neil and his wife Janet are the only well-rounded characters in the film.  The others are intentionally rather flat, because this is Neil's and Janet's story.  Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy do an amazing job telling that story.

First Man isn't a romanticized view of Neil Armstrong the hero.  Rather it's an intimate view of Neil Armstrong the human, the father, the husband, the friend, and also the astronaut.  It could be argued that the film is as much about coping with the loss of a child as it is about landing on the Moon.  And I believe the story is better for that.

I also quite enjoyed the film's soundtrack.  There were some fitting 60s songs thrown in.  But it was mostly the score I enjoyed.  The filmmakers use less-common instruments, like a theremin, to give the music a unique sound.  And the music for the Apollo launch and Moon landing are sufficiently epic.

First Man is rated PG-13.  There is no violence or sexuality in the film.  But there are off screen deaths, heavy themes, and one F-bomb (shouted by a character at their absolute breaking point).  I don't recall much (if any) other language.

I quite enjoyed First Man.  It's a thoughtful look at the personal life of a man most of us only know from history books and video clips.  It was also a very real look on what the Gemini and Apollo astronauts went through.  If you are interested in space or in biopics, I recommend First Man.  But if you are prone to motion sickness, maybe wait to see it on a smaller screen.

*** Spoiler Section ***

When asked at the final pre-flight press conference, Neil declines to answer what personal item(s) he'll be taking to the moon.  I was pretty sure I knew what the movie would portray.  And I was not disappointed.  It was a fitting emotional climax to the movie.  Neil made it to the moon, and he came to terms with his daughter's death.

Apparently the film raised some controversy because it doesn't depict the iconic moment when Neil and Buzz plant the American flag on the Moon's surface.  The flag is shown in subsequent shots, but the moment isn't a focal point.  Some felt that made the film somehow "un-American."  I disagree.  But more to the point, the film isn't about NASA or the U.S. landing on the Moon.  It's about Neil.  It's about his journey, physically and emotionally.  His moment with Karen's bracelet is the emotional climax the film needed.  Making a big to do about planting the flag would have detracted from that moment.  First Man is about an American triumph, but not about American exceptionalism.

Lastly, I loved the final scene of the movie: where Neil is in quarantine and Janet comes to visit.  I kept wondering what on earth they could possibly say to each other in that moment.  What could they say that wouldn't be cheesy or corny or saccharine-filled?  The filmmakers must have wondered that too, and came up with the perfect moment.  Neil and Janet say nothing.  At least nothing with words.  It works so well.

Quotable Quotes

• [Draws the Earth and the Moon on two blackboards] "That's to scale." [Having done the math, a young scientist comes in and moves the moon over a few inches.]  "It was almost to scale." -- Deke Slayton
• "Your father's going to the moon."  "Oh.  Can I go outside and play?" -- Janet and Mark Armstrong
• "Houston, this is Tranquility Base.  The Eagle has landed." -- Neil Armstrong
• "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." -- Neil Armstrong

ISFS

Smallfoot

Year: 2018

Director: Karey Kirkpatrick and Jason Reisig
Starring: Channing Tatum, Zendaya, James Corden, Common, LeBron James, and Danny DeVito

Tagline: Not every legend is a tall tale.
Synopsis: After he is banished from the yeti village, Migo sets out to prove that the mythical "smallfoot" (i.e., humans) exist.

Review

It's not often that I have such mixed feelings about a movie.  But they are certainly mixed for Smallfoot.  Let's start with the good stuff.

Going into the movie, I had no idea it was a musical.  That was not part of the trailers I'd seen.  And yet suddenly Channing Tatum's yeti, Migo, starts singing about a perfect day.  Surprisingly, Channing Tatum has a pretty good voice.  There aren't a lot of songs on the soundtrack, but they were all better than I would have expected from a film that didn't label itself a musical.  The best of the bunch (which should definitely receive an Oscar nod) is "Wonderful Life," sung by Zendaya's yeti, Meechee.  For me, that sequence was the highlight of the film.

The story is clever and overall well told.  It is fairly predictable, but has its fun moments.  Reversing the "bigfoot" myth is fun.  And the film certainly tries to have some big ideas and depth to it.

Smallfoot is also pretty funny.  There were some excellent moments that had a Looney Tunes type feel (think poor Wile E. Coyote).  And I quite enjoyed the "gibberish" that the yetis perceived the humans as speaking (whereas the humans perceive only growls from the yetis).  There were quite a few times where I chuckled during the movie.  And there were moments when kids in the theater were laughing out loud.

While there's nothing outstanding about the animation, it is bright and colorful and certainly never detracts from the story.

As for the characters, they are all likable enough (well, except Fleem, who is supposed to be annoying ... I think).  But they are also rather bland.  None of the characters were particularly memorable.  They were just stock characters who happened to be yetis.  The character I liked best was actually Percy, the human.  He had enough substance to him and even got a decent little character arc.

So, why the mixed feelings?  That has to do with the film's theme and message, which is a double-edged sword.  On the one side, the story is about being curious, asking questions, and seeking truth.  All of which are good.  On the other side, however, the film has a decidedly anti-religious bias to it.  The start of the film makes that especially clear as it talks about "laws written on stones" and "creation stories."  The film seems to equate religion with blind faith and obedience, which is what the yetis live with at the start.

But religion and questions are not diametrically opposed, as the film strongly suggests.  Seeking truth and having faith can go hand in hand.  Indeed, my own religion was founded because a young man (Joseph Smith) had questions and sought for the truth.  And the truth he found changed the way millions the world over see the world and the purpose of life.  And the Book of Mormon -- which he translated -- doesn't tell people to blindly follow arbitrary rules.  It specifically directs readers to ask and know for themselves.  True religion is not about protecting people from the truth or the harsh realities of life.  And while commandments and religious rules/laws are there for our protection, it is not in the way the film portrays.

That said, I'm not saying the film is bad.  I don't know how overt that anti-religion message was meant to be.  I think it detracts from the story, but doesn't ruin it.  Rather, it invites discussion.  I'm not a parent, but it seems like this is a film that it is fine for children to see, so long as it is with their parents who then are willing to have a discussion about the subject matter.  And I figure that's a good thing, because kids are going to be exposed to these ideas anyway.  That's just the secular world we live in.

If you need a family film to see before the holiday season kicks in, you could do far worse than Smallfoot.  It's colorful, has good music, and mostly has a good message.  It can certainly lead to some family discussions.

*** Spoiler Section ***

How come the yeti don't seem to have noses?  And how does their machine produce that much of a cloud cover?  Also, what's up with the screaming goat?

Quotable Quotes

• "A life that's full of wonder is a wonderful life." -- Meechee
• "You want to save a species on the verge of extinction?  Save me!" -- Percy to Brenda
• "Am I missing a tooth?" -- Percy

ISFS

Alpha

Year: 2018

Director: Albert Hughes
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Natassia Malthe, and Jens Hulten 

Tagline: Leaders are born from survival
Synopsis: Around the time of the last ice age, a young man gets separated from his tribe.  In order to survive he befriends man's best friend.

Review

There's something wonderful about a well-told story.  Even if it is a simple, familiar story, when it is told with skill and sincerity, it can be a thing of beauty.  That's the case with Alpha.

The story takes place during the last ice age, when men were hunter/gatherers in tribes.  Keda is a young man on the cusp of adulthood and has finally earned the right to journey with his father and others of his tribe to an annual bison hunt.  Far from home, Keda gets separated from his father and friends and is left for dead.  The rest of the story follows his journey home.  On his way, he takes in, cares for, tames, and befriends an injured wolf, who he names "Alpha."  Together they face what nature throws at them during their quest to survive.  Thus is forged the bond between men and dogs (well, future dogs).

Is Alpha historically or scientifically accurate?  Probably not, or at least not entirely.  Did I care while watching the film?  Not in the slightest.  Instead, it is the almost mythological version of boy meets dog that all dog-lovers want to believe in.  Alpha is emotionally accurate and thus emotionally satisfying.

Alpha is also beautiful.  If the cinematography doesn't get nominated for an Oscar next year, I'll be seriously surprised and disappointed.  It's not just that the scenery is gorgeous, the framing of the shots is beautiful too.  There's also a shot with a masterful use of slow motion.  But my favorite shot is a sort of split screen moment.  Part of the scene is in the trailer, so I'm not spoiling anything here.  The bottom of the shot is underwater, with Keda trapped under the ice of a dark blue lake.  The top of the shot is Alpha on top of the ice surrounded by wintery white.  I don't care if the shot required green screens and/or CGI; the shot is epic and amazing.

The filmmakers made an interesting choice for the language of the film.  Instead of being in English, the dialogue is in an unknown foreign language, one that sounds sufficiently prehistoric.  The movie is then subtitled.  As a former film student, reading subtitles is no big deal to me.  I thought it was a neat touch really.  And there's not a lot of dialogue in the story to begin with.

There was only one thing in the film that I found fault with.  For all the realism of the settings, the clothes, the way of life, and the language, Keda has absolutely perfect teeth.  It is only in a few shots where there is a close-up that includes his teeth, but they are so bright white and straight that it is jarring.  It was enough to throw off my suspension of disbelief for a moment.  The makeup team dropped the ball there.

The film is rated PG-13.  Alpha is a survival story, which means our heroes must survive all sorts of peril from both beasts and the elements.  There are deaths.  There are injuries.  Nothing is ever graphic though.  I only looked away when Keda was eating still squirming bugs.  Bleh.

If you love dogs and the role they play in our lives, I recommend seeing Alpha.  And even if you are a cat person, you can still go and enjoy a beautiful, well-told, well-acted, survival/coming-of-age story.

*** Spoiler Section ***

In case you are worried, Alpha lives to become part of Keda's tribe (because he lives too).  The film's final shot is pretty epic: the tribe of hunters - in silhouette - walking forward, joined by Alpha and her grown pups.  Man and man's best friend: united.

Quotable Quotes

• "Raise your head and your eyes will follow." -- Tau to Keda
• "You are my tribe." -- Keda to Alpha

ISFS

Christopher Robin

Year: 2018

Director: Marc Forster
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Jim Cummings, Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael, Mark Gatiss, and Brad Garrett

Tagline: Sooner or later, your past catches up to you.
Synopsis: Winnie the Pooh helps a now-grown Christopher Robin set his priorities straight.

Review

After the non-stop action of Mission: Impossible - Fallout, the quiet, gentle pace of Christopher Robin was quite the change.   I've actually seen it twice at this point.  Upon the first viewing of Christopher Robin, I liked it.  Upon the second viewing, I liked it a lot.  Maybe it was because I was prepared for the slower pace and the (at times) bittersweet mood.

Winnie the Pooh has never been one of my favorite characters.  He's likable enough.  But I always found Eeyore, Rabbit, and Owl to be more amusing (and perhaps more relatable).  So I'm very glad that the whole gang is back in this tale.  Yes, it is mostly Pooh, but Piglet and Tigger also get their moments to shine.  It's Eeyore, though, who steals the show.  His self-deprecating, deadpan humor perfectly suits the tone of the film.  I love Eeyore.

Of course this movie isn't about the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood.  It's about Christopher Robin, who is all grown up.  He is perhaps too grown up.  Through a montage (told in a chapter style reminiscent of the books), we see highlights from Christopher Robin's life and see how he has come to his current state.  Through that, we also meet his wife and daughter, both of whom are missing Christopher Robin as much as his old childhood friends.

The story that follows is very much what you'd expect.  And that's OK.  We know the path Christopher Robin will take, because it's the path we want him to take: first back to the Hundred Acre Woods, then to his happier self, and at last back to his family and a re-prioritized life.  There's nothing new or unexpected in the journey, but that doesn't make it any less enjoyable or charming as we tread familiar ground with familiar friends.

One thing I appreciated about the film, it never tries to explain things.  Christopher Robin never questions Pooh's existence, just how he came to be in London.  The only explanation for anything that happens is Pooh's comment regarding the tree passage that leads to the Hundred Acre Woods.  He simply says it is where it is needed, which Christopher Robin promptly dismisses as silly.  It is amusing that he should find that silly, while never questioning that such a tree portal exists in the first place.  But that's part of the magical charm of these stories.  They need no explanation.  They just are.  Just like Pooh Bear.

The film is rated PG.  I've been puzzling over why.  There is one short montage scene that shows Christopher Robin as a soldier in a very dangerous situation with explosions in the background.  Or perhaps it is because the theme of finding your inner child again goes over the heads of actual children.  There was certainly nothing offensive in the film.  But its tone has a certain melancholy to it at times.  You might say the film is more an Eeyore than a Tigger.

If you are looking for a sweet and gentle film to top off your summer, I recommend Christopher Robin.  The story may not tread any new or surprising ground, but it's still a charming "expotition" [expedition] and adventure with lovable and funny friends.  As the film ended, I had a smile on my face.

*** Spoiler Section ***

There's a quirky little mid-credits scene featuring the Winslow office workers on holiday at the beach.  Also at the beach is a fellow singing and playing the piano.  That fellow just so happens to be Richard Sherman, of the Sherman brothers.  They wrote countless classic Disney songs, including "Winnie the Pooh" and "The Wonderful Thing About Tiggers."

Quotable Quotes

• "I've cracked!"  "I don't see any cracks.  A few wrinkles, maybe." -- Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh
• "Doing nothing often leads to the very best kind of something." -- Winnie the Pooh
• "I suppose [the tree's opening is] where it needs to be."  "That's a silly explanation."  "Why, thank you." -- Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin
• "I don't remember being cheery." -- Eeyore
• "[singing] The most wonderful thing about tiggers is ... I'm the only one!"  "He does that a lot." -- Tigger and Eeyore
• "Thanks for kidnapping me, Heffelump." -- Eeyore to Christopher Robin

ISFS

Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Year: 2018

Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Alec Baldwin, Sean Harris, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby, and Michelle Monaghan

Tagline: Some missions are not a choice.
Synopsis: After a mission goes wrong, Ethan Hunt and his team must race against the clock to prevent a greater disaster orchestrated by old and new enemies.

Review

Wow.

If you were to look up "blockbuster action spectacle" in the dictionary, I think you'd find a picture of Tom Cruise and the IMF (Impossible Mission Force) logo.  Because seriously.  Wow.

I love superhero movies.  And I know that the only way they are feasible is through the use of digital effects.  And certainly those actors put a lot of time, effort, and energy into their roles.  But when you watch Ethan Hunt do a HALO jump out of an airplane, you know perfectly well that Tom Cruise did many, many, many such jumps in order to practice and perfect the scene.  When Ethan Hunt is zipping around the Arc du Triomphe on a motorcycle going opposite traffic, you know Tom Cruise was really there, really doing that.  Yes, in a controlled environment.  But a real environment.  Digital effects just can't mimic the visceral feel of practical stunts.  And that is the Mission: Impossible franchise's bread and butter.

Of course Fallout, like its predecessors, is more than just one action sequence after another.  I mean, it is.  But there's also a thought out plot, with clever twists and misdirects.  There's humor.  There's some heart.  But mostly, there's terrific characters.

I've never liked James Bond.  I could never get into Jason Bourne.  Napoleon Solo was fine.  But Ethan Hunt is terrific.  I love his on-the-fly, figure-it-out-as-we-go-and-hope-it-works style.  Maybe that's because it reminds me of a certain fedora wearing archaeologist's style.  In some respects, Ethan seems superhuman.  But most of the time we see that he is very, very human.  And Fallout does a great job showcasing that side of Ethan.  He doesn't win every fight (perhaps even most fights) all on his own.  He gets battered and banged up and needs the assistance of his team.  He has to improvise and switch from plan B to plan C to plan D.

Also returning for this mission are Luther (who gets a couple of surprisingly serious scenes), Benji (who ever lightens the tension with his humor), and Ilsa (who is as beautiful, dangerous, and enigmatic as ever).  Joining them is Secretary Hunley, who seems to have fully embraced his switch from the CIA to the IMF.

New to the scene are the White Widow (an amoral woman focused primarily on profit and self-preservation) and a "it's nothing personal" CIA operative (played by Henry Cavill).  Yes, Superman has grown a mustache and joined the CIA.  But not really.  August Walker is a far cry from Clark Kent.  And apparently the prep work for the two characters is also quite different.  To be Superman, Cavill had to look ripped.  To do the stunts required for Fallout, he had to truly be ripped.

Ghost Protocol is still my favorite in the franchise.  I'd say Fallout is neck and neck with Rogue Nation (which Fallout is a follow up to).

The film is rated PG-13 for violence and swearing.  The violence is the same as the previous films.  Annoyingly, one character in Fallout does shout the F-word.

I thoroughly recommend Mission: Impossible - Fallout.  The action alone is jaw-dropping and worth the price.  But the film also has the same humor, clever twists, and relatable characters as its predecessors.  I hope another mission comes to the IMF in a few years.  Although how they can keep topping the previous film's stunts is beyond me.

*** Spoiler Section ***

That Julia (Ethan Hunt's former wife) is in the film is revealed in the trailers.  But the trailers nicely don't reveal what her role is.  Not that it is a big surprise as the story unfolds, but it works so much better that way.  And I loved what her role in the film was and how things played out in the climax.  The final scene between Ethan and Julia was, in my mind, perfect for this franchise and true to the characters.

Quotable Quotes

• "What's the plan?"  "Hope they've never met."  "Hope is not a plan!"  "You must be new." -- Walker, Ethan, and Ilsa
• "That was Ilsa."  "Shut up."  "Very interesting.  It's good to see you again, Ethan." -- Lane and Ethan
• "What are you waiting for?"  "I'm jumping out a window!"  "Oh.  Sorry.  I had it on 2D." -- Benji and Ethan
• "What's he doing?"  "I find it's best not to look." -- Ilsa and Benji

ISFS

Ant-Man and the Wasp

Year: 2018

Director: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangaline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Pena, Laurence Fishburne, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hannah John-Kamen, and Abby Ryder Fortson
Tagline: Real heroes.  Not actual size.
Synopsis: Still on house arrest, Scott Lang tries to figure out how to juggle being Ant-Man and a good father while being embroiled in an adventure with Hank Pym and Hope Van Dyne.

Review

Marvel is basically on fire this year.  And the great thing about their movies is each has a distinct enough feel to keep things interesting.  This year has brought us Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and now Ant-Man and the Wasp.  Each is fun, action-packed, and enjoyable.  But each is also quite different.  Right now, Ant-Man and the Wasp is just the movie we need ... especially after the world-changing (universe-changing) events of Infinity War.

I was pleasantly surprised by the first Ant-Man.  If you enjoyed that one, you are sure to enjoy this one.  The story, though, is more of a sequel to Captain America: Civil War, as the main characters all deal with the repercussions of that.  The story is thus more personal and grounded (again, something much needed after Infinity War).  Much of the movie focuses on the relationships between fathers and daughters: both Scott and Cassie and Hank and Hope.  Those relationships drive the plot and the characters.

It's nice to not have the entire world at stake for a change.  That was one thing that was so enjoyable about the first film.  It was on a much smaller scale (pun intended).  And rather than taking over the world or altering the state of the entire universe, the antagonists are doing what they are doing for either personal reasons or business.  There's not really a villain per se.  And it works.

The biggest reason Ant-Man and the Wasp is the MCU film we need right now is that it's light and funny.  Like, it's really, really funny.  I laughed the entire way through (well, not during the mid-credits scene, but I laughed again during the post-credits scene).  It's not quite the same style of humor as Thor: Ragnarok.  But it was still enjoyable to me.  The film has perhaps the best seagulls gag since Finding Nemo.  And watching things shrink and/or embigify never gets old.

All the characters from the first movie are back, including Luis, Kurt, and Dave.  Their roles are smaller than in the first film, but they are just as funny.

Scott is as charming and down-to-earth as ever.  I love that he is (mostly) an ordinary guy thrown into this extraordinary world.  He's not trying to balance brain surgery or managing a gigantic corporation or running an entire kingdom.  He's trying to figure out how to be a good dad and have a day job.  He's the most relatable of the Avengers.

This time around we get to see Hope in action as the Wasp.  She takes up her mother's mantle with some intense action sequences.  Wasp has some serious skills.  And the film has some pretty awesome action.  Between the humor and the action, there is never a dull moment.

The film is rated PG-13 for the usual Marvel reasons.  There might have been less swearing in this one than in the first Ant-Man.

I highly recommend Ant-Man and the Wasp.  It has great action, terrific humor, and the right amount of heart.

*** Spoiler Section ***

It seemed inevitable that the mid-credits scene was going to tie into the events of Infinity War.  And boy does it ever.  I'm looking forward to seeing just what it will mean for the next Avengers film and what roll our shrinking heroes will (or won't) have in that storyline.

The post-credits scene nicely leaves us with a chuckle.

Quotable Quotes

• "So cranky."  "Do you want a juice box and some string cheese?"  "Do you really have that?" -- Hope, Hank, and Scott
• "You can do it.  You can do anything.  You're the world's greatest grandma!" -- Cassie to Scott
• "So, it's truth serum."  "It's not truth serum!"  "Walk like duck, talk like duck ..." -- Luis, Uzman, and Kurt
• "Do you guys just put 'quantum' in front of everything?" -- Scott

ISFS

Incredibles 2

Year: 2018

Director: Brad Bird

Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Samuel L. Jackson, Bob Odenkirk, and Catherine Keener
Tagline: It's been too long, dahlings
Synopsis: With Helen (Elastigirl) off saving the world (and saving their chances of getting superheroes legalized again), Bob (Mr. Incredible) watches the kids.

Review

Like all Pixar films, we are first treated to an animated short.  This time it is "Bao."  As always, the animation is beautiful.  And the story is clearly heartfelt and personal.  I got where the story was going, but it didn't quite click with me.  To me it was nice.  To someone else (perhaps a parent) it might better resonate.

And now for our feature presentation ...

It's been 14 years since we met the Parr family, Lucius, and of course Edna Mode.  Was it worth the wait?  My answer is a resounding "Yes!"  While I don't think it fully recaptures the original magic, Incredibles 2 is still a terrific follow-up to a terrific original.

One of the best parts of the film is it has something for everyone.  Is it a comedy? An action film? A story about family dynamics and parenthood? Or a story about superheroes?  Yes, yes, yes, and yes.  It's all of those things and balances them in a way that never gets old or feels forced.  The story does borrow some elements from the original, but it takes them in a fresh direction that allows for further character development as well as the introduction of new characters.

And really, this is all about the great characters.  Edna again steals the scenes she is in.  Lucius is as cool as ever (forgive the unintended pun).  As for the Parr family, we pick them up right where we left them.  They have the same faults and hangups and are continuing to learn.  They are just like a normal family ... only with superpowers.

Another fun aspect of this film is getting to see even more of what Elastigirl is capable of with her powers.  She has some great action scenes.  We also get more of what Frozone and Violet are capable of.  The new supers are interesting too, especially Voyd.

I watched The Incredibles a few weeks ago to get ready for the sequel.  And one of the most apparent things is just how much animation has improved in the intervening years.  Pixar has especially excelled at humans and hair in those 14 years, and it shows.  The original still looks good.  But this one looks fantastic.

Also important, the music is just as good as the original.  And we get introduced to theme songs for Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone.

Topping it all off, Incredibles 2 is funny throughout and flat out hilarious at times.  Jack-Jack steals the show with his ever-increasing powers.  But the rest of the family, Edna, and Lucius have lost none of their own wit.  Neither have the film-makers.

The film is rated PG for some mild language and peril.  It seemed on par (on Parr ... get it?) with the original in terms of the action and danger.  The mild language flew past me the first time I saw the movie.  Then it was pointed out in a review I read.  I guess it is the kind of stuff I'm too used to hearing.

If you haven't already seen Incredibles 2, what are you waiting for?  Go see it.

*** Spoiler Section ***

I don't know if there will be an Incredibles 3.  I'm certainly up for the idea if they can come up with a story.  And I hope we don't have to wait 14 years for it.

Without being heavy handed about it, the film does leave open a couple ways for the story to continue.  First off, the Underminer is still on the loose.  We can't leave that unresolved forever, right?  Second, the Screenslaver does pose an interesting question that the film doesn't truly answer.  Why should people simply trust the supers?  Sure, we know that Bob, Helen, and Lucius are in it because they truly want to help others (a fact Rick Dicker acknowledges).  But it's an interesting idea I think they could play around with in another film.

Quotable Quotes

• "Num num, cookie?" -- Bob to Jack-Jack
• "How's Jack-Jack?"  "... He's in excellent health." -- Helen and Bob
• "Combustion imminent?  What does that mean?"  "It means fire, Robert." -- Bob and Edna
• "No firing the baby in the house." -- Bob to Dash and Violet
• "I renounce my renunciation." -- Violet
• "You want me to un-crush?"  "What?  Nobody's ever asked that before?" -- Krushauer and Bob

ISFS

Ocean's 8

Year: 2018

Director: Gary Ross

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Awkwafina, Richard Armitage, and James Corden
Tagline: The plan is priceless.
Synopsis: Debbie Ocean and her crew attempt to pull off a jewel heist at the Met Gala.

Review

Although it's been a while since I've seen it, I quite enjoyed Ocean's 11.  And I remember thinking Ocean's 12 and Ocean's 13 were reasonably fun heist films too.  So I was looking forward to Ocean's 8.

So where does the film fall within the series?  It's been so long since I've seen the previous two, but I'd say 8 is better than 12 and maybe on par with 13.  But it just doesn't have the same panache as Ocean's 11.  Like the necklace in the movie, the film is a really good copy, but it just doesn't hold up under closer inspection.  It's got the look, but not the sparkle.

The heist itself is pretty well thought out and interesting.  The film starts out a bit slow though as Debbie Ocean (Danny Ocean's equally larcenous sister) gets herself paroled, immediately breaks parole, and gathers her crew.  Things pick up when we get to the actual heist.  From there on my attention was held and I enjoyed watching things unfold.

Even though there are fewer characters in this film, it felt like we had less chance to get to know them, compared to Ocean's 11.  Sandra Bullock's character is well done.  And I liked both Helena Bonham Carter's and Anne Hathaway's characters.  But the rest felt a bit flat and perhaps more like stock characters.  James Corden (as an insurance investigator) is fun, but he has very little screen time.

As enjoyable as the heist is, I did find myself picking holes in some aspects of it, once the credits had rolled.  When I was in the moment, I was able to suspend my disbelief ... mostly.  But those holes left a bit of an aftertaste that dampened my overall enjoyment.

The film is rated PG-13 for some adult situations and for language.

If you are a fan of the Ocean's films, or just enjoy watching a clever heist film, I'd say go see Ocean's 8.  It could have done more, but it was still an enjoyable time at the movies.  I'm glad I saw it, though I don't know that I need to ever see it again.  I do, however, want to go back and watch Ocean's 11.

*** Spoiler Section ***

The film has two twists.  The first one isn't much of a twist though.  The promotional material basically gives it away and I had it figured out before I even set foot in the theater.  The second twist I didn't see coming, but then I also wasn't looking for it.  That said, it isn't the least bit surprising.  It is more of an, "Oh, well of course" kind of thing.  But it makes for a nice wrap up at the end.

I'm really not sure the revenge plot would work or that the authorities wouldn't eventually piece everything together.  The evidence they plant against Debbie's ex (Clive Becker) seems circumstantial.  Any good lawyer would be able to point out all the holes in the story.  He had only limited opportunity and very little means to logistically have pulled off the plot he is accused of.

Speaking of Becker, why doesn't he ever turn in Debbie for parole violation?

Quotable Quotes

• "Why do you need to do this?" "Because it's what I'm good at." -- Lou and Debbie
• "These are all Russians." "They're hackers." "Are there hackers who aren't Russian?" "No.  There's barely any Russians who aren't hackers." -- Debbie and Lou
• "How long would it take you to make seven pieces of jewelry?" "Five or six hours." "How long if I told you you didn't have to live with your mother any more?" "Less." -- Debbie and Amita
• "Is it genetic?  Are the whole family like this?" "Literally." -- Frazier and Debbie
• "You would've loved it." -- Debbie

ISFS

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Year: 2018

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Woody Harrelson, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover, Joonas Suotamo, and Paul Bettany
Tagline: Never Tell Him the Odds
Synopsis: The early adventures of Han Solo.

Review

Well, it's no Rogue One, but it's also not The Last Jedi.  Solo is a fun yet flawed film that takes place in the increasingly familiar galaxy far, far away.

I enjoyed the film.  I did.  There are things it does totally right.  But, the film also has struggles at times and falls far short of the film our favorite scruffy looking nerf-herder deserves.  Here are some of my thoughts.

The question on most people's minds going into this film was: can Alden Ehrenreich pull off the iconic Han Solo.  Eh, mostly.  He's not Harrison Ford.  And those are impossible shoes to fill.  But Ehrenreich does an admiral job capturing the swagger of our favorite smuggler.  Put it this way, I more readily believed that he was Han Solo than I believed that Mark Hamill was really Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi.  He does his best and I would not mind seeing him take on Han Solo again.

Although it isn't Peter Mayhew under the iconic fur (hair?) of Chewbacca, everyone's favorite Wookie is still one of the best parts of Star Wars.  And seeing him first meet and become friends with Han is indeed fun and enjoyable.  Does anyone not love Chewie?  (Side note: I enjoyed Han's reaction to learning his new pal's name.)

Yes, Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian steals every scene he is in.  He's perfect in the role.  That said, his droid, L3 is one of the low points of the film for me.  She just annoyed me.  A droids' rights subplot was not really what the film needed.  Mostly though, she seems totally unsuited to the charming and debonair Lando.  The film tries to explain the unlikely duo, but it still just felt off to me.  I can understand why Lando has the banal Lobot by Empire Strikes Back.

I did think that Qi'ra (played by Emilia Clarke) was a fitting addition and a worthy foil to Han Solo.  But their love story was the cheesiest.  Yes, Han and Leia had some pretty cheesy lines.  But Han and Qi'ra were making my eyes hurt from rolling.  I'm no expert, but I don't think people actually talk like that.

As for the other characters, they were ... there.  And they were functional.  In a universe with some of the most iconic characters ever to grace the silver screen, nobody stood out as being memorable here.  But they aren't bad characters either.

The story has a western feel to it, which works for Han Solo.  The story is serviceable in that it gets Han, Chewie, and Lando all to meet each other and assures that a certain Kessel run takes place and that a particular game of sabacc is won by the right person.  But other than that, it's not a particularly compelling narrative.  A smuggler owes debts to a crime lord and has to pull another, bigger heist to pay his debts.  Double crosses ensue.  There's nothing new there.  It's not until the last act that things really pick up and start getting intriguing.

Again, I did enjoy Solo.  But I went with low expectations and it never really exceeded those expectations.  If this film weren't about characters we already know and love, it would fall completely flat and be forgotten.  Fortunately, we do love Han and Chewie (and even Lando).  So I hope that perhaps we do get another future outing with them.

If you are a Star Wars fan, I'd say go see Solo.  It has its fun moments and pays respect to the original trilogy.  Just don't have your expectations set too high.  If you aren't an avid fan of the galaxy far, far away ... well, maybe wait until Netflix.

*** Spoiler Section ***

Perhaps one of the best things Solo does is it answers (in its own way) the argument about whether Han shot first.  Han most definitely shot first.

I appreciated some of the references to the original trilogy, such as Lando telling Han "I hate you" and Han responding with, "I know."  We also see the same guard outfit that is used by Lando in Return of the Jedi.  Apparently they keep that on the Falcon as a disguise.  It was fun to watch Chewie first playing the holographic dejarik game on the Falcon.  And of course we see Han's lucky dice.

There were a few missed opportunities though.  I kept waiting for someone to refer to Han as either "scruffy" or "a scoundrel."  There were a few perfect opportunities.  But no.

It is a little weird that Han is given the surname "Solo" by an Imperial recruiter.  Certainly the name suits him, but would he really keep anything the Empire gave him?

One review I read criticized the reveal of Enfys Nest as if it was supposed to be shocking that this seemingly hardened marauder was a female.  That's not how I took it at all.  To me, the shock of the moment was to see how young she was.  She looks like a teenager, not the grizzled, middle-aged male or female I was expecting.

And then there was the twist at the end.  Who is the secret head of Crimson Dawn?  Darth Maul.  Wait.  What?!  The last time I checked, Maul had been sliced in two by Obi-Wan Kenobi and was tumbling down one of the ubiquitous bottomless shafts that every space station must have.  It was a cool twist, but I left very confused.  I had to go home and do some Googling.  Turns out Maul's whole "not dead" storyline is told in both the animated Clone Wars and Rebels series.  Huh.

Quotable Quotes

• "I hate you."  "I know." -- Lando Calrissian and Han Solo
• "Assume everyone will betray you, and you will never be disappointed." -- Tobias Beckett to Han Solo
• "That's my cape!  It's custom made!" -- Lando Calrissian to Qi'ra, who is using a cape to put out a fire
• "I've got a really good feeling about this." -- Han Solo
• "Throw him to the beast."  "There's a beast?!"  -- Empire Soldier and Han Solo

ISFS

Avengers: Infinity War (Spoiler Free)

Year: 2018

Director: Anthony Russo and Joe Russo

Starring: Everyone.  Or at least almost everyone who has ever been in a Marvel movie.
Tagline: Destiny Arrives
Synopsis: The Mad Titan Thanos is collecting infinity stones.  Can the Avengers stop him before he succeeds and destroys the known universe?

Review

Wow.  Seriously.  Wow.

Since this is going to be spoiler free, there's not a lot I can say.  For now, I'll just hit some highlights.

After 10 years of buildup, this is the epic film we've been waiting for.  It starts with a bam and never lets up until the credits and post-credits scene are over.  Yes, there are times when characters talk and explain things, but it felt like action scene after action scene.  In a good way.

One of the highlights of the film is seeing different characters interact.  The Guardians of the Galaxy are working with the Avengers.  Spider-Man is meeting Dr. Strange.  Hulk is trying to figure things out after his absence from Earth (if you don't know that, you are way behind in watching Marvel movies).  It's great.  And the directors do an excellent job juggling so many characters in a way that feels lively instead of crowded.

Infinity War is by no means a standalone film.  It is banking on the fact that you have been with Marvel for the last 10 years.  While you don't need to go back and watch all the MCU films, you should at least have seen Thor: Ragnarok and Black Panther before seeing Infinity War.  Otherwise, some elements won't make much sense, nor will you be able to fully appreciate other elements.

The film assumes the audience will have some understanding of what the infinity stones are and where they are located.  We are also expected to know who these dozens of heroes are and already care about them.  Because really, it's not their movie this time.  The story centers on Thanos: who he is and why he is after the stones.  And it works.  It works well.  Partly because Thanos is one of those villains who truly believes that what he is doing is the right thing.  He is the hero of his own story, even though he is the villain in ours.

It's not a spoiler to say that this is part 1 of 2.  If you paid any attention at all during the pre-production phases of the film, it was originally called Infinity War Part 1.  But then they decided to drop the "part 1" since the second film will have a different name.  (That title hasn't been released yet since the name itself is a spoiler.)  This is very much a part 1 of 2.  Part 2 will come out in one year.

I thoroughly enjoyed Infinity War.  It was epic.  It was funny.  And it was heart-wrenching at times.  For the most part, it balanced all those things well.

The violence level is what you'd expect.  There was some swearing, from the characters who typically swear (I'm looking at you Star-Lord). 

As with all Marvel movies, there's a post-credits scene.  And it's an important one.


*** Spoiler Section ***
Nope.

Quotable Quotes

• "When you said you were going to open Wakanda to the rest of the world, this is not what I imagined."  "What did you imagine?"  "The Olympics.  Maybe a Starbucks." -- Okoye and T-Challa
• "I am Groot!"  "I am Steve Rogers." -- Groot and Captain America
• "You speak Groot?"  "They taught it on Asgard.  It was an elective." -- Rocket and Thor
• "There's an Ant-Man and a Spider-Man?" -- Bruce Banner (who's been gone a while)
• "There can't be a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man if there's no neighborhood." -- Peter Parker

ISFS

Ready Player One

Year: 2018

Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Lena Waithe, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance, and Simon Pegg
Tagline: A better reality awaits
Synopsis: Wade Watts spends most of his time in the virtual reality world of the OASIS.  When ownership of the world is threatened, Wade and his friends unite to uncover a hidden Easter Egg that will save the OASIS for everyone.

Review

Nope, I haven't read the book.  So I can't make any comparisons.

This is kind of a difficult review to write.  On the one hand, I enjoyed Ready Player One and had a good time watching it.  But on the other hand, I was still disappointed when I left the theater.

The story is that in the year 2045, most people live their lives in the virtual reality world of the OASIS.  When Halliday, the creator of the OASIS, dies, he leaves a treasure hunt of sorts.  There are three keys each with three clues.  These will eventually lead you to a hidden Easter Egg within the OASIS.  Find the egg and you inherit Halliday's fortune and full control of the OASIS (i.e., you become an instant trillionaire and one of the most powerful people on the planet).  The nefarious company IOI (Innovative Online Industries) of course wants to find the egg so they can basically rule the world.  The are headed by money-grubbing, generally-no-fun Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn).  Average twenty-something Wade Watts (aka Parzival) wants to find the keys in order to save the OASIS from IOI. 

With me still?  It's a treasure hunt.  Let's stick with that.  And it is a clever one at that.  The story is fun and kept me invested the entire time.  The writing is sharp too, with numerous lines that made me smile. 

Ready Player One also offers an immersive trip inside the OASIS.  It's a world where anything is possible and people can be anyone or anything they want.  Spielberg does a terrific job creating that world and sharing it with us.  It's beautiful.  (Although I'd have liked a bit more color in the palette.)

Apparently, the book is a nonstop series of references to the 1980s.  The movie version broadens that to include references to the 1990s and even later.  Put it this way, there's a scene with the Delorean from Back to the Future being chased down by a Tyrannosaurus Rex from Jurassic Park and King Kong.  There's also another sequence that takes place in the world of a well-known horror movie (I won't spoil which).

As enjoyable as the world and story are, the characters are a bit of a letdown.  They are likable.  But they are also flat.  Even when we are with them in the real world, they never feel real.  Their backgrounds are each summed up in a one minute backstory.  It's easy to root for them, but hard to think they would be suited to become the most powerful people in the world.  The film's villain and his requisite henchman, while interesting, are also flat.

The film is rated PG-13, and the reasons for that are also disappointing.  The level of violence is about the same as, say, a superhero movie.  But there is a lot of swearing.  Or at least it felt that way to me.  Instead of ever using a word like "stuff" or "things," pretty much all the characters used the S word instead.  And it is prevalent.  There is also one use of the F word (in what is meant to be a humorous context).  The movie also has a naked woman, but the scene is carefully edited too not be revealing (this is in the virtual reality / CGI world).  There is also a suggestive dance scene between two characters.  Oh, and there are zombies.  Basically, it's PG-13 for good reason.  I wouldn't call it scandalous, but it's not for kiddos.

Ready Player One is indeed a fun and enjoyable film.  It's crafted by a master storyteller who clearly loves movies.  But the film isn't perfect.  It hearkens back to some of Spielberg's classic blockbuster films ... but it doesn't attain their level.  If you love nostalgic movies and video games, by all means, go enjoy the film.  I was entertained and am glad I saw it.


*** Spoiler Section ***
Who leaves important passwords on a sticky note in plain sight?  Seriously?

I don't know the book, but I feel like there were elements about Ogden Morrow's life and story that were left out.  I kept wanting to hear more from him and why he left and how he viewed the OASIS he helped create but then had reservations about.  What he was doing in the real world might have grounded the movie more.

For a movie about how reality is better than virtual reality, we didn't get much time in the real world.  It was hard to tell how salvageable things are or aren't.  I was actually surprised when police showed up.  It had seemed like law and order had disappeared and resided only with IOI.

Quotable Quotes

• "She wanted to go dancing.  So we watched a movie." -- Halliday (regarding his first and last date with a woman)
• "People come to the OASIS for all they can do.  But they stay for all the things they can be." -- Parzival (aka Wade)
• "You can climb Mount Everest ... with Batman." -- Parzival
• "Try not to destroy everything on your first day." -- Halliday to Parzival about almost accidentally pushing the big red button
• "Is that the holy hand grenade?"  "Yep."  "How much did that cost you?"  "Not as much as it's going to cost them."  -- Sho and Parzival

ISFS

A Wrinkle in Time

Year: 2018

Director: Ava DuVernay

Starring: Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, Zach Galifianakis, and Chris Pine
Tagline: Be a warrior
Synopsis: After Meg's scientist father goes missing, three mysterious beings guide her, her brother, and her friend on a journey across the universe to rescue him.

Review

I have read A Wrinkle in Time, but it was as an adult and it made very little impression on me.  I remembered very little going into the film.  Maybe if I'd remembered more of the book, more of the movie would have made sense.  Or maybe I would just have been more disappointed.

During much of the movie, I wished I could wrinkle time and thus get to the ending faster.  I tried to like it, but I was bored most of the run time.  I could simply never get invested in the story or the characters.  I kept waiting for something where I could say, "Well that was at least cool" ... but that never happened.  Nor is the film so bad that I can now make fun of it and point out all its ridiculousness or plot holes.  There are some things that don't make sense.  Some moments feel pointless and drag on.  Overall, it feels like the film version of "it's the thought that counts."

Mrs. Whatsit is -- I presume -- supposed to come across as socially inept and quirky.  But mostly she comes across as unintentionally rude verging on obnoxious.  Charles Wallace is a precocious child genius.  But he too comes across more as annoying (granted, I vaguely recall having that same impression after reading the book).  Meg and Calvin are nice but bland (and even a bit cliched).  Mrs. Who has her quoting schtick ... until she doesn't (I have no idea if that is in the book or not).  And Mrs. Which (Oprah Winfrey) ... well, she is truly larger than life in the film.  But most of her dialog feels like it came from a book of motivational quotations.

As for the plot, it feels more like a paint/quest by numbers.  The so-called "tests" of Camazotz aren't much of tests.  Throughout the story, Meg is told a lot of encouraging things, but her growth and understanding feel scripted rather than earned.

The film has a few intense scenes that might be a bit much for younger kids.  Michael Pena's character has red eyes, which is kinda creepy.  Zach Galifianakis's character has a man-bun, which is kinda terrifying.  That is all.

I wanted to enjoy A Wrinkle in Time, but I just couldn't.  It is pretty to look at and it has a nice enough theme, but that is about all.  Nothing went beyond the surface for me.  All the film's good intentions fell flat.  If you loved the book, go back and read the book.  As for the movie, I'd say save your time and money for the upcoming blockbuster season.


*** Spoiler Section ***
One of the few things I do remember from the book is "Aunt Beast."  But she, her kind, and her world are omitted from the film.  Considering how long the movie already is at that point, it was probably for the best.  Still, I remembered liking that part of the book, or at least finding it intriguing.

Quotable Quotes

• "You sound like my mother."  "Is your mother a baritone?" -- Meg and the Happy Medium
• "I really don't think we should have brought her along."  "She can hear you."  "Oh."  -- Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Which
• "I give you the gift of your faults."  "You know those are the bad traits, right?"  "Are they?" -- Mrs. Whatsit and Meg
• "You look like a person." -- The Happy Medium to Mrs. Whatsit
• "The only thing that travels faster than light is darkness." -- Mrs. Which

ISFS