12 Strong (movie review)

 

  12 Strong is drama action rated R that runs for a little over 2 hours.  It stars Chris Hemsworth, his wife Elsa Pataky, Michael Peña, Rob Riggle, William Fichtner and more! 

  My last day of January and last movie of the month was a great one!  I almost think just as good as the first one I saw at the beginning of the month (All The Money In The World).

  Having been prior service I do go out and see military movies for several reasons but, this based on a true story of such an important part of history was a definite must see in my book.

  The movie was fantastic.  It was easy to follow along.  It started out a few years ahead of the actual events to give you a full back story to the purpose and reason of why the need to get these 12 soliders over there to fight.

  It is rated R because there is language and the war scenes do include death and blood.

  I walked out just speechless that these men went into a war environment where there were tanks and rode horses! 

  This movie told an amazing story.  One that I was not even remotely familiar with.  I appreciate this story being told especially because I wasn't aware of even the book.  The cast was great and portrayed the story in an entertaining and believable manner.  You know they were stressed, but there was a time for jokes and a time for seriousness.

  Call them warriors or soldiers but the team that they made.  The loyalty and respect that they had in addition to the training all helped to get the job done.

Check out a clip here!

Family Fun at the movies

  We loved going to the movies in this house.  It's not just about the movies because to be honest you don't know about the movie until after the movie.  It may be about the popcorn though!

Sometimes we don't have to vote on the movie we are going to.  It's just unanimous!

Paddington was on my mind since I saw the advertisments.  Paddington of course needed a sequel!  This movie rated PG with a run time of 1 hour and 43 minutes was an entertaining movie the whole time!  My kids enjoyed watching the bear and his antics.  

In this movie from the previews you know that he goes to prison, turns the laundry pink and of course indulges on Marmalade sandwiches.  With the bear locked up the show must go on.  That leaves his family whom does all the foot work to prove Paddingtons innocence. 

This movie will not disappoint.  My kids are older and had no trouble following through and laughing along with the show.  This was a great sequel and sometimes we know sequels are not always good.

  This was a great family day.  We saved money by going during a matinee.  Along with utilizing refillable popcorn buckets that will can refill for a fraction of the cost.

All The Money in the World (movie review)

  I concluded my birthday with a late showing of All the Money in the World.  This drama runs for over 2 hours and is rated R.  It's cast includes Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer and Mark Wahlberg.

  This movie is based on a true story around Jean Paul Getty.  He founded the Getty Oil Company and was known to be the richest man.  This was why his grandson was kidnapped.  The initial ransom was a demand of 17 million.

  Despite all the begging and pleading from  his son and his wife he refused to pay a cent.  He made plenty of excuses to justify his decision.  He had 14 other grandchildren and if he paid for one, the others may get kidnapped for ransom as well.  He also would make no money on the transaction which is all he cared about.  More money.

  Things make a turn for the worse when. The kidnappers don't receive their demands.  They decide to send proof of how serious they are straight to the newspaper. 

  I will end my summary on that sentence!  I thought this was a good movie.  I wasn't aware of the complete storyline prior to walking in.  I only knew it was based on a true story so some of the content surprised me. 

  It was a long movie.  I would like to say it goes by quick but it didn't.  The storyline was easy to follow and I was entertained through the movie.  There were some parts that could have got cut out and you still would have been able to follow.    The end was exciting because I truly didn't know what was going to happen. Of course I was rooting for a safe return but if the ransom doesn't get paid what could the outcome possibly be?

  Did I leave just enough to get you interested if not here's trailer more.
 
   It was nice to get out and see an adult movie but one of the next movies I want to see is Paddington 2! 

Kong Skull Island review

  King Kong is not just a movie about a monkey or gorilla if you want to get specific.  There's a plot.  There's action.  There's a little left to keep you guessing.

  Kong: Skull Island runs for 2 hours and is rated PG-13.  This fantasy/ science fiction film stars: Samuel  L. Jackson, Brie Larson and John C. Reilly to name a few.

  I went to see this film after opening day as sometimes it's the best time to go.  Less crowd equals more arm room.  I always try to catch my movies at matinee prices which are easy on Tuesdays as its the special all day Cinemark.  So I can even catch a evening showing missing the crowd for the same affordable rate.

  It was nice to see 2017 Kong even though the movie is still set to be in the 40's.  He looked so realistic and believable.

  As soon as I saw the "female" of the movie I wondered of she was going to fall in love with a man or the gorilla.  The emotions and feelings were there but not just with her.

  There was plenty of action and a couple of those jump from your seat surprises.  A few jokes sprinkled in there which helped you get to know the characters better.  You can almost understand why the need to go to Skull Island is so important but you start to wonder why all the equipment is necessary.
  I am not a Sci-fi geek so as an outsider looking in I liked to see the other different extremely large creatures inhabiting the island.  I heard there was some importance to them.  I will leave that alone.

  I would say the PG-13 rating is about right.  Even if there isn't any sex, the blood and gore make up for it.  Language is pretty colorful but think about it your taking some soldiers to support some scientist on an island.  It's not Gilligan's Island here.

  I liked the movie and would see it again.  I'm sure I would catch more things the second time around.  So go ahead and head out.  It's not going to be packed and you should be able to enjoy yourself.

Storks (review)

  When you have kids and the television is on they are bound to catch a preview of a movie.  Then when a movie declares it's coming out tomorrow their ears perk up with full on attention.  They stop what they are doing listen to the commercial then proceed to let you know

 who:them
 when: tomorrow
 where: movies
 what: "we are seeing it!"
 how: your paying and popcorn is mandatory

  That's how every discussion goes when a new movie comes out.  A new animated film that is.  I must admit we have gone to a lot, some I didn't want to go to others I wished I hadn't but, some I'm glad I did.  Lucky for the kids I wanted to see this one.

  Storks is rated PG.  This was a clean PG rating.  I don't recall anything I was uncomfortable with my children seeing or hearing.  The movie runs for 1 hour and 40 minutes.  Starring roles go to Kelsey Grammer and Jennifer Aniston.

  The storks used to deliver babies but are in a new business.  They shut the baby business down due to an accident.  One stork is up for promotion and is tasked with termination.  This termination is what makes the story along with a letter.

  My kids and I all enjoyed the movie.  This isn't a freak occurrence.  Sometimes I like something and they don't.  Also I can rate this movie good because I didn't have to take anyone to the bathroom .  I could start rating movies with toilet icons based on how many times I have to take a child sometimes.  The were able to provide a summary of the movie, retell funny parts and laugh throughout the movie.  I enjoyed it as it was funny and entertaining.  The jokes are not geared towards adults as much as most animated films are.  This is a very funny wholesome movie.  The colors are bright, the babies are adorable and use this show as a springboard to learn more about storks.

  During the movie....... the question does rise of where do babies come from.

  You have to watch it to find out.  I did and now I know!

Ratchet and Clank (movie review)

  Sometimes I go to the movies under duress.  The children declare the movie we are seeing and although there's minimal arguing they win.  Now sometimes it's not that bad and sometimes I walk in and am subjected to something in would have rather not experienced.

  Ratchet and Clank is an animated action adventure.  It is rated PG and runs 1 hour and 34 minutes.  The cast includes Sylvester Stallone, Rosario Dawson and Bella Thorne to name a few.

  The movie is about a creature (whom is hard to identify by his peers) and a robot.  Ratchet (the creature) wants to be part of the team.  The team that takes care of the planet , fights bad guys and is envied by all. However reality has other plans for him and he is not accepted into that circle.    But when a robot crashes onto the planet and claims of an immediate attack they join forces.

  This movie is made for the young eyes to view the animation and the adults to hear the jokes.  The characters were cute and entertaining but I found the movie to be slow and uninteresting.  Sadly my daughter started squirming and making exaggerated noises.  I took this as she was done watching it and had other things to do.

  I will chalk this up as one for the team and will keep a better on on their choices and may not leap immediately to please them.  This movie could have waited for rental status.

  What I really wanted to see this week was Keanu.  I may still get out to see it!!

Eye in the Sky (movie review)

  I looked over my options for the week and decided Eye in the Sky was the movie for me for the week.  This drama/thriller is rated R and runs for 1 hour 42 minutes.  The cast to pull this movie off included Helen Mirren, Alan Rickman and Aaron Paul to name a few.

  Having been in the military I do like to occasionally watch a military type film.  This one was no let down.  We are all aware of the invisible eyes of the government watching us.  What we don't know is how often, when, where and what capabilities do they really have to do it.

  Our modern times have led us to make some hard decisions.  Human life has seemed to decrease in value in the eyes of others.   In the defense of a nation, country or crowded landmark  how many should die, do die or could die if a situation is diverted or not?

  This movie keeps you entertained from the beginning of the movie with high tech technology like drones and their secret pilots on land, innocence learning how to perfect hula hoop action and selling you wares at the corner to provide income for your family.  We all have our daily routines. Activities that we do to pass the time or make money.

  Without making everyone paranoid we do not live in a safe world.  We are not free from harm and we don't know who is watching.

  Sit back and enjoy this movie.  Take a peak at the military and government in action saving people from a bigger problem.  An unimaginable situation.  This movie should make you think of the consequences of your own actions.  What one little decision did you make that made a difference?

Batman v Superman (movie review)

  This movie is more than two men in tights and capes.  It's a movie with two men in tights, capes and a women!  I would not label myself as a superhero geek but I do appreciate a superhero movie like the next regular nongeek person.

    Batman v Superman runs for 2 hours and 33 minutes and is rated PG-13.  This movie is a science fiction theme film staring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill and Gal Gado to name a few.  This cast brought the superheroes to life.

  I was entertained by the characters all of them and some scenes proved to be better entertainment than others.  I was on the edge of my seat to see the lady in action but the length of this movie was a little much for me.
 
  The movie does take time and give you some basic history on all superheroes.  I was highly amused with Lex Luther (Jesse Eisenberg) throughout the film that's for sure.  Apparently I went with someone more knowledgeable in the area as when I had a question it was answered.  I'm a little more team Batman than team Superman  so I did get lost at times.

  The glimpse I got for future rescues by other heroes was exciting.  I will need to catch up before the next movie comes out!  You know I don't like to spoil the movie so I will not tell you who dies or who won!  I will say if you come into the movie late it will be ok.  There is a lot of fluff through the movie which hurts the movie as 2 hours was excessive.  The fight scenes were nice and I could have tolerated that more than Lois Lane scenes.

  I wouldn't wait for this movie to come to dvd matinee would be fine.  This way you can enjoy some popcorn, a break from kids and some popcorn!

Miracles from Heaven (movie review)

  I feel like I cut it close to catch this movie for the week.  I didn't have a plan and only started looking at my options in the morning for an afternoon show.  It was a choice between two when I checked out what was available.

  I had previously saw an interview on the Today Show with Jennifer Garner talking about her role but was not set on seeing this movie.  Only when I actually read the summary and checked the time did I make the final decision!

  Boy, am I glad I did!  You know you are in the right spot when the theater is packed.  For weeks the theater has not been packed for a movie I went to see.  For weeks I didn't have to look for a seat.  This week I had to look for a seat (and don't get me started on the lovely lady who apparently bought a seat for her purse).

  I will refrain from spoiling this movie too much but will tell you to have some napkins for your dirty hands or tissues for allergies.  This movie will provoke watery eyes!   I will leave it at that.  You may come to your own conclusions but I will not tell you!  However I have heard from some people how they appreciate being told when they may need tissues!

  This movie is rated PG and runs for 1 hour and 49 minutes.  The cast includes: Jennifer Garner, Queen Latifah and Martin Henderson to name a few.  This movie is beautifully written! It's hits you to the core.  The actors all play a stunning role to bring this true story to life.

  A family is living life to the fullest until they hit a bump in the road.  One of their own becomes sick.  The world around them crumbles slowly around them.  You of course are concerned with why you but you also want answers and help.  How far will you go to fix your family?  How much doubt can you have?  Do you think it's only about you?  How many people really suffer?  What are you willing to give up?

  Take your whole family to this movie!  I was going to bring my youngest daughter but thought it might be too much.  She would get more from it at home where I can talk to her to see what she understands and help her in understanding.  However elementary, preteens and teens would be fine!

  This may just be the movie of the year.  Your not going to want to miss out on this! See it tomorrow! A great day with your family after family dinner or before.

10 Cloverfield Lane (Movie Review)

  So another week has passed and another movie I did see.  Over the weekend I got to see 10 Cloverfield Lane.  From the previews I had seen it was one of two shows that I wanted to see so I am glad I got out to see it.

  10 Cloverfield Lane is rated PG -13 and runs for 1 hour and 46 minutes.  It has a great cast to include: John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Gallagher Jr.  This movie is not exactly a thriller but more of a suspense mystery movie.

  With such a small cast of actors it's axing I didn't get bored following the plot.  All the actors played a great role.  An important role to keep the movie going.  They played convincing roles throughout the movie and I enjoyed all their unique acting styles.

  The movie circles around a young lady stuck, held captive, kidnapped or just residing there of her own free will in a home.  She tries to convince herself that all is well but slowly loses reality throughout the movie.  People have got to be lying to her with such a bizarre story how could it be true.

  Aliens, monsters , nuclear attacks whatever is going on outside you are safer in the house. Your alive if you stay inside.  How many people are prepared to ride out a national disaster?  How close are they to your house and are you friends with them.  The house was definitely set up to sustain life.

  I liked this movie as everything was kept clean.  A movie without couples making out or even kissing was nice.  This movie was about finding out the real reason why she was where she was and why was she there.  She makes friends with another individual and they will get out of that house one way or the other.

  This is a nice little snuggle with you friend movie and focus on the plot of the movie.  I enjoyed my tub of popcorn and watched the whole thing just wondering what was going to happen next.  The suspense was great.

  Check out the movie and see how it ends. This is definitely one you watch all the way through.

Triple 9 (movie reveiw)

   I started my weekend with a movie.  Waiting to see a movie on the weekend allowed me to sift through my new and old options.  Although there are some old movies still playing that I wanted to see I choose a new movie.

  This week I decided on Triple 9.  This movie runs for 1 hour and 55 minutes.  It is rated R and is categorized as a crime/drama film.  Staring Anthony Mackie, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck and until I looked the movie up I wasnt aware of it but Kate Winslet as well.

  This movie is not your typical good cop bad cop movie.  It starts out with guns blazing as individuals rob a bank whereas on their getaway the red dye fills their car and they have to make a quick decision to remedy the situation.   After the first robbery we are introduced to the team of robberies! 2 brothers (isn't there always a set of siblings in a robbery) a ringleader and 2 corrupt cops.

  One bad cop is no happy when he is present with a good cop as partner but he eventually embraces the relationship.  The cops are plain clothes cops (don't let the pinstripes fool you) working closely with the community to include the gang division.  The new good guy doesn't know the rules of the streets so he bumps heads.

  This movie was very intense.  You are able to play out some scenes before it happens but there is still plenty of action that you don't see coming.  Another big job needs to be done as the bad guys are dealing with badder guys.  Noone is happy but those bad guys sure are smart and creative when it comes to figuring out how to get the job done.

  This movie had cops and gangs so expect guns, drugs, strippers and language. If you need to go to the bathroom go in the middle just don't wait till the end because you will miss some good spots.  Your movie mate telling you about it will never quite capture that moment.

  I liked this movie.  Will I see it again, probably not but doesn't mean I didn't like it because I did!  This movie had so much action, and plots it was nice to see what the guys were going to do next.  The boss lady was great.  I hated her so much but was amazed at how calm and cool someone could be.  I saw check it out, sit back and enjoy yourself!

Deadpool (movie review)

  I went to see Deadpool the beginning of last week so that got my movie in for the week.  I'm already trying to figure out this week but have figured out what's going on March 4th!

  So back to Deadpool.  Definitely rated R! I wouldn't take my children and have heard caution issued on television reviews but saw several kids at the showing when I was there.  To each his own.  The movie runs for 1 hour and 48 minutes and stars Ryan Reynolds, T.J.Miller, Morena Baccarin to list a few.

  You will not see any familiar X-men characters although Wolverine is referred to a couple times.  Two X-men residents make a couple appearances and you do catch a glimpse of the house but the story ends there.

  You got to love movies that go backwards at the beginning to appreciate the whole story.   I'm sure several of us didn't know the story of how Deadpool came to be so in this case it needed to be this way!  

  The movie starts off with action right away.  Deadpool wants not just revenge but a secret remedy to cure him.  He is in the search to find the man who disfigured him. (avocado who had sex with another avocado)

  Before Deadpool there was Wade Wilson just a regular man who finds love and is trying to live the American dream and live happily ever after.  He gets diagnosed with a life threatening disease but then when offered a new opportunity to defy the odds he takes it.

  The movie is packed with action, love, violence and more action.  I surprisingly liked this movie.  I didn't select this movie to go see but tagged along to go see it anyways.  It had a lot of crude jokes, gestures or innuendos but some of it was just funny.  Some of it may have been excessive but based on what you learn about the character it almost seemed appropriate.

  Final decision about this movie I could even sit through it again when it's released from the theaters.  Not a bad movie it had a lot going on to keep you interested.  You didn't know what to expect so it was nice to see the next scene.  You need to watch the movie to see what happened to him and how he got to be who he was.  If there was a second movie I would go to see it as I think he would have a bigger entourage and it would be even more entertaining to watch a team fighting crime.

 Happy movie viewing everyone!

How to be Single (movie review)

  When I saw the posters up of this movie I wanted to go.  I enjoy Rebel Wilson and couldn't wait to see it.  Little did I know I would actually be accompanied by my husband to this chick flick.

  How to be Single runs for 1 hour and 50 minutes with an R rating.  A show stopping cast to include Rebel Wilson, Dakota Johnson, Leslie Mann and Alison Brie.  All four women make their own statement in the movie.

  This movie follows all the women on different paths of their declared independence, desperately seeking, career woman and happily single.  Some moments are funny than others.  Good times just hanging with your girlfriend.  Discovering a new place with a new found friend.

  This movie allows us to be envious of the single ladies doing there thing as well as appreciate our married days.  Not all days are good.  Noone likes to be dumped, or go through a variety of men to find the right one or not find one at all.  However this movie brings light to make the most of what you have.  Take full advantage of the present time; no matter what part of life your in.

  Some points in the movie seemed pointless and could have been left out but I did appreciate the follow through from aspirations to the overall idea that it is ok to be single.  No pressure, no stress.  Living single, being single has its benefits just like anything else.

  I enjoyed this movie and might even view it again when it's made available on dvd.  This movie does follow through with laughs as promised and it definitely made a nice chick flick for the Valentine's Day weekend.

Kung Fu Panda 3 (movie review)

  Hurry go now don't even wait for my review.  Take the kids and catch that show.  I was going to skip taking my kids to this one because face it kids want to see everything but parents personally don't want to see everything so I was going to pass the buck on this one but, I'm so glad I went!

  Kung Fu Panda 3 is rated PG and runs for 1 hour and 35 minutes.  The cast includes: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Seth Rogen to name a few.

  This movie starts with one panda and ends with plenty.  Po is tasked with saving the day again in this movie.  He has to increase his talent and teach others to aid in his defense.  The world is being attacked by Jade monsters.  There are a lot of teaching quotes and motivation take note and enlighten your child.

  The movie is easy enough for all ages to follow.  There are not to many jokes above the children's head but various one liners more on a deep heart touching level.  Unlike a lot of animated movies there is a plot, there is a purpose and even lying has its consequences.

  My children sat glued in their seats through the whole movie.  My daughter mentioned how much she really liked the movie.  Even while watching it I said to myself I could watch it again at the theater and even watch it on rental.  DreamWorks made a great sequel.  This one may be my favorite yet!

Ride Along 2 (movie review)

  Caught a matinee the other day and may be subjected to another on Friday but let's focus in the present time.  I saw Ride Along 2 the other day.  Ride Along is rated Pg-13 and runs for 1 hour 41 minutes.

  This comedy stars Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Ken Jeong, Benjamin Bratt and an appearance by Tyrese Gibson.  The two cops are back at it again. Protecting and serving the city until they get a tip that their perp is in Miami.  A detective finally gives in to bringing a certain rookie cop with him in hopes of his ship publicly sinking leading to a new career for said rookie cop.

  Of course in this movie we have the conclusion to a successful dating couple as there is a lot of wedding arrangements being made.  A bride is anxious of the apporaching date and no fiancee in sight.

  This is a comedy so keep that in mind.  Don't focus on a particular plot just loosen up and watch the banter between the "brothers in laws".  Kevin Hart throws out some sassy comments and Ice Cube is always quick to shut him down.  If Kevin wasn't busy saying something funny I found amusement in his uniform choices while on assignment in Miami.

  Again I wouldn't go with high expectations of guns, drug lords and high speed chases in this cop movie.  This is a comedy. Comedy first law enforcement second.  Loosen up and relax.

  I made it to the movies this time early enough for the previews and boy they were a bunch of doozies.  I can't even begin to tell you what is coming.  Go see Ride Along 2 so you can see those.  I don't want to spoil to much.  I must have been there too early as I didn't sit through the previews on this one.

  You don't need to wait for Redbox to catch this movie. Sneak out and see it during matinee times.

Norm of the North (movie review)

    Opening day for Norm of the North got me out of the house this morning for the first showing at my local theater.  The last commercial yesterday that I saw told my daughter it would be out tomorrow.  It must have said tomorrow 3 or 4 times and by the time the preview was over it hit her that although on January 1st she didn't know when January 15th was exactly (she's  5) she did know when tomorrow was.  She was so excited then that she told me, " You need to call the movie theater because they didn't tell me what time the movie was playing!".  I reassured her that I would look up the times and we would venture out appropriately.

  We arrived slightly early (privileged enough to see an abundance of other kid previews which equals me noting all the movies in my future) and  had plenty of seating to choose from. We had our popcorn, drinks and made our last stop at the restrooms.

Showtime!

  Norm of the North is rated PG and runs for about 1 hour and 26 minutes.  PG  in this instance may be towards the word "twerk" being used (lucky for me my daughter did not ask what that was nor ask for a demonstration) lemmings (look them up for a nice education) peeing in a fishtank or maybe I overlooked some other comment or gesture.

  Norm is the main bear of the story.  He decides he will save Arctic from housing developments and travels to NYC to the source of the problem.  He travels with an entourage of lemmings which are very entertaining creatures.  Norm gets a gig to be the spokesbear for the builder which puts him in the best position to bring light to Arctic and how it's not the place to build new homes.  He gets into and out of trouble and finds out something smells familiar to him in his new environment.  There are areas where he sings and you may know the songs which gets you in the mood.  You obviously see how the movie will end but kids don't necessarily know how.  There's even some tense issues towards the end.  In all the bear who is the underdog wounds up on top!

  I laughed at parts, as did my kids but I'm not sure my daughter was "into" the movie.  She laid on my lap and maybe if it was longer could have even fell asleep.  I asked her if she liked it, asked what she liked or didn't like and what it was about.  She could answer everything but even when she got home she just wasn't talking about it.  I don't think she hated it; it she just wasn't that good to her.

Now showing Daddy's Home (maybe a spoiler)

  I went to the matinee today for Daddy's Home!  It is rated PG-13 and runs for 1 hr and 36 minutes.  PG-13 is for the language as I am sure all the topless scenes Mark Wahlberg was in was not put into that category.

  This movie was funny!  I enjoyed the whole thing and I don't think it slowed down or got boring in any section.  From start to finish I was highly entertained and not just because of a certain actor.

  The story is a battle between two men. One the new step dad versus the old biological dad.  The step dad is very well read in how to raise step children so he is prepared to parent the kids.  The old dad of course is not ready for someone else to raise his kids, be with his wife and take his family.

  The movie circles around the two guys playing good guy, bad guy and everything in between with no rules.  It's entertaining to watch them top each other.    You could maybe foresee where certain scenes were going but its still well worth it to watch.

  Keep watching till the end because after all what did you pay for!  Good movies keep it good until the credits and sometimes during them!