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.

Moana (movie review)

 

What is the number one kids movie out right now?  Moana in case you haven't heard!  The new Disney Princess movie came out last month just before Thanksgiving.

  Moana was the first time I enjoyed myself so much at a Disney Princess movie!  We went last week after the rush, in the early evening on a matinee all day rate.  You can't get better then that when you are looking at being comfortable with less of a crowd.  There was probably 20 people if that in the entire theater.

 Before I discuss the movie or my opinion let me just start with the color, animation and music all flowed.  I loved scenes in the movie specifically because of the picture.  It was so clear but animated but real.

  Moana is a princess on an island in Hawaii.  She loses someone dear to her whom also encourages her to save the island and her people.  She takes a journey  past the forbidden reefs but don't dear she is not alone.  She is backed up by nature on her quest to save nature.  She faces various threats but still stays focused on completing the overall objective.  Watch the movie all the way through as there is a point to the journey.

  I loved this movie.  I would see this movie again.  I would buy this movie.  There that's my opinion!   I go back to the color and animation of this film it's amazing.

Will you child like it? Yes!  There are a couple not so good kind of creepy parts.  I agreed with my 5 yo on one and the other she wasn't phased by.  Otherwise we talked about how cute Moana was, how beautiful the land was and how brave she is.  There is a guy sidekick Maui with Moana.  He brings humor and entertainment to the movie so it's not all about the princess so boys should like this movie too!

The crowds should have died down now.  Run out and see it!  You will not be disappointed.  Oddly enough the music and songs sprinkled throughout the movie were just as pleasant and enjoyable as well.

Shut In (movie review)

 Friday evening due to a sold out show and a late lunch had me checking out the movie Shut In.

  The thriller Shut In runs for 1 hour 31 minutes.  Get there there in time to see some great previews for future thriller movies!! Hint Wick and vampires to come in 2017! The movie is rated PG-13 and the cast includes Naomi Watts and Oliver Pratt.

  Two parents have come to the decision that it's better to send their troubled teen away for a bit but an accident has the teen coming back to reside.  As a single parent and psychologist the stress becomes unbearable again and after this ice storm passes another decision has been made to place the teen in a care facility.

    This is only the beginning as one of her clients a boy named Tom arrives at her doorstep Mary wants to help but its too late and he disappears at the height of the storm.  The movie follows Mary as she worries about the missing boy Tom, takes care of her son Stephen and struggles with her own sanity.

  Follow Mary as she tries to figure out what goes bump in the night.  Of course you have the theatrical music to keep the excitement alive.  A few spots to make you jump.  However the whole movie had a plot to follow.  Your concerned for the single parent , for the sick son, for the missing boy and the storm that's approaching. Watch closely as this movie presents a lot of oh moments as you connect the dots.

  Definitely a great movie to go see this weekend.  Save some money and catch a matinee if you can and then maybe grab some lunch or dinner before or after.  This movie was entertaining enough I would rent it to watch.

#nablopomo

The Joneses (movie review)

  I met the Joneses.  They live in a neighborhood near you.  She cooks and looks fabulous and he's handsome and charming.  Who wouldn't want this fun couple to go on double dates? They are perfect.

  Keeping up with the Joneses is rated PG13 and runs for 1 hour and 41 minutes.  This comedy/action film stars Jon Hamm, Isla Fisher, Gal Gadot and Zach Galifianakis.  It has humor and action scattered through the whole movie.

    The movie revolves around two couples.  One couple already established in a cul de sac and another couple moving in.  Of course everyone is nosey to see who the new couple is.  You don't get suspicious when the new neighbor lady can shoot darts like a girl but seeing them with a briefcase does.  They are too pretty, too perfect and too affectionate.  Somethings going on with them.

  I enjoyed this movie as the action was just as good as the humor.  Crazy chases, gun fire, snakes, and explosions; what's not to like.  This is a great guy/girl movie.  One liners you will use the next day at the water cooler are sprinkled throughout the movie.

  I would say if your going to the movies this week check it out.  Grab a matinee seat so you have money to splurge on popcorn!

 

Kubo and The Two Strings (movie review)

I recently was roped into seeing Kubo.  The two culprits work well as a team when it benefits them and involves popcorn.  Most of the time the movies I'm subjected to watch with the small people are good and this one fell into that category.

  Kubo is an animated fantasy adventure film rated PG that runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes. Main characters voices come from Matthew McConaughey and Charlize Theron.

After seeing this movie I now realize that PG ratings need to be further investigated.  This movie had some scenes that I was concerned about the perception from my kids but I know they were ok because they didn't mention it afterwords, so that's good.

Kubo starts out with supporting his mom and winds up running from spirits.  Along the way he is accompanied by a monkey and a beetle.  He plays beautiful music that creates living origami.  Some of the origami is for entertainment and other pieces save lives.

Some questionable images that brought concern for my kids were scattered throughout the movie.  Like I said since the kids didn't seem to be impacted by it I shouldn't be too worried.  Kubo had his eye stolen by his grandpa.  He had the visible scar even if your child didn't catch the line of what happened to it.  Some evil spirits are set free and pursue Kubo for his remaining good eye.  These are just a few scenes in the movie.

Overall it was a good movie.  The images were so real and lifelike.  The random touches of the Asian culture make it extra special.  Origami, lifestyle and traditions throughout the movie led to discussions with my kids of a far away land!

The movie is still in theaters and if your looking for a kids movie (that is not a baby film) this is the one for you.  

Money Monster (movie review)

  I went to see Money Monster based on the 3 options available to me opening week. One of them was a scary movie and I wasn't quite interested in that at the moment and the other was one I was not familiar with based on lack of advertising so Money Monster it was!

  Money Monster is a crime film rated R and runs about 1 hour 39 minutes. This movie was directed by Jodie Foster and had some great actors like George Clooney and Julia Roberts pulling off an entertaining performance.

  The movie starts off with a news segment discussing stocks. One disgruntled stockholder versus the large company. One man representing the world of believers. Believers being the people that are holding on to winning it big. Believers being the ones that waste the last of their money on a dream.

  The movie follows the ups and downs of a young man's life to bring us to the point of why he is so made at a company he invested in. He although is nothing more than a regular person knows that he was wronged. Not personally but wants justification and answers. I was not aware of the movie before I went but glad I choose it. It was entertaining.

  We already know the value of a dollar. Some of us know how to stretch it better than others. This movie makes you think of money, who controls it, you or the government, big corporations or even the media. We are teased and tempted on a daily basis but need to not only be strong and defiant but also more educated on our options of better spending and saving.

  I would rent this movie as I'm sure I would catch bits and pieces I missed while viewing it in the theater.

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!!

The Huntsman (movie review)

  Last week for a Yelp event I caught the movie The Huntsman at the Paragon theater.  The Huntsman is rated PG 13 and runs for 2 hours 3 minutes.  The film is labeled as a fantasy film and stars Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, Chris Hemsworth and Jessica Chastain to list a few.
 
  I had seen previews for this movie and was excited to see this!  It starts out with a narration to catch us up on the history.  You have a good sister and a not so good (jealous) sister.  They lived together until a tragedy happened and the good sister moved out.  At this point I thought of a common children's movie (Frozen).

    Now that the sisters are separate this leads to essentially two queens ruling their own territory.  One queen prefers her soldiers to be children. (enter another movie similarity)

  Love is a negative thing in this movie and you watch as obstacles are put in place for individuals to jump through all in the name of love or is it direct orders?

  A mirror goes missing and must be found and destroyed to keep from getting in the wrong hands.  This journey is entertaining as you catch glimpses of various fun creatures in the forest, some new helpers as well as some not so friendly goblins.

  Why not watch the movie to see if there is a happier ever after ending?

 I will say I did enjoy this movie and would rent the video as well as buy it for my home collection.  The plot was easy to follow and it was entertaining throughout the whole movie!  You couldn't anticipate the process of the movie which makes it a good film to watch!

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!

Zootopia (review)

  Disney's new movie Zootopia hit theaters today and I was as excited to see it as my kids were.  Zootopia  rated PG runs for 1 hour and 48 minutes and has a great cast lineup to include: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman and singing by Shakira.

  The movie is about when animals live together in their own world.  They live in cities, town and countries together getting along with all species regardless of predator or prey status.  In living in your world there comes jobs that need to be manned such as cops, farmers and mayors.

  The overall movie motivates you to do what makes you happy.  Be true to yourself.  You don't need to settle.  If your ambition is to be an police officer than work towards that goal and do it to the best of your ability.  Expect hurdles as that is realistic but work through that to accomplish your goal.

  Don't assume you know something about someone or a species because everyone is different.  Of course when your young and grow up your outlook on life changes.  We do mature with age and realize what's important and what's not.

  Some spots in this movie did surprise me.  We actually viewed this movie in 3D so that didn't help with some parts.  My daughter (the 5yo) did jump at parts that jumped unexpectedly at her.  Parts were a little darker and scary then what she expected.  She did state when the movie was over she didn't like the scary parts.  Some animals did get mean and attack.  There were growls and pouncing motions.  My 3 yo didn't cover his eyes nor make any comments but he did remove his glasses for most of the movie so maybe he didn't quite catch the same image, he didn't understand it, or it didn't bother him.

  Over all I did like the animation.  I like the characters.  I do believe the sloth parts was my favorite. Lots of jokes sprinkled through it that kids will not catch that adults will.  I probably would not rent this movie from Redbox but if we did I anticipate my daughter covering her eyes on the darker parts.

  It was a good movie. Maybe better for kids over 5 but you know your child better than anyone.  Perhaps if we didn't view this movie in 3D it may not have been quite as scary.  A majority of the movie is pleasant about 20% spread out is the parts that concerned me the most for being a child's movie.

  Regardless of my opinion.  I leave it up to you.  Would love to know how you felt after seeing it.

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.

Weekly Recap

  This week I am pretty pleased with my week.  All 4 planned meals were a success.  Although only one of them was a new recipe for me to try there's nothing wrong with that.  We still ate at home and used the pantry as a resource!

Chicken Potpie

Stuffed Shells

Blackbean Bugers

 Falafel and Couscous

I even actually had the teenager make all the meals this week.  This provided her with a first time using the food processor as well as frying.

I saw the Star Wars movie this week.  Of course going now allowed me to select any seat I wanted except 3 as that's how many other people were in there with me!  It was interesting. I definitely wasn't bored.  I was entertained through the duration and love any scene where there's a girl kicking butt!  I left once for popcorn which sometimes I use as an indicator of the movie but not this time.  I need to go back and watch the other movies though so I can get caught up in my mind. Not knowing/remembering about the others leaves a big gap.

I made a few projects this week both by myself and a craft with the kids.  This keeps me on track for my overall goal for the year.  Along with I did try a new hairstyle but I'll show you at the end of the month when we have met our goal.

Exercise was not met by a day.  Water is a conscious effort! My followers on other social platforms grows a little everyday.

I even managed to get caught up (ignoring present book) on an old book I needed to review!

So as its Saturday; it's time to make a new weekly goal!

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!

Now showing Alvin and the Chipmunks (no spoiler)

  I stepped out to a matinee showing of Alvin and the Chipmunks with my family today! The movie is rated PG and runs for 1 hr and 28 minutes.

  Summary:
  The movie has the same storyline of the chipmunks being left at home while Dave leaves but the chipmunks become alarmed about why Dave left which sets them off on a roadtrip.

  Over the course of their roadtrip through various states trouble follows them wherever they go providing us the audience with pure entertainment.  Some if the humor you don't even see coming.

  You will see fast cars, dancing, singing and special appearances by the Chipettes.  This is a funny movie and everyone in my party to include a 3 yo laughed and enjoyed it. There are popular radio hit songs played throughout.

  I would rent this movie when it comes out!

Date 15

  As you know this week is for dating (hanging out) with your friends.  These dates should be stress free.  They do not require a lot of preparation other than maybe just coordinating a time and possibly a place.  Most of the ideas are minimal in cost if at all.  That makes it fun in itself too.

  Today it is all about a drink!  Grab a drink with your friend.  The drink is up to your discretion.  Coffee, tea, wine.  Of course if you choose to meet her at 8 am maybe wine could be converted into a Mimosa with champagne instead.

  Cheers to you guys today.  Have a good day and toast to your friendship!

Daycations $4 8 hours of entertainment

Newport News, VA was explored by two peeps and myself.  Again we started our day out with a movie.  The paragon theaters
 show movies during the summer for free.  We had visited here last year and loved it.  Have you been?  Leather reclining seats

 for your comfort and a self serve butter

stop for your popcorn enjoyment!  This is without a doubt my favorite way to enjoy watching movies.  We watched Night at the Museum Secret of the Tomb.  As I write that I smile; I have watched this particular movie like 5 times I love the monkey and Pompeii scene.

  We packed our lunch this time which like I stated before definitely makes for a budget friendly day.  We walked around the friendly, businesses in the Oyster Point area and settled along the water for our lunch.

 I always make everything into a learning point. It was such a clean area because as I told them everyone threw out their trash.  If we left our trash out the area would look bad and the wildlife

might eat it.  This sunk in because when we were done eating she actually picked up a piece of garbage she saw on the ground and took care of it.

  We did indulge on some ice cream after our lunch at MaggieMoo's.  There was a sign posted for a special $1.99 kids special available after a movie.

The kids each got 1 scoop of ice cream and a topping.  This was a nice break in the air conditioning before we started back on our journey for the day.

  Our next stop was at peninsula spca.  I had visited here a long time ago and decided to share it with the little ones.  I am not in the market for a new animal at the moment but if I were I would look into a shelter first.  I did consider their smaller critters.  Gerbils, hamsters and guinea pigs however.  I brought my kids here and we did discuss why the animals were there and the concept of how much love, and "goodies/supplies" they need there until they find a nice family to live with.  My sole purpose of this visit was to show them the petting zoo.  The cost of this is $2.  You are also able to purchase feed for the animals but, I'm not one to encourage sticking food in your hand and letting an animal eat from it.  The zoo was not as big as I recall but should satisfy small ones you are trying to entertain.  There were goats,

chickens, llamas to name a few and a leopard.  That day he was sleeping it would have been nice to see him walking around.

  Lastly was our daily dose of cardio!  I had planned to do another boat ride and was so excited for a new location and surroundings to explore.  We headed over to the mariners museum. We made a pit stop at Sonics to replenish for the upcoming activities.  Everyday 2-5 (at least in my area) is happy hour.  Happy hour allows us to get drinks and slushes half off.  Today was a good day to get slushes!  We were not able to take a boat out and instead took advantage of the trail they had around Lake Maury.  All 5 miles of it!

The 3 official stops minus popcorn, sonics and icecream cost us $4 for the petting zoo.

Go explore Newport News there are lots of things to do and see.  Plenty of free or low cost activities.  Fun for the entire family. Whether you like animals, nature or are looking for something to do inside Newport News is your place.  We will get back over there soon.