Month: August 2015

War Room

Opened in limited-release, “War Room” is about a seemingly successful couple (Tony and Elizabeth Jordan) with a beautiful daughter (Danielle). Everything appears to be perfect on the surface, (dream house, great jobs etc…) but when you pull back the covers what you actually see is Elizabeth’s world crumbling under a failing marriage. Tony the husband enjoys the fruits of his labor and flirts with temptation. Not knowing what to do Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness.

Things change when Elizabeth meets her newest client, Miss Clara. Soon Miss Clara challenges Elizabeth to establish a “War Room”. The story unfolds from there…
The message in “War Room” is loud, powerful, clear and very meaningful. Unfortunately most of the acting is not good and that’s what keeps “War Room” from being a great movie.

“War Room” is a Christian Faith based Drama, but is a bit too preachy and this causes some of the good message and intent to be lost.

The paid critics were very critical of “War Room”. It’s not that bad, but it certainly could be better.

With all of that being said…”War Room” is still worth a look!

This is a 3 Star Movie!

Straight Outta Compton

“Straight Outta Compton” was not on my original watch list. I only heard about the movie about 6 weeks ago and wasn’t sure…I had not seen many clips.

“Straight Outta Compton” is awesome! It’s in your face real. The music is slammin. You will be transported back to the late 80’s early 90’s.

It’s widely known that the streets of Compton California were some of the most dangerous streets in America during the 80’s. There were five fortune men who were talented enough to use Rap Music to portray the mean streets and brutality that some were subjected to even if they were totally innocent. “Straight Outta Compton” takes you on that journey…

The sound track for this movie is awesome. You will be moving in your seat.
Beware…There is some violence, racial brutality, strong profanity, blatant nudity, drugs and a lot of alcohol. Without these elements though the movie would have been soft. The movie is executed with precision. There is never a dull moment.

I highly recommend “Straight Outta Compton” if you can stand the elements I mentioned.

This is a 4 1/2 Star Movie

The Man from U.N.C.L.E. – The IMAX Experience

The widely popular hit T.V. show from the 60’s “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” comes to the big screen!

Henry Cavill plays Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer who plays KGB Agent Illya Kuryakin. Agent Kuryakin has been trying to capture and/or kill Napoleon Solo, but due to circumstances beyond either gentlemen’s control, they are thrown together to help destroy an International Criminal Organization.

They must locate a renowned scientist who went missing years ago. It seems he is the link to finding and destroying the International Criminal Organization before they start launching nuclear weapons. Napoleon Solo locates the missing Scientist’s daughter Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikander). Gaby does not know where her father is but wants to find him. She teams up with Napolean Solo and Agent Illya Kuryakin.

The story unfolds from there…

Although a definite take on the 1960’s T.V. show, the movie is fresh! Based in 1963, there are no mobile phones, no tablets, no laptops, just plain old fashion espionage, torture and ingenuous subterfuge.

The sound track is pretty good also! There will definitely be a sequel. This installment sets up the sequel very nicely.

If you were a fan of the 1964-68 hit T.V. show “The Man from U.N.C.L.E” starring Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, this is your movie!!

This is a 3 1/2 Star Movie!

Ricki and The Flash

I love Meryl Streep! She is one of my favorite actresses. She gets into her characters like nobody’s business. She gave it everything she had, but I wasn’t convinced.

Ricki (Streep) gave up everything to live her dream as a rock and roll singer/guitar player. She and her band “The Flash” play nightly gigs in a local bar in Southern California. They play to good crowds.

One day Ricki receives a call from her ex-husband (Kevin Kline) about their daughter Julie (Mamie Gummer). She needs her Mom. Ricki puts aside her feelings and travels across country to Indiana to try and pick up the pieces and attempt to make things right with her family. The Story unfolds from there…

Rick Springfield plays Greg a member of “The Flash” and he is also in love with Ricki (Streep). Greg has his own family demons that he is dealing with.
“Ricki and The Flash” is a deep movie but it only skims the surface. There are unfinished stories in the movie. The movie ends a bit too soon.

There is lots of live music and entertainment. The music is good. You will be dancing in your seat.

Mamie Gummer is Meryl Streep’s real life daughter. They have excellent on-screen chemistry.

This is a 3 Star Movie!