1917

At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers, Schofield (Captain Fantastic’s George MacKay) and Blake (Game of Thrones’ Dean-Charles Chapman) are given a seemingly impossible mission. In a race against time, they must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers—Blake’s own brother among them. 1917 is directed by Sam Mendes, who wrote the screenplay with Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Showtime’s Penny Dreadful). The film is produced by Mendes and Pippa Harris (co-executive producer, Revolutionary Road; executive producer, Away We Go) for their Neal Street Productions, Jayne-Ann Tenggren (co-producer, The Rhythm Section; associate producer, Spectre), Callum McDougall (executive producer, Mary Poppins Returns, Skyfall) and Brian Oliver (executive producer, Rocketman; Black Swan). The film is produced by Neal Street Productions for DreamWorks Pictures in association with New Republic Pictures. Universal Pictures will release the film domestically in limited release on December 25, 2019 and wide on January 10, 2020. Universal and Amblin Partners will distribute the film internationally, with eOne distributing on behalf of Amblin in the U.K.

This movie was amazing simply because of the camera work.  It was done in such a way that it basically brought you there with these soldiers on their mission.  That along with the changing score of the soundtrack really ratcheted up the tension throughout the movie.  There was down time inbetween major stress but the movie was paced awesome and felt so incredibly real throughout.

I would definitely recommend people checking this movie out.  It was a very good watch.  

Parasite

Meet the Park Family: the picture of aspirational wealth. And the Kim Family, rich in street smarts but not much else. Be it chance or fate, these two houses are brought together and the Kims sense a golden opportunity. Masterminded by college-aged Ki-woo, the Kim children expediently install themselves as tutor and art therapist, to the Parks. Soon, a symbiotic relationship forms between the two families. The Kims provide “indispensable” luxury services while the Parks obliviously bankroll their entire household. When a parasitic interloper threatens the Kims’ newfound comfort, a savage, underhanded battle for dominance breaks out, threatening to destroy the fragile ecosystem between the Kims and the Parks.  Parasite is a peculiar tale about two families who are worlds apart yet somewhat alike, portraying a striking reality of the world we live in. The film stars Lee Sun-Kyun (A Hard Day), Cho Yeo-Jeong (Obsessed), Choi Woo-Shik (Okja), Park So-Dam (The Priests), and Chang Hyae-Jin (Poetry).

Holy crap!   Talk about mind blown.  Completely mind blown.  If you were to ever tell me that I would watch a North Korean movie with subtitles and be completely hooked on a ton of different levels and that even thought it was already cruising to a top 10 list for 2019 would have me yelling holy shit over and over again for the last 20 minutes - I would tell you to get out of my face and stop being a fool.  But that just happened.  This movie is absolutely amazing on so many levels.  I am stunned.  I want to watch it again.

I would 100% recommend people checking this out.  Outside of a mega-franchise coming to a close, this would be the best movie of the year hands down.

Just Mercy

Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever.

Wow!  This was a very powerful movie acting wise and story wise.  The cast absolutely killed it and they keep you hooked from beginning to end.  They made you feel like you were there in that time period and got you the proper amount of upset based on the times and mentality.  

I would definitely recommend people checking this movie out.  It is a great watch with powerhouse performances.

Little Women

Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War.

My 100% achilles heel is period piece movies like this.  I just can't get into them no matter what.  On top of that this is like the 700th version of Little Women that has been made.  Why do they keep redoing it.  I forgot about this movie like 5 minutes after I saw it.

Again - I'm not exactly the one to go to for a recommendation on this because I am really not a fan of these kinds of movies.   I was not hooked whatsoever.

Spies In Disguise

"Spies in Disguise" is a buddy comedy set in the high octane globe-trotting world of international espionage. Will Smith ("Men in Black") voices Lance Sterling, the world's most awesome spy. Cool, charming and super-skilled, saving the world is his occupation. And nobody does it better.  Almost the exact opposite of Lance is Walter, voiced by Tom Holland ("Spider-Man: Homecoming"). Walter is a great mind but perhaps not a great socializer. What he lacks in social skills though, he makes up for in smarts and invention: Walter is the scientific genius who invents the gadgets Lance uses on his missions.  But when events take an unexpected turn, Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. And if this odd couple can't learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril.

This was a pretty decent watch in terms of animation and story.  What really carried it was the voiceovers of Will Smith and Tom Holland.  They played excellently off of each other and really kept you hooked to the movie.  

I would somewhat recommend people checking this out.  It is by no means a must see but the movie is not bad.  It's definitely a decent holiday watch if you have kids and are looking for something to do as a family and what not.

The Rise Of Skywalker

"Star Wars: Episode IX" will conclude the third trilogy of Star Wars movies that began with "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" on December 18, 2015 and will continue on December 15 with "Star Wars: The Last Jedi."

I waited a couple of days before posting my thoughts on this one.  I wanted it to digest for a while because the more I thought about The Last Jedi the less I liked it.  Before reviewing this movie its important to point out in retrospect that Disney really screwed the pooch with the three different directors also writing each of their installments plan that they originally had.  It should have been one master script for the whole trilogy and then different director visions.  But making it so Rian Johnson could just alter things that JJ Abrams had set up is one of the dumbest things I've ever witnessed and completely screwed the continuity of this trilogy.  That being said - with JJ coming back for the third one he had to basically do a movie and a half to course correct things from The Last Jedi (and compensate for Carrie Fisher's death) and then make this movie.  Taking that into consideration - I think he did a great job with this movie.  Are there flaws?  Absolutely.  Did they leave too many things up in the air for a "conclusion" chapter?  Absolutely.  But it still felt like a Star Wars movie.  It was a very fun ride and in the end that is the main thing I always want from these.  He did a really good job of getting things reconnected to the plot line and course correcting.  The biggest problem with that was that there was ALOT to cover in this movie and the first 45 minutes or so were pretty much non-stop.  When I looked at my watch and it was only 19 minutes in and my head was spinning with all the different places they had gone already and everything that had happened I was like holy crap.  But it settled down and worked out very well.

I would of course recommend that people see it regardless.  It's Star Wars, people!!!  It's better and more connected to where the story seemed to be going than The Last Jedi.  

Cats

Oscar®-winning director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables, The Danish Girl) transforms Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-shattering stage musical into a breakthrough cinematic event. Cats stars James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and introduces Royal Ballet principal dancer Francesca Hayward in her feature film debut. Featuring Lloyd Webber’s iconic music and a world-class cast of dancers under the guidance of Tony-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (Hamilton, In the Heights), the film reimagines the musical for a new generation with spectacular production design, state-of-the-art technology, and dance styles ranging from classical ballet to contemporary, hip-hop to jazz, street dance to tap.

Wow!  This was . . . . . . . . . something.  And not remotely in a good way.  I watched this from beginning to end with a WTF look glued on my face.  I know that I saw the musical when I was pretty young and thought it was weird but not THIS weird.  This was . . . . . . . . . . something.  I will never understand what made all of the incredible talent involved in this think it was a good idea.  Like how mid-filming did none of these people say wait . . . . . . NO!  This is hot garbage and we are going to become the biggest punchline of the year.

I want to say that I don't recommend anyone seeing this because it is beyond the realm of bad BUT this movie is so bad that it almost makes it a must see just for the massive WTF emotions you go through as watching it.

Bombshell

Charlize Theron and director Jay Roach are teaming to tell the tale of disgraced Fox News chairman Roger Ailes. Theron will portray Meagan Kelly, a former lawyer who was a Fox News anchor for over a decade, rising up through the ranks from legal contributor to host of the popular series The Kelly File. Fox News reportedly tried to pressure her to come out in support of Ailes (John Lithgow), but she refused. Ailes ran Fox News and helped launch the careers of Sean Hannity, Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson with his powerful channel. He also was also a prominent figure in Republican circles who helped elect presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan and George Bush. Ailes was forced to resign in 2016 when a host of accusations of sexual misconduct surfaced, with Carlson and Kelly’s the most high-profile, and which contributed to his exit from the network.

This was pretty much just a straight telling of everything you had heard about the #MeToo movement at Fox News.  The performances throughout the movie were excellent - especially Charlize Theron because you basically thought it was Meagan Kelly playing herself.  But once you get past the awesome performances - there just isn't much substance to the movie.  The stuff is all very recent so you remember it clearly.  There is no new information introduced.  It just felt kind of hollow on that front.  

I would somewhat recommend people checking this out.   The performances really were awesome.  It's just kind of there though unless you are overly connected to this specific story for some reason.

Richard Jewell

Based upon the Vanity Fair article "American Nightmare: The Ballad of Richard Jewell" by Marie Brenner, the film will tell the story of security guard Richard Jewell who, in 1996, became both a national hero and shortly afterwards a suspect in the Olympic Park bombing. Jewell, who's life was thrown into turmoil following the accusations, was eventually exonerated.

Very conflicted on this movie.  On one hand - I absolutely loved it.  I thought the direction and writing were top notch.  I thought that the guy playing the lead and Sam Rockwell were awesome.  I really, really enjoyed this movie ALOT.  However, it felt kind of hypocritical all along in the way that it showed the media and the law enforcement characters.  Like if you are making a movie about how Richard Jewell was wrongly accused and biased against shouldn't you walk that line more and not portray law enforcement and the reporter as biased.  Like yes - they were wrong and what not absolutely but like especially the reporter it was kind of uncomfortable how she was portrayed.  The funny thing is that I had no idea about the controversy surrounding this until after seeing the movie and felt better that it wasn't just me.

I would still recommend people checking this out.  The movie was a great watch and I very much enjoyed it.  It just did kind of rub me the wrong way at times because of what I said.

Uncut Gems

Set in the Diamond district of New York City which follows the story of a jewelry store owner (Sandler) with a gambling addiction while trying to handle two relationships and debts at once. Stanfield is set to play as a key ally to a famous client of the jewelry store.

All of the buzz about Adam Sandler's performance in this was warranted.  This was easily the best acting he has ever done.  He kept it straight and managed to avoid going into goofyness although you could tell several times that he wanted to start improving.  The development of the story and the people involved kept you very hooked from start to finish and this movie could definitely warrant award buzz at the end of the year.

I would definitely recommend people checking this out.  It was a great watch and really showed you the dangers of gambling and falling into that world.

Queen & Slim

While on a forgettable first date together in Ohio, a black man (Get Out’s Daniel Kaluuya) and a black woman (Jodie Turner-Smith, in her first starring feature-film role), are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. The situation escalates, with sudden and tragic results, when the man kills the police officer in self-defense. Terrified and in fear for their lives, the man, a retail employee, and the woman, a criminal defense lawyer, are forced to go on the run. But the incident is captured on video and goes viral, and the couple unwittingly become a symbol of trauma, terror, grief and pain for people across the country. As they drive, these two unlikely fugitives will discover themselves and each other in the most dire and desperate of circumstances, and will forge a deep and powerful love that will reveal their shared humanity and shape the rest of their lives. Joining a legacy of films such as Bonnie and Clyde and Thelma & Louise, Queen & Slim is a powerful, consciousness-raising love story that confronts the staggering human toll of racism and the life-shattering price of violence.

This movie was much more of an artsy watch then I thought it would be.  It was also strangely more about the two leads relationship than the racial tensions brewing.  A lot of the racial tension stuff was done apart from them as they were really just getting to know each other the whole time they were on the run and the best part of the movie was the side by side development of those things.

I would somewhat recommend people checking this out.  It's not a must watch and is not really a mainstream movie because of how artsy it was.

Jumanji: The Next Level

In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.

I loved the first one and it really ended up being some of the best casting all around in a big budget movie like this.  This movie was very much the same action and story wise but was so much funnier.  I will happily watch The Rock and Kevin Hart pretend to be old men any time.  The two of them had me belly laughing throughout the movie.  And Jack Black nailed it again just like in the first.  

I would absolutely recommend everyone check this out.  It is beyond entertaining and a great trip to the movies.

Black Christmas

Hawthorne College is quieting down for the holidays. One by one, sorority girls on campus are being killed by an unknown stalker. But the killer is about to discover that this generation’s young women aren’t willing to become hapless victims as they mount a fight to the finish.

This was complete garbage and a total waste of time.  There was not anything even "scary" until like 45 minutes into the movie.  A bunch of pointless build up for a massively disappointing and not scary whatsoever horror movie.

Nobody should bother with this.  It was a blatant Friday the 13th money grab and is complete garbage.

Dark Waters

Inspired by a shocking true story, a tenacious attorney (Ruffalo) uncovers a dark secret that connects a growing number of unexplained deaths due to one of the world's largest corporations. In the process, he risks everything – his future, his family, and his own life - to expose the truth.

This was a pretty decent watch about company corruption and the whole lawsuit/cover-up process.  The acting was good which was expected from the cast.  The movie did a good enough job of hooking you and making you want to see how it will play out.  That all being said - you will most likely forget about having seen this movie like a week after seeing it.

I would somewhat recommend people checking this out.  I wouldn't say that you have to go to the theater and pay because it is not worth that but it was a decent watch.  Just one of those not too memorable movies to be honest.

Knives Out

Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, The Last Jedi) pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in KNIVES OUT, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect. When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan’s dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan’s untimely death. With an all-star ensemble cast including Chris Evans, Ana De Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, LaKeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford and Jaeden Martell, KNIVES OUT is a witty and stylish whodunit guaranteed to keep audiences guessing until the very end.

This was a very enjoyable, old school, murder mystery.  The cast was excellent.  The way that they all played off of each other was excellent.  And the pacing of how it all played out was excellent too.  I didn't think I would like this as much as I did from the trailer but was very entertained from start to finish.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this out.  It is a very fun and enjoyable watch for this time of year.

Frozen II

Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven, she'll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In “Frozen,” Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In “Frozen 2,” she must hope they are enough.

I tried.  I really really tried to be open minded about this movie and let go of my dislike of the original Frozen.  But the same issues I had with the first one came roaring back with this one.  If you take Olaf out of this I would have totally hated it.  I just don't understand the love for Anna and Elsa.  The music is so dreary and down.  And the subject matter really isn't kid friendly at all when you think about it.  I will never understand the fascination with these princesses and their story.

It doesn't matter what I say about this - pretty much the whole world or anyone with kids will eventually see it regardless. I just really don't get it and was not a fan of this one anymore than I was of the original.  

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Tom Hanks is attached to star as Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood," the pioneering children’s television series from The Fred Rogers Company that is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. The film is inspired by a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and award-winning journalist Tom Junod. In the heart-warming story, a cynical journalist begrudgingly accepts an assignment to write a profile piece on the beloved icon and finds his perspective on life transformed. Rhys will play Junod the award-winning journalist whose real-life friendship with Rogers inspired the film.

You know when there are movies that somehow massively connect with your hear but you can't really put your finger on why or how?  This was one of those movies for me.  I was completely mesmerized by it but can't include in this review why.  In all honesty - the more time that went by after seeing it the more I realized that I liked it.  This movie has a shot to be on my top ten list at the end of the year because of how much it unexplainably connected with me.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this out.  It really was like Mr. Rogers helping adults cope with or deal with things like he had always helped children do.

21 Bridges

21 Bridges (previously titled 17 Bridges) follows a disgraced NYPD detective (Boseman) who is given a shot at redemption. Thrust into a citywide manhunt for a cop killer, he begins to uncover a massive conspiracy that links his fellow cops to a criminal empire and must decide who he is hunting and who is actually hunting him. During the manhunt, Manhattan is completely locked down for the first time in its history -- no exit or entry to the island including all 21 bridges.

This movie was a pretty decent watch.  It was another dirty cops or not dirty cops which I feel like I have honestly seen way too many of recently.  But Boseman and the direction made this this one definitely watchable.

I would of somewhat recommend people checking this out.  It's not a must see by any means but it definitely is a decent enough watch.

Ford V Ferrari

Based on a true story, the film follows an eccentric, determined team of American engineers and designers, led by automotive visionary Carroll Shelby and his British driver, Ken Miles, who are dispatched by Henry Ford II with the mission of building from scratch an entirely new automobile with the potential to finally defeat the perennially dominant Ferrari at the 1966 Le Mans World Championship.

This was an awesome biographical movie.  Both actors brought their A game and kept you hooked from beginning to end wanting to see how the story played out.  I wouldn't say that this movie is amazing or awesome or whatever but it still was a very enjoyable watch and considering its long running time that would make someone think that it much drag is saying a lot.

I would recommend people checking this movie out.  It is great acting and storytelling and very enjoyable.  

Charlie's Angels

In Banks’ bold vision, Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, and Ella Balinska are working for the mysterious Charles Townsend, whose security and investigative agency has expanded internationally. With the world’s smartest, bravest, and most highly trained women all over the globe, there are now teams of Angels guided by multiple Bosleys taking on the toughest jobs everywhere.

This is literally what you thought it would be from the trailer.  Another completely unnecessary reboot of a movie or franchise that pretty much nobody cared about in any way.  Add to that a beyond lame cast to relaunch this and your brain just kind of screams WHY!?  Like Kristen Stewart?  You want to cast her in something you are trying to bring back to life?  What makes anyone think that is a good idea?  Regardless - the movie is completely pointless and a massive waste of time.  I'm all for girl power if done right - but this cast was weak as all hell.

I wouldn't recommend anyone bothering with this.  It's really a giant waste of time and money.  

The Good Liar

Based on the novel by Nicholas Searle, Career con artist Roy Courtnay (McKellen) can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish (Mirren) online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life.

The pairing of these two actors was awesome.  Like really, really awesome.  They took what would have been a mediocre story and hooked you because of how good they played off of each other and made it into a really good suspense movie.

I would recommend people checking this out simply because of their great pairing and the fact that they definitely hook you all the way through wanting to see how it all plays out.

Last Christmas

Kate (Clarke) harumphs around London, a bundle of bad decisions accompanied by the jangle of bells on her shoes, another irritating consequence from her job as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop.   Tom (Golding) seems too good to be true when he walks into her life and starts to see through so many of Kate’s barriers.  As London transforms into the most wonderful time of the year, nothing should work for these two.  But sometimes, you gotta let the snow fall where it may, you gotta listen to your heart . . . and you gotta have faith. Last Christmas features the music of George Michael, including the bittersweet holiday classic of the film’s title. The film will also premiere brand new unreleased material by the legendary Grammy-winning artist, who sold more than 115 million albums and recorded 10 No. 1 singles over the course of his iconic career.

How do I review this movie without giving away the main twist?  This is a textbook heartstring pulling holiday movie including the big twist.  I have so much commentary and jokes that I want to make about this but again it will give the big twist away.  I'll just say that I never thought that a song would become so literal before.

This is a decent rom-com watch.  Not a must see.  Not awful.  But a cutesy watch.

Playing With Fire

When straight-laced fire superintendent Jake Carson (John Cena) and his elite team of expert firefighters (Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo and Tyler Mane) come to the rescue of three siblings (Brianna Hildebrand, Christian Convery and Finley Rose Slater) in the path of an encroaching wildfire, they quickly realize that no amount of training could prepare them for their most challenging job yet – babysitters. Unable to locate the children’s parents, the firefighters have their lives, jobs and even their fire depot turned upside down and quickly learn that kids – much like fires –are wild and unpredictable.

This movie is EXACTLY what you would think it was from the trailer.  It's John Cena's "Tooth Fairy".  He continues to follow the Rock's blueprint and this is that movie for him.  Legit nothing else to say about it.

This is a decent watch for younger families with some basic and formula laughs and characters.

Midway

Based on the true story of World War II’s Battle of Midway – a turning point in the Pacific theater of World War II. The story follows the real soldiers and aviators who pulled off the unbelievable to turn the tide of the war.  Evans is portraying Commander Wade McClusky, who would go on to win a Naval Cross for his role in Midway. Harrelson will play Admiral Chester Nimitz, one of the leaders who lead the American naval fleet to victory in a forway that involved aircraft carriers, destroyers, and cruisers.

I would love to say that this movie was an awesome war movie but there was just something holding it back the whole time.  Like . . . .  it didn't look real enough.  I feel like the bar has been raised so high for warlike special effects that this one pulled underneath it.  And while I enjoyed the movie and the characters and what not it just seemed to be held back as subpar effort wise because of the effects thing.

I would still recommend people checking this out.  It is a pretty decent watch.  But nowhere near must see status because of that stuff holding it back.

Doctor Sleep

Warner Bros. Pictures have enlisted Mike Flanagan to direct "Doctor Sleep," the follow-up to King’s classic "The Shining." Published 36 years after "The Shining," "Doctor Sleep" follows an adult Danny Torrance from the original novel. Haunted by the inhabitants of the Overlook Hotel, where he spent one horrific childhood year, Dan has been drifting for decades, desperate to shed his father’s legacy of despair, alcoholism, and violence. Finally, he settles in a New Hampshire town, an AA community that sustains him, and a job at a nursing home where his remnant shining power provides the crucial final comfort to the dying. Aided by a prescient cat, he becomes “Doctor Sleep.” There Dan meets Abra Stone, and it is her spectacular gift, the brightest shining ever seen, that reignites Dan’s own demons and summons him to a battle for Abra’s soul and survival.

I had this book in my Nook library for years and never got around to reading it so I went into this movie blind.  The trailers really didn't tell you much except for that it was a "sequel" to The Shining.  I saw the run time and was pretty much like UGH!  But I was very surprised.  The movie was by no means terrifying.  Like you will not lose sleep at all after watching it.  But it was more than creepy enough and definitely kept you massively hooked from start to finish.

I would definitely recommend people checking this out.  I liked it a lot but again if you are going for straight scares - it is not that.  There are some towards the very end but it really just zeroes in more on being creepy.  

Motherless Brooklyn

St. Vincent’s Home for Boys, Brooklyn, early 1970s. For Lionel Essrog, a.k.a. The Human Freakshow, a victim of Tourette’s syndrome (an uncontrollable urge to shout out nonsense, touch every surface in reach, rearrange objects), Frank Minna is a savior. A local tough guy and fixer, Minna shows up to take Lionel and three of his fellow orphans on mysterious errands: they empty a store of stereos as the owner watches; destroy a small amusement park; visit old Italian men. The four grow up to be the Minna Men, a fly-by-night detective agency-cum-limo service, and their days and nights revolve around Frank, the prince of Brooklyn, who glides through life on street smarts, attitude, and secret knowledge. Then one dreadful night, Frank is knifed and thrown into a Dumpster, and Lionel must become a real detective. As Lionel struggles to find Frank’s killer–without letting his Tourette’s get in the way–he’s forced to delve into the complex, shadowy web of relationships, threats, and favors that make up the Brooklyn world he thought he knew so well. No one–not Frank, not Frank’s bitter wife, Julia, not the other Minna Men–is who they seem. Not even The Human Freakshow.

This was a decent watch.  Kind of long.  Definitely dragged at times when it very much did not need to.  But it hooked you and kept your attention.  The cast was awesome and Edward Norton was amazing as always.

I would kind of recommend people checking this out.  It's a decent watch with good performances if you have the time.

Terminator: Dark Fate

James Cameron and Tim Miller are treating the new movie as a direct sequel to Cameron’s "Terminator 2: Judgment Day." “We’re starting a search for an 18-something woman to be the new centerpiece of the new story,” Cameron said. “We still fold time. We will have characters from the future and the present. There will be mostly new characters, but we’ll have Arnold and Linda’s characters to anchor it.”

I'm not going to say that this movie was awesome because it is what it is.  But I will say that I very surprisingly enjoyed this movie.  I will also say that this is the best Terminator since T2.  Granted that is not saying much but still.  The action was cool.  The pacing was cool.  The new characters were well introduced.  The old characters were mixed in well.  I never in a million years thought I would but I really enjoyed this movie.

I would actually recommend people checking this out.  Still can't believe I'm writing that because I gave up them doing any more worthwhile Terminator films but I really liked it.

Harriet

Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

I was kind of disappointed by this movie.  I have always been attached to the story of Harriet Tubman because when in college for elementary education I built an entire semester around curriculum having to do with her.  And I won't say this movie was bad because it wasn't.  It just didn't have the necessary hook to get you angry like you should when watching a movie about slavery.  I felt like a lot of heartstrings and punches were avoided and if they weren't this could have been an awesome movie.

I would somewhat recommend people checking this out.  Its not a bad watch by any means.  I just think it could have been so much better and more powerful like it should have been.  

Black And Blue

Black and Blue follows a rookie cop in New Orleans who accidentally stumbles on some fellow officers murdering a drug dealer, an incident captured by the body cam on her uniform. When they then fail to execute her she escapes and is hunted throughout the night by the narcs who are desperate to destroy the incriminating footage.

This movie was 100% what you would expect it to be from the trailer.  It's a PSA type of movie showing people how they should be.  Exposes bad cops that can't be trusted.  Exposes society for being wrong at times and shows how both should be by the actions of the two leads.  Still a very watchable movie regardless though.

I would lukewarmly recommend people checking this movie out.  It is not a must watch by any means but I didn't hate watching it.  

The Lighthouse

From Robert Eggers, the visionary filmmaker behind modern horror masterpiece The Witch, comes this hypnotic and hallucinatory tale of two lighthouse keepers on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.

What the hell did I just watch?  Like . . . . . . . . . . . what!?!  I get it.  This is one of those very well filmed movies from a directorial standpoint but what the actual hell did I watch?  So weird.  So random.  This movie was like a tough to make it through two man play that was turned into a movie for some reason.  Yet - it will have critics oohing and aaaahhing because of the style of it.

I would absolutely not recommend anyone bothering with this.  It's a giant waste of time while you try to hold out for a payoff.

Jojo Rabbit

In "Jojo Rabbit", writer director Taika Waititi, brings his signature style of humor and pathos to a World War II satire. The story follows an awkward young German boy (Roman Griffin) raised by a single mother (Scarlett Johansson), and whose only ally is his imaginary friend Hitler (Waititi). His naïve patriotism is tested when he meets a young girl (Thomasin McKenzie) who upends his world views, forcing him to face his biggest fears.

This was such an awkwardly funny movie.  Like I did not want to be laughing about this subject matter but I was straight up cracking up at times.  Like from completely out of nowhere satire humor about stuff that satire is very difficult to accomplish.

I would definitely recommend people checking this out.  This movie was very well written from a satirical standpoint and like I said makes you laugh about something that I never thought could make me laugh.  

Maleficent: Mistress Of Evil

A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after Maleficent, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney’s most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora, Maleficent II continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within.

This was a very enjoyable fantasy movie.  Angelina Jolie was excellent again as Maleficent.  The action was good, the pacing was good and everything built up to a huge payoff fantasy creatures battle.  Was there a lot of substance to it?  Not really.  But was a fun ride at the movie theater?  Yes!

I would recommend people checking this out.  It was not a must see by any means but it was a very enjoyable ride type of a movie.

Zombieland: Double Tap

Set in a zombie post-apocalypse and filtered through a darkly comic lens, the original "Zombieland" hit theaters in 2009 and stars Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin as survivors attempting to outlast the living dead.

This is basically more of the same from the first.  Great cast.  10 years later.  They mock how much zombie stuff has happened since then.  They mock themselves and that it took 10 years to make the sequel.  They took some shots at The Walking Dead.   And there were lots of laughs from beginning to end.

I would absolutely recommend anyone who enjoyed the first one.  This is a textbook more of the same sequel that was lots of fun.

The Addams Family

Get ready to snap your fingers! The Addams Family is back on the big screen in the first animated comedy about the kookiest family on the block. Funny, outlandish, and completely iconic, the Addams Family redefines what it means to be a good neighbor.

A cute enough family film with really great voice casting.  Its the same characters that we have known for years and have been reinvented over and over again but this time its animated for kids.  Parents are able to enjoy it along with the kids so it's not just a money grab.

I would recommend families checking this out.  Its a good Columbus Day weekend release to kill some time together.

Gemini Man

"Gemini Man" is an innovative action thriller starring Will Smith as Henry Brogan, an elite assassin, who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young operative that seemingly can predict his every move.

This movie was a decent watch.  Honestly can't complain about it.  Come on - its TWO Will Smiths.  The action was great.  The pacing was good.  The only thing is that there was not a major hook that really got you.  It was watchable and enjoyable but I will forget about this movie in less than a week.

I would kind of recommend people checking this out.  It is not by any means a must watch.  

Joker

Director Todd Phillips’ original, standalone origin story “Joker” explores the world of—and according to—Arthur Fleck. Indelibly portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix, Arthur is a man facing the cruelty and outright scorn of society, along with the indifference of a system that allows him to spiral from vulnerability into depravity. A clown-for-hire by day, he strives to be a stand-up comic at night…but finds that the joke always seems to be on him. He’s out of tune with everyone around him, as evidenced by his uncontrollable, inappropriate laughter, which gains momentum as he attempts to contain it, exposing him to further ridicule—and even violence. Arthur, who devotes himself to caring for his fragile mother, seeks out every father figure he’s never had, from wealthy businessman Thomas Wayne to TV host Murray Franklin. Caught in a cyclical existence teetering on the precipice of reality and madness, one bad decision brings about a chain reaction of escalating, ultimately deadly, events.

Okay.  This one was rough.  IF this was a movie about someone struggling with their mental health and their downward spiral into being psychotic, this would be one of the best movies of the year with a lock for Best Actor for Phoenix.  Like my best friend said - they could have even called it Clown if they wanted and had him paint his face as part of his act or whatever - still awesome.  Perhaps if it was even advertised as an artistic character drama - still all good.  But as an origin story of Joker - this fails on pretty much every level.  This should never have been tied to a known entity much less several known entities because they will go nowhere with it moving forward PLUS its a totally different origin than we have been shown more times than I can could already.  Imagine watching a new Spider-Man but he gets stung by a bee instead.  Like that is how this felt.  It basically annoyed the hell out of me that this was tied to a known character and essentially prevented me from liking it.

Whether I recommend it or not really doesn't matter.  If you want to see this you are still seeing this.  It is just MASSIVELY falsely advertised and 100% should not have been about Joker.  

Abominable

"Abominable" takes audiences on a 3,000-mile journey from the exotic streets of Shanghai to the breathtaking Himalayan snowscapes. When a group of misfits encounter a young Yeti named Everest, they embark upon an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth.

This is the textbook end of September family release that tries to capitalize on the Jewish holidays and the kids having off so much.  The movies released around now are usually pretty hit or miss in terms of being worth it.  I actually enjoyed this one.  It was better than the usual entries and what not.  Cute enough characters and the movie was well paced until some extra stuff towards the end.

I would recommend families checking this out.  It is worth the time and money or at least much more than the usual options are.

Judy

Winter 1968 and showbiz legend Judy Garland (Zellweger) arrives in Swinging London to perform in a sell-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years since she shot to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with management, charms musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine through. Even her dreams of romance seem undimmed as she embarks on a courtship with Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband. Featuring some of her best-known songs, the film celebrates the voice, the capacity for love, and the sheer pizzazz of “the world’s greatest entertainer.”

This movie was all about Zellwegger's performance as Judy Garland.  And all the buzz was spot on.  She was absolutely incredible.  Like beyond incredible.  The thing is that the movie basically has no substance whatsoever outside of the performance.  Like it ends up being pretty boring once you get past her acting.  But the acting really is going to get a bunch of nominations.

I would recommend people checking this out solely for the performance.  But the movie itself is not all that good.

Ad Astra

Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones to star in James Gray’s "Ad Astra." The sci-fi epic will feature Jones as the father of Pitt’s character who, 20 years ago, left his son on a mission to Neptune in the search for extraterrestrial life. Pitt’s character, named Roy McBride, then sets out two decades later to find out what happened to his dad.

This was a weird ass movie.  And it certainly was not a mainstream offering.  This movie is much more of a cerebral type of movie.  Although there were parts of the most random action that was beyond unexpected that were actually really awesome.  But after those really out there scenes the movie would go back into deep thought mode for waayyyyyyy too long.  The only movie that I can honestly compare this to is 2001.  Like it was amazing visually and had some really awesome moments but bottom line I was bored several times throughout the movie.

I would sort of recommend people checking this out just because of how visually amazing it was and that it really is an excellent piece of filmmaking.  Just don't go into it thinking that you are seeing a mainstream type of space movie.  That is NOT what this is.

Rambo: Last Blood

The new film finds John Rambo coping with intense PTSD while living on a ranch in Arizona, trying to pick up casual work wherever he can. Soon his friend and estate manager Maria informs him that her granddaughter went missing after crossing into Mexico for a party, so John travels south of the border to find the youngster. The quest quickly turns into a violent descent into hell as Rambo uncovers a sex-trafficking ring, teaming up with a journalist whose half-sister has also been kidnapped. Rambo has to deploy all his skills to save the girls and bring down a vicious crime lord.

This movie was exactly what you thought it would be.  There was a bunch of pointless story build up that you honestly just don't care about at all.  And then there was awesome non-stop action.  The action was worth it if you are into these kinds of movie but it really did take way too long to get there.

I would still kind of recommend that fans of these movies check it out.  It's nowhere near the league of previous Rambo movies in terms of intensity until the last 20 minutes or so and even then it really still isn't but its watchable.  

Hustlers

The Jessica Pressler penned true-life Robin Hood tale centers on a crew of former strip club employees who turn tables on their Wall Street clientele. Lopez is set to play the ringleader of the group of ambitious women who take their plans of getting their full cut too far. The film takes place in the late aughts of New York City in the wake of the financial crisis and explores the toll it took on the livelihood of the dancers who relied on their Wall Street clients.

This was ALOT better than I thought it would be.  Like the telling of the story was very enjoyable and well paced and the acting across the board was really good.  I watched this online and enjoyed it so much that I wish I would have seen it in theaters.  Easily the best performance of Jennifer Lopez's career.

I would definitely recommend people checking this out.  This is a much better watch than what would normally come out in September.  Definitely worth checking out.

IT Chapter Two

Because every 27 years evil revisits the town of Derry, Maine, IT CHAPTER TWO brings the characters—who’ve long since gone their separate ways—back together as adults, nearly three decades after the events of the first film.

The biggest challenge of every time that they try to make IT is the second part.  The first half where they are all children and its mostly the clown is creepy as hell.  The second part is always a problem.  I will say that this is the best attempt at it so far.  It really wasn't bad at all.  I liked it.  The problem was that it was almost 3 hours long.  That was so beyond not necessary in any way and it basically makes you stop being scared of anything.  There were so many point in the last hour or so that I was numb to be afraid and just kind of laughing at it.  I with this would have been at least an hour shorter.  Again - it was good.  Just could have been great like the first one.  I also have to give a shout of to Bill Hader and James Ransone playing the adult versions of Richie and Eddie.  They stole every scene that they were in with their physical and verbal reactions to things happening in the movie.

I would still recommend people checking this out.  I really did like it.  I just couldn't love it because of the long run time and how the scares just became like whatever because of it.

Ready Or Not

Ready or Not follows the story of a young bride who is invited on the night of her wedding by her rich and eccentric in-laws to participate in a time-honored tradition that turns into a lethal game of survival with everyone fighting to stay alive.

This was exactly what you thought it would be.  Over the top violence and silliness throughout.  The story is simple as hell.  The movie is very quickly paced and short.  Honestly - you forget about it like 10 minutes after you are done watching it.

I wouldn'really recommend anyone bothering with this.  It's not awful but it is extremely pointless.

Don't Let Go

The film focuses on a detective named Jack Radcliff, who receives a call from his niece Ashley … which is strange because Ashley was recently murdered. Together, the duo work across time and race to solve her murder before it happens.

This actually could have been a really good movie.  It did a great job of hooking you with confusion but wanting to see it play out.  The problem is that after a while the movie tried to be too smart.  Like it was three different movies in one and each of them were interesting but when they were all mushed together it just didn't work.

I wouldn't really recommend anyone rushing to see this.  It was an enjoyable watch until it got way too convoluted at the end but still not worth the time or money overall.

Angel Has Fallen

Gerard Butler is gearing up for his third big screen outing as Secret Service agent Mike Banning, following "Olympus Has Fallen" and "London Has Fallen." The third film in the series follows Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) as he becomes the target of a terrorist attack, this time while mid-flight on Air Force One. The original film, Olympus Has Fallen, saw the White House (codenamed “Olympus”) captured by a terrorist mastermind. With President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) kidnapped, disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped within the building. As our national security team scrambles to respond, they are forced to rely on Banning’s inside knowledge to help retake the White House, save the President, and avert an even bigger disaster.

Don't get me wrong.  This is a watchable and somewhat enjoyable action and political espionage movie.  All the characters did what they were supposed to.  The story did what it was supposed to.  But I kept finding myself throughout the movie wondering how in the hell this is a three movie franchise over and over again.  Like you want want to talk about making sequels just for the sake of making them when there is literally zero demand for them . . . . this has got to be a prime example.

I would sort of recommend people checking this out.  Again - its not great.  Its not bad.  Its a decent watch that ends up just kind of being there.

Good Boys

The producers of "Sausage Party," "Superbad" and "Blockers" bring their signature R-rated twist to the classic coming-of-age story in Universal Pictures’ "Good Boys." The comedy stars Jacob Tremblay ("Wonder," "Room") as the mischievous leader of a group of 12-year-old boys whose day of skipped school will become an all-day odyssey of awesomely bad decisions.

I thought this movie was absolutely hilarious.  The trailer had me dying but I was scared that all the funny parts would have been given away in that.  They were not.  This movie was massively inappropriate like you would expect but I could not stop laughing.  The characters were awesome developed and all played their very realistic parts based on kids that age.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this movie out.  I'm pretty sure it is the funniest movie of the year so far.